Busse Forest Nature Preserve proposed addition will be registered in the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners Meeting
April 16, 2024

A key goal set forward in the Forest Preserve Next Century Conservation Plan is to dedicate and register 20,000 acres with the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act. Through this act, the highest level of protection is provided for land in Illinois and is granted to areas of important ecological or cultural significance. 

• A proposed addition to the existing 446 acre Busse Forest Nature Preserve in Elk Grove Village  would add 508 additional acres.
• The site is considered high-quality remnant mesic upland forest, dry-mesic woodland, northern flatwoods, and freshwater marsh. The topography fosters communities to support immense biological diversity, including over 275 species of native plants.  
• Forest Preserves has 27 dedicated Nature Preserves and the proposed expansion of Busse Forest Nature Preserve would bring the total IL Natural Preservation protected lands to approximately 11,739 acres.

Two parcels have been identified in Lynwood (Sweet Woods), near Ford Heights and Sauk Village, to be purchased. The total property would add approximately 46.44 acres to Forest Preserve land. Request was referred to committee.

Commissioner Degnen proposed a resolution declaring a climate emergency. She specifically asked for the elimination of single use plastic and stated that 22 million pounds of plastic waste enters the Great Lakes every year. Her goal is an ordinance eliminating single use plastic.  

Observers:   Laura Davis and Sabine Scholz