Open Space & Environmental/Natural Resource Subcommittee

Meetings on the 4th Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m.)

Scope and Definitions

The Open Space & Environmental/Natural Resources Working Group will focus on issues related to:

• natural resources
• open spaces
• natural areas
• bike trails and recreational areas

Natural resources are elements that are found naturally in the environment and have a known or potential value to man. Gravel, forests, agricultural soils, and water are examples of natural resources. Some have commercial value, recreational value, or psychological value to man, and all have an important role in maintaining the balance of the environment. Some of these resources are renewable, but many of them are nonrenewable, and are irreversibly depleted once used. The woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, and streams in the county are aspects of a natural heritage that would be difficult, if not impossible, to replace if lost. In addition, natural resources and access to nature can create marketing opportunities for new development.

Open spaces include both those in public ownership (Conservation District sites, IDNR properties, etc.) and private ownership (hunt clubs, golf courses, conservation easements, etc.). Open spaces are considered to be areas in which the owners have indicated an interest in maintaining the open condition of the land. Most parks, conservation district property, and recreational facilities meet this criterion. The traditional public purpose of open space is to serve the active and passive recreation needs of an area. Two other purposes of open space preservation are to use the open space system as a context for preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, and the second is to create greenways. Additional reasons for preserving open space include preservation of wetlands and floodplain areas and preservation and restoration of wildlife habitat and corridors.

Natural areas are those lands that exist in a relatively undisturbed state or those lands with significant landscape features. The purpose of preserving natural areas is to protect nature’s diversity as evidenced in natural communities such as prairies, marshes, and habitats for endangered species. These natural ecosystems are vital for maintaining a healthy and productive human environment. Natural areas also provide opportunities for low intensity recreation such as hiking, birding, and nature photography. Most importantly, protection of these areas has a constructive effect on all aspects of our natural heritage and the quality of life in McHenry County.

The Planning Process

Steps in Preparation of the Open Space & Environmental/Natural Resources Element:

1. Determine goals.
2. Collect and analyze information on the natural environment and land use.
1. The following information should be inventoried and mapped:

• Soils, geography, and topography.

ii. Natural vegetation communities

1. Natural resources should then be prioritized for protection according to:

• Whether the resource is renewable or irreplaceable.

ii. The rarity of the site.

iii. The size of the site.

iv. The diversity of plants, wildlife, scenic views, and other natural

features.

• The fragility of the site, including the quality of the undisturbed site

and human threats to it.

1. Specify those areas to be protected.
2. Assess and prioritize problems. Analyze any problems affecting the specific resources to be protected.
3. Propose implementation measures to protect natural resources.
4. Integrate the environmental element with other local and regional plans that address natural resources, such as watershed plans, biodiversity plans, Endangered Species Act recovery plans, green infrastructure plans, greenway plans, and conservation district plans.

Working Group Participants

The Open Space & Environmental/Natural Resources Working Group includes six members of the Regional Planning Commission:

Ron Baumann

Dennis Dreher

Frank Harrison

Craig Hubert

James McNutt

Nancy Schietzelt (Chair)

In addition, the Planning Commission invites other individuals with an interest and/or expertise in open space & environmental/natural resources management to expand the knowledge and broaden the perspective of the group. In particular, individuals representing the following perspectives are invited to participate:

Conservation and natural resource agencies

Conservation and open space advocacy groups

Development and agricultural communities

Interested citizens

Goal:

Wise land use decisions that recognize the qualities of natural resources and the environment, that protect environmentally sensitive areas, and that provide aesthetically pleasing places.

Objectives:

• Promote the retention and management of open space for recreation, wildlife habitat, and conservation.

• Promote the designation and management of environmental corridors to:
• link open space areas, particularly waterways within the County,
• permit wildlife movement between areas,
• encourage the preservation of environmentally sensitive corridors, and
• connect existing trails and public open space.

• Promote land use practices that minimize soil erosion.

• Promote regional bikeway-trail systems that enhance recreational opportunities while providing greenways between communities and important open space resources.

• Promote land uses that:
• maintain the integrity of local and regional natural systems,
• preserve natural features,
• minimize the impact on land, water, energy, and other natural resources.
• minimize air, noise, and light pollution.

back