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Will County Protects Aquifer Recharge Zone

An intergovernmental agreement has resulted in the creation of 730-acre Prairie Bluff Preserve from land in Crest Hill, Illinois, that served as a buffer for nearby Stateville Prison.

After six years of negotiations led by State Rep. Brent Hassert, R-Romeoville, commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Will County unanimously approved the agreement October 19. The Lockport Township Park District board approved it October 24.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Illinois State Police, the Forest Preserve District of Will County, and Lockport Township will manage, develop, and restore the property under a 20-year renewable lease conveyed at no charge.

The Forest Preserve District plans to restore native prairie and wetlands, protecting a vital groundwater recharge zone. Plans also include a 2.25-mile-long trail for bicyclists and hikers and at least one picnic area. The Lockport Township Park District is considering using the 72 acres it received to construct a sports complex, community center, and baseball and soccer fields.

Prairie Bluff Preserve, in Lockport Township, is surrounded by Stateville Correctional Facility to the south, Lewis University Airport and Prairie Bluff Golf Course to the north, and residential development to the west. The preserve was originally owned by the Illinois Department of Corrections, which transferred control of the land.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has found in extensive studies that Prairie Bluff Preserve is critical for recharging the groundwater in Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve, a dedicated state nature preserve, which, according to the district, “has one of the highest concentrations of federal and state endangered and threatened species in northeastern Illinois.” Prairie Bluff includes about 40 percent of the groundwater recharge area for the Lockport preserve. Maintaining the area as open space, rather than developing it, will allow surface water to enter the ground and replenish the aquifer below.

Residents of Romeoville and Crest Hill depend entirely on groundwater for their drinking water supply, so protecting the recharge zone is a high priority.

— Jessica Tobacman

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