A call to preserve Kane’s Fabyan Forest Preserve
May 29, 2012 5:28PM
Updated: July 3, 2012 11:59AM
A call to preserve Kane’s Fabyan Forest Preserve
In 2011, the people of Kane County were asked to vote on a referendum to approve $30 million to purchase open space for the people of the county. A few years ago, we also passed a referendum for close to $70 million.
The forest preserve district, under the leadership of President John Hoscheit and Director Monica Meyers, has done an excellent job of purchasing land in all townships. For many years, land purchased was along the Fox River. Yes, it was higher natural quality land. But every citizen paying their county taxes deserves a forest preserve near their neighborhood.
However, now it appears the Utilization Committee of the Kane County Board has a plan to build mountain bike trails, a music venue, parking lots and a campground in Fabyan Forest Preserve on Route 25 in Geneva. Nowhere in the literature about either of those referendums does it talk about music venues, parking lots and mountain bike trails. This is an oak woodland with trees approximately 150-200 years old. The plan also shows trails on the old Settler’s Hill Landfill site. Isn’t that a much better place for mountain bikes? And the county also has the option of the old Kane County jail site on Fabyan Parkway.
An oak woodland is a treasure of trees, native plants and wildlife. It’s an oasis of green in our fast-growing urban valley. Everyone knows the value of trees for our physical health as well as the tranquility so difficult to find. Trees filter air pollution and water pollution as well as hold moisture in the ground. We now call on the forest preserve to say NO to the county board. Fabyan Woods is not open to mountain bikes, music venues or parking lots. We ask you to contact your county board member and ask them to remember the last referendum even talked about protecting Kane County from overdevelopment and traffic congestion.
I am sure most of you read the “Lorax” to your children or grandchildren or saw the movie. Now it is your turn to speak for the trees, the oaks of Fabyan FP.
Fran Caffee
Aurora
Sierra Club Water Sentinels
