Natural Areas in Winnebago County Notes October 20, 2016

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County

Natural Areas in Winnebago County Notes

October 20, 2016

There was an introduction of those present (see attached list)

Call to order: Chairman Jerry Paulson called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m. at the FPWC office, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, Illinois.

Adoption of agenda: Randy Vogel moved to adopt the agenda as distributed; seconded by Lee Johnson and approved.

The Forest Preserves Strategic Land Plan was explained. Option 3 of the plan are the natural areas in the County. The most recent INAI survey of the county was displayed. A total of 57 sites in Winnebago County were explored. Thirty-four of the sites were excluded from the INAI survey process. Four sites have been nominated as INAI sites. At this time the new sites are unknown.

Participants were invited to mark known natural areas on the provided maps. The Forest Preserve will sort the information and mark on the strategic land map.

Participants spoke of their work in the county regarding natural area.

1. NLI – Ed Cope

1. Raccoon Creek watershed. It was noted important habitat is located at Blackhawk Raceway and Williams Tree Farm.
2. Shaffman Prairie and another prairie close to Shaffman on Owen Center Road.
3. Severson Dells complex. There is a possibility of expanding the preserved land with a partnership of Byron Forest Preserve, NLI and FPWC.
4. Property east of the town of Pecatonica is now owned by NLI.
5. The INAI site on Kinnikinnick Creek. It was suggested this property could be connected to Boone County’s Kinnikinnick Creek Conservation Area.

1. Greg Keilback – Pheasants Forever mentioned four sites:

1. Bebbs Creek and West Fork Creek Confluence
2. Westfield and Montague property
3. Hoople Farm
4. Rowley Farm on Cunningham

1. RPD – Nathan Hill

1. Additions to Atwood Park
2. Additional buffer to Searles Prairie

1. NRCS – There is an unidentified WRP easement not located on the map.

Some field checking of the 57 sites identified is needed. No assignments to field check were given.

There was a discussion about land owner contacts. The consensus was a “Targeted Outreach to Landowners” – to develop relationships with key landowners. There was interest in a “Visitation Packet” that addressed and informed landowners about available protection measures. There may be grant money for landowner outreach. No assignment for this task was given.

Adjourn: Paulson adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tom Hartley, Director of Land and Development

FPWC