Lake bluff preservation gets backing

By Jim Newton
STAFF WRITER

Preservation of a rare undeveloped stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline on Fort Sheridan property is closer to reality with U.S. House approval of legislation that would allow transfer of the land from the Navy to the public domain.

U.S Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park, has raised concerns that the environmentally sensitive bluff areas, located along a two-mile stretch of the lakeshore in the Highland Park area, could fall into the hands of private developers.

On Monday, Kirk announced that the House has approved legislation that could, with Senate approval, transfer the property to a governmental entity or conservation trust to allow restoration and public use of the property.

"By acting forcefully now, we will preserve a key habitat located on Lake Michigan's shoreline for the permanent enjoyment of the public," Kirk said. "Only 60 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline exists within Illinois. Most of that land is privately controlled. This new park to protect the bluffs will be one of the only original Lake Michigan shoreline habitats open to the public."

Highland Park, the Openlands Project and Lake Forest Open Lands are all assisting in efforts to make the project move forward.

Joyce O'Keefe, associate director of Chicago-based Openlands, an advocacy and planning group, said the ultimate goal is for a public entity such as the state, City of Highland Park or the Lake County Forest Preserve District to take ownership of the site.

"We will do what it takes to help facilitate that," she said.

Although all involved want the site open to the public, O'Keefe said the property is environmentally sensitive and active recreation activities would not be planned for the bluffs and beaches.

"We see it as a place for the public to come and enjoy, but not for active recreation," O'Keefe said. "It will be an opportunity to see a unique ecosystem once the bluffs are restored."

Specifics as to which entities and governments will be involved in the transfer, and who will finance surveying and restoration costs, remain to be worked out, officials said.

Kirk's legislation was part of the Department of Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 4200) passed by the House of Representatives. Pending approval in the Senate, the transfer of the bluffs could be complete by next year, he indicted.

Copyright© 2004 News Sun