COS Joins Opposition to Firing Range in the Calumet Wetland Area

A motion put forth by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) requests that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources perform a wildlife survey on 33 acres of land where a police firing range and lease of of property has been proposed. 

COS joined the coalition requesting this baseline wildlife survey. 

On April 7,  the motion was amended at the request of Commissioner Debra Shore to include O’Brien Lock Marsh, Whitford and other MWRD-owned adjacent parcels. 

We are glad to report that the amended motion received a 9-0 affirmative vote at the April 21 meeting. Thank you, Commissioner Shore!

The expanded area for the baseline wildlife survey includes adjacent and contiguous parcels to the lease site itself. It will not included Hegewisch Marsh, because it is not owned by MWRD.

Comm. Shore has talked with IDNR and the agency informs her that the 2-week delay for a hearing on the amended motion will not significantly impact the conduct of the baseline wildlife study.

- Post contributed by Greg Niese