Wilmington, IL – A major land purchase completed this month marks the first significant step in the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s 2025–2030 Capital Improvement Program.
The Forest Preserve finalized its acquisition of a 241-acre parcel in Custer Township on June 13, expanding the district’s holdings to 23,449 acres. The site is located near Coal City Road and Route 53 and lies adjacent to several key conservation areas, including Hitts Siding Prairie Nature Preserve and Wilmington Shrub Prairie.
According to the Forest Preserve, the $2.8 million purchase protects a portion of the ecologically rare sand community found in the Braidwood Dunes, Sand Ridge Savanna, and Kankakee Sands Preserve region. The site also connects public and private conservation lands into a broader corridor of more than 8,200 acres.
“This addition helps protect the rare sand communities… and creates future possibilities for public fishing and recreation in Wilmington,” said Cori Crawford, the Forest Preserve’s real estate and data supervisor.
Funding for the land was provided through a $50 million general obligation bond approved in 2024. Of that total, $25 million is earmarked for land preservation. The remaining funds will support trail development and habitat restoration.
Planning for public access and recreational use is underway, with a master plan expected by 2030. The Forest Preserve anticipates adding amenities such as trails, fishing access, kayaking, and camping.
The district also completed a smaller $23,353 purchase in Mokena this month, adding 1.18 acres to the Hickory Creek Preserve and protecting floodplain and wetland habitat.
Because prior bond debt was paid off before the current program began, Will County residents will see a 27% decrease in the Forest Preserve property tax rate this year.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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