Raceway Woods stewards step down in walking trail dispute
A disagreement over the upkeep of walking trails in Carpentersville's Raceway Woods Forest Preserve has led to the resignation of the area's longtime stewards.
Donna and Jack Redmer said changes to Dundee Township's policy regarding weed removal in the area stymies their ability to keep the three miles of trail orderly and clean for visitors.
The Redmers, whose property abuts the open space that was once the site of the Meadowdale International Raceway, have overseen the restoration and maintenance of about 67 acres in the area known as the Western Sector since 2003. To define the trails, the Redmers use wood chips, which also cuts down on the need for mowing. Instead, an herbicide is used to control weeds that grow along the path.
But now, the township has asked the Redmers to discontinue the use of herbicides on the paths because of health concerns for the people, pets and wild animals that play and live in the area.
"I am uncomfortable with the use of herbicides on the trails and wanted to use different methods," Dundee Township Supervisor Sue Harney said. "But they weren't comfortable with that."
Harney said other paths in the township are mowed and herbicide is used sparingly to control extremely invasive weeds.
Those changes have reduced the couple's desire to continue volunteering, Donna Redmer said.
"If you mow the paths, the wood chips scatter everywhere," Donna Redmer said. "We feel like it is unethical for us, as volunteers, to spread wood chips when we cannot take care of them."
Harney said the wood chips would be left to deteriorate.
In addition to maintaining the trails, the Redmer's were instrumental in preventing the demolition of the Pure Oil silo at the eastern edge of the forest preserve. The structure has since been restored to its former glory when it was part of the working track.
Harney said there are no immediate plans to find replacement stewards for the site.
"Their work has been phenomenal and we are so grateful for all of the work they have done," Harney said. "I am sorry this has happened."
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