Don't mine until study says it's OK

An open letter to the Kane County Forest Preserve Commission:

Is the Brunner Family Forest Preserve in Dundee Township being considered as a possible gravel mining location? The study "Kane County/Illinois Geological Survey study, Simulated Groundwater Flow in Kane County and Northeastern Illinois," draws conclusions that appear to contraindicate such a use for this property. Carefully consider these three points before further discussions of the controversial use of the Brunner property.

Prepare a master plan for the Brunner property with public input. After publicly reviewing the plan, it should be approved by the county board. The plan must identify the location, size and depth of any created lake and the reason for and uses of it. This must be done before any further discussion of gravel mining.

An environmental impact study on the effect of gravel mining must be completed and confirm no degradation of natural resources such as the Fox River, groundwater recharge, wetlands, woodlands or wildlife habitats.

This property was bought with money raised by an open space referendum for the recreation and enjoyment of all of the citizens of Kane County, not for the free and unencumbered use of the Kane County Board or the highway department. The citizens of Kane County entrusted the board to not only spend our tax dollars wisely but to care for and protect our forest preserve lands. Please do not do anything to compromise the trust you have been given. You may wish to ask for our trust again in the future.

June Keibler

Dundee Township