Feds agree to study proposal for Lake, McHenry Co. wildlife refuge

In a major victory for nature preservationists and environmentalists in northern Illinois, federal authorities this week agreed to study whether a 11,000-acre swath of land in McHenry County and southern Wisconsin should be designated as a wildlife refuge.

Rowan Gould, acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, approved a preliminary plan for the proposed Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, clearing the way for a two-year study that will determine whether the idea should become reality.

"Hopefully it reflects their thinking that there are resources of national significance in our area," said Cindy Skrudrud, a member of Friends of Hackmatack, a citizen group advocating for the refuge. "We certainly think it is an ideal location for a refuge with its proximity to urban areas in Milwaukee, Chicago, Rockford and Madison."

The nearest wildlife refuges to Chicago currently sit more than 140 miles away.

The Hackmatack proposal - named after the Algonquin Indian word for the Tamarack tree - calls for a rare two-state refuge linking mostly sites already protected in northern McHenry County and Walworth County, Wis. The sites, proponents say, are home to as many as 57 endangered or threatened species.

Besides protecting those species and others that call the region home, backers believe the refuge would be a significant tourism engine, generating millions of dollars of new revenue for local businesses.

If approved as a refuge, the federal government will attempt to buy some land located within its boundaries, but officials say they will not force any sales through condemnation proceedings.

Chuck Traxler, spokesman for Fish and Wildlife's Midwest region, said the agency will soon set up a Web site giving details on the proposal and plan public hearings for residents to learn about the plan and give their input.

"Even though there's still a long way to go, this is a pretty big step," Traxler said. "We're excited."