Lake County Forest Preserve District considers another big land buy

Lake County Forest Preserve District commissioners have ample opportunity to examine the natural beauty of land being considered for purchase.

But the latest target in Newport Township near the Wisconsin border left even seasoned members grasping for adjectives.

“I've voted for over 15,000 acres over the years and this is one of the most spectacular properties, said Carol Calabresa of Libertyville, a forest preserve commissioner since 1986. “This is why we work hard to pass referendums."

“I got goose bumps when I pulled in," added Commissioner Melinda Bush of Grayslake, during a meeting of the board's land acquisition and preservation committee.

The group does not often meet out of the office but forest preserve staff made a point of bringing commissioners together Thursday to the McClure family homestead, spanning 142 acres of well -maintained woodlands, wetlands and prairie.

The district is considering buying the land for about $7.5 million.

The purchase would secure one of the most desirable properties to be made available. It also would add another link in a tier of 2,115 acres bought by the district in north central Lake County since 2000. The state's Red Wing Slough also is in the vicinity.

“This continues that entire necklace of greenway systems, said Tom Hahn, the district's executive director. “Our goal is to connect Ethel's Woods and Raven Glen (forest preserves) with everything to the north."

Hahn said the McClure property is special because of the diverse topography and the work that owners, Ilse and Michal McClure have put into improving the natural features since they bought it in 1977.

“You get on the property and it just looks like a forest preserve, said Hahn. “This is what we do and this is what we preserve in Lake County.

That feel extends to the McClure's comfortable home with its scenic views. Under terms of the sale, the McClures would be able to stay until January 2012.

The couple has another home in California and travel extensively. They were considering moving at some point and called Hahn to see if there would be any interest.

“It seemed like the right time. This is a lot of property to take care of. We wanted to see it preserved," said Michal McClure.

Ilse McClure said she and her husband did not want to see the land developed and were uncertain whether the forest district would have the money to buy their land several years from now.

The district has been on a buying blitz the past two years, fueled by $150 million in voter approved funds.

In May, the forest board authorized the purchase of four properties for nearly $38 million the second largest single-day pickup since the district was established more than 50 years ago.

Should this sale be approved, there would be about $10 million left until 2012 when another $40 million in bonds can be issued, Hahn said.

Commissioners to a person considered the McClure property a good catch, with immediate possibilities.

“This is why they passed the referendum and when we show them, they're going to be thrilled, said Commissioner Diana O'Kelly of Mundelein.