Forest district helps control flooding

Since the early days of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, flood control has been an important concern. In fact, of the district's 25,000 acres of open spaces, 28 percent is within designated floodplains, making the agency the single largest owner of floodplains in DuPage County. The district has also developed more than 40 projects that have collectively created more than 9,000 acre feet of additional stormwater storage. Of course, the existence of forest preserves in general is a great benefit, as these large, undeveloped spaces eventually absorb and filter any rainwater they store.

Flood control was one main reason the district purchased the Oak Meadows and Maple Meadows golf clubs in Addison and Wood Dale. Adjacent to Salt Creek, these two properties store large volumes of water during major floods. Flood control was also a factor when commissioners considered the purchase of the Cenacle property in Warrenville. The board evaluated the property not only for its proximity to Blackwell Forest Preserve and its valuable natural resources but also for the role it could play in reducing damage from heavy rains.

In early March, we experienced yet another major rain event, which left more than three inches in some parts of the county and demonstrated once again how forest preserves in many cases can ease the consequences of flooding. Of course, the most fail-safe way to prevent many scenarios from recurring is to continue to limit the potential for unwise development by preserving floodplains as public open spaces, which can then offer stormwater management for local neighborhoods, valuable habitat for native wildlife, and new recreational areas for all DuPage County residents.

D. "Dewey" Pierotti Jr.

president, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Wheaton