Kane County lines up forest preserve upgrades

Picnic areas, trails and fishing areas are just a few things that officials hope to add to Kane County forest preserves next year.

Under the district's master plan, eight forest preserves would get upgrades or additions in the next year. The proposal includes the district's priorities for the next five years.

The plan still needs final approval but was written with input from commission and community members, said Monica Meyers, forest preserve executive director.

The areas in line for improvements during the 2008-2009 year are: Fitchie Creek, Muirhead Springs, Lake Run, Schweitzer Woods, Raceway Woods, Aurora West and LeRoy Oakes. The district is also looking to add a campground area in the southern part of the county.

Funds for the projects will come from grants and the district's budget, Meyers said.

The district has received grants for work at Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve in Plato Township, and for work at the Lake Run Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove Township.

At Fitchie Creek, plans include adding two picnic shelters, parking, a fishing pier, bridges across the creek and educational signs.

At Lake Run, a 2-mile multipurpose trail would be added, along with a 10-car parking lot and signs. The district also plans to restore 300 acres of prairie, wetland and woods.

With the addition of 80 acres -- including a 40,000 square foot building -- from a land purchase last year, the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles Township will likely have some work done there as well.

Officials are looking to convert that house to forest preserve use, add a picnic area and signs to the area.

Other additions that are priorities in the plan are an equestrian campground at the Burnidge/Paul Wolff Forest Preserve, a picnic area at Muirhead Springs and an off-leash area at the Aurora West Forest Preserve.