His 3 cents for open space plan

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will ask voters if they want more forest preserves on April 5. We urge you to support this issue of improving the quality of life and keeping our environment clean by voting in favor for the open space and preserve improvement referendum.

If approved by the voters, approximately 1,500 to 2,000 acres of additional land will be added to the Kane County Forest Preserves as open space for people and wildlife. This would make the forest preserve eligible for matching funds that would allow them to accomplish even more.

If approved by the voters, the funds will be used to purchase open space and natural lands and to make some improvements in existing and new forest preserves that will provide access to the land. Most of the land purchases will be high quality natural areas and land along streams to create greenways and connect other open spaces together.

Now is the best time in decades to purchase land from willing sellers. Land is now selling at a fraction of the cost of just a few years ago, and we need to acquire them before the prices go up in the future. Plus, the cost to the taxpayer for this referendum is small; just around $1 a month for a $250,000 home. This is a great investment for our children’s and grandchildren’s future.

The Conservation Foundation works in Kane County and encourages you to make an extra effort to go vote on April 5 and say “yes” for more open space and forest preserve property. A clean and healthy environment for our children is easily worth three pennies per day.

Brook McDonald, President/CEO

The Conservation Foundation

Montgomery