Editorial: Time to talk about cell towers, public land

The idea of allowing cell towers on Lake County Forest Preserve District land was mentioned four years ago as a possible revenue generator.

It was not seriously considered. Instead, district officials held to a policy of routinely rejecting such requests.

Fast-forward to last week when officials considered the topic anew and responded with a softer position: Maybe.

Forest district leaders got the go-ahead to explore the potential for such a project, marking a delicate shift in a county where open space is king.

The search for revenue is again driving the idea. Given that we've called on local governments to tighten belts and think out of the box to look for funding, we're open to the concept.

However, any plan to allow cell towers on forest district land must ensure the structures are not obtrusive, that they cause no damage to the open space and its users and that reasonable controls are in place. If such guarantees aren't included, cell towers shouldn't be implemented.

Lake County officials aren't alone on the issue. Cook County Forest Preserve District officials said they, too, are exploring the idea as potential new revenue.

Elected committee members gave Executive Director Ty Kovach the OK to talk with cell tower company representatives to determine details, such as annual payments and lease terms to see if there's potential.

The specifics and the philosophical debate of whether cell towers have a place in forest preserves could come later.

“We're asking for an opportunity to see if there's an opportunity,” S. Michael Rummell told fellow finance and administration committee members.

The district has one cell tower along Route 176 in the Lakewood Forest Preserve. It was acquired in 2007 when the district bought the Four Winds Golf Course property and expanded the preserve.

Although cell towers are part of the suburban landscape, we understand environmental groups might push back at seeing them in forest preserves.

However, environmentalists could be interested in how Kovach wants to use the revenue the district collects.

Rather than paying operating expenses, the funds would be earmarked for long-range use, possibly by creating an endowment through the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. It is a charitable organization that receives funding through donations to support habitat restoration, educational programs and other activities.

With ongoing budget cuts and reluctance to raise taxes, those are dollars that might otherwise be tough to find.