March 2, 2004   Address to Dupage County Forest Preserve Commissioners

As most of you know, I have addressed the board previously requesting you to reconsider the removal of the interior paths in Springbrook Prairie with the upcoming spring reconfiguration project.  I am still confused about many facts that surround the restoration project, with many questions still left unanswered.

I have started my own campaign to inform users of Springbrook Prairie about the project and how it will affect the interior paths. I posted signs on my property and began a petition to collect signatures of others who agree that the paths should not be removed.

Today, I would like to present to you signatures I have collected so far in front of my house and on my Website “Savethepath.com”.  The on-line petition allowed for supporters to add comments and   I would like to read you just a few….

David Nargis,   “Interior foot trails should be part of the overall improvement plan - as long as they remain as rough/rustic as they are today to control overuse, thereby having minimal impact on the prairie and its wildlife.”

 Sally Aldaba, “The interior paths are the most loved paths by me and my kids. We rides bikes and take walks there all the time (weather permitting) I can't believe that there would not be a posting of what the plans are for the changes. This is a true disappointment. Please leave the current way all is!”

 Jennifer Nelson, “I spend a lot of time with my family taking walks and running through this beautiful area. It would be terrible to lose some of our beautiful forest preserve!”

 Marla Tabaka,  “No more "improvements!" Let nature improve upon itself as it so miraculously does!”

 Ken McMullen,  “The best part of the preserve is the interior trails. It would be a travesty if they were destroyed.”

 Linda Labadi,  “ My husband and I enjoy these trails more than any other on the prairie! I do not see any visible evidence of anyone abusing the privilege of visiting these precious areas. Also, I am appalled that the forest preserve would destroy them without doing more research or addressing the public on this issue

 Sonia Harmon,  “The proposed plan sounds ridiculous. Please save the interior paths so we can enjoy a small amount of "wilderness".

 Mike Garcia-Carreras,  “ I use the interior paths nearly everyday of every season. Having moved here from Atlanta two years ago, I brag about these beautiful respites to all of my friends and family in the South. Please don't destroy my entry into this Sanctuary

 I will continue collecting signatures as I believe there are a lot more people out there that are still unaware that their favorite Path will be destroyed

 In a recent article it was stated that  “we as a Forest Preserve District can’t be all things to all people”, so I find it very disturbing that the District is considering Target archery and shooting ranges in the forest preserves, but feel us simply walking through Springbrook as very disruptive activity. 

 I talked with Springbrook’s volunteer steward, Mr. Suchecki, who called me to offer his insight on the bird issues that surround the interior path at Springbrook. We discussed the needs of the birds and he express that the interior path should be removed for their protection even though the area north of the path far exceeds the acreage recommended by the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center.  He also stated that the path that leads to the airplane field will in no way affect the birds because it borders the woodland area. 

 He went on further to say if he had his way there would be no trails at all in Springbrook. I find this comment to be extreme along with another comment,  “ why can’t we have pristine streams like Colorado and Alaska”, which I heard at a meeting with the Forest Preserve back in October.

 I read about your new tee shirt Mr. Schultz that states, “tell me how we can improve our Dupage Forest Preserves”.  Well, Mr. Schultz   I have a suggestion, listen and respond to the people who use the forest preserve not just the ones who control it.

  I also read that you would like the district to focus more on quality than quantity, well the trails you have provided us with at Springbrook, give us quantity and the trail that you are planning on taking away is the one that provides us with the quality.  

 We are not asking to shoot guns or arrows, fly model planes or ride motorcycles. We are merely asking that you don’t take away the Best Part.  I once again strongly urge you to reconsider taking away the access to all the beauty Springbrook has to offer and take alternative steps in order to preserve the interior path!   I think there is room for all of us.