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County board approves Forest Preserve purchase to create Little Rock Creek nature area
Summary
DeKalb County approved a land purchase to expand a nature area near Hinkley, funding a five-year installment purchase for prairie restoration, trails and limited amenities.
The DeKalb County Board approved an amended resolution authorizing a purchase of approximately 26.88 acres along Little Rock Creek to expand recreational and conservation space near Hinkley. The Forest Preserve District will pay annually over a five-year period; the board adopted an amendment that set the acreage and a per-acre price, producing a total payment plan discussed in the meeting.
Forest Preserve and village representatives said the parcel connects to an existing village park and complements a 60-acre prairie restoration project the district is completing elsewhere in the county. Bob Christian, chair of Hinkley’s Planning Commission, told the board his village sought a larger natural area to provide trails and passive recreation: “We just went through a comprehensive plan update in which we identified one of the needs that the village has is for some large area nature area where people can exercise, walk, bike,” Christian said.
Forest Preserve members described limited development plans: grass and hiking trails, prairie restoration, a small picnic area, and access from Sycamore Street. The resolution passed after a roll-call vote following an amendment to set acreage at 26.88 and a per-acre price that combined with interest produced a total payment cited in the meeting materials.
County board members and village officials confirmed permanent tile easements and other survey details are recorded and will be addressed during property transfer and site planning. The Forest Preserve District will manage restoration work and maintenance.
