County board approves Forest Preserve purchase along Little Rock Creek for prairie restoration and trails

The DeKalb County Board voted to authorize the Forest Preserve District to acquire roughly 26.88 acres adjacent to Little Rock Creek to expand a nature and restoration area and create walking trails and minimal picnic amenities.

The resolution — brought forward by the Forest Preserve Committee — included an amendment at the meeting that set the acreage at 26.88 and the negotiated per‑acre price at $14,147.35, with a five‑year payment schedule and a 3% interest calculation. The amended total payment amount announced at the meeting was $380,562.60.

Terry (Forest Preserve staff) and Robert (Bob) Christian, chair of the Hinkley Planning Commission, described the land as a suitable location for prairie and forest restoration, noting its flood‑plain character and proximity to a village park and future connections to existing nature areas. Christian told the board the village had identified the need for larger nature areas during its comprehensive plan update and that the parcel would help provide space for recreation and habitat restoration.

The plan presented to the board called for prairie restoration, hiking trails and limited development; access is planned from Sycamore Street. Forest Preserve staff said tile repairs on farm drainage are the responsibility of the seller under the contract and that permanent city easements were shown on the preliminary survey.

A motion to amend the acreage and price carried, and the final resolution was adopted. Board members recorded votes in roll call after the amendment; the motion passed and the acquisition will proceed under the terms approved at the meeting.