Board discusses possible donation of Mottswoods parcels to Shirley Heinze Land Trust over deed-restricted acreage

The Parks Board on Aug. 6 heard a staff briefing about potential transfer of a portion of the city-owned Mottswoods property to the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. Superintendent Shannon said the city owns 33 acres across three parcels, but a deed restriction applies to 20 acres that requires the land be preserved “forever in its present natural state as a forest and wildflower preserve” and prohibits timber cutting except to clear driveways for downed trees. Because the restriction limits recreational use, staff said Mottswoods has limited value to the parks department but aligns with the land trust’s mission to protect environmentally significant landscapes in northwest Indiana. Shirley Heinze Land Trust representatives are researching the parcels and the city will require an updated legal survey before any donation could be formalized. “Shirley Heinze is interested in it because it's part of their north and south habitat corridor ... So I'll just read the part of the deed restriction. The property is given to the city... granted on the express condition that it shall be preserved forever in its present natural state as a forest in a wildflower preserve,” Shannon said. Board members expressed support for exploring the transfer and staff said they will report back with the survey and any legal considerations required to proceed. The board took no formal vote beyond accepting the informational briefing and directed staff to continue discussions.