NIPC is among the lead organizations presenting a conference to provide local officials with creative tools to protect water, natural and cultural resources as their communities develop.  The conference is a can't-miss event for county and municipal officials, particularly those involved in the decision-making process for ordinance review and proposed development, including developers, and consultants.

Friday • March 10, 2006 • 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bull Valley Golf Club • 1311 Club Road • Woodstock, IL

Click here for the Program and Registration Form (216KB PDF).
Early registration ends Friday, February 24, after which late fees will apply.
Contact:  Irene Hogstrom, NIPC principal planner (ireneh@nipc.org, 312-386-8678)

Elected and appointed officials have a lot to think about and balance when reviewing ordinances and development proposals. Groundwater resources and water quality are just two of the many issues they are being asked to consider. Water resources — both their quality and quantity — are critical to the future prosperity of McHenry County. Well designed “conservation development” has the potential to both protect our critical natural resources while reducing infrastructure costs and future tax burdens. Fortunately, resources available locally and in the region can be tapped to help local officials in meeting the complex needs of their growing communities, including resources to help navigate the often burdensome environmental permit process. Additionally, a growing number of successful development projects in the region showcase how to balance economic and environmental/conservation interests. At this conference, learn the benefits of specific conservation development techniques and how to implement them.

Presented by:
Boone Creek Watershed Alliance
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Illinois Nature Preserves Commission
Land Conservancy of McHenry County
McHenry County Conservation District
McHenry County Conservation Foundation
McHenry County Soil & Water Conservation District
Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission
US Army Corps of Engineers
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Fish and Wildlife Service

Funding
Partial funding for this conference provided in support of Chicago Wilderness from the USDA Forest Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and administered by the Illinois Conservation Foundation.  Additional support and funding provided through local sponsors.