For Immediate Release

Hearings Set for Biodiversity Recovery Plan

Chicago, September 30, 1999: Public hearings have been scheduled for the Chicago Wilderness Biodiversity Recovery Plan. The hearings are being sponsored by the Chicago Region Biodiversity Council, the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (for Illinois areas), and the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning commission (for Indiana areas). The Biodiversity Council, also known as Chicago Wilderness, prepared the proposed plan.

The plan identifies opportunities to protect the natural communities of the Chicago Wilderness region and to restore them to long term viability. The plan outlines general strategies and a process for developing specific action steps. It was prepared with the involvement and input of the 92 member organizations of Chicago Wilderness, their professional staffs, the experts on the four official teams of Chicago Wilderness (Education and Communication, Science, Land Management, and Policy and Strategy), and the Recovery Plan Task Force. The Biodiversity Council approved the draft for public review at its meeting in July.

In announcing the hearings, John Rogner, Chair of the Chicago Region Biodiversity Council, said: "The public hearings will provide an opportunity for interested citizens to learn more about the urgent need to protect our natural heritage and to express their beliefs about the importance of protecting open space."

Hearings to receive public comments on the plan are set for:
:

Written and oral comments on the plan are encouraged at the hearings. Written testimony may also be submitted until 5:00 pm on November 15, to Irene Hogstrom Martinez, NIPC, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606. Copies of the draft plan are available by calling NIPC at 312-454-0400.

Once the public hearings have been completed, the Recovery Plan Task Force will consider the comments received and make recommendations for changes to the draft. These recommendations will be made to Chicago Wilderness and its member agencies for official action. NIPC is scheduled to act on the recommended plan at its December 16, 1999 quarterly meeting.

The Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission is the comprehensive planning agency for the six-county metropolitan area. In addition to planning, the agency provides technical and research assistance and reviews state and federal grant requests for local governments.

222 South Riverside Plaza * Suite 1800 * Chicago IL 60606 * (312) 454-0400 * FAX (312) 454-0411