Hundreds of fairgoers stopped by to learn more, ask questions, and share their concerns about protecting the public lands and natural areas that belong to all of us.

Waukegan Airport Expansion
The proposed 6,000-foot runway at Waukegan National Airport would affect Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve through more than a small land sale. Although the proposal includes the sale of only about one-quarter acre, it also calls for an avigation easement over approximately 18 acres of Forest Preserve land. Such an easement would allow low aircraft overflights and restrict how the Forest Preserve can use or improve this public land in the future.Waukegan-Airport-Savanna-debunk.md+1

The plan also identifies approximately 7.2 acres of tree clearing within the preserve. These trees are part of a larger landscape that includes wetlands, a stream corridor, wildlife habitat, and public trails. Their removal would permanently alter the forested character of this area and diminish a place intended for both nature and public enjoyment. 

The issue, therefore, is not simply “one-quarter acre.” The avigation easement, tree removal, aircraft noise, and increased flight activity could impose lasting effects on Waukegan Savanna and nearby communities. Despite objections from Sierra Club, other conservation advocates, and community members, the Lake County Forest Preserve Board has already approved a de minimis concurrence letter related to the project. That action occurred before the public release of the Environmental Assessment, public hearing, and public-comment period requested by opponents.

The upcoming hearing and public-comment process must still provide a meaningful opportunity for residents to raise objections, ask unanswered questions, and propose alternatives that would avoid or reduce harm to protected public land.

Route 120 Bypass Proposal
Lake County also faces concerns about the proposed Route 120 bypass around Grayslake. The proposed route would cut into Almond Marsh Forest Preserve and affect wetlands, while bringing a major new roadway through or near multiple subdivisions.

Almond Marsh is part of an interconnected system of wetlands, woodlands, and open space. These areas provide wildlife habitat, absorb and filter stormwater, and give residents valued places to walk, observe nature, and recharge. Fragmenting this landscape with a new highway could bring more traffic, noise, pollution, and long-term pressure for additional development. 

Before any new expensive bypass route is advanced, decision-makers should prioritize improving Route 120 in place—a solution that can address transportation needs while protecting Almond Marsh, preserving wetlands, and avoiding added harm to nearby neighborhoods.

Stand Up for Public Lands
Lake County residents deserve land-use and transportation decisions that put public health, natural resources, and community well-being first. We encourage residents to contact their County Board members and Forest Preserve commissioners and ask them to:

• Protect forest preserve lands from avoidable airport and highway impacts.
  Safeguard Almond Marsh, Waukegan Savanna, and Lake County’s wetlands and forests.
• Ensure that full environmental review and meaningful public participation occur before irreversible decisions are made.
• Pursue transportation solutions that do not sacrifice public green space.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, joined the conversation, and stood up for Lake County’s forests, wetlands, and neighborhoods.

Photo by: Diane Ower