Follow @csteditorials
The forest preserves have enough trouble warding off invasive species without having to worry about invasive humans.
But in Cook County, the forest preserve district is facing a challenge from Oak Forest residents who think they should be allowed to mow or otherwise use district land that abuts their property, in essence adding it to their yards. The same issue arose last year in Calumet City.
Forest preserve officials’ message should be clear: This is public land, paid for by all taxpayers, and no one should feel entitled to help themselves to a slice.
EDITORIAL
Follow @csteditorials
Encroachment is a constant problem for a large landowner like a forest preserve. People have built swimming books, storage sheds, playground equipment, fences and a koi pond on land that should be in a natural state. DuPage County officials have estimated they find 250 new encroachments a year. Last year, Will County surveyed 12 preserves and found people mowing, storing firewood and setting up gardens on public land. One person had even built a wood platform with a no-trespassing sign.
The Cook County Forest Preserve District has been reasonable about this. Earlier this year, it enacted an ordinance that allows people with encroaching driveways, garages or homes — things that can’t easily be moved — to pay a small fee to keep things as they are for as long as they own the property.
Many encroachments were discovered in recent years as the forest preserve district inspected its property to ensure no one else was using it. But some people who — unnoticed — have used forest preserve land for decades don’t think they should stop. They’re offended when they get a citation after ignoring warnings.
The residents say they mow forest preserve land as a forest fire buffer, to control flooding and to keep wild animals away. One man said he mows 75 feet into public land. Last month, about 70 people attended a meeting with Oak Forest and district officials.
What encroachers overlook is that being next to a forest preserve is a fabulous perk. They should appreciate it, and not take more than their share.
Follow the Editorial Board on Twitter: Follow @csteditorials
Tweets by @CSTeditorials