Preserve Improvements

Waukegan Savanna Master Planning

The Lake County Forest Preserves has completed the master planning process for Waukegan Savanna. The Master Plan outlines what recreation improvements and natural resource restoration activities will occur at the preserve. The planning process consisted of three phases:

1. Inventory, Analysis & Program Development - Spring/Summer 2009

Information was gathered about the site and project program ideas were developed through public input and assessment of overall District needs. A public open house was held in May 2009 to present Site Inventory and Analysis information about the preserve and gather public input about future plan ideas. In addition, an Information & Interest Survey (view Information & Interest Survey results) was conducted online to gather public input.

SITE INVENTORY & ANALYSIS FINDINGS

The following inventory and analysis maps were presented at the public open house held in May 2009:

• 1939 Historic Aerial Photograph (PDF, 1.6 MB)
• Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve Context Map (PDF, 2.8 MB)
• Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve Parcels Map (PDF, 4.8 MB)
• Site Inventory - Hydrology (PDF, 4.3 MB)
• Site Inventory - Vegetation (PDF, 4.6 MB)
• Site Inventory - Topography (PDF, 4.3 MB)

2. Concept Plan Alternatives - Fall 2009

Based upon public input and overall District needs, two master plan concept alternatives were developed. The plan alternatives illustrate potential natural resource, recreation and restoration activities and how they might be integrated into the site.

• Download map of planned Regional Trail Connections
• Download Concept Alternative A 
• Download Concept Alternative B 
  • Detail of Nature Exploration Area concept

A public open house was held in November 2009 and an online survey (view Concept Plan Alternative Survey results) was conducted to provide opportunity for public comment on the plans. This input will be used to develop the Conceptual Master Plan.

3. Conceptual Master Plan - Spring/Summer 2010

A preliminary Conceptual Master Plan was designed for the preserve. The plan reflects a combination of ideas from both of the concept alternatives previously reviewed by the public. A public open house was held on April 20, 2010 to provide the opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed preliminary conceptual master plan.

• Download the Preliminary Conceptual Master Plan
• Download the Regional Trail Connections Plan (4/2010)

4. Plan Approval - September 14, 2010

The Conceptual Master Plan was approved by the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners on September 14, 2010.  The Master Plan will be implemented as part of the Capital Improvement Plan buget process.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the master planning process - your input and time are appreciated.

• Download the Conceptual Master Plan (09/14/2010)
• Download the Regional Trail Connections (09/14/2010)
• Download the Nature Exploration Area (09/14/2010)