DuPage Leases Natural Corridor from ComEd

One of Illinois' largest corporations is giving more than lip service to its corporate goal of ecological stewardship. The Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) has entered into an unprecedented 25-year natural ecosystem leasing agreement with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (FPD) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), turning over some rare wetland areas for their management and restoration. ComEd will continue to have access to the land as needed, but the FPD can now incorporate management of this area into its larger ecosystem management plans.

The land included in the lease is near Brewster Creek with boundaries common to the south being Pratt's Wayne Forest Preserve in Wayne and, to the north, IDNR's Tri-County State Park in Bartlett. The parcel is divided into several areas, each with a specific plan for management and restoration intended to benefit all involved.

"The natural ecosystem lease with ComEd is significant because a potential exists to restore and expand the quality and ecological value of natural resources under a single management effort," said John Oldenburg, FPD director of natural resources. "It represents the final puzzle piece in being able to restore, restock, preserve, and protect an ecosystem already undergoing habitat improvement initiatives in the Brewster Creek Wetland Restoration project area."

The management objectives for the leased area include restoring ecological processes; protecting natural resources; conducting plant, animal, soil and water monitoring programs; enhancing the native flora and fauna; and restoring the physical and biological integrity of the Brewster Creek stream corridor.

As the soils rehydrate and the effects of farming are eliminated, Oldenburg added, the upland, wetlands, and stream corridor are likely to once again become a high-quality wildlife habitat.

"Through our involvement in Chicago Wilderness and a long-term partnership with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, ComEd is advancing the environmental agenda that we all benefit from," said George Welter, external affairs manager for ComEd. "This partnership is a three-way win."

ComEd, a member of the Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council, has also contributed $12,000 toward the restoration effort.

— Karen Tornberg