Midewin Releases Prairie Plan for Restoration and Development

In May, the U.S. Forest Service released its "Prairie Plan" to guide restoration and development of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie over at least the next decade. Begun in 1998, the plan incorporates the scientific analysis of many local and state experts, as well as public comments generated by numerous workshops, tours, presentations, and meetings (News, Summer 2001).

"After fully considering the alternatives, the environmental impacts, and the review comments, I believe this plan strikes the best balance of short-term habitat needs for sensitive plant and animal species with long-term sustainability of the ecosystem for future generations," said Acting Regional Forester Don Meyer, who made the final decision on the plan.

The plan can be viewed at www.fs.fed.us/mntp/plan/. Copies are available in either book or CD-ROM format by calling Midewin at (815) 423-6370.

The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie was established in 1996 and is the first national tallgrass prairie in the country. It is administered by the USDA Forest Service, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and with the support of hundreds of volunteers and partner agencies, businesses, and organizations. As the largest portion of the peacetime conversion of the former Joliet Army Ammunition Depot, Midewin remains largely closed to the public while the army completes the cleanup of contamination remaining from decades of explosives manufacturing and packaging.

Although public access is restricted, activities at Midewin are gradually increasing to include hiking trails, escorted tours, volunteer work projects and deer and turkey hunting in some areas. Public tours are scheduled throughout the summer; see www.fs.fed.us/mntp/visitors.htm. The 1.5-mile Henslow and Newton Interim Trails opened this spring. A trail brochure is available at www.fs.fed.us/mntp/TrailsDayStory.pdf (pdf, 567K).