The Forest Preserve District moved a step closer this week to establishing a new preserve south of University Park. The district’s Finance Committee endorsed paying $822,800 for a 68-acre parcel northeast of the intersection of South Western Avenue and West Crete-Monee Road.
The property is owned by the Amelia Koelling Living Trust, with Amelia Koelling and Carol Kopman listed as beneficiaries.
The issue is scheduled to come before the full district board during its June 8 meeting.
District Executive Director Michael Pasteris said this week that the district also is negotiating with the owners of 117 acres adjacent to the Koelling property.
If both parcels are purchased, that would bring the Black-Walnut Preserve holdings up to 185 acres, the minimum necessary for a standalone preserve. The properties could be purchased as early as this month, Pasteris said, and additional land could be added.
The former Koelling farm, near the headwaters of Black Walnut Creek, includes an associated flood plain, according to a district report.
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