Soon the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will begin construction of a 28,500 sq. ft. fleet maintenance garage adjacent to McKee Marsh at Blackwell Forest Preserve.  This $7.5 million, tax-paid complex will service the Forest Preserve’s 173 trucks, cars and road equipment with 20 bays, a paint booth and body shop.

The DuPage Wildlife Foundation joins citizens calling to protect the McKee Marsh area from development.

Prairie marshes are vital to our fragile ecosystems.  McKee Marsh – the Forest Preserve’s first wetland restoration project – is a treasure among birding and nature enthusiasts, students, scouts and hikers from around the Midwest.  During warm months, birders walk the looped trail around the marsh to admire and photograph plentiful wetland birds, meadowlarks and myrtle warblers.  In winter, McKee is home to rough-legged hawks, northern harriers and short- and long-eared owls.  We are proud that DuPage County offers this retreat.

While development plans are underway, the Forest Preserve continues to promote McKee Marsh in its own literature, stating that it is “a popular stop for migratory birds” and has “two observation decks, a bird blind, and signs that describe the rich history and ecological significance of this marsh.”  We couldn’t say it any better ourselves.

Laying asphalt on 6.5 acres, in addition to the traffic, noise and fumes created by such a facility, will irreparably harm the landscape and numerous species of birds and animals which inhabit this marsh.  Such development is in direct conflict with the Forest Preserve’s own mission to “protect and preserve the flora, fauna, and scenic beauty…”

We urge the Forest Preserve to explore more suitable industrial venues to erect their facility.  A centrally-located vacant car dealership would be a less expensive, greener solution.

Please do not disturb the ecological balance and esthetic integrity of McKee Marsh.