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Resolution Authorizing the District To Apply for IDNR OSLAD Grant Funds for a Wildlife Observation Platform and Supporting Improvements at Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve
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WHEREAS, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Kane County, Illinois, desires to develop a wildlife observation platform and supporting improvements at Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve in Hampshire; and
WHEREAS, the District desires to seek a grant to assist with funding of the improvements which include a wildlife observation platform and trail improvements; and
WHEREAS, the District desires to seek the aid of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through funding from the Open Space Land Acquisition & Development (OSLAD) Grant program; and
WHEREAS, OSLAD funding will provide up to 50% ($600,000.00 cap) reimbursement for those funds spent on the project; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, hereby certifies and acknowledges that it has the sufficient funds necessary (includes cash and value of donated land) to complete the pending OSLAD project within the timeframes specified herein for project execution, and that failure to adhere to the specified project timeframe or failure to proceed with the project because of insufficient funds or change in local recreation priorities is sufficient cause for project grant termination which will also result in the ineligibility of the local project sponsor for subsequent Illinois IDNR outdoor recreation grant assistance consideration in the next two consecutive grant cycles following project termination; and
WHEREAS, It is understood that the project must be completed within the timeframe established. The OSLAD timeframe is two years as is specified in the project agreement. The Billing Certification Statement must be submitted within 45 days of the grant expiration date and the last reimbursement request must be submitted within one year of the grant expiration date. Failure to do so will result in the Project Sponsor forfeiting all project reimbursements and relieves IDNR from further payment obligations on the grant; and
WHEREAS, the District further acknowledges and certifies that it will comply with all terms, conditions and regulations of 1) the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program (17 IL Adm. Code 3025); 2) the Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act (30 ILCS 705); 3) the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance & Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) and/or the Illinois Displaced Persons Relocation Act (310 ILCS 40 et. seq.), as applicable; 4) the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et. seq.); 5) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (P.L. 83-352); 6) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (P.L. 94-135); 7) the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988, (P.L. 100-259); and 8) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (PL 101-336); and will maintain the project area in an attractive and safe condition, keep the facilities open to the general public during reasonable hours consistent with the type of facility, cease any farming operations, and obtain from the IDNR written approval for any change or conversion of approved outdoor recreation use of the project site prior to initiating such change or conversion; and for property acquired with OSLAD assistance, agree to place a covenant restriction on the project property deed at the time of recording that stipulates the property must be used, in perpetuity, for public outdoor recreation purposes in accordance with the OSLAD programs and cannot be sold or exchanged, in whole or part, to another party without approval from the IDNR, and that development at the site will commence within three years.
WHEREAS, the District certifies to the best of its knowledge that the information provided within the attached application is true and correct.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Kane County, Illinois, that the President be and hereby is authorized to seek grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the assistance in the development of improvements at the Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve.
APPROVED AND PASSED this 9th day of September, 2025.
___________________________ ____________________________
Bill Lenert Mohammad Iqbal
President, Kane Forest Preserve Secretary, Kane Forest Preserve
Kane County, Illinois Kane County, Illinois