Date 10/17/2008

GENEVA, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Kane County just became 741 acres larger with the acquisition of an incomparable property in the northern part of the county.

The District officially closed on the acquisition of the Brunner Family Forest Preserve on Oct. 1. The Dundee Township property is located between Route 31 and the Fox River and bordered by Buffalo Park Forest Preserve to the north, and Fox River Shores Forest Preserve to the south.

The Brunner Family Forest Preserve purchase has been a long-time goal for the District. It is the largest property ever acquired from a single landowner, and the largest waterfront piece in the District’s holdings.

“This was really the largest remaining, undeveloped piece of land in Kane County on the Fox River,” said John Hoscheit, president of the Forest Preserve District. “It’s a major acquisition for us,” he said. Because the property borders current preserves, the acquisition creates a 3.5-mile stretch of waterfront along the Fox River. Along with other District properties on the east side of the river, the addition of the Brunner parcel provides over 1,000 acres of contiguous open space.

“We have been working on this acquisition for over 15 years. This acquisition is the result of the hard work and dedication of a number of people. We owe all of them thanks,” Hoscheit said.

District Executive Director Monica Meyers echoed Hoscheit’s comments. “This provides a wonderful opportunity for us to close the gap between two properties that are along the Fox River. In conjunction with the additional property along the east side of the river, it creates our largest riverfront tract for recreation and natural resource enhancements,” Meyers said.

“The acquisition establishes this magnificent view shed in perpetuity along the Fox River. This is a one-time acquisition. The District is unlikely to ever be presented with a property such as this, anywhere else along the river,” Meyers said.”