DuPage Greens Oppose ComEd Clear-Cutting Plan

October 27, 2009

At its October meeting, the DuPage County Green Party spoke out against the un-necessary destruction of natural areas along the Illinois Prairie Path and the Great Western Trail, by passing a resolution denouncing a controversial clear-cutting and herbicide-spraying plan by Commonwealth Edison.

The DCGP’s resolution supports efforts of the Friends of the Great Western Trails and many other groups and government bodies, including the City of Wheaton, to petition the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to force a public hearing on these important matters.

“Our trails and trees must be protected,” said William Edgar, Co-chair of the DuPage County Green Party. “We want the DuPage County Board, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and our state legislators to work with Commonwealth Edison and ensure that trees are trimmed in a healthy manner, as required by the ICC. We are also calling on these these government bodies to deny permits for the spraying of herbicides to kill trees, bushes and wildlife habitats along both the Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail.”

"We appreciate the support from the DuPage Greens in our efforts to raise awareness in the community about this environmental destruction," said Don Kirchenberg of the Friends of the Great Western Trails. "We will continue to put pressure on our elected officials until Commonwealth Edison creates a more responsible plan for managing the land."

Citizens who want their trees and trails protected are encouraged to contact their elected officials at the county and state levels.

For more information about the Friends of the Great Western Trails, visit www.friendsofthegreatwesterntrails.com