Description: An Ecological Complex is a collection of core preserves (2,000–5,000 acres) within an SHCA that provides habitat or potential habitat for a diverse collection of natural communities and wildlife habitat. The connecting corridors are critical in that they provide buffer to the core preserves, wildlife corridors, and buffers along aquatic system connecting the core preserves. Ecological Complexes are seen as priority areas within and adjacent to Lake County on which the Forest Preserves and our partners should be focusing its efforts. This is not to say other areas are not important, but this allows the Forest Preserves and partners to apply "Precision Conservation," implementing conservation where it will have the most measurable effect.
Copyright Text: Lake County Forest Preserve District
Description: As defined by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, SHCA's are large landscape scale conservation areas to address conservation challenges that cross-jurisdictional boundaries, such as habitat fragmentation, disease, and climate change, requiring conservation planning at an ecologically appropriate scale (e.g. watershed, ecoregions, etc.) rather than smaller scales (e.g. single land management units) that coincide with jurisdictional boundaries. By starting at larger versus smaller scales, we are better able to address conservation challenges that cross arbitrary boundaries (e.g., fragmentation, dispersal barriers, climate change).
Copyright Text: Lake County Forest Preserve District
Description: Enhancement Areas are areas that provide protection and habitat for species and communities, but further expansion and/or acquisition are limited by current land uses. These Enhancement Areas still contain important ecological resources that should be protected and enhanced through "Community Conservation." This process involves the Forest Preserves and other entities working with local communities in the Enhancement Areas to establish backyard buffers and local site-based green infrastructure practices that increase infiltration, protect important hydrological connections and provide potential habitat for native species.
Copyright Text: Lake County Forest Preserve District