Local Pledges Help Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation Preserve Iconic Gateway Park

From left to right, Cliff Petersen, JDCF President, Elizabeth Cisar, Grand Victoria Foundation, Mark Moran, City of Galena, Chris Kirkpatrick, JDCF Natural Resources Coordinator, Rich Mattas, JDCF V.P., and Sandi Helgerson, JDCF Exec. Director. JDCF board and staff joined Elizabeth Cisar and Mark Moran for a site visit to the proposed Galena Gateway Park in May.

A 15-year quest to preserve one of Illinois’ most scenic views moved closer to completion this month when the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation received word that two main foundations have approved grants towards the preservation of Galena Gateway Park. This will be matched with the outpouring of support from the community that raised the money needed to apply for these grants.

JDCF will combine awarded grants of $545,000 each from the Grand Victoria Foundation’s Vital Lands Illinois program and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICE) and $220,000 in pledges raised by the Friends of Galena Gateway Park from local individuals, business and family foundations, to amass the $1.3 million purchase price for the venerable site.

The 100–acre landmark affords viewers a stunning panorama of Galena’s iconic steeples looming over Mississippi Valley. It will also supply the crucial link between the Grand Illinois and Galena River Trails, a coveted addition to one of the region’s popular outdoor destinations.

Meanwhile, the property will be included in JDCF’s innovative “Rivers to Ridges” campaign, which aims to establish a cohesive network of public recreational spaces for area residents and the tourists who migrate to the region.

JDCF’s acquisition of the site insulates it against potential development or fragmentation and ensures that the public will continue to enjoy what is widely considered the best view of Galena’s scenic charm. That natural beauty is instrumental to the region’s bustling tourism economy. Picture-postcard views such as the one on display at Gateway Park will help the City retain its appeal to visitors.

“The acquisition of the land for Gateway Park is the exciting result of many years of dedication and perseverance by so many Galena area residents.  I am especially grateful to the leadership provided by the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation and the Friends of Gateway Park in the successful pursuit of all funding options for the acquisition.  Through their hard work, our residents and visitors will enjoy the Gateway Park open space and scenic vista in perpetuity,” said Galena Mayor Terry Renner.

ICE’s mission is to invest in clean energy development and land preservation efforts to improve environmental quality in Illinois. The Foundation works with citizens and community groups to support programs and projects that improve energy efficiency, develop renewable energy resources, and preserve and enhance natural areas and wildlife habitats throughout the state.

Funding from the Grand Victoria Foundation’s investments in support of Vital Lands Illinois provide resources to acquire and preserve vitally important and irreplaceable natural landscapes across Illinois.

“Land conservation is central to our quality of life,” said Nancy Fishman Executive Director of Grand Victoria Foundation. “This is especially true in northwestern Illinois, where natural preservation is not just a matter of environmental urgency, but economic prosperity. Visitors drawn to the region’s endearing landscape spend $100 million annually in Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties. Acquisitions like Gateway Park help protect the places we love against rapid land development, provide spaces for recreation and reflection, safeguard our drinking water, and preserve our natural heritage.”

Of course, acquisition is not the only costs of the project. Plans are to turn the area into a natural area of prairies and managed woodland. Public access is also important. With that in mind, the Grand Victoria Foundation has generously provided a 60% match towards restoration of the land which will go a long ways towards providing a beautiful area for residents and visitors to enjoy, along with a natural habitat that will be a sanctuary to birds and other creatures. Overall, with restoration and public access infrastructure added to the costs of acquiring the project, we are looking at approximately $1.5 million.

The Galena Gateway Park property will be permanently protected through the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission through a Land and Water Reserve. Once this land has become permanently protected, the main restoration work has been completed, and public access is in place, we will transfer the property to the City of Galena. “This is a real home run for the Galena area community. All of the people who have worked so hard to make this happen over the past 15 years can feel proud that they planted the seeds for final success,” said JDCF Executive Director Sandi Helgerson.

JDCF extends A hearty thank you to each and every one of our partners who have brought us to the point where, after 15 years of struggle, we might actually see the end in sight.

Please help make sure we can bring this project to fruition by making a pledge or honoring the pledge you made by July 31, 2010. YOU CAN REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE! To pledge online, visit www.jdcf.org.