In July, 2019, three Chicago bird organizations along with 9 other nature conservation and community organizations delivered a petition requesting that Chicago Park District (CPD) work with stakeholders to create a policy defining the limits on large events at Montrose.
Recently we received a response from CPD indicating that they will not be establishing a policy. Here’s the key quote: "Thank you for your letter and valued input. As you are aware, the District has been a strong advocate for the expansion of natural areas and the protection of wildlife. Although the District does not have a policy that spells out the limits on large events, we remain committed to managing parkland fairly for all users and applying our best judgment to balance the diverse interests of the community.”
Montrose is a special place that deserves protection from the worst abuses.
-The dunes have developed naturally and are one of Illinois’ best examples of dune habitat, hosting many native plants.
-Thirty-eight species of shorebird use the beach and 346 different bird species have been observed at Montrose - the highest number in Illinois by far.
- 6700 nature lovers signed a petition asking for a policy, citing the importance of this place of refuge for humans AND wildlife.
The use of Montrose as a nesting location for the endangered Piping Plover this year highlighted the importance and fragility of the Montrose habitat in the center of an urban area. It took 150 monitors working in shifts from dawn to dusk and five government agencies to protect that pair of plovers.
We believe that the temptation of the revenue from a large concert will outweigh the need to protect this peaceful refuge and at some point the natural area will suffer. Montrose Beach Dunes and Montrose Point already coexist with bathers, volleyball, dogwalkers, fishers, fireworks, and the Air and Water Show. The Park District was seriously considering closing down the beach for a 50,000 person electronic music festival for three whole summer days in August, at the height of family beach season and shorebird migration. A policy would help us all.
Photos of American Avocets, Snow Bunting, and Great Lakes Piping Plovers on Montrose Beach, by Tamima Itani
How You Can Help
We and our partners are sending a third letter to request a transparent policy.
We will deliver it at the December 11 Chicago Park District Board meeting at 11:30 am at 541 N. Fairbanks.
Please contact your alderman and the mayor to support our request to the park district.
Link to alderman email addresses
Mayor Lightfoot email address: letterforthemayor@cityofchicago.org
Please join us at the Chicago Park District Board meeting on December 11 at 11:30 am at 541 N. Fairbanks. Wear a plover t-shirt, or other bird or nature clothing.