Waukegan Savanna Forest
In an ecosocialist society, decisions are made with a specific emphasis on the well-being of the people and the earth in mind. The land is instead managed communally for the good of all, including the equitable redistribution of housing. CO2 emissions are minimized. Continuing soil health is a priority, in contrast to the current unsustainable extraction of as much food as possible to the point of waste. Unused spaces are rewilded by seeding them with native plants, building back what was lost. And each of these things is implemented in a transparent way as best suited to each local neighborhood, including Lake County.
Even if you don’t personally enjoy the sights, sounds, and fresh air of the natural world, having a healthy ecosystem is beneficial in a number of ways. Abundant plant life helps prevent dust storms, acts as a carbon sink to offset greenhouse gas emissions, and lessens the severity of floods. Also, many new, lifesaving medicines are derived from the study of plants and animals, and each species that goes extinct from human meddling in habitats represents the loss of potentially priceless knowledge.
Not many think of engaging with the Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve as “radical”. However, the preservation of 774 acres of gently rolling terrain, serving as a diverse home to over 580 native plants and animals is absolutely necessary for ecological sustainability.
In February of 2023, the Lake County Board of Commissioners voted 16 to 3 in favor of signing a non-binding memorandum agreement providing a framework for a large purchase from the Lake County Forest Preserve. Not many were aware that this vote took place, given it took place in the middle of a weekday. Those who were informed, strongly opposed this action. Locals were concerned over the sale of already scarce wetlands, as well as increased air traffic in an area, where the asthma rate is already high. It sparked confusion and debate around the intent of this particular greenfield development. Unclear direction from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) led most to believe this was actually a means to expand service to cargo planes and passenger jets.
The debate over the selling of federal land is a tale as old as the nation. Teddy Roosevelt once said, “It is the preservation of the scenery of the forests and the wilderness game for the people as a whole, instead of leaving the enjoyment thereof to be confined to the very rich.” Again, communal access to federal land and natural beauty not only aligns with socialist ideals that prioritize public resources and environmental stewardship over profit, but such priorities are a fundamental tenet of socialism. Regardless of income or status, a simple walk through the woods becomes a quiet act of solidarity, supporting systems that value equity and sustainability.
Thankfully, after public pressure, the proposed runway improvement project was shortened on July 1st. The proposal was cut down from a 7,000 foot runway to a 6,000 foot one, requiring far less than the initially estimated 52 acres of Waukegan land to be paved over. This significant victory was not due to a public hearing, and is instead the result of changes to the FAA’s safety standards.
Although claims are being made that reducing the public land sale is a priority, the updated environmental assessment is still pending. This still begs the question, what is really at stake when federal land is sold? We lose far more than the trees and trails, we lose vital pieces of our collective well-being and social equity. Public lands serve as irreplaceable ecosystems that must be protected from exploitation and privatization.
Many people believe that issues like these are global problems, paralyzing in their scope. Shifting the narrative towards more local movement opportunities can feel more impactful and empowering. We must view federal land not as distant property, out of our control, but as part of our own shared heritage so that our local communities have a larger role in preserving the land for future generations. Organizing grassroots advocacy through campaigns, contacting locally elected officials, and attending public hearings to support conservation policies can have a significant impact on budget allocations and whether a headline is buried or becomes a topicof conversation.