FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
407-6022
June 22, 2009

COUNTY REACHES DEAL WITH COMMONWEALTH EDISON ON PRAIRIE PATH MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENTS

DU PAGE COUNTY -DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom announced on Monday that an agreement has been reached with Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) that will ensure the Illinois Prairie Path remains an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 

"I am pleased Commonwealth Edison has agreed to maintain the integrity of the Illinois Prairie Path," said Schillerstrom.  "Our trail system provides a wonderful source of recreation and enjoyment for our citizens and it is important we ensure that it remains that way for future generations."

As a result of Monday's meeting, ComEd has agreed to remove any standing stumps along the path, as well as remove any vegetation debris left along the path system from earlier trimming.  ComEd has also agreed to install low growing vegetation as replacement plantings once the standing stumps are removed, and they agreed that no herbicides will be applied without coordinating first with the DuPage County Trail Maintenance Task Force. 

Schillerstrom also notes that ComEd has agreed to coordinate their maintenance work with the DuPage County Trail Maintenance Task Force and that they will report to the DuPage County Board on a regular basis. 

Within DuPage County, residents and visitors enjoy year-round use of a 92-mile recreational trail system managed by the DuPage County Division of Transportation. Approximately 40 miles of trails comprise the DuPage County section of the Illinois Prairie Path, which is located in the right-of-way of the former Chicago, Aurora, and Elgin Railway. Almost 12 miles long, the Great Western Trail is located within the right-of-way of the former Chicago and Great Western Railroad. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and horseback riders are all welcome on the trails.

For more information on the Illinois Prairie Path, please visit www.ipp.org.

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