ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 5 
Preservation of natural diversity 
An objective of the nature preserves system is to preserve examples 
of all significant types of natural features in the State. Natural features 
include landforms and geological formations, soils, lakes, streams, and 
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The Commission has divided the 
State into 12 “natural divisions” and 33 subdivisions called “sections” 
(INPC 1973). This delineation is based on significant differences in 
topography, glacial history, bedrock, soils, and plant and animal distribu- 
tions. The natural divisions are the basis for identifying natural features 
to be included in the nature preserves system. The goal is to represent 
every distinctive natural feature within each division and section. This 
system is designed to preserve the greatest possible amount of natural 
diversity in Illinois by insuring adequate representation of all remaining 
natural features. 
Establishment of a Nature Preserve 
Most nature preserves are owned by public agencies, organizations, 
and educational institutions, but they may also be owned by individuals. 
The owner must agree to the conditions that dedication would impose 
upon the property. Once dedicated, a nature preserve cannot capriciously 
be taken for another use since by law an area dedicated as a nature 
preserve is declared put to its “highest, best and most important use for 
public benefit.” In addition to the owner’s willingness to dedicate his 
property, the property must be critically evaluated for its suitability as 
a nature preserve. Primary factors that are considered in the evaluation 
are those relating to natural quality, scarcity of the natural type, and 
the prior representation of the feature in the nature preserves system. 
Factors relating to protection and management are also considered. When 
all conditions have been met, the owner formally dedicates the property 
with the signed approval of the Governor, the Nature Preserves Com- 
mission, and the Department of Conservation. 
Objectives of the Nature Preserves System 
The preserve owners, the Nature Preserves Commission, and the 
Department of Conservation jointly share the responsibility for protec- 
tion, management, and record keeping for the preserves. Management A 
the nature preserves is in accordance with the objectives outlined 1 
Part 1 of the Comprehensive Plan for the Illinois Nature peat 
System (INPC 1972). The system was created to preserve adequate 
examples of all significant types of natural features occurring in the 
State, habitats of rare and endangered species of plants and animals, 
unique and unusual natural features, and wilderness remnants. The 
mature preserves are managed to provide perpetual protection against 
intrusions and to keep their condition as nearly natural as_ possible. 
Records are kept for the accumulation of knowledge concerning the pre- 
