This paper looks at prairies in the state of Illinois and at their fate facing continuous pressure of developmental projects. Specifically, it analyzes the case of the Bell Bowl Prairie near the City of Rockford, Illinois: The Greater Rockford Airport Authority published plans to expand the cargo area of their Chicago-Rockford International Airport, enabling it to grow substantially. Parts of the area are already on the grounds of Bell Bowl, however, the infrastructural plans aim for a larger natural area coverage - which means destruction of a defining landscape type in the Midwest.
In the paper, the reader gets an introduction into the physical geography of prairies, which includes the definition of the term. Further, the case is presented in necessary detail, illuminating social, environmental and legal aspects. This includes the connection between citizens and this natural habitat, protection of endangered animal and plant species as well as the conflict between courts, activists and different authorities. For clarification and temporal orientation, a chapter deals with the current status as well as a view into the near future.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- 1. Introduction: Prairie in the State of Illinois
- 2. The Case of the Bell Bowl Prairie
- 2.1. Characteristics
- 2.2. The Old Controversy: Economy versus Environment
- 2.3. Legal Proceedings and Community Opposition
- 2.4. Current Status
- 3. Conclusion and Outlook
- Reference List
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the legal and social process of negotiation and activism surrounding the Bell Bowl Prairie, analyzing the motivations for its destruction and the efforts to preserve it. It aims to highlight the crucial role of this prairie for a healthy ecosystem in Illinois and demonstrate how institutions meant to protect nature contributed to the loss of this important piece of Illinoisan identity.
- The ecological significance of the Bell Bowl Prairie for Illinois' ecosystem.
- The economic motivations behind the destruction of the prairie.
- The legal and social challenges faced by preservationists in their efforts to protect the prairie.
- The impact of the prairie's destruction on the social identity of residents and the geographic cohesion of the region.
- The ongoing conflict between economic development and environmental preservation.
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: Prairie in the State of Illinois: This chapter introduces the historical significance of prairies in Illinois, highlighting their ecological importance and their role in shaping the state's identity. It discusses the “Prairie State” moniker and the significance of prairie conservation efforts.
- The Case of the Bell Bowl Prairie: This chapter introduces the Bell Bowl Prairie, a unique dry gravel remnant prairie in Winnebago County, Illinois. It discusses the threats posed by the expansion of the Chicago Rockford International Airport and the motivations behind the airport authority's plans.
- Characteristics: This chapter provides a detailed description of the Bell Bowl Prairie, outlining its geological and biological features. It emphasizes the unique flora and fauna found in this dry gravel prairie ecosystem, highlighting its ecological significance.
Keywords
The key themes and concepts explored in this paper include the Bell Bowl Prairie, dry gravel remnant prairie, ecosystem network, economic development, environmental preservation, social identity, community opposition, legal proceedings, preservationists, and the conflict between economy and nature.
- Quote paper
- Leo Kempe (Author), 2023, The Bell Bowl Prairie in Rockford, Illinois. Destruction of an Ecosystem and a Social Identity Motivated by Economics, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1441545
