Management Plan

Vision Statement
The Illinois & Michigan Canal connected the Illinois River to Lake Michigan, bringing people and commerce to northeastern Illinois. The canal and the towns that grew up along it share a legacy. Through interpretation, preservation and providing educational and recreational experiences, we see the Heritage Corridor creating economic development, recreation and education opportunities for residents and visitors, making the Corridor more prosperous and a place where people enjoy the benefits created by the canal and take pride in the region’s history.

Mission Statement
The mission of the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor is to: protect and preserve the natural, historical and cultural resources of the Corridor; advance and stimulate economic development and activity within the Corridor; create and enhance opportunities for recreation in the Corridor; and interpret and cultivate the history of the Corridor and its significance in the settlement and growth of the region and nation.

Guiding Principles

Stewardship

• We hold our history in high regard and will use it to inform our stewardship decisions
• We will respect the environment and property, public and private
• We will respect each community’s needs and goals in a way that is consistent with the concept that the Corridor is a region consisting of many communities and places which are geographically, historically and culturally connected by the canal.
• We will consider sustainability as an important criteria in making plans, selecting projects and allocating resources.
• We will communicate to our partners and the public in multiple ways to reach as many as possible, using technology to bring the Corridor to the world.
• We will include all groups, including future generations, in our plans, goals and actions.

History

• We will appreciate the area’s history both before and after the canal was created.
• We will provide education about the canal and the Corridor.
• We will respect our history and culture through honest and authentic portrayals of places, people and events.
• We will use multiple forums and media to spread the word about the Corridor’s history to as wide an audience as possible.

Economic Development

• We will encourage and foster economic development opportunities in the Corridor.
• We will provide places where people can bring their families and friends for recreation and fun.

CHICAGO\2859624.2 ID\AHC - 104337/0001