The meeting started 1/2 hour late but there was good attendance.
After the Finance Committee met, the regular Board convened and covered many items, almost all congenial and positive issues.
One of the first orders of business was to hear from staff and selected students and teachers about the very successful outreach programs that the Forest Preserve initiated with elementary schools and high schools. Thirty one elementary and home school groups and 103 high schools have participated including thousands of students. The Forest Preserve has funds and interest in expanding this program which offers a chance for school participants to learn about the ecosystem and participate in activities which restore nature. In addition to these programs, schools can also contact the nature centers to request that naturalists come for presentations.
It was announced that Chicago magazine has recently named Busse Woods as the best fishing spot in the area, and that the North Branch Bike Trail was named as the Best Bike Trail in the area.
Commissioner Larry Suffredin presented a permit report for his district which showed more use this year and fewer complaints than ever with a 98% satisfaction rate. Other Commissioners requested permit information pertaining to their districts so they can do the same type of analysis.
Resolutions were passed allowing the Forest Preserve Commission to seek grants in tandem with other bodies in order to take advantage of possible federal dollars which are coming available. Most of these grants relate to extending bike trails.
Sep 5 is National Public Lands day and there will be many volunteers working in the Forest Preserves.
Former Alderman and Cook County Commissioner Frank D'Amato was celebrated and congratulated upon his retirement after 49 years of civil service. He has recently been a staff member at the CCFP.
A temporary easement resolution was passed so that the Army Corps of Engineers can access two older dams on the Des Plaines River for removal. Mayors of Westchester and Riverside spoke in support of this project. It is hoped that it will help a little bit with the flooding problems in that area if the river is allowed to run smoothly. It will also help restore the natural ecosystem and allow fish to move freely. Funding for this project had been previously blocked but now seems to be coming available -- from the state and federal level. No County funds are requested for this effort.
Next meeting will be on October 6.
