Cook County Forest Preserve meeting February 4

The meeting was opened with a particularly nice ecumenical prayer from the Rev. Clare Butterfield of Faith in Place.  Then there was a report and discussion of the extensive tree removal program that has been undertaken in reponse to the Emerald Ash Borer problem throughout the region.  Also, it was noted that the CCFP would be going to court later in the day to have the Shakman Degree lifted (this was successful).  A general discussion of finances followed.  The FP levy will be flat compared to 2012.  More fees for programs are being collected than in the past, and there is a catch-up on licensing which is generating revenues, but some expenses may rise too as vacancies in staffing are filled.  The CCFP is seeking to hire professional staff to ramp up the concession program.  This may take a couple of years.

An interesting development is the appointment of a New Century Plan Commission for the Forest Preserve, which is composed of prominent citizens and which will look forward and plan for the next century of Forest Preserve protection and growth.