Forest Preserve Commission of Cook County July 14 2010

The most important news discussed at the Forest Preserve Commmission was about upgrades on the ratings of the Forest Preserve District's $115 million in outstanding GO bonds. Both Standard and Poor's and Moody's have upgraded their ratings. One of the benefits of having separate budgets and administrations is that the Cook County Board's financial issues do not become the Forest Preserve District's issues. This has served the Forest Preserve District well up to now.

Another interesting development is the proposal of a "Sustainability Doctrine" which was referred to the Environmental Control Committee to be considered for adoption by the Board. This draft document is the culmination of a very important and successful conference sponsored by the Commission last year and held at the Brookfield Zoo. We will certainly hear more about this in the future.

Much of the meeting was taken up with the introduction and brief statements by interns from the many programs which the Chicago Botanic Garden manages over the summer for youth. Ranging from college-age scientists working at the CBG to Juvenile offenders with the Sheriff's Boot Camp program, the Forest Preserve District seems to be making many cost-effective contributions to the education and involvement in youth working to achieve the mission of protecting and promote nature and healthy lifestyles. The students were very positive and articulate in the appreciation for opportunities provided. It sounds like they work hard and interact well with the staff professionals who run these programs.

There was some discussion of a resolution to oppose the Entertainment
Tax that the Village of Brookfield proposed (but which is not in play at the moment). The Zoo and the District both feel that the Village benefits greatly by having the Zoo in its confines, and the the Zoo and District have been very good neighbors over the years. All the Commissioners supported the resolution to oppose the tax.

Cook County Forest Preserve Meeting July 1 2009

The July 1 meeting of the Forest Preserve Commission was held at the Swan Pavillion at the Brookfield Zoo in order to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Zoo. Ours is one of the oldest zoos in the nation. Construction began in 1926 following a countywide voter referendum. Historically we have been leaders in wildlife conservation technology, and now are a leader in green technology -- being the first zoo to obtain hybrid vehicles. The finances of the Zoo appear to be in very good order, especially considering the current state of the economy. Diversity among the staff has improved in recent years as well.

After some presentations by Brookfield Zoo officials, the regular meetings of the Forest Preserve Commission began. First off, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission named Deer Grove West as the 500th Nature Preserve in Illinois. This is an important honor and recognizes the critical habitat there. Interestingly, The Forest Preserve Commission bought Deer Grove in Palatine as the first piece of land in our Forest Preserve system in 1916.

There were various items on the agenda including more about the Bass Fishing Tournament and also the introduction of various interns and programs for teen-age students. The High School Service Learning Program involves 61 schools and thousands of hours of volunteer work in conjunction with area science teachers. The John Stroger interns who work at the Botanic Garden are college students.

The two most interesting things about the meeting were things that did not happen. One is that Commissioner Goslin had submitted for consideration on the agenda a resolution that the Forest Preserve District ought to go to referendum in February to raise money to buy more land, as land is relatively cheap and thus there is an opportunity. He rescinded the motion immediately before the meeting and without any discussion. Later, privately, he told me that his colleagues felt it would be perceived by voters as another tax and thus had no chance to pass.

Another thing that didn't happen was related to a real estate transaction sponsored by Commissioner Peraica which was a request from the Village of Westchester to use some Forest Preserve land for a water main. Commissioner Suffredin raised the issue that there had not been three days public notice before this was added to the agenda, and so, following the law, the proposal could not be voted on.

Forest Preserve District moves forward with improvements

Cook Country Forest Preserve Meeting June 3, 2009

The meeting was opened by Pres. Pro tem John Daley.

Several commissioners postured for about an hour over the merits of the staff's recommendation to accept a bid for the restoration of (historic) Limestone Picnic Shelters. After several roll call votes, they agreed with the staff so that the work could be completed during this season.

Steve Mayberry, Public Affairs Director, presented an excellent new public awareness campaign for the Forest Preserve, including a new website. Not only does it feature the activities of the Cook County Forest Preserve, it is easy to locate hiking and biking trails in at least 48 states. I didn't check Alaska and Hawaii.

Dr. Stuart Strahl, Director of Brookfield Zoo, presented the zoo's master plan for 2009 which includes securing a companion elephant for Christy, their only elephant at this time.

--Submitted by Observer Mary Ann Tate