Cook County FPD Board Meetings

Forest Preserve DIstrict of Cook County Board Committee Meetings
​January 13, 2026 (9:15 to 10:15 am) 

Real Estate Committee - Approved partnership with Pike House Foundation and Beverly Art Alliance for preservation, restoration and operation of the Eugene S. Pike House (1826 W. 91st St., Chicago). Also approved road improvements. 

Finance Committee on Litigation - Approved legal fees in the amount of $24,000.

Finance Committee - Revenues exceeded expenses by 2.9 million for 1st 3 quarters of 2025. 

Law Enforcement Committee - Forest Preserve Police presented a biannual report. Mission statement, code of ethics, goals, recruitment plans, career exposure and professional growth objectives were presented. 7 drones were purchased for search and rescue missions along with training. 79 officers have been hired and they have been recruiting for 27 open positions. Discussed vetting of officers. 

Capital Development and Ecological Committee - 63 million budgeted for 2026 to focus on trail improvement, restroom/facility improvements and reducing electrical demands. Grant funding to be reviewed to keep levels current ($19,000). 

Forest Preserve DIstrict of Cook County Board Meeting
January 13, 2026 (10:15 - 10:45 am) 
Adam Bianchi (Forest Preserve Superintendent) highlighted the Chicago Wilderness Awards of Excellence in Ecological Restoration for Busse Woods Nature Preserve restoration and Powderhorn Lake Habitat restoration. Michelle Parker from the Audubon Society thanked the Forest Preserve for their assistance in adding 100 acres of wetland from Powderhorn Lake to Wolf Lake. 
Discussed parking agreement approvals, agreement with Willow Springs stable for parking/trail entrance, Lakeshore recycling/trash agreement for $900,000, auditing, workers compensation approval, and proposed calendar of events. E-mails will be sent to commissioners regarding Forest Preserve events with zoned events for their constituents. 
Also highlighted 5.1 million for land acquisition, Busse Woods restoration in conjunction with Brookfield Zoo and popularity of the Elk herd, nature express bus which allowed 1800 people to access the Forest Preserves and 7800 hours of service provided by volunteers. Upcoming events include Dr. Martin Luther King service events and Black History/Underground Railroad events in addition to winter activities such as winter birding and photography. 

Observer: Linda Bareis