Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Creates New Preserve

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting
October 18, 2022- 10:00 a.m.

​Board Action and Discussion:

• Commissioners served the mission of the Forest Preserve by passing an ordinance to create a new forest preserve near Sweet Woods in District. 5.  Several members spoke in favor, pointing out that this would serve to protect and preserve natural forests for the purpose of education and pleasure. 
• The Board of commissioners adopted the 2023 calendar designating specific Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Three of these regular meetings will be held on site in the forest preserves.
• In accordance with the Truth in Taxation Act, the commissioners must determine the estimated amount necessary for the 2022 levy year. If that amount exceeds 105% of the amount of property taxes, then the Board must publicize and hold a public hearing.
• The Board received Part II of a position paper on diversity and inclusion. The group conducted community interviews, focus groups, and researched the history of the forest preserves. The focus is to create a welcoming, respectful place for all cultures. Recognition of Native American connections will be an important part of this initiative. 
• Commissioner Suffredin, who is retiring at the end of his current term, presented his 2022 Forest Preserve Survey, which he has conducted annually for the past twenty years. He reported that the surveys have become more and more positive. The commissioner urged the board to continue the surveys in the future and offered suggestions for improvement  from the current permit users. 
• Public testimony centered exclusively on the plight of Rocky, the coyote. Nine citizens registered concern about the coyote’s current caged status. They urged the Board to send Rocky to a sanctuary in Colorado. 

Observer - Georgia Gebhardt