Category: Brookfield Zoo

Veterinary Residency Partnership Outlined at Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting

2/18/2022

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Forest Preserve District Cook County (FPDCC) Board Meeting
February 8, 2022

Board Action:

The 2021 Annual Report from the “Racial Equity Diversity Inclusion Committee” (REDI) was received and filed. The FPDCC is committed to advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion, striving to make everyone feel welcome in the Forest Preserves. This committee was formed November 2018 and consists of employees from across the Forest Preserves and continued in the past year to advance community engagement projects. In 2019 a Land Acknowledgment was created highlighting the relationship Native Americans in Cook County have with the forest preserves. FPDCC acknowledges the lands of the Council of Three Fires (Ojibwa, Ottawa, Potawatomi), the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sauk and Meskwaki peoples. The FPDCC continues to collaborate with organizations serving Native American communities. The REDI committee was awarded the 2021 Social Justice award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials.
Advertising and promotional services for FPDCC was approved. Advertising would align with the 2022 communication goal of focused outreach to communities and populations impacted by a history of racial inequity and would highlight goals of the FPDCC’s “Next Century Conservation Plan”
A partnership was authorized for the FPDCC, U of I Champaign, and the Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield to support a three-year veterinary residency program focused on wildlife health management in urban areas. The resident would provide veterinary care for FPDCC Nature Centers’ managed animals, wildlife field studies/disease management programs. The resident would work with U of I’s Wildlife Epidemiology Lab for health/disease studies and practice zoological medicine at Brookfield Zoo in association with FPDCC’s research programs. This partnership will further investigation into zoonotic disease (disease transmitted to humans from animals) and wildlife health as part of conservation efforts in Cook County. This veterinary residency would be one of only two programs focused on wildlife health management and lead to board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine.
Payment was approved for the Friends of the Forest Preserves to administer paid employment programs that provide youth and young adults job skills training within the conservation field, with a focus on ecological restoration in the preserves. The Palos Conservation Corps and Forest Preserve Experience program also provide, besides pay, environmental education. The Forest Preserve Experience program has a partnership with the Cook County Housing Authority to hire and train a diverse group of young people hopefully to be the next generation of conservation leaders.
The Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Plan Progress Report FY2018-FY2021 was received and filed: This report covers the progress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. This plan is found HERE.

Observer: Michele Niccolai

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Proposed 2022 Cook County Forest Preserve Budget Presented to CCFPD Board

10/22/2021

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Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board Meeting
October 5, 2021

Special Meeting:

President Preckwinkle submitted the executive budget for the FPCC for 2022. The budget is $136M total, a 1.8% increase from last year. $23.4M for the Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden, which is the same level as 2021. This 2022 budget includes borrowing $17M from the Corporate Reserve Fund to make ends meet next year.
Preckwinkle talked about the importance of the 2022 ballot initiative which would put the Preserves on a sustainable path. This would only increase property taxes by 1/10th of 1%. She also spoke about the importance of the Preserves for the community during Covid. In 2020, visitors increased from 62M to 100M, and there was a 33% increase in visits to the FPCC website.
There will be a public hearing to discuss the budget on 10/21/21 at 6pm, and 10/28/21 at 9am. These meetings will be virtual.
The 2022 proposed budget was referred to the Committee on Finance. (Agenda Item 21-0471)

Board Actions:

The board approved an increase in the grant amount from the Audubon Great Lakes in the amount of $165,000. This increase is for finalizing the design and construction of a water control and fish passage system at Powderhorn Lake in Chicago. Costs have exceeded the original grant amount of $807,290, and Audubon wishes to contribute additional funding to complete the project. (Agenda Item 21-0451)
The board approved a partnership agreement with Openlands. Openlands has received a $400,000 grant from the Walder Foundation for the ecological restoration of Beaubien Woods. (Agenda Item 21-0453)
The board added a resolution on Planning for the Development of a Model Police Department. This item was referred to the Law Enforcement Committee. (Agenda Item 21-0474)

The proposed calendar of events was approved for October. Please check the Forest Preserve’s Website for events and activities www.fpdcc.com/events

Observer: Amber L Elmer Meeting Length: One hour, six minutes

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100th Anniversary of Chicago Zoological Society Recognized by Forest Preserve District Board

9/26/2021

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Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board Meeting
September 21, 2021

Board Actions:

Agenda Item 21-0406 The board passed a resolution in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Chicago Zoological Society, which is the non-profit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserve of Cook County
21-0405 The board passed a resolution honoring Dr. Stuart D Strahl on his retirement as President and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society after 18 years. Dr. Strahl participated in the meeting and spoke about the great honor it has been to serve the zoo and community.
21-0427 Resolution passed honoring the life and legacy of Albert Pritchett for his leadership and contributions to numerous Cook County governments.
21-0415 The Forest Preserves’ Palos Preserve region, known as Mt. Forest Island, was officially certified an Urban Night Sky Space. There was some discussion about the significance of this designation by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), as it is the largest designated Urban Night Sky Place in the world. The Adler planetarium collaborated with the Forest Preserve for over 200 hours to make this possible.
21-0430 Calendar of Events approved. Check the Forest Preserve’s website www.fpdcc.com/events for a list of events and activities.
21-0391 Ordinance Amendment was approved by the board to allow for remote participation and voting in meetings, as allowed under the Open Meetings Act. A quorum must still be physically present, and the member must give 24 hour notice to the Secretary of the Board for reasons such as personal illness, disability, or family emergency. The ordinance amendment was passed and is effective immediately.

Observer – Amber L Elmer Meeting Length: 2 hours

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Cook County Forest Preserve District Budget Includes No New Fees or a Tax Increase

11/21/2020

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Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) Board Meeting
November 17, 2020

Finance Meeting:

Agenda item 20-0389 Cook County Commissioners applauded Superintendent Arnold Randall for his fiscal 2021 budget which plans for no new fees or tax increases. The budget is described as a “caretaker budget” which will use reserves to fill in budget holes. Commissioner Suffredin talked about the value of the forest preserves to all of Cook County, particularly during this time of pandemic. He believes there needs to be a referendum next year in order for the forest preserves to expand land for preservation and more money for Brookfield Zoo and the Botanic Garden. He applauded the efforts of the Conservation Community Council, led by Wendy Paulson, for all the efforts by volunteers to support the forest preserves.

Board Meeting

A public speaker requested increased security measures at Midlothian Meadows where a young woman was recently murdered. Security measures could include increased patrols, emergency call boxes and cameras. Superintendent Randall discussed some of the difficulties, but stated that patrols have increased and there continues to be investigation to determine who committed the crime.
The Cook County Land Bank donated 5.84 acres of land/property by Cermac Woods which is on a flood plain, to the FPDCC. The District cleared the property of the house.
The FPDCC has entered into a revenue generating agreement with Trailbound Trips, Barrington, IL., to offer hikes in the forest preserves.

Observer - Laura Davis Meeting length: Approximately 1 hour

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Proposed 2021 Cook County Forest Preserve Budget Presented at Board Meeting

11/3/2020

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Cook County Forest Preserve District (FPDCC) Board Meeting
Regular Monthly Meeting Combined With FY2021 Budget Introduction
October 20, 2020 (Meetings were held virtually)

Board Actions:

The Elizabeth Conkey Woods in southwest Cook County (CC) was recognized as an Illinois Nature Preserve. This addition makes the 26th Illinois Nature Preserve for FPDCC. Also recognized was the registration of Bergman Slough in southwest CC as the 5th Land and Water Reserve for FPDCC.
Several partnership agreements were approved with conservation organizations. The organizations will fund various projects and FPDCC will provide coordination, overview and approval of activities. Friends of the Chicago River will improve habitat by removing brush to expand nesting habitat for native turtles at Sag Quarries East in Lemont IL. Save the Prairie Society (Westchester IL) wants to conduct restoration activities such as invasive plant control at Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve. Friends of Bluff Spring Fen (Elgin IL) wants to conduct restoration activities such as brush and invasive plant control in the preserve.
A contract was extended with Openlands, a conservation organization whose goal is to connect people with natural areas around the Chicago region, for ecological restoration at Deer Grove West Woodland and Wetland Nature Preserve in northwest CC. This project is part of the larger Des Plaines River Watershed restoration program and funded by O'Hare Modernization Program whose purpose is to offset the expansion of O'Hare's impact on aquatic resources. Interestingly, Deer Grove was the first property acquired by the FPDCC in 1916.
Several vendor contracts were amended for 2020 due to the vendors' loss of income due to Covid-19 restrictions. The amended contracts reduced the fees paid to FPDCC. Go Ape Bemis Woods, aerial adventure and zip line course, Glen Grove Equestrian Sports (Morton Grove) and the Oak Park Tennis Center opened late and/or had to reduce operations. Chicago River Canoe & Kayak (Evanston) had a big loss of revenue due to reduced operations and cancellation of boat rentals at two sites.
A position paper "Acquisition and Disposition of Land" by the FPDCC was approved and provides guidance on land acquisition/disposition and land use policies. The paper was developed by the Conservation and Policy Council of FPDCC. Goals are to continue to acquire more land, partnerships to protect and conserve land, and consider acquiring land that is more accessible to diverse and underserved communities.
A FPDCC Calendar for 10/20/2020 to 11/17/2020 was presented. EVENTS CALENDAR HERE

2021 Forest Preserve District Budget Recommendation Meeting

The FY2021 FPDCC Budget Recommendation was introduced at a special meeting of the FPDCC Board of Commissioners. The FY2021 starts on January 1st.
Due to the Covid-19 crisis, a 26% decrease in non-tax revenue from FY2020 is anticipated- revenue from permits, campgrounds, closing aquatic centers, less investment income, golf courses and other concessions. Departments have reduced non-personnel budgets by 10 to 13% from FY2020. There is a continued hiring freeze (exception is essential staff and law enforcement) for the foreseeable future.
The Corporate Budget request (which funds the day to day operations) is $62.2 million, a decrease of 1.9% from FY2020. FPDCC has reserve funds and $19 million from this reserve has been allocated to its total proposed budget of $134 million which is an increase of 7.6% and includes $23.3 million for Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic Garden.
This FY2021 FPDCC Budget will be presented virtually at the CC Board of Commissioners Finance Committee meeting, Thursday, Nov 5 at 10am. The Budget Recommendation can be found HERE

Other items of interest:

A resolution commended three officers from forest preserves CC dept of law enforcement for support and assistance in concert with other rescue personnel involved with water rescue of a girl and two men from Salt Creek in Brezina Woods this past July.
A resolution honoring Openlands for placement of interpretative trail elements. Deer Grove East interpretive trail elements: welcome sign, stone seats, topographic map, sundial, birds, signage for different habitats. Kildeer wetlands: Bartel grassland/Bobolink meadow is flat country and a raised bridge helps to see this important grassland bird area, especially Bobolinks.. Other new interpretative trail elements are welcome sign and topographic map.
A resolution honoring the retirement of John Sterenberg, an essential licensed land surveyor for the district with the important job that has led to reclaiming forest preserve property that has been encroached upon by private residents or business owners.
FPDCC received the 2020 Public Service Award from the Illinois Archeological Survey for outstanding efforts to promote, protect and preserve cultural resources in the district lands. The FPDCC has approximately 620 cultural/archeological sites in its lands and includes archeology in its educational programs.

Observed by Michele Niccolai Combined Meetings length: 2 hours

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Cook County FPD Board Approves Contract for Tasers and Body Cameras for Officers

12/31/2019

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Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting - December 17, 2019

Board Reports and Actions:

Report from Dept of Permits, Rentals and Concessions was given on the 2019 Customer Service Survey. People who held special events/picnics in groves were surveyed on a weekly basis during the summer and these results were reviewed weekly to assess and improve areas of operation. Customer satisfaction increased in 2019 over the last year. The permit, landscaping/maintenance, and law enforcement staff received the highest ratings. After starting this survey in 2018, ratings for overall experience are still high.
The board approved a contract for taser weapons and body worn cameras for the Forest Preserves Law Enforcement Dept. This was passed to aid in the safekeeping of thousands of visitors to nearly 70,000 acres of Forest Preserves property of trails, picnic groves, nature centers and campgrounds. In the rare situation, tasers will allow officers to de-escalate active resister and assailant subjects to avoid the use of deadly force with body cameras documenting encounters with citizens. Addition of tasers will be for the safety of citizens and for law enforcement officers.
Authority was given by the board for the Forest Preserves to submit a portion of Elizabeth Conkey Woods located in the villages of Crestwood and Palos Heights to the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission for review as the first step for its formal dedication as an Illinois Nature Preserve. This designation preserves/protects Illinois' natural areas and endangered species habitats from rapid changes in land use/expanding urban development. The Forest Preserve of Cook County currently has 25 dedicated Nature Preserves and 4 Land & Water Preserves.
The board approved the Forest Preserves Cook County Calendar of Events for the winter season: December 17, 2019 to January 21, 2020. Events include bonfires, snowshoe and outside activities.
The board approved Brookfield Zoo increasing admission fees.

Retirements Noted

Thomas Nissly retired from Chicago Botanic Garden after 24 years, having served as Executive Vice President, CFO, Treasurer. He joined in 1995 with a background in accounting/financial matters including issues of non-profit institutions. The Chicago Botanic Garden had its origins in 1890 as the Chicago Horticultural Society.
Cynthia Moreno retired from the position of Director of the Conservation and Experiential Programming Dept after seven years of service. This department is responsible for all public educational and outdoor recreational programming and community outreach/engagement.

Two Illinois Association of Park Districts Awards given:

Intergovernmental Award given to the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Housing Authority of Cook County for their partnership/working together on the Conservation Corp's Forest Preserve Experience Program. The Conservation Corp provides paid summer hands-on employment restoring natural areas for high school youth and adults from diverse communities/populations.
Award for Best in Green Practices for Forest Preserves of Cook County for its Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Plan. This plan includes environmentally friendly policies/strategies for climate change impacts to its lands and ecosystems.

Observer - Michele Niccolai

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Veterinary Residency Partnership Outlined at Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting

Proposed 2022 Cook County Forest Preserve Budget Presented to CCFPD Board

100th Anniversary of Chicago Zoological Society Recognized by Forest Preserve District Board

Cook County Forest Preserve District Budget Includes No New Fees or a Tax Increase

Proposed 2021 Cook County Forest Preserve Budget Presented at Board Meeting

Cook County FPD Board Approves Contract for Tasers and Body Cameras for Officers

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