Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC)
Board of Commissioners Meeting 
March 11, 2025

The Board approved purchase of 2 parcels of land (around 74 acres) near the Paul Douglas Preserve in South Barrington for $3,5000,000.00 plus closing costs. The land acquisition advances the goals of the FPDCC Next Century Conservation Plan.

The Board authorized a partnership agreement with Audubon Great Lakes, Chicago Illinois to receive a $238,494.24 grant through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chi-Cal River Program to support a second phase of restoration, outreach and engagement at Powderhorn Prairie and Marsh Nature Preserve and Powderhorn North Forest Preserve in southeast Cook County. 

The Board approved an intergovernmental agreement to expand Conservation Corps programming with a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the   amount of  $344,345.00 to run through 6/30/2027 which will support the recruitment, hiring, and employment of at least forty-five (45) additional participants of the Forest Preserves’ Forest Preserve Experience, Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps, and Audubon Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Internship programs.

The Board approved a request to partner with the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (“CAMBr”), Bartlett, Illinois that authorizes the Forest Preserves to continue a twenty plus (20+) year partnership with CAMBr to clear, manage and maintain multi-use natural surface single track trails in the Palos and Paul Douglas preserves, and other approved areas to be used generally by cyclists.

During public comments Henrietta Saunders, a member of the Conservation and Policy Council, voiced her support for The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ grant award to support the Conservation Corps, the proposed acquisition of an additional 74 acres near the Paul Douglas Preserve in South Barrington and FP sponsorship of the biennial Wild Things Conference held March 1.

Observer: Valerie Krejcie

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners Meeting
November 19, 2024

This was a special day for the CCFP Commissioners Meeting. With the approval of the purchase of real estate located at Glenwood Dryer and Ridge Road, in unincorporated Cook County the CCFP officially passed 70,000 acres of land under CCFP management. This has been a goal for over a decade. Upon passing the proposed purchase the entire room broke out in applause. 

Additionally, the Commissioners passed 3 proposed ordinance amendments focused on land use. In keeping with the CCFP’s mission 80% of all CCFP land must be kept in its natural state where only 20% of land can be developed which includes any construction such as walking paths, buildings, etc. Currently 83% of the land is in its natural state. This ordinance has been a collaborative work with many advocacy groups with the commissioners and their staff over the past 4 years. Read into the official minutes was the fact that the League of Women Voters of Cook County (LWVCC) submitted a letter on behalf of this ordinance (see below). Both commissioners and several representatives of the advocacy groups sought out the LWVCC observer to thank us for our participation.

Other Board Action:

• Announced: There will be additional work in the Beaubien Woods FP to improve the Underground Railroad paths and information in addition to improvements to the boat launch.
• Announced: There is a noticeable improvement in the Forest Preserves since the passage of no single use plastics. 
• CCFP 2025 Budget was passed. According to President Preckwinkle the financial strength of the CCFP is strong. The pension fund is fully funded, there are more acres under restoration than ever before, there is an acceleration of improving infrastructure and a greater access to nature with a specific focus on equity and inclusion. 
• Reappointments to the Conservation and Policy Council: Alan Bell and Jaqueline Samuel.

Letter from LWVCC to FPD Commissioners in support of Land Use Policy
November 17, 2024
​To the President and Board of Directors of the Forest Preserves District of Cook County
            Re:  Land Use, Items 24-0311, 24-0313, and 24-0314
Dear President Preckwinkle and Commissioners:
The League of Women Voters of Cook County supports the updated Land Use Policy put forth by the Conservation and Policy Council as detailed in the 3 items on the agenda for the November 19, 2024 meeting of the Real Estate Committee (24-0311, 24-0313, and 24-0314). We urge the Committee members and then the Board to approve these items.  The updated policy will strengthen the Cook County Forest Preserves in its mission of protecting and restoring land in accordance with the Next Century Conservation Plan.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Schilsky, President and
Laura Davis, Forest Preserves Interest Group team leader
cc:  Eileen Figel, Interim General Superintendent

Observer -: Deborah Halpern

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners Meeting
Sand Ridge Nature Center
June 11, 2024

NOTE:  The Commissioners met in the Center’s classroom.  All others – staff and visitors – were directed to the exhibit room across the hall, where a TV Monitor was set up for viewing of the meeting.  However, the number of individuals gathered in that room far exceeded the number of available chairs and benches.  Therefore, those who did not arrive by 9:00 am had to stand for the duration of the meeting.  Many of these staff members (perhaps 2-3 per 17 commissioners) knew each other and talked during the entire meeting. This made it difficult for those who were seated to hear much of what transpired.  There was also an audio issue.  Though there were enough microphones in the classroom, not everyone spoke directly into their mics, so it was impossible to hear all that was said. 

Each of the two committee meetings one at 9:00 (Finance) and one at 9:30 (Land Acquisition) ended within ten minutes, the Commissioners having voted quickly  -- with no discussion --  on several items.
President Preckwinkle called the Board of Commissioners meeting to order promptly at 10:00 am.
Cridell Wells,  Director of Sand Ridge Center, welcomed the group to Sand Ridge and spoke about the many programs that have taken place there in the last year.

Public Speakers:

• A representative from the University of Illinois Extension Service, praised the work of the Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists who have contributed so much to Sand Ridge, particularly in the restoration efforts.
• Dr. Larry McClellan informed the group of the Little Calumet Underground Railroad Project.
• Ryan Nagel of the Policy Council Conservation extolled the work of its youth programs.
• Nancy Joseph, a Sand Ridge Steward who volunteers weekly, stated what a privilege it is to work with the volunteers at Sand Ridge.
•  Four speakers who appeared via video could not be heard or understood very well.

Following the public comments, the Commissioners approved several land acquisition agreements and financial items. 

​Eileen Figel, Interim General Superintendent, presented proposed resolutions for the approval of memorandums of agreement extending the term of collective bargaining agreements between the Forest Preserves and the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130,  the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades District Council #14,  the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134, and the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, Local #73. She also spoke about upcoming programs, particularly in honor of Juneteenth.
The meeting was adjourned and the Commissioners were invited for lunch at the Center’s Campground.

Erin Roeper, Observer

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners Meeting
May 14, 2024

CCFP scientists presented information on the upcoming “Cicadas Celebration”. Cook County will not see the “double emergence” of the two varieties. The area will only experience the one 17 year Cicada and the first adults were seen yesterday, May 13. They will last through the beginning of July. The CCFP Sound Map Project will be recording the cicada songs.

Diversity Committee Report:
The CCFP exceeded their 2023 set goals. In 2023: 

• 42% of all contracts were awarded to minority and/or women owned businesses
• 52% of contract payments for primary or subcontractors went to minority or women owned businesses
• 15 outreach events took place in 2023 to publicize contract opportunities

The Cook County Forest Preserve District approved the purchase of two properties in the southeast area of Cook County near Sweet Woods close to Homewood and South Holland.

• Property 1; 46.44 acres for $1,520,000
• Property 2; 42.09 acres for $1,680,00
• Totals: 88.53 acres for $3,200,000
• Purchase will increase the CCFP to a total of 69,893 acres
• The properties were agricultural and unincorporated
• The acquisition advances the goals of the Southeast Cook County Land Acquisition Plan, Next Century Conservation Plan, and Acquisition and Disposition of Land Position Paper. 

Public Speakers:

• Cheryl Thomas, Chair of the Brookfield Zoo Board and others spoke of the $10M restoration of the Bottlenose Dolphin 7 Seasons pool. During the 15 months of restoration the dolphins were transported to Minnesota where they continued to be cared for by Brookfield Zoo staff. The dolphins have now returned safely to their new home at the Zoo.

​Observer: Deborah Halpern