Cook County Forest Preserve District Sponsors Agreement to Study Ice Age Cook County

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board Meeting
March 14, 2023

The Board approved:

• An intergovernmental agreement with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign through the Illinois State Archaeological Survey to conduct a study called “First People in a New Landscape: An Interdisciplinary Investigation of Ice Age Cook County.” The Board listened to a presentation by the First People’s Project about how nearly half of all Cook County’s 12,000 year history is preserved in Cook County land. This study will include archaeological field surveys, public outreach and education. (23-0223)
• The Board approved an ordinance acquiring new land near Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve. The Save the Prairie Society donated a five acre parcel that is adjacent to existing Forest Preserve land. (23-0224)

The Board referred: 

• The Board referred to committee a resolution creating a Decennial Committee per the Local Government Efficiency Act that was recently passed. This Act requires the CCFPD to form a committee by June 2023 comprised of all members of the public body and two members of the public, to study the governing statues, ordinances, rules, etc., and include recommendations to increase accountability and efficiency. (23-0230)

Other items of interest:

• The Board received its yearly report on the Resident Watchman program. The Resident Watchman Program began in 1918, and allows qualified individuals to live in Forest Preserve properties to help with security, fire prevention, snow maintenance, and downed power lines.  They also assist citizens when necessary, mow grass, and report on hunting/dumping/vandalism. This program saves the district money from having to pay contract workers to perform these duties. (23-0219)

Observer: Amber L Elmer