Cook County Forest Preserves Earns Two Awards

Cook County Forest Preserver District Board of Commissioners Meeting 
June 9, 2026

Public Speakers:
There were two public speakers from a Remote Control Club who spoke about the club and some recent issues where members of the club were issued warning tickets. Club members take small remote cars, about 10 pounds in weight that move about 8 miles an hour, over obstacles in the Forest Preserves. The club has been in existence since 2019 and “crawl” their cars in the Forest Preserves with no problem before this. They asked for guidance of where and what is allowed in order to pursue their hobby. 
Board Action:

• Conservation and Policy Council Annual Progress Report:  1/1/2025 -12/31/2025  Daisy Flight from the Conservation and Policy Council spoke about the annual progress report on the implementation of the Next Century Conservation Plan (NCCP).  The report describes updates on progress as related to restoration, land acquisition, and engaging people.  She also shared information on the successful May 30 event at the Little Red Schoolhouse where 350 people attended. The Forest Preserve collaborated with Adaptive Adventures in order for people with disabilities to engage in the Forest.  Over the summer, the Forest Preserves is offering many accessible programs and outdoor recreation activities for people with disabilities. Agenda Item #26-0267 -  Approved
  
• General Superintendent Bianchi reported that the Forest Preserves won a couple of awards.  The National Association of County Park and Recreation officials awarded the Forest Preserves with the Chicago Botanic Gardens a conservation award for the seed amplification program and honors were given to Sue Gorr and Anne Stake (long-term stewards at Deer Grove East in Palatine) for their service.  Also, the National Recreation in Park Associations gave the CC Forest Preserve the Innovation Environmental Resilience award for the seed amplification program.  These efforts help to increase restoration efforts from the 18,000 acres to the 30,000 acre goal. 
  
• Superintendent Bianchi shared that a Resource Management career immersion internship program will be re-introduced as part of the Conservation Corps. This internship is in partnership with private industries and offers real world experiences with the hope of turning participants into employees of the Forest Preserves or the ability to move on to other conservation groups. 
  
• Proposed Partnership agreement amendment: This amendment allows a shared veterinary technician position with the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS), which operates Brookfield Zoo Chicago, to support wildlife in the field.  The technician position will be recruited and hired by CZS to assist Forest Preserves wildlife biologists and provide field veterinary support, lab diagnostics, and research coordination associated with the ongoing veterinary residency and PhD programs. In the past this position was managed in the Forest Preserves through grants. The position will be staffed by CZS at a cost to the Forest Preserves of $45,000 annually or not to exceed $135,000 over the remaining term of the agreement.  Agenda Item #26-0287 Approved

Observer:  Laura Davis