Coyote Will Remain at River Trail Nature Center

Forest Preserve District (FPD) of Cook County Board Meeting
July 26, 2022

A long awaited report was shared today with the Cook County Forest Preserve Commissioners.  The coyote living at the River Trail Nature Center has been determined to be well cared for and healthy.  Recommendations suggested such as increasing the size of the enclosure,  creating a more natural environment and increasing enrichment opportunities will be pursued.  Many public speakers, including during this meeting, suggested moving the coyote to a Wildlife Sanctuary in Colorado.  The Wildlife Sanctuary responded to the Cook County Forest Preserve that they turn down as many animals every year as they take in. Furthermore, it would be very stressful to move this animal to the sanctuary.  The coyote will stay and live in an enhanced enclosure and continue to broaden the learning opportunities for the over 10,000 preserve visitors, field trip attendees and school children. The enclosure will have improved interpretation and messaging and a camera is planned to be installed.

Another topic of interest discussed was the amount of capital improvement ongoing in the Preserves.  The list included:
*    improvements to boat docks
*    repair of Nature Centers
*    meeting ADA access needs 
*    parking lot removals and restoration
*    repair of bike trails
*    culvert removal and repair
*    water filtration related to picnic areas
*    replacement of FP Police vehicles 
*    paving 

The Forest Preserves discussed expansion of the Conservation Corps which has worked to restore and conserve 400 acres so far.   Money from the federal infrastructure bill will allow the FPD to put in electric car charging stations. 

The Cook County Forest Preserves was awarded the “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award” for the 14th year in a row.  “The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and represents a significant accomplishment by a local government. The award is given by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) upon its review of the Forest Preserves’ Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for FY 2020.” 

Observer - Laura Davis                                          Meeting Length: 2 hours virtually on Facebook