Updates on How Referendum Money has Transformed the Forest Preserves Presented to the Board

Cook County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners Meeting 
September  15, 2026 at the Botanic Gardens 

Public Speakers:

• Two speakers addressed the pay disparity for restoration workers in the Cook County Forest Preserves and the long time to move up the pay scale. They shared how they have special skills that should be compensated fairly and the possible risks when trained and experienced restoration workers are not doing the restoration work.
• One speaker stated that there are real issues with safety for walkers or bikers on the Botanic Gardens east path due to Garden vehicles inappropriately using the paths rather than the vehicle paths.

Board Action:
#26-0394   Results from the Referendum - receive and file
An update from Superintendent Adam Bianchi addressed how the annual $40 million dollars to the Cook County Forest Preserves from the 2022 referendum has transformed the Forest Preserves.  Some of the key investments made between 2023 and 2025 are as follows:
* $11 million has gone toward ecological restoration, including a seed amplification program  in partnership with the Botanic Gardens.
* $4 million has been spent on repairs to picnic sites and bathrooms.
* Ecological restoration has reached 18,000 acres.
* Trail improvements received about $4 million dollars.
* Aging vehicles have been replaced and the garbage collection process has been modernized.
* The district’s pension fund is now on track to become fully solvent.
* Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden have received increased annual contributions. $4.7million for the zoo and $2.8 million for the Gardens. They has allowed the zoo to replace aging infrastructure and for the Gardens to repair paths, bridges, pumps, irrigation and drainage.

#26-0281 Approved:   Intergovernmental agreement with CC Forest Preserves and the Village of Lyons to build a new Memorial on one quarter acre of land at Cermak Woods for Peace Officers. The Village of Lyons will maintain the memorial.  Commissioners commented that this had been a long term idea and were pleased that it will finally happen. 

#26-0334  Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement with CC Forest Preserve and Grand Prairie Water Commission   This would allow use of Forest Preserve property for a new water transmission pipeline for Lake Michigan water to be transported to Joliet, Channahon, Crest Hill, Minooka, Romeoville and Shorewood.
Sent to the Real Estate Committee for the October meeting.

Observer:  Laura Davis  and Barbara Palmer