Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners
March 15, 2022, 10:00am

The meeting was called to order and quorum was established.

Public Comment:

• Much of the meeting was devoted to public responses to the housing of the coyote “Rocky” at the River Trails Nature Center. 
• There were 53 written testimonies submitted, and 22 individuals spoke. 
• The speakers were nearly equally divided between those that wanted the coyote to remain at River Trails and those that wanted the animal transferred to a rehabilitation center and wildlife sanctuary. 
• Those in favor of the coyote remaining cited the animal’s status as an Outdoor Ambassador for the Forest Preserves and the care and professionalism of the staff at the nature center. 
• Those in favor of moving the animal to a sanctuary cited the stress-related behaviors the animal is exhibiting in its cage. 
• The move to a center will not cost the County anything.

Observer - Trudy Turner

Forest Preserves District Cook County (FPDCC) Board Meetings 
January 11 and February 8, 2022
River Trail Nature Center Facebook posts January 14 and 27

The Coyote's Story

•  A four year old coyote is housed at River Trail Nature Center (RTNC), Northbrook IL.  In 2018, this coyote was discovered under a house porch in Tennessee.  It was taken to a local animal shelter thinking it was a puppy and stayed there for several weeks, interacting/socializing with humans in preparation to be adopted.  When the shelter realized the animal was a coyote, it was transferred to a TN wildlife rehabilitation facility.  This wildlife facility tried to undo the imprinting as its identity was attached to humans.  Imprinting happens shortly after birth/hatching where the animal fixes its attention on the first object/animal it senses and then follows it, usually in the wild, a parent.  If a very young wild animal is removed from its surroundings, it imprints on humans.  It became apparent that this coyote was too friendly with, attached to, had no fear of and was dependent on humans.  The coyote at RTNC was imprinted and socialized with humans and is unable to survive in the wild.  At this point the RTNC, an animal sanctuary, is the coyote’s family (pack). 
• change.org petition:  this petition was started several months ago by a Northbrook IL resident.  In the petition, the coyote is named “Rocky” whereas animal facilities don’t give wild animals names because they are not pets.  People are asked to sign on to remove “Rocky” from FPDCC’s RTNC and transfer him to the Colorado Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg.  The petition states that at River Trail, the cage enclosure is too small for the large territory a coyote needs to roam in, coyotes need socialization in packs, the animal exhibits stress behavior and it cannot escape human noise.
• In the Jan 11 and Feb 8 FPDCC Board Meeting,  RTNC Facebook postings of Jan 14 and Jan 26, staff addressed  concerns regarding the living conditions of the coyote.  FPDCC acknowledges that this is not an ideal situation for the coyote and realizes all input shows concern for the animal.  The outside cage enclosure meets the IL IDNR and USDA standards and provides shelter from wind and rain.  It contains climbing structures, a platform and a hammock for exploration.  There are three den structures including a hollow log and a kennel where the opening is hidden from public view. The dens are small spaces for the coyote to curl up in and straw and blankets are provided.  The animal has a good coat of fur and is healthy enough to remain outside in the winter.  The enclosure is cleaned daily and at times undergoes deep cleaning.  There are several feedings a day, fresh water and daily enrichment training that includes mental tasks or challenges requiring use of different senses.  The animal’s behaviors are watched and veterinary care provided.  The coyote is not solitary and socializes with humans.  FPDCC staff includes a senior wildlife biologist, a former licensed animal rehabber and staff with zoo experience.
• This coyote is an Ambassador animal, used for educational purposes.  These popular programs are important especially for urban children who do not get the chance to see wild animals native to Cook County. People learn about the lives of animals and learn the importance of protecting wild habitats.  Young children remember these encounters.  The RTNC follows guidelines that apply to the coyote’s care, information taken from the Assoc. of Zoos and Aquariums Ambassador Animal Guidelines.
• FPDCC believes moving the RTNC coyote to the Colorado sanctuary would be very stressful and the move could endanger this male as it does not know how to communicate with or integrate with any coyote pack.  The coyote could face pack rejection from the two established resident packs already in the Colorado sanctuary.   FPDCC believes that since the coyote lives in a stable environment, it would be harmful to remove him. The FPDCC along with Commissioner Scott Britton will review goals/operations of the Nature Centers’ Ambassador animal programs and an update on the process and progress will come in March 2022 as there are no simple and quick answers to this public difference of opinions. 

Observer: Michele Niccolai

Forest Preserve District Cook County (FPDCC) Board Meeting
February 8, 2022

Board Action:

• The 2021 Annual Report from the “Racial Equity Diversity Inclusion Committee” (REDI) was received and filed.  The FPDCC is committed to advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion, striving to make everyone feel welcome in the Forest Preserves.  This committee was formed November 2018 and consists of employees from across the Forest Preserves and continued in the past year to advance community engagement projects.  In 2019 a Land Acknowledgment was created highlighting the relationship Native Americans in Cook County have with the forest preserves.  FPDCC acknowledges the lands of the Council of Three Fires (Ojibwa, Ottawa, Potawatomi), the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sauk and Meskwaki peoples.  The FPDCC continues to collaborate with organizations serving Native American communities.  The REDI committee was awarded the 2021 Social Justice award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials. 
• Advertising and promotional services for FPDCC was approved.  Advertising would align with the 2022 communication goal of focused outreach to communities and populations impacted by a history of racial inequity and would highlight goals of the FPDCC’s “Next Century Conservation Plan”
• A partnership was authorized for the FPDCC, U of I Champaign, and the Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield to support a three-year veterinary residency program focused on wildlife health management in urban areas.  The resident would provide veterinary care for FPDCC Nature Centers’ managed animals, wildlife field studies/disease management programs.  The resident would work with U of I’s Wildlife Epidemiology Lab for health/disease studies and practice zoological medicine at Brookfield Zoo in association with FPDCC’s research programs.  This partnership will further investigation into zoonotic disease (disease transmitted to humans from animals) and wildlife health as part of conservation efforts in Cook County.  This veterinary residency would be one of only two programs focused on wildlife health management and lead to board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine.
• Payment was approved for the Friends of the Forest Preserves to administer paid employment programs that provide youth and young adults  job skills training within the conservation field, with a focus on ecological restoration in the preserves.  The Palos Conservation Corps and Forest Preserve Experience program also provide, besides pay, environmental education.  The Forest Preserve Experience program has a partnership with the Cook County Housing Authority to hire and train a diverse group of young people hopefully to be the next generation of conservation leaders.
• The Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Plan Progress Report FY2018-FY2021 was received and filed: This report covers the progress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. This plan is found HERE.

Observer:  Michele Niccolai

Forest Preserve District Of Cook County Board Meeting​
November 2, 2021 - 10:00 A.M.

Arnold Randall, who has been Superintendent of the Forest Preserve of Cook County since 2010, was presented the Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medal for excellence in park administration by the American Academy of Parks & Recreation administration. Randall manages one of the largest park systems in the nation. The commissioners lauded his work, citing the many improvements to the district that have been made during his tenure. 

Board Action of Note:

• Board authorized a plan to enter a Memo of Understand (MOU) with a Commonwealth Edison provider. This program offers a $300,000 incentive to install a Very High Efficiency HVAC system at the General Headquarters Building. This incentive would cover a part of the construction costs. (Agenda Item 21-0479)
• 2022 update to the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan was referred to the Capital Development Committee. Comments on the draft report can be submitted on the Forest Preserve website through the end of the year. (Agenda Item 21-0485)
• Commissioner Suffredin presented an annual survey of FPD activities that was done by his staff. There were 619 permit requests; 56% were first time visitors. He stated the results were as positive as they have ever been. A list of recommendations for improvement (all minor & administrative) were included. (Agenda Item 21-0512)
• Committee items from finance, real estate and law enforcement requiring board action were approved unanimously. 

Observer: Georgia Gebhardt

Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board Meeting
October 5, 2021

​Special Meeting:

• President Preckwinkle submitted the executive budget for the FPCC for 2022. The budget is $136M total, a 1.8% increase from last year. $23.4M for the Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden, which is the same level as 2021. This 2022 budget includes borrowing $17M from the Corporate Reserve Fund to make ends meet next year. 
• Preckwinkle talked about the importance of the 2022 ballot initiative which would put the Preserves on a sustainable path. This would only increase property taxes by 1/10th of 1%. She also spoke about the importance of the Preserves for the community during Covid. In 2020, visitors increased from 62M to 100M, and there was a 33% increase in visits to the FPCC website. 
• There will be a public hearing to discuss the budget on 10/21/21 at 6pm, and 10/28/21 at 9am. These meetings will be virtual. 
• The 2022 proposed budget was referred to the Committee on Finance. (Agenda Item 21-0471)

Board Actions:

• The board approved an increase in the grant amount from the Audubon Great Lakes in the amount of $165,000. This increase is for finalizing the design and construction of a water control and fish passage system at Powderhorn Lake in Chicago. Costs have exceeded the original grant amount of $807,290, and Audubon wishes to contribute additional funding to complete the project. (Agenda Item 21-0451) 
• The board approved a partnership agreement with Openlands. Openlands has received a $400,000 grant from the Walder Foundation for the ecological restoration of Beaubien Woods. (Agenda Item 21-0453)
• The board added a resolution on Planning for the Development of a Model Police Department. This item was referred to the Law Enforcement Committee. (Agenda Item 21-0474)

The proposed calendar of events was approved for October. Please check the Forest Preserve’s Website for events and activities www.fpdcc.com/events 

Observer: Amber L Elmer                                      Meeting Length: One hour, six minutes

Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board Meeting
September 21, 2021

Board Actions:

• Agenda Item 21-0406  The board passed a resolution in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Chicago Zoological Society, which is the non-profit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserve of Cook County
• 21-0405  The board passed a resolution honoring Dr. Stuart D Strahl on his retirement as President and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society after 18 years. Dr. Strahl participated in the meeting and spoke about the great honor it has been to serve the zoo and community. 
• 21-0427  Resolution passed honoring the life and legacy of Albert Pritchett for his leadership and contributions to numerous Cook County governments. 
• 21-0415  The Forest Preserves’ Palos Preserve region, known as Mt. Forest Island, was officially certified an Urban Night Sky Space. There was some discussion about the significance of this designation by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), as it is the largest designated Urban Night Sky Place in the world. The Adler planetarium collaborated with the Forest Preserve for over 200 hours to make this possible. 
• 21-0430  Calendar of Events approved. Check the Forest Preserve’s website www.fpdcc.com/events for a list of events and activities.
• 21-0391  Ordinance Amendment was approved by the board to allow for remote participation and voting in meetings, as allowed under the Open Meetings Act. A quorum must still be physically present, and the member must give 24 hour notice to the Secretary of the Board for reasons such as personal illness, disability, or family emergency. The ordinance amendment was passed and is effective immediately. 

Observer – Amber L Elmer                               Meeting Length: 2 hours