The Cook County Forest Preserves in Illinois is readying for an upcoming period of expansion and revitalization, ushering in what is being termed a "new era". This comes on the heels of a property tax hike in 2021, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
Following years of financially challenging times, pertinent questions had been raised about the viability of the Forest Preserves to upkeep their numerous green spaces, trails, and water bodies. In response to the tax unanimous increment, Toni Preckwinkle, the Cook County Board President, has proposed an ambitious $188.7 million budget for 2024 – a significant 34% increase when compared to this year's pre-referendum funding.
In the wake of this funding expansion, the Forest Preserves embarks on a new trajectory. The referendum-backed initiative is set to boost the hiring of additional manpower, significantly upgrade equipment, and facilitate the essential rejuvenation of various ecological sites in 2024. A prominent part of the Forest Preserves' immediate action plan is an emboldened emphasis on community outreach, restoration, and routine maintenance, kicking off with a project aimed at restoring 400 acres of woodlands and floodplain habitats in the Tinley and Thorn Creek watersheds.
Ensuring equitable access for all residents is a crucial component of this revitalizing budget. With heightened focus on inclusivity and fairness in the Preserves, the proposed hiring of a full-time racial equity coordinator is being explored, as is the potential for collaborations with the Indigenous American community according to WBEZ. Furthermore, the new 2024 budget has provisions for ramping up sustainability measures, including undertaking plant propagation, seeding production, and indigenous seed collection.
The budget proposal doesn't overlook the need for an increased workforce. It aims to amplify the staff count to 721 from 633 in the last two years, as captured in budget documents referred by the Chicago Tribune. The roster of new roles includes a restoration hydrologist, an ecology field supervisor, a heavy equipment technician, and an employee recruitment manager. On top of this, the wages for the county's Conservation Corps participants are set for a raise.
The access to the extra revenue from the referendum becomes vital particularly when it comes to carrying these ambitious plans. It lends crucial support to the Forest Preserves in maintaining almost 70,000 acres of natural woodland, varied trails for biking and hiking, fishing and camping locations, along with renowned destinations like the Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic Garden. The referendum has created opportunities for the Preserves to kickstart overhauls on both paved and unpaved trails, enlarge day camp services, and start repairs on over 30 picnic shelters as well as restrooms.
On October 26, a public hearing will delve into the proposed 2024 budget, with the final vote scheduled for November 16, 2023.
