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Forest Pres. Budget
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Unsung Heroine

On November 19, 2014 the Cook County Forest Preserve District Board unanimously passed a $187.7 million budget. This budget only received positive comments through three public hearings with the strongest support coming from various citizens who use the Forests for recreation, restoration and educational activities. In this Centennial year of the Forest Preserve District this Budget provides: 1. support and encouragement for our volunteers; 2. resources for our staff; 3. restoration opportunities for our land; 4. strategies to acquire additional land; 5.improvements in recreational opportunities; and 6.expansion of intern opportunities. This Budget also supports the new activities of the Conservation Council appointed and approved at the November 18, 2014 Board meeting. Lead by Chair Wendy Paulson and including the following members: Robert Casteneda, Michael DeSantiago, Peter Ellis, Terry Guen, Sylvia Jenkins, Falona Joy, Linda Mastandrea, Laurel Ross and Mark Templeton. This Council will help us plan for the next 100 years. The Budget also continues our support of the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Brookfield Zoo. These two jewels anchor our outreach and educational programming. As this year goes on, there is a need to develop plans to help the Garden and the Zoo expand their positive programming. Dwight Perkins and the Citizens’ Advisory Group he formed over 100 years ago would be proud that this Budget is true to their vision of a Forest Preserve District.