reports

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County:
Study and Recommendations

In 2002, Friends of the Forest Preserves, in partnership with Friends of the Parks, Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the National Audubon Society, teamed up to release a joint study of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The purpose of the study was to review the District’s operations, structure and budget along with its key programs of land acquisition, management, recreation and education, and to assess how the District can operate and also carry out its mission. Many of the specfic recommendations in the study have been implemented and continue to guide District decision making today.

Phase I: March 2002

Friends of the Forest Preserves and Friends of the Parks released the first part of a comprehensive review of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County in March 2002. "We undertook this study," announced John Sheerin of Friends of the Forest Preserves, "because, like thousands of people throughout this county, we use and love the forest preserves, and we are deeply concerned about their future."

"Phase I of the study found that the Forest Preserve District of Cook County has lost sight of its mission, to acquire and manage natural areas for current and future generations of users," stated Erma Tranter, President of Friends of the Parks. "Rather than moving quickly to acquire additional land before it is permanently lost, the District secretly transferred the funds to cover operating costs. The Board of Commissioners allowed politics, not science, to determine land management policy and placed a moratorium on essential land management practices. As a result, the quality of the natural lands deteriorated significantly in the last decade."

Click here to download Phase I of the Forest Preserve Study
pdf format (1585KB)

Phase II: October 2002

Phase II of the joint study by Friends of the Forest Preserves and Friends of the Parks examined the board, staff, and budget of the Forest Preserve District.

We found that the District is deeply in debt, many employees are demoralized, and that the Board has not asked for accountability. "There is a glaring leadership gap," said John Sheerin of Friends of the Forest Preserves.

The report highlights in depth interviews with Forest Preserve Board members and staff leadership. A wide variety of "confidential" annonymous comments are also listed and evaluated.

Recommendations for improvements include greater transparency in budgeting, more access for public input, and giving increased authority to the General Superintendent to solve problems.

Click here to download Phase II of the Forest Preserve Study
pdf format (488KB)
MS Word format (577KB)

National Public Lands Day Report 2005

Friends of the Forest Preserves, Friends of the Parks, and the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club joined with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s Volunteer Resource Department to host 14 sites throughout the Distrcit on Saturday, September 24, and Sunday, September 25, 2005, in recognition of National Public Lands Day. This event also marked the continuation of the District’s effective partnering with local advocacy and volunteer groups.

Over 118 bags of litter were picked up, over 10,000 prairie seeds were collected for restoration purposes, an estimated 5,350 invasive shrubs and tree stems were removed, and miles of trails were improved and created. Over 300 volunteers contributed 1,279 hours, valued at $22,446 to the District.

Click here to download the National Public Lands Day Report
pdf format (1MB)

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