Politics
Nature is on the Ballot This Fall as Collar County Forest Preserve Districts Ask for Funds to Buy, Restore More Land
Glacial Park is a jewel of the McHenry County Conservation District. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region / Flickr Creative Commons)
The race for president is receiving most of the attention this election cycle, but advocates for natural resources are hoping voters will take note of issues further down the ballot, specifically referenda in several of Chicago’s collar counties that, if approved, will provide additional funding for the region’s forest preserves.
Forest preserve districts in DuPage, Kane and Lake counties, along with the McHenry County Conservation District, are all asking either for tax increases or the ability to issue bonds to pay for land acquisition, habitat restoration and ongoing maintenance.
Though each proposition is unique, the reasoning behind them all is similar.
Loads of people “discovered” the forest preserves during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that increased usage hasn’t slowed as people continue to look for ways to disconnect from technology, said Brook McDonald, president and CEO of the Conservation Foundation, which is supporting the campaigns in DuPage and Kane counties.
While more visitors is a net positive for the preserves, it’s added wear and tear on the land and facilities, requiring more maintenance of existing trails and highlighting a need for more trails and recreational opportunities overall.
“It’s a great problem to have,” McDonald said, but a problem nonetheless.
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in DuPage County. (EAGiven / iStock)
At the same time, there’s a sense of urgency when it comes to land acquisition, as districts look to add to their holdings, either to connect current green spaces or to protect important wildlife habitat from development.
“Land prices are rising and the amount of natural lands is dwindling,” said Chris Kessler, director of policy at Openlands. “We’re at a critical time, and this will empower districts to acquire land that’s expected to become available.”
Because it takes money to get money, having funds on hand will also allow districts to compete for state and federal grants, which often require matching dollars from local agencies, McDonald said.
Following the acquisition of property, districts typically then have to build infrastructure to support visitors and also have to invest in restoration work.
Improving the quality of land — removing invasive species, reverting to natural hydrology, seeding native plants — is vital to increasing biodiversity.
“Raccoons and mice can survive anywhere, but we don’t get rich biodiversity” without restoration, said Carolyn Campbell, board member with the McHenry County Conservation Foundation.
Polling shows that forest preserves have an extremely high approval rating among voters — “Even people who don’t use the forest preserves like the idea they exist,” McDonald said — and while times are challenging economically, people generally seem willing to contribute a few extra dollars per month to support green spaces, he said.
The worry among the referenda’s advocates is that voters will fill out the top of their ballots and call it a day.
“It’s a very noisy political season,” said Abby Beck, vice president of advancement with the Conservation Foundation. “The worst thing would be high voter turnout, but voters don’t scroll down to where the local ballot questions exist.”
Here a snapshot of each county’s referendum.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
What’s the need?
— DuPage County voters last approved a forest preserve referendum in 2006. Money raised from the issuance of bonds has all been spent or committed.
— The success of that referendum allowed the district to buy more land, which means it now has more acreage to maintain and restore.
— Since 2006, usage of the district’s preserves is up 83%.
What’s the ask?
— A 0.035% property tax increase, which works out to $3 or $4 per month for the average homeowner ($11.67 per year per $100,000 of home assessed market value).
— A property tax increase, versus another bond referendum, would create an annual, predictable source of revenue for the district, allowing for more systematic and methodical planning of restoration work and maintenance, McDonald said.
Where will the money go?
— Acquisition of up to 250 acres, the final pieces of a puzzle the district has been assembling for decades. Connectivity of green spaces is key.
— Tackling of certified master plan projects, as laid out in a 2019 document, according to Karie Frilling, executive director of the district.
How will it look on the ballot?
Click here to view the referendum language.
Forest Preserve District of Kane County
What’s the need?
— Attendance at many preserves has doubled since the pandemic.
— Funds from a 2017 bond referendum are spent or committed, leaving the district hamstrung if a significant parcel becomes available.
What’s the ask?
— A 0.029163% tax increase, which works out to $2.50 per month for the average homeowner ($10 per year per $100,000 of home market value).
— By 2027, when past bond issues are paid off, property taxes will be lower than they are today, even with the above increase, McDonald said.
Where will the money go?
— The district is aiming to acquire 125 acres annually and restore 250 acres annually. Larger parcels of land are still available in Kane County, McDonald said.
— Protection of watersheds by improving the quality of rivers and streams.
How will it look on the ballot?
Click here to view the referendum language.
Forest Preserve District of Lake County
What’s the need?
— Voters approved $184 million in 2008, which funded the purchase of 4,300 acres; the opening of eight new preserves; 77 additional miles of trails; and the clearing of invasive species from 5,775 acres. That money is now expended.
— Usage is 30% to 40% higher than pre-pandemic levels, placing stresses on resources.
— Lake County is home to a high number of endangered species, and protecting them is paramount.
What’s the ask?
— A $155 million bond issuance, which would amount to less than $33 per year or $2.75 per month on a $300,000 home.
Where will the money go?
— $65 million will go toward land acquisition, providing enough money to purchase roughly 1,600 acres. “There are still some very large tracts of undeveloped land and they won’t be there for long,” said Mike Tully, Friends of the Lake County Forest Preserves.
— $30 million will go to restoration of wetlands, prairies, savannas and forests to improve air and water quality and reduce flooding.
— $60 million will go to building trail connections, including completion of the Millennium Trail; addressing maintenance needs; and redeveloping or opening preserves like the Lake Marie Forest Preserve on Chain O’ Lakes, where public access is lacking.
How will it look on the ballot?
Click here to view the referendum language.
McHenry County Conservation District
What’s the need?
— McHenry County is totally dependent on groundwater for its drinking water, which tends to surprise people, Campbell said.
— Better management of land that filters and stores water can help replenish aquifers, she said.
What’s the ask?
— A 0.027% tax increase, which works out to $2.25 per month for the average homeowner or $9 per year on a home valued at $100,000.
Where will the money go?
— Though funds could be used for land acquisition if needed, the emphasis in McHenry County will be on improving existing holdings, whether that means habitat restoration or improving trails.
— The protection of water quality will be a major focus, including rehabilitating areas along rivers, lakes and streams; and protecting and preserving.
— Major projects long on hold, such as the master plan for the Fox Bluff Preserve (the former Camp Algonquin), could finally be implemented.
What will it look like on the ballot?
Click here to view the referendum language.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
