Science & Nature
Preckwinkle Taps US Forest Service Official to Lead Cook County’s Forest Preserve District
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle has nominated Adam Bianchi (pictured) to lead the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. (Courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County)
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle has nominated a former district ranger with the U.S. Forest Service to serve as the general superintendent of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.
Adam Bianchi has more than 17 years of experience in public land and natural resource management with the U.S. Forest Service, according to a news release.
Bianchi previously served as district ranger for the White River National Forest’s Dillon Ranger District in Colorado. The 312,000-acre site near Denver includes two congressionally designated wilderness areas, two major reservoirs, 14 campgrounds, four ski resorts and nearly 500 miles of hiking, biking and winter sports trails.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the next General Superintendent at the Forest Preserves of Cook County,” Bianchi said in a statement. “This marks an exciting opportunity in my career dedicated to conserving forests, wildlife habitats and wetlands, while expanding access and welcoming more people to connect with their incredible public lands.”
If confirmed, Bianchi will oversee more than 70,000 acres of Cook County land that includes campgrounds, trails, boating centers, picnic groves, golf courses and aquatic centers. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County hosts hundreds of events and programs annually throughout the county and at its six nature centers.
Eileen Figel has served as interim general superintendent since January 2024, when previous general superintendent Arnold Randall left to head the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Preckwinkle at the time praised Randall as a “calm, collaborative and strategic leader” who transformed the preserves at every level during his 13-year tenure, from organizational efficiency to habitat restoration.
In a statement Wednesday, Preckwinkle said, “Over the last 15 years, the Forest Preserves has transformed as an institution, becoming a leader in ecological restoration in a highly developed landscape, in connecting a diverse population to the wonders of nature, and in operations and transparency. Adam Bianchi’s experience, energy and perspective are an outstanding fit as General Superintendent for the next chapter of the Preserves.”
Bianchi joined the U.S. Forest Service in 2008 and has worked in the Lassen National Forest in California, the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan and the Rocky Mountain Regional Office in Colorado. He is a graduate of Iowa State University; awards include Rocky Mountain Region Forester’s Ranger District of the Year in 2023.
The Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners is set to vote on the appointment July 1.
Patty Wetli contributed to this report.
