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The Forest Preserve District of Will County is pleased to sponsor the "Award in Appreciation of Partners" program, now in its sixth year. This program strives to recognize individuals and organizations that support the Forest Preserve's goals and benefits to the community. It was my pleasure to recognize the following individuals and organizations with awards at Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners' meetings in 2006: |
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Crete Rural Park District The Crete Rural Park District purchased the first 0.5 mile section of the Vincennes Trail on September 15, 2005 and immediately donated it to the Forest Preserve. The parcel was acquired by a private individual via a tax sale and was placed on the market before the Forest Preserve District's 2005 bond referendum had passed. The Park District initiated negotiations before the parcel was lost. Homer Tree Service Macom Corporation Will County Neighbors for Open Space, Clean Water, and Clean Air: A Committee of The Conservation Foundation On behalf of the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Will County, I extend our deepest appreciation to these organizations for their assistance. Together we have enriched the quality of life in Will County. Sincerely, Kerry R. Sheridan |
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This was an amazing year. With the support of our Board of Commissioners, the Forest Preserve continued to preserve new properties and improve existing properties throughout the county. In 2006, we preserved over 2,200 acres of new land and invested over five million dollars in preserve improvements. Funds to achieve these accomplishments were given to us by the voters of Will County through successful referenda in both 1999 and 2005.
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| Funds for the preservation of new properties will be exhausted during 2007, and we will need to explore other opportunities to continue to preserve open space. However, funds to improve existing properties are still available and will be spent over the next eight to ten years. This varying rate of fund expenditure is intentional. We must act now to preserve what land we can while it is still available. On the other hand, improvements to existing properties must be carefully planned, scheduled, and implemented over time. Our goal is to assure provision of quality facilities and experiences for all visitors. As a result, our rate of preserve improvement must match our ability to adequately operate, maintain, and manage these improvements. Quality care requires new employees, equipment, and resources. With the current improvement schedule in place, we have been able to grow in pace with the rate of new improvements. Because of the rate of new construction throughout Will County, we have seen an adequate increase in our annual operating budgets to address the increased demands. But that won't last forever. Ultimately we will need to secure additional funds to ensure appropriate operation, maintenance, and management of our facilities and properties. One way to address the issue would be to seek voter approval of an increase in our general operating tax rate. Instead of that approach, we decided to think "outside the box" and look for other workable solutions. As a result, in 2006, the District established a new Sponsorship and Donation Program. Through effective management of such a program, we are convinced that we can receive cash and budget-relieving in-kind rights and fees to support our goal. 2006 saw the first accomplishment for the program, when the Dow Chemical Company agreed to provide the District with $135,000 over a two-year period to assist with facility improvements at the new Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. Many similar opportunities are possible throughout the county. Still in its infancy, the Sponsorship and Donation Program will be a major District focus in 2007. We will strive to secure District partners; activity, event, and program sponsors and co-sponsors; and title sponsors to help offset some of our expenses. This is a new venture for the District, and I realize that some may actually disagree with the approach. But rest assured that the District is not simply for sale. I think this is a way for the District to become an even bigger part of the Will County community while protecting the quality of our services and facilities. I've seen, and even tried, a lot of different ideas in my 28 years at the District, but this approach is new even to me. But as the Executive Director, I must keep my eye on the future and our continued success. I think this new adventure will ultimately be beneficial to everyone - preserve visitors, administrators, elected officials, and the business community. I'm excited about the potential. If you are too and want to be part of our future, come join us. Sincerely, Michael A. Pasteris |
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