DeKalb County, Illinois
	Minutes of the Forest Preserve Committee March 20, 2001

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at the Sannauk Forest Preserve, at 6:00p.m. Chairman John Morreale called the meeting to order with Mr. Dlabal, Mr. Guehler, Mr. Haines, Mr. Metzger , Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Sands, and Mr. Simonson present. Mr. Hannan and Charlie Marshall were also present. Mr.Lyle was absent. Prior to the meeting some members were interested in seeing the streambank stabilization project area on Somonauk Creek. Mr. Hannan showed them the site.

Moved by Mr. Guehler, seconded by Mr. Metzger, and it was carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the minutes for February.

Mr. Hannan asked the Committee for approval to add a fourth topic under general discussion, volunteer days for April. Moved by Mr. Dlabal, seconded by Mr. Simonson, and it was carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the addition to the general discussion.

Mr. Hannan gave on overview of the history of Sannauk Forest Preserve. Mr. Hannan explained that Sannauk was purchased in 1942 by the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District, after the golf course that was there went out of business due to the great depression. Mr. Hannan explained that Sannauk Forest Preserve is the second most visited forest preserve in DeKalb County, next to Russell Woods.

Mr. Hannan explained that the monthly reports would be attached to the mailed minutes, as usual.

Mr. Hannan handed out a copy of the draft audit to each of the Committee members. Mr. Hannan stated that the final draft should be available in May. Mr. Morreale stated that it would appear on the April agenda. He asked the Committee to review the audit and if they had any questions they would be addressed next month.

Mr. Hannan stated that two areas on Somonauk Creek streambanks could be stabilized to prevent future siltation. Mr. Hannan explained that there are two large bends in the creek, one on forest preserve property, and one on another landowner’s property. Mr. Hannan stated that both of these two large bends need work. Mr. Hannan stated that the Soil and Water Conservation District may have grant money later in the year to add stone toe protection to these banks. (see attached) Mr. Hannan explained if the Forest Preserve District received this Conservation 2000 Grant, it would cover 75% of the expenses ($10,000 estimate) involved. Mr. Hannan stated that after the grant is awarded, he would contact others to help pay the remaining 25%.

Mr. Hannan gave an overview of the volunteer opportunities coming up throughout the various forest preserves in the month of April. These opportunities include litter clean up and wetland and tree planting. (see attached) Mr. Haines suggested the work study program through Northern Illinois University as a source for attracting volunteers, and stated he would check on it. An N.I.U. biology class is now doing some volunteer work removing invasive species at Afton and Merritt Prairie. Mr. Metzger stated he would try to organize a volunteer group for a spring litter clean-up at Sannauk.

Moved by Mr. Dlabal, seconded by Mr. Guehler, it was carried unanimously to move into executive session by roll call vote at 6:30 p.m.

Mr. Sands moved, Mr. McLaughlin seconded, to adjourn the meeting and the motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.

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Chairman, John Morreale

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