DeKalb County, Illinois

Minutes of the
Forest Preserve Committee

December 16, 2003

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met Tuesday, December 16, 2003 in the East Conference Room at the DeKalb County Administrative Building, at 6:00 p.m. Chairman Mr. Metzger called the meeting to order with Mr. Johnson, Mr. Rosemier and Mr. Simonson present. Mr. Hannan was also present.

There was no comment from the public at this time.

Mr. Metzger stated that he would like to see the goals for the Forest Preserve District in a resolution. Mr. Metzger proposed a County Board workshop as a means to educate the Forest Preserve Commissioners to happenings at the District level (grant process, maintenance, natural resource management, funding ideas, etc.). Mr. Metzger added that certain guest speakers such as neighboring Forest Preserve District representatives could be invited. Mr. Rosemier added that he has seen a few outstanding speakers at an earlier event. Mr. Metzger stated that this workshop would be in conjunction with other County business. Mr. Johnson questioned how the Commissioners would accept the notion of a workshop. Mr. Metzger replied that those he has presented the idea to were in favor.

Mr. Simonson stated that he was concerned about areas being petitioned for rezoning out of agriculture status and not being farmed in future years.

Mr. Rosemeir asked if the Forest Preserve District wants to brainstorm fundraising ideas with the Commissioners. Mr. Metzger stated that this business would be best at the District Committee level. Mr. Rosemier asked what the main goal of the workshop would be. Mr. Metzger added that future planning would be the main agenda.

Mr. Simonson added that the Conservation Foundation has worked with various Forest Preserve Districts in other counties to raise funds.

Mr. Metzger asked for Forest Preserve Commissioners support as he looks to the Forest Preserve Commissioners for suggestions on the agenda for the potential workshop.

Mr. Simonson stated that previous workshops were of benefit to the County Board members. Mr. Metzger stated that he would confer with Mr. Bockman to see if any workshop is in the works.

Mr. Metzger stated he realized that this was discussed the previous month and asked if any members had any additions to discuss. No member responded.

Mr. Metzger stated that he would like the minutes to recognize to County Board Chairman, Mr. Robert Pritchard, for all that he has accomplished with DeKalb County as he moves forward to become a State Representative.

Mr. Rosemeir asked if the Forest Preserve Commissioner has to be the County Board Chairman. Mr. Metzger stated that it not automatic, but usually happens that way.

Mr. Hannan stated that the DeKalb County Greenways and Trails Coalition has interviewed planners for the comprehensive plan. He added that 7 planning agencies had applied and 3 interviews had been held and Scheiber and Anderson & Associates has been hired. Mr. Hannan stated that 6 to 8 months of planning was to follow and that a tentative first public meeting would be held in February. Mr. Metzger added that the DCGTC would be a nice addition to the agenda of the potential workshop for the County Board.

Mr. Hannan stated that two separate astronomy groups from the suburbs have been utilizing Afton and Merritt Prairie Forest Preserves to view the night skies. They travel to DeKalb County forest preserves for dark skies and a good view of the cosmos, which are now gone in the suburbs due to what the astronomers call "light pollution".

Mr. Hannan stated that he has once again participated in the Christmas Audubon Bird count. Mr. Hannan explained that this has taken place for the last 50+ years to track bird populations and migration patterns. He told the Committee that volunteers involved in this bird count shared their appreciation of the forest preserves as a place to gather such valuable information. (see attached)

Mr. Hannan stated that plenty of sledders have been out to Russell Woods this past month.

Mr. Metzger stated that a representative from Showtime Motion Pictures was interested in a wooded area of DeKalb County for a upcoming production. Mr. Metzger stated he would keep the Committee informed.