DeKalb County, Illinois
	Minutes of the Forest Preserve Committee July 16, 2002

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met Tuesday, July 16, 2002, at the DeKalb County Administration Building, East Conference Room, at 6:00 p.m. Chairman Mr. Morreale called the meeting to order with Mr. Dlabal, Mr. Haines, Mr. Lyle, Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Sands and Mr. Simonson present. Mr. Hannan and Mr. Paulsen were also present.

 

Moved by Mr. Haines, seconded by Mr. Dlabal, and it was carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the minutes for June.

 

Moved by Mr. Simonson, seconded by Mr. McLaughlin, and it was carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the agenda.

 

Mr. Hannan stated that the monthly report would be included with the minutes and the County Board packet.

 

NATURAL LAND INSTITUTE/ JERRY PAULSEN PRESENTATION

Mr. Hannan introduced Mr. Jerry Paulsen from the Natural Land Institute. Mr. Paulsen stated that the Natural Land Institute is one of the oldest conservation groups in Illinois, dating back 45 years. Mr. Paulsen also stated that the N.L.I. has helped preserve over 10,000 acres in Illinois since it’s existence. Mr. Hannan pointed out that the Natural Land Institute has previously held 16 acres of land for the Forest Preserve District at Merritt Prairie and has been instrumental on the current land acquisition process in Kirkland. Mr. Paulsen applied for a grant through the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation and received $150,000 routed through the Natural Land Institute for the Forest Preserve District for the Kirkland acquisition.

Mr. Paulsen stated that the Natural Land Institute is a non-for-profit private organization, therefore can apply for grants that a governmental agency such as the Forest Preserve District cannot, creating a three-way partnership.

Mr. Paulsen stated that the Fish and Wildlife Service grant is being applied for, and that the Natural Land Institute and Forest Preserve District will continue to pursue all avenues of obtaining grants to help the Forest Preserve District acquire the Kirkland property.

Mr. Paulsen explained that the Kishwaukee River is a large preservation area for the N.L.I., and is currently working with 7 adjoining land owners along the river to obtain another 300 acres for a private conservation easement through a partnership with the I.D.N.R. Mr. Paulsen stated that the Kishwaukee Ecosystem Partnership is working on a water shed strategy for this branch of the Kishwaukee River, and pointed out that a couple of years ago there was a 700 acre acquisition on the Pecatonica River for $2,100,000.

Mrs. Casella arrived at 6:20 p.m.

Mr. Paulsen presented a slide show for the Forest Preserve Committee, and guests, demonstrating the diversity of forest, plant, and animal life in this Kirkland property. The slide show presentation clearly represented the diverse and unique quality of this parcel compared to land in Northern Illinois.

Mr. Hannan presented a slide show featuring the wildlife at the Kirkland site.

 

LAND ACQUISITION

Mr. Morreale asked the Committee if anyone had questions about the Kirkland land acquisition. No Committee posed a question. Mr. Morreale stated that the proposed County loan passed unanimously at the Executive Committee with no questions. Mr. Morreale invited Mr. Paulsen to the County Board meeting.

 

2003 BUDGET DISCUSSION

Mr. Hannan stated that a FY 2003 budget draft will be ready for next month’s Forest Preserve Committee meeting. Mr. Hannan explained that this budget will be on public display in October, and adopted and approved in November.

 

Moved by Mr. Simonson, seconded by Mr. Dlabal, and it was carried unanimously by voice vote to adjourn the meeting.

 

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Chairman, Mr. Morreale                           

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