Page 5 - Annual Report 2022

CZS

FOREST PRESERVES OF Highlights
COOK COUNTY REFERENDUM

Election day, November 8, 2022, restore wildlife habitat over the next
was a landmark day for wildlife, 20 years and to purchase additional
the Forest Preserves of Cook open land for wildlife habitat and
County, and the current and future recreational use. The money will also
residents of Northern Illinois. About fund the Forest Preserve’s pension
70 percent of Cook County voters system and address deferred main-
approved a referendum that will tenance. A portion of the new funds
raise residents’ property taxes to will help revitalize Brookfield Zoo’s
increase funding for the Forest historic buildings and grounds.
Preserves of Cook County. The referendum was supported
The tax increase is modest— by a broad coalition of more than
only about $20 a year for the 170 groups, including environ-
majority of property owners— mental, labor, civic, business, and
however, its impact will be huge. faith-based organizations across
The Forest Preserves of Cook County Cook County. They included
is one of the largest forest preserves The Civic Federation, Sierra Club,
in the nation and owns nearly Openlands, League of Women
70,000 acres, more than 10 percent Voters of Cook County, The Nature
of Cook County land, including the Conservancy, The Trust for Public
land and buildings occupied by Lands, Audubon Great Lakes, REI,
Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Friends of the Forest Preserves, and
Botanic Garden. the Illinois Environmental Council,
By approving the Clean Air, to name a few.
Clean Water, and Wildlife Habitat The Chicago Zoological Society
Protection referendum, voters made extends a heartfelt “thank you” to
a wise investment in cleaner water these organizations, Cook County
sources, reduced flooding, cleaner voters, members and friends of
air, less pollution, and the creation Brookfield Zoo, and to everyone
of thousands of jobs. who played a role in passing this
The Forest Preserves will use historic measure.
much of the funds to protect and

Grevy’ s Zebra

2022 ANNUAL REPORT 3