By: Sergio Vargas, Chicagoland Conservation Manager and Sam Bower, Social Media Manager
In 2022, voters in Cook County overwhelmingly supported a ballot referendum that increased funding resources for the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Voters and the Vote Yes for Clean Air, Clean Water, and Wildlife campaign proved that communities are enthusiastically willing to invest their tax dollars in protecting clean water, clean air, and wildlife for generations. By voting Yes, they actually strengthened their freedom to build community in nature.
A Shining Example for Northern Illinois
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is a tremendous resource for the community. It’s not surprising that it sees over 62 million visits every year. We yearn for experiences in nature to heal, to connect with friends, and to build strong bonds with our families.
But, a treasure like this needs resources to operate. In a 2022 blog, the Cook County Forest Preserves said the referendum would make the following possible:
Acquire and protect more natural open land for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Protect and restore wildlife habitat that is home to native plants and animals, some of which are threatened or endangered.
Increase programs and events for the public and schools, including more outreach to communities from every part of Cook County.
Expand and maintain trails, improve signage, and make amenities more energy-efficient and accessible to all
And more!
The good news? It has delivered on all these points and more. Voters overwhelmingly supported the referendum with a 69%-31% win margin. It turns out that both conserving native habitats and providing environmental programming are critical to a community’s success. The scale of support for this referendum sent shockwaves across northern Illinois, inspiring DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties to follow suit.
What’s at Stake?
We know that The Prairie State is home to less than 0.01% of the prairie that once sprawled across Illinois and that Illinois has lost 90% of its historic wetlands since the 1800s. We cannot wait any longer to utilize every tool available to ensure the future of our state is one that includes its native habitats, plants, and animals.
Follow the links below to learn more about the unique campaigns in each county and the specific issues they are working to address. If you are a voter living in any of these counties, please make Vote Yes a priority!
Here’s a brief description of what each referendum hopes to accomplish:
Preserve and steward 26,000 acres of land, including 47 miles of waterways. Voting Yes will assist in the protection of watersheds to improve the water quality of rivers, lakes and streams.
Preserve and maintain over 23,000 acres of land in Kane County. By voting Yes, voters will help control overdevelopment, enhance quality of life, and invest in the future.
Lake County manages over 31,200 acres of protected areas and 200+ miles of trails. Voting Yes would assist in the acquisition and restoration of additional lands to ensure they can be enjoyed by future generations in every part of Lake County.
By voting Yes, 25,800 acres of open space and 150+ miles of trails will benefit from enhanced restoration, stewardship and protection. This referendum is unique because it is, effectively, a tax cut!
Setting the Tone for the Future of Illinois
“With land prices rising and the amount of natural lands dwindling, we must act now to preserve our last remaining open spaces for our children and our grandchildren before they are lost to development,” writes the Vote Yes campaign for McHenry County.
These referendums on the ballot on Nov. 5 will set the tone for the next generation of Illinoisans living in these counties. Vote Yes to ensure Illinoisans of the future enjoy clean air, clean water, and opportunities to grow in the beautiful prairies, rivers, and forests of The Prairie State.
About the Author
In 2022, Sergio joined the massively successful Vote Yes Campaign that resulted in an annual increase of $40 million in the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s coffers. In early 2024, Sergio was appointed to the steering committee for the Chicago Wilderness Alliance. This work allows him to help guide the region’s overall conservation vision.
Sam joined IEC in December 2021 as the Social Media Manager where he oversees the organization’s long-term social media strategy and day-to-day content creation. Before joining IEC, he worked in communication roles with the North American Association for Environmental Education, focusing on education policy and the City of Portage in the public information office.