The Lake County Forest Preserves referendum will be on the November 5, 2024 general election ballot.

The referendum asks voters whether or not to approve $155 million in funding for the Forest Preserves. If approved, the funding will allow us to:

• Build important trail connections to provide safe routes for exploration.
• Increase forest preserve access for all to provide opportunities to improve physical and mental wellness.
• Improve water and air quality and reduce flooding through habitat restoration.
• Acquire land to create new preserves for you and future generations to enjoy.
• Expand existing preserves to create a wider network of healthy landscapes, allowing plants and animals to better adapt to environmental changes.
• Address maintenance needs and improve energy efficiency.

The additional property tax increase on a Lake County home valued at $300,000 would be $32.97 per year, or $2.75 a month.

We will use:

• $65 million to acquire more land to add new preserves, create a wider network of healthy landscapes and add to existing preserves.
• $30 million to improve water and air quality and reduce flooding by restoring wetlands, prairies, savannas and forests.
• $60 million to build important trail connections, redevelop or open preserves, address maintenance needs and improve energy efficiency.

By law, employees of the Forest Preserves are not able to advocate for or against the referendum. We can only provide information.

Just 1.87% of your current property tax bill goes to fund the Forest Preserves.

If the referendum fails:

• The health of many of Lake County's signature lakes, ponds, streams and rivers may not continue to improve.
• Without funding to purchase land, irreplaceable wildlife habitat and natural areas may be lost to development.
• There will be limited ability to finish planned trail connections and increase access to many existing trails and preserves.
• Critical habitat restoration on hundreds of acres will slow or stop.

Since voters overwhelmingly approved $185 million in 2008, we've made good use of those funds. We:

• Purchased more than 4,300 acres.
• Added 77 miles of trails.
• Opened eight new preserves.
• Cleared buckthorn and other invasive species from 5,775 acres.
• Planted nearly 48,000 native trees.
• Sowed native seeds across 5,807 acres.

The referendum would provide enough to purchase about 1,600 acres of land. These areas will become new preserves and expand existing ones.

As the largest landowner in Lake County, the Forest Preserves protects more than 31,200 acres of natural areas and 200-plus miles of multiuse trails. We are the second-largest forest preserve district in the state of Illinois. Nearly every resident is less than a 10-minute drive from a forest preserve.

• The preserves are more popular than ever and under more stress, too.
• It has been 16 years since Lake County voters last approved funding for the Forest Preserves. During that time, we were able to extend the funding through grants and donations. However, all this funding is now expended.
• In many cases, we cannot apply for state, federal and private grants without matching funds.
• The price of land continues to increase. We need to act now before prices rise further.

Even as we expanded the number of preserves, built new trails, acquired more land and restored thousands of acres, taxpayers pay less for the Forest Preserves today than they did 16 years ago.

• In 2008, the average homeowner paid $187.06.
• In 2024, the average homeowner paid $157.34.

Yes. A recent survey found 78% of Lake County residents regularly use their forest preserves. During the COVID-19 pandemic, visitation surged by 70%. Usage remains 30-40% higher than pre-pandemic levels, reflecting people’s enjoyment of natural spaces.

Spending time in the forest preserves not only enhances personal well-being but also supports the environment. Your preserves:

• Protect wetlands, prairie and woodlands which are home to pollinators and wildlife.
• Help reduce the number and severity of floods and clean and recharge groundwater. Woodlands, wetlands and prairies absorb higher amounts of stormwater than developed areas, where rainfall typically flows into storm sewers.
• Reduce local summer air temperatures. Trees release water from their leaves and provide shade, cooling the air by an average of 2–4 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Planting trees improves our air quality.
• Walking, birding, fishing, paddling, and other outdoor activities provide a great way to stay active and improve mental health. These activities also help reduce stress and anxiety while improving attention and cognitive function.
• Clean the air we breathe. Trees remove large amounts of pollutants from the air every year, lowering the rates of respiratory and cardiac diseases for residents.

The referendum question will be near the end of the ballot. In some cases, it might appear on the back side, so be sure to flip the ballot over.

We maintain a strong financial position with sound reserves, long-term replacement funds and moderate debt. We are one of very few forest preserve systems nationwide with a AAA bond rating, considered the gold standard in accounting and financial reporting.

We are committed to open and transparent government and work continually to provide access to financial information and proceedings of our Board of Commissioners so you can feel confident about our careful stewardship of your tax dollars.

The additional $32.97 per year on a $300,000 house is based on a 20-year bond. The payment will not increase in future years.

We receive most of our funding through property taxes. Fees, other charges, grants, gifts and donations make up the balance. We understand that it's your tax money and we are responsible and publicly accountable for how each dollar is spent. Unlike municipalities, we do not receive funds from sales, income, fuel, hotel, utility or food and beverage taxes.