Action Alert!
October 22, 2019 - Update
Thanks everyone who contacted county commissioners about this ... but we lost this round.
“We are cognizant of the current atmosphere and it goes without question there is great sensitivity to any potential levy increase,” Preckwinkle said in the statement. “Let me be clear, we remain serious and committed to helping the Forest Preserves and will do everything in our power to help prioritize their needs and help them find viable long-term solutions.”
September 2019
Tell your Commissioner to put the Forest Preserve Referendum on the ballot!
WHO: President Preckwinkle and your Forest Preserve Commissioner
WHAT: Contact President Preckwinkle and your Commissioner to Vote in favor of putting the Forest Preserve Referendum on the March ballot
WHY: The Forest Preserves of Cook County are important to YOU!
Tell President Preckwinkle and your Commissioner that you want the opportunity to vote in support of clean air and water, green jobs, educational programs for kids, improved habitat for wildlife (birds!), and better access and an improved experience for all Cook County residents and visitors.
WHEN: Call or email TODAY!
The board must take action to support this initiative at their October board meeting in order for all of us to have the opportunity to vote on this in March. Please call or email now.
Step One: Call President Toni Preckwinkle at 312-603-6400.
Step Two: Call or email your Commissioner. Find your District here: Chicago or Suburbs.
Please see the attached resource guide to find contact information as well as suggested talking points!
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Background
The Forest Preserves of Cook County play an important role in helping to provide clean air and water by protecting and improving natural areas and conserving wetlands and lands along rivers. These natural areas also provide children a place to play, explore nature safely, and stay mentally and physically fit.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County have big plans for improvement and recently adopted the “Next Century Conservation Plan,” which calls for restoring wildlife habitat, protecting more land to keep our water and air clean, and expanding opportunities for people to connect with nature. But they need more resources to ensure the preserves are here, healthy, and accessible for us and future generations to enjoy. Additional support is also needed for the world-renowned Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden, which are Forest Preserve properties.
That’s where you come in! We need your help in letting President Preckwinkle and your Forest Preserve Commissioner know that you want the opportunity to vote in support of clean air and water, education programs for kids, improved habitat for birds and other wildlife, and better access and an improved experience for all Cook County residents and visitors.
A coalition of advocacy organizations, including Chicago Audubon Society, are calling on Forest Preserve Commissioners to put a referendum on the March Ballot so that we, the voters, can choose to increase funding for this important work. But they won’t take the risk if we don’t show them that we support the preserves and the essential services and opportunities they provide us, our kids, and future generations.
For more information contact CAS at (773) 988-1867 or ChgoAudPresident@gmail.com