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Preserve the Future Arrow_Design Invest in Nature

On November 5, voters will decide on a $155 million Forest Preserves referendum. If passed, the funding will allow us to build important trail connections, increase access for all, and improve water and air quality while reducing flooding through habitat restoration. We will also acquire more land to create new preserves and expand existing ones, for you and future generations to enjoy.

If the referendum is not approved, we will have limited ability to save more irreplaceable wildlife habitat and natural areas from development, complete planned trail connections, improve access to existing preserves and carry out critical habitat restoration on hundreds of acres.

Nearly every resident is less than a 10-minute drive from a forest preserve. The places protected by the Forest Preserves are a big part of what makes the quality of life in the county great—for people, and for the thousands of species we share these spaces with.

“If approved, the new funding would protect more land and expand the benefits the forest preserves provide to all of us."
– Alex Ty Kovach, Executive Director

If Voters Approve the $155 Million on November 5 Green_Arrow
We Will Use:

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$65 million to acquire more land to add new preserves, create a wider network of healthy landscapes and add to existing preserves.

 

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$30 million to improve water and air quality and reduce flooding by restoring wetlands, prairies, savannas and forests.

 

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$60 million to build important trail connections, redevelop or open preserves, address maintenance needs and improve energy efficiency.

 


What it Means Green_Arrow The additional property tax on a $300,000 home would be less than $33 a year or $2.75 a month.


Small Piece of the Pie Green_Arrow 
Where $100 of Your Property Taxes Go

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Progress and Possibility Green_Arrow Horizons

The potential expansion of Lake County's natural sanctuaries is now in the spotlight. Today, we manage more than 31,200 acres of protected areas and 200-plus miles of multiuse trails in Lake County. An upcoming referendum will help chart the future course of your forest preserves. Read more in the fall issue of our quarterly Horizons magazine.

Milestones Since 2008

The last time voters considered a Forest Preserves referendum was in 2008, when $185 million in funding was approved.

Over 4,300 Acres Purchased acres purchased.
8 New Preserves new preserves opened.
77 Trails Added miles of trails added.
48,000 Trees Planted native trees planted.
5,775 Acres Cleared acres cleared of buckthorn and other invasive species.

Nature by the Numbers in Your Forest Preserves

Natural_Areas acres of natural areas.
Trails miles of trails to explore.
Sites sites protected and maintained.
Wetlands acres of wetlands to reduce flooding.
Species native plant and animal species in Lake County.


Voter Information

The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 5. Polling places are open from 6 am–7 pm. In-person early voting begins Thursday, September 26.

Visit the Lake County Election Division to learn more about the general election and how to vote.

Voter Lookup Tool
Register to Vote
In-Person Early Voting
Vote by Mail
Voter Ready Brochure (English) | (Español)


Official Ballot Question

Shall the Lake County Forest Preserve District, Lake County, Illinois, acquire land and preserve forests and natural lands, protect, preserve and restore wildlife habitats, including providing air and water quality improvements, enhance flood control, improve hiking and biking trails and other recreational areas and infrastructure, and enhance public access, and issue its bonds to the amount of $155,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

The approximate impact of the proposed increase on the owner of a single-family home having a market value of $300,000 would be $32.97 in the first year of the increase if the increase is fully implemented.


Question Location on Your Ballot

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.


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Frequently Asked Questions

When will the referendum be held?

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

What is the referendum asking voters to approve?

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.

How will my taxes change if the referendum passes?

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.

How would the $155 million in funding be allocated?

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.

Do you support the referendum?

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

How much of my tax bill goes to the Lake County Forest Preserves?

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

What if the referendum does not pass?

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.

How did you use funding from the last referendum in 2008?

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.

How much land would the funding protect?

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

How much land do you currently preserve?

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.

Why is a referendum needed now? Can't the Forest Preserves continue its work as-is?

• 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.

How does the average tax bill paid to the Forest Preserves look today compared with 2008?

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.

Are more people visiting the preserves than in the past?

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.

What are the benefits of my Forest Preserves?

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.

How do I know you will use the funds responsibly?

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.

Will tax bills increase every year after the referendum passes?

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.

Can the Forest Preserves generate more revenue another way?

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.


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Stay up to date on what's happening in your forest preserves. Our award-winning Horizons magazine, monthly e-newsletter, podcast and social media contains a timely blend of featured events and news to know.

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