Expanding the District's web presence

One of the things that I have been working on at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, is increased public awareness. It is especially important in my district where the average residency in some areas is only 3 years. That is why I have been a strong supporter for updating our website. Another thing that I had brought up is that we did not have a page on Wikipedia... until now. Visit Our Wikipedia Page. It will need some improving, but it is a start.

A Few Facts

Since I am being asked to speak to several groups regarding the referendum, I have been digging up a few facts to present.

1) The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County was formed by way of referendum in 1915.
2) We bought our first preserve in 1917, in York Township.
3) Our opportunity to purchase land is fleeting. In 1995, 13 percent, or 26,349 acres, of DuPage County was considered undeveloped. By 2003, the number had dropped by over half to 6 percent, or 12,502 acres. I suspect that now we are down to 4% or 5%.
4) If the referendum passes, homeowners would pay about $3.57 per $100,000 home valuation. For a $300,000 home, the bill would be less than $1.00 per month.
5) This will allow us to purchase about 500-600 additional acres of land.
6) It will also allow us to improve our trail systems, restore prairie, forest, and wetlands, and provide greenway corridors.
7) Even if one nevers steps into a forest preserve, they benefit from cleaner air, cleaner water, and storm water management, all things that the preserves provide.

Well, I don't want to spoil my talk by giving away all of my material. If you would like more info regarding the referendum, feel free to email me or post a comment.

Fish Stocking

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will be stocking 7,000 Lbs. of rainbow trout in three of our lakes. We have done this for several years and it provides hours of fun for young and old alike. Just in, we also will be stocking Muskie in Mallard Lake on Sept. 20. The muskie will not be "keeper" size for several years, but you have to start somewhere. The muskie will help keep down overpopulating bluegills. With the new improvements that are happening in the West Branch of the DuPage River, fishing will be much better than in the past.

So grab a pole and your choice of bait and get fishing. Oh yeah, don't forget to have your fishing license on you.

Oktoberfest 2006

The Rotary of Naperville puts on a fun little festival... Oktoberfest. Plan to stop by October 6-8 to have a great time. It is in the Paw Paw parking lot in downtown Naperville. Enjoy some German cuisine, a beer (or two), and the um-pah-pah music or the Johnny Wagner German Band. Of course, the money raised goes to support dozens of local and international projects.

See you there!

Surprising What You Learn.

It is amazing some of the stuff you learn as Commissioner. At our next meeting we will get an energy audit report, so I've been researching energy conservation. In electricity alone I've learned about harmonic distortion, power factor correction capacitors, real and reactive currents. Well I (yawn) think I found some potential savings beyond the recommendations in the back-up materials. We will find out on Tuesday.

I love to spend time with the District ecologists. I have learned all sorts of stuff about native plants and animals. When I see the positive results of our restoration projects, I am really excited about our future. It makes studying about harmonic distortion worthwhile, because if I can save $15,000 on electricity in a year, I have that much more to spend on restoration.

And I can pass along something better than I received!

You Are Invited!

Keep your calendar open on Saturday, September 16, 2006. I am co-hosting a reception for Dan Rutherford with Michael Connelly (Village of Lisle Trustee and County Board Candidate). Dan is the Republican Candidate for Secretary of State. It would be easy enough for me to lay back this election season, because I am not up for election this year. But it is too important for my family, my community, and my state to just sit and let whatever happens, happen. I am supporting Dan and ask that you do what you can to help him win in November. One easy and fun way is to attend this reception. This is a good opportunity of meet him and get your questions answered. You will not be disappointed! Follow this link to purchase tickets. Sponsorships are available. http://danrutherford.org/fr_naperville.asp

The Details:
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Connie's Lodge & Pub
1170 Iroquois Avenue in Naperville
3:00 - 4:30 PM

Referendum moves ahead

Well, the referendum will appear on the ballot. The question is basically, should the Forest Preserve District of Dupage County bond $68 million for land acquisition and some Capital improvements.

In case you were wondering, I voted yes to allow the referendum to go on the ballot for this fall election.