Land Acquisition & Preserve Improvement Referendum 

Versión en español

NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL ELECTION

On July 9, 2024, the Forest Preserve Commission voted to put a referendum on the November ballot. On Nov. 5, 2024, the residents of Kane County will be asked to vote on a referendum authorizing an increase to the limiting rate for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Funds would be used to:

• Preserve and maintain forests and natural lands
• Acquire additional lands from willing sellers
• Plant trees
• Protect rivers and watersheds
• Protect and improve wildlife habitat
• Enhance flood control and drainage
• Maintain and improve forest preserve woodlands, wetlands and prairies
• Provide nature education for all ages
• Increase forest preserve access and safety
• Improve recreational amenities such as hiking and biking trails, camping and fishing
• And other forest preserve purposes
  
  

brochures 

Click to view the 2024 Land Acquisition & Preserve Improvement brochure using page-turning software:
Page-Turning Brochure

Click to view the 2024 Land Acquisition & Preserve Improvement Brochure as a PDF file: 
 PDF Brochure     Versión en español

press release

Click to view the Sept. 19 Press Release

Press Release

Information meetings

In case you missed the Forest Preserve District's Sept. 24 Public Information Meeting, here is a recording of the Zoom presentation that Forest Preserve District Executive Director Ben Haberthur delivered to The Conservation Foundation on Oct. 18, 2024:

Referendum Presentation Video

frequently asked questions

Click to view  Frequently Asked Questions

How would funds be used, if approved by voters?

Funds would be used to invest in land throughout Kane County — from willing sellers only — as well as for preserve improvement projects, such as restoration of natural habitat and trail construction, and other forest preserve purposes. Benefits include:

Continued open space protection

• Land investments to enlarge existing preserves and create new preserves
• Acquisition of up to 125 acres of open space and natural areas, per year
• Protection of high-quality natural areas, including the Fox River and other waterways
• Buffer existing natural areas to help provide advances in plant and animal habitat restoration
• Expanded educational and recreational opportunities

Increased public access to nature through recreational amenities

• Construction and enhancement of facilities Kane County residents enjoy throughout the year, such as trails, picnic shelters and recreation areas. 
• Recreation and spending time outdoors provides myriad mental-health benefits

Natural area enhancements, restoration and preservation

• Restore and improve woodlands, wetlands, prairies and wildlife habitat
• Consistently create an additional 250 acres per year of restored wildlife habitat
• Improve woodland habitat through the Grand Trillium Project at Elburn Forest Preserve
• Move forward with bog-improvement project at Rutland Forest Preserve
• Construct an accessible, multi-level wildlife observatory at Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve
• Expand the bison-reintroduction project at Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve

Flood protection

• Improve air and water quality, to protect water resources like the Fox River
• Reduce flooding and pollution for biological diversity as well as for health of our natural ecosystems

An expansion of nature programming for all ages

• Access will be improved, providing more opportunity for educational programs and activities
• Outdoor classroom/event space will provide additional nature programming space indoors and out
• Aurora-based Urban Wildlife Field Station will serve as an outpost for environmental education

Additional public safety

• Kane County forest preserves and trails will continue being safe by increasing safety patrols.

Cleaner air, improved water quality, and quality of life for all Kane County residents

Why should open space be protected?

Acquiring additional land and preserving open space is a fundamental element of the Forest Preserve’s mission and purpose. Open space:

• Helps keep water and air clean
• Provides natural flood control and protects the drinking water supply
• Provides habitat for native plants and wildlife
• Provides recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and interests
• Allows nature education opportunities for all
• Provides the “ultimate tax cap” by controlling sprawl and over-development

How much would this cost taxpayers?

The cost of the referendum is roughly $10 per $100,000 of home market value. Most homeowners will pay between $2 - $3 per month. However, because of savings from sound financial management, bond payoffs and refinancing, taxes from the Forest Preserve District are set to decrease by varying amounts in 2025 - 2027.  Even if the referendum were to pass, taxpayers would still see a reduction in overall taxes from the Forest Preserve District in 2027.

Example for a $300,000 home:

$30/year referendum cost
- $54.98 in cumulative debt reduction (2025-2027)
$24.98 net tax decrease in 2027

Projected Annual Cost per Household