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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MICHAEL DESANTIAGO TO THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, in November 2014, Michael DeSantiago (Mike) was appointed by President Preckwinkle and the Board of Commissioners to the Conservation and Policy Council of the Forest Preserves of Cook County to help guide the implementation of its Next Century Conservation Plan (NCCP), an ambitious vision to protect and care for nature in the 21st century, benefiting all citizens of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, he served on the Council from 2014-2024 and throughout that time generously shared his wisdom and expertise in business management and sustainable design, helping the Forest Preserves implement the NCCP effectively and thoughtfully; and
WHEREAS, Mike co-chaired the development of the Council’s position paper on “Nature-Compatible Recreation,” which included key recommendations to prioritize nature-compatible recreation and to oppose new uses that do not align with the Forest Preserves’ mission; and
WHEREAS, in developing the position paper, Mike created an evaluation tool to help Forest Preserves staff conduct rigorous evaluations of existing and proposed facilities to ensure mission alignment and to assess ecological impact, community impact, and economic impact; and
WHEREAS, the tool, known as the DeSantiago Quantitative Analysis Tool, was utilized to conduct a preliminary analysis of District golf courses and aquatic centers and was incorporated into the position paper to guide future evaluation of District recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, Mike’s lifelong interest in conservation and sustainability made him an effective ambassador for the Forest Preserves, and by working closely with the Board of Commissioners, civic leaders, conservation advocates, and staff, he helped grow the public’s understanding and appreciation of these public lands, contributing to building a robust community of support that led to the successful passage of the 2022 referendum; and
WHEREAS, he has been a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, spending time hiking and biking with his friends and family, running through the Bunker Hill Forest Preserve, and immersing himself in the exploration of Forest Preserves throughout the County; and
WHEREAS, Mike’s vast curiosity about the natural world and his genuine enthusiasm for the Forest Preserves was contagious and helped everyone feel welcome whether in the Preserves or in a meeting room; and
WHEREAS, his kind, courteous and patient approach to discussing challenging topics and finding solutions made him a deeply valued colleague on the Council and among Forest Preserves staff; and
WHEREAS, Mike has been a dedicated supporter of the Forest Preserves, advocating for the protection and conservation of our public lands and ensuring that the people of Cook County have access to and can experience the benefits of nature.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President Toni Preckwinkle along with the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners, Interim General Superintendent Eileen Figel, and on behalf of all residents of Cook County, do hereby extend appreciation to Michael DeSantiago for his dedication, contribution, leadership, and outstanding service to the Forest Preserves; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to Michael DeSantiago in recognition of his significant contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County...end