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PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into a Partnership Agreement with Audubon Great Lakes, Chicago Illinois.
Reason: Audubon Great Lakes (“Audubon”) has received a $238,494.24 grant through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chi-Cal River Program to support a second phase of restoration, outreach and engagement at Powderhorn Prairie and Marsh Nature Preserve and Powderhorn North Forest Preserve in southeast Cook County.
Audubon will utilize the grant award to hire a contractor to conduct restoration activities and host a series of public access planning events to benefit the sites. Restoration activities include approximately 98 acres of invasive species removal and native plant seeding, building upon extensive restoration work that has occurred since 2021 in association with the construction of a hydrologic connection and fish passage system, completed during Phase I. Phase II will engage participants of the Forest Preserves’ Audubon Habitat Restoration conservation corps program, along with the Wild Indigo Nature Exploration fellows to build community connections to the site by hosting bilingual events focused on paddling, volunteer stewardship, and youth environmental education.
Total project costs are $418,377.24, of which the Forest Preserves will contribute $179,883.00 or approximately 43% in direct match. Additionally, the Forest Preserves may provide up to $15,000.00 of in-kind staff support for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of engagement activities.
Contract Period: Date of execution - 12/31/2027
Fiscal Impact: Not to exceed $179,883.00 in direct match, and $15,000.00 of in-kind staff support for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of engagement activities.
Account(s): Professional Services 51036.520840; Grant and Mitigation 51010.521314 and 51010.521444; and all future Professional Services accounts
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved of this item. Final grant agreement is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 4
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