title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
In Adoption of the Next Century Conservation Plan
WHEREAS, one hundred years ago, visionary leaders had the foresight to create the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (hereafter the "Preserves") in 1914 with the mission"
to acquire
and hold lands containing one or more natural forests" for the purpose of restoring and preserving these lands and for the education and recreation of the public; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the need to refresh the 100-year old vision in honor of the Preserves' centennial anniversary, a blue-ribbon commission of civic leaders was appointed to develop the Next Century Conservation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Preserves are one of the most important assets of Cook County and ensuring that they thrive in the coming century is critical to the success of our entire region; and
WHEREAS, the Next Century Plan Commission was assisted by Metropolis Strategies and Openlands, and working closely with, key stakeholders, content experts, conservation advisors, and Preserves staff, created the Next Century Conservation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Next Century Conservation Plan's vision states that the people of Cook County will celebrate and nurture our thriving woodlands, prairies and waters as world-class treasures that sustain our great metropolis; and
WHEREAS, the Next Century Conservation Plan sets goals and priorities to be implemented over the next 25-years; and
WHEREAS, the Next Century Conservation Plan calls for transforming the Preserves to places that foster a variety of plants, animals, and habitats and welcome diverse people; and
WHEREAS, the benefits of implementing the Next Century Conservation Plan include a healthy, diverse and beautiful natural environment; cleaner air and water; opportunities for nature-related businesses, jobs and tourism; healthy and active communities; educational enrichment and research opportunities, and an enhanced quality of life for everyone in Cook County; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners will have the continued support and advice of conservation experts to advance the goals and priorities outlined in the Next Century Conservation Plan; and
WHEREAS, in 25 years, because of the successful implementation of the Next Century Conservation Plan, the Preserves will be home to thousands of acres of healthy woodlands, wetlands, and prairies filled with thriving native plants and animals; and
WHEREAS, millions of people will enjoy the many recreational and educational opportunities the Preserves offer and will reflect the diverse population of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Cook County communities will prosper from the economic benefits the Preserves provide; and
WHEREAS, visionary and innovative leadership will successfully manage one of the world's largest and healthiest metropolitan nature preserves.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby adopt the Next Century Conservation Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President and Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners extend their appreciation and thanks to Next Century Plan Commission co-chairs John McCarter, Wendy Paulson, Arthur Velasquez and Eric Whitaker, the Commission members, and to Metropolis Strategies and Openlands for their contributions to the plan
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