Vote Yes a Success! by Sarah Brotherton

The Clear Air, Clean Water, and Wildlife Habitat Protection Referendum, which will allow investment in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, received extensive support on November 8th. Nearly 70% of voters approved an additional .025% increase in property taxes, which will bring in $40 million dollars in new revenue annually to the preserves. Though the measure passed handily in both the city and suburbs, Chicagoans showed even greater enthusiasm for the referendum, with nearly 75% voting yes, compared with 63% in suburban Cook.

Chicago Audubon Society was a member of a coalition of 170 nonprofits, businesses and organizations that campaigned for the referendum.

The forest preserves district aims to restore 30,000 acres of native habitat and acquire 20,000 additional acres. Work funded by the additional resources will involve removing invasive plant species that take over landscapes, making it challenging to foster healthy ecosystems. In addition, the district will increase programs and events for the public and schools, with more outreach to communities from every part of Cook County, and expand and maintain trails, improve signage, and make amenities more energy efficient and accessible to all.