From the Board President— Dear Friends of Conservation, On November 5, McHenry County voters will have the opportunity to help shape the future of conservation in our county. As a long-time resident of McHenry County, I have seen the growth and expansion of our communities. Through those periods of development, one thing that has always inspired McHenry County Conservation District manages me is the availability and access to natural spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities. over 25,800 acres of open space graced with McHenry County residents have a deep appreciation for our environment and a profound woodlands, prairies, wetlands and savannas. Trails understanding of the importance of protecting it. I serve on the Conservation District Board and other recreational amenities have been added of Trustees because nature has been important to myself and my family, and I hope my within 35 conservation areas where the public can grandchildren and future generations will get to experience the beauty of our landscape for enjoy hiking, biking, 昀椀shing, canoeing, picnicking, years to come. horseback riding, camping, cross-country skiing, The Conservation District Board has worked diligently on a plan to protect our open spaces, snowmobiling and hundreds of opportunities preserve vital wildlife habitats and create more outdoor recreation opportunities for all. to attend outdoor environmental educational That plan has involved placing a proposition on the November ballot. This limiting rate programs and events. proposition will increase the District’s tax levy rate just 0.027%. This is something that by law can only be done with voter approval. If the proposition passes, the Conservation District will have a regular and reoccurring funding source to maintain our natural areas and Our Mission trails while also restoring land and updating or installing new recreation amenities. Due to The McHenry County Conservation District exists the retirement of general obligation bonds, taxpayers will still see a 45% decrease in taxes to preserve, restore and manage natural areas and paid to the Conservation District with the passage of this ballot measure. open spaces for their intrinsic value and for the Without the passage of this proposition, our drinking water will be threatened. The water bene昀椀ts to present and future generations. quality of our rivers, lakes and streams will degrade. Wildlife habitat and natural areas will be irrevocably impacted. Critical habitat will be lost to development. Our trails and Our Vision recreation amenities will deteriorate. Our families will have fewer opportunities for access to To ful昀椀ll our promise that McHenry County’s public healthy outdoor spaces and environmental programming. lands, water, wildlife and way of life will thrive in a To many of us, being a McHenry County resident means access to clean water, air and rapidly changing world. Where people of all ages, opportunities for outdoor recreation. If the proposition passes, it will provide a funding cultures and abilities are engaged and empowered source to maintain these valuable resources that bene昀椀t our community. to learn about and contribute to conservation in Your vote impacts the Conservation District’s ability to continue to sustain and improve the diverse and impactful ways. Where wild and scenic things about this county that make you choose to live, work and explore here. Please learn places support thriving native plants and wildlife more at MCCD.me/Proposition2024 so you can make an informed decision on November 5. populations and public lands support diverse Yours in Conservation, outdoor recreation, educational and immersive experiences. Board of Trustees Christopher Dahm Created by a group of ecologically conscientious citizens in 1971 and supported by the Illinois LLEEAARRNN M MOORREE A ABBOOUTUT T THHEE P PROROPPOOSSIITTIIOONN Conservation District Act of 1963, the McHenry TTOO I INNCCRREEAASESE TH THEE L LIIMMIITITINGNG R RAATETE T TOO County Conservation District began with the mission to preserve open space, and to provide PPrroottecect Wt WAATTEER QR QUUAALLIITTYY environmental education programs and resources PPrreesseerrveve W WILILDDLLIFIFEE H HAABIBITTAATT for recreational opportunities to the public. Today, McHenry County Conservation District continues IImmpprroovve Oe OUUTTDOODOORR as a special district governed by a seven member RRECECRREEAATTIIOONN A ACCCCEESSSS FO FORR A ALLLL Board of Trustees. Christopher Dahm Mike Szurek President Trustee Landscapes is a FREE publication. Lloyd Everard Nora Lee Zeller To subscribe or update your contact info, email Vice President Trustee [email protected] or call (815) 338-6223. Shawn Zimmerman John Reinert Connect with us: Treasurer County Board Liaison Sign up for our E-newsletter at MCCD.me/Subscribe. Ron Wieczorek Elizabeth S. Kessler Secretary Executive Director Editorial & Design: Sarah Lorenz and Caitlynn Martinez-McWhorter Bonnie Leahy Front Cover: Coyote in the Snow by Cynthia Smith Trustee Back Cover: Snowy Nippersink Creek by Shav Ancog Photographic Contributors: Weg Thomas, sta昀昀 and others as noted