FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF KANE COUNTY
Land Acquisition & Preserve Improvement Referendum
November 5, 2024 — General Election
Preserving Nature. Enriching Lives.
Why Is There a Forest Preserve Referendum on the Ballot?
On Nov. 5, 2024, the residents of Kane County will be asked to vote on a referendum authorizing an increase to the limiting rate for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Funds would be used to:
• Preserve and maintain forest and natural lands
• Acquire lands to protect rivers and watersheds
• Plant trees
• Protect wildlife habitat
• Enhance flood control and drainage
• Maintain and improve forest preserve woodlands, wetlands & prairies
• Provide nature education and outdoor opportunities for all ages
• Increase preserve access and safety
• Improve recreational amenities such as hiking and biking trails, camping and fishing and other Forest Preserve purposes
Nov. 5th Ballot Question
Forest Preserve District of Kane County Proposition to Increase the Limiting Rate
Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.029163% above the limiting rate for levy year 2023 for the purpose of preserving and maintaining forests and natural lands; acquiring lands to protect rivers and watersheds; planting trees and protecting wildlife habitat; enhancing flood control and drainage; maintaining and improving forest preserve woodlands, wetlands and prairies; providing nature education and outdoor opportunities for all ages; increasing forest preserve access and safety; improving recreational amenities such as hiking and biking trails, camping and fishing; and for other forest preserve purposes and be equal to 0.074313% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2024?
(1) The approximate amount of taxes extendable at the most recently extended limiting rate is $8,730,002, and the approximate amount of taxes extendable if the proposition is approved is $14,368,830.
(2) For the 2024 levy year the approximate amount of the additional tax extendable against property containing a single family residence and having a fair market value at the time of the referendum of $100,000 is estimated to be $10.
(3) If the proposition is approved, the aggregate extension for 2024 will be determined by the limiting rate set forth in the proposition, rather than the otherwise applicable limiting rate calculated under the provisions of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (commonly known as the Property Tax Cap Law).
The Forest Preserve District is subject to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law of the State of Illinois (PTELL). The limiting rate for levy year 2023 was 0.45150% of the equalized assessed value of taxable property. The District is requesting an additional amount equal to 0.029163% above the limiting rate for levy year 2023, and establishing the same rate at 0.74313% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2024. Before any increase can happen, a proposition must be submitted to and approved by majority of Kane County voters. The referendum would cost about $3 per month for most homeowners.
How Would Funds Be Used?
Funds would be used to acquire land solely from willing sellers to expand or create forest preserves, and for preserve-improvement projects such as restoration of natural habitat, trail construction, and other forest preserve purposes. Benefits include:
Continued Land Protection & Acquisition
Land investments would protect high-quality natural areas, including the Fox River and other waterways. Additional open space would expand educational and recreational opportunities. By adding acreage to existing natural areas, we can more fully restore native plant communities and provide restored habitat for wildlife. This funding would allow the Forest Preserve District to acquire an average of 125 acres of open space and natural areas, per year.
Restored Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat
Forest preserves are home to woodlands, wetlands and prairies, and an abundance of plant and animal life. We would continue working to bring back the prairie and restore open space to our natural heritage. We’d continue to plant hundreds of oak trees, each year. Referendum approval would allow us to consistently restore an additional 250 acres of wildlife habitat, each year.
Increased pollinator habitat
Endangered wildlife such as Monarch Butterflies and Rusty-Patched Bumblebees rely on native prairies to survive. Less than onetenth of 1% of prairies remain in Illinois.
Trail Connectivity and More Access to Nature
We would construct and enhance facilities that Kane County residents enjoy throughout the year, such as trails for walking, jogging, bicycling cross-country skiing and horseback riding. Trail enhancements are always a goal for the Forest Preserve District. Preserve and trail connectivity also double as greenway/habitat connections, so wildlife populations can expand, rather than become isolated. In addition to trails, we’d also construct more picnic shelters, bathrooms, interpretive signs and other recreation areas.
Expanded Nature Programming
An outdoor classroom/event space would provide additional nature programming space, both indoors and outside. Additional land holdings also provide countless additional educational opportunities. Also see plans for an Urban Ecology Field Station in Aurora in the “Preserve Improvement Projects” section.
Increased Flood Control & Water Protection
By preserving land along streams, wetlands and waterways like the Fox River, homes and businesses are better-protected while water quality and drinking-water supplies are improved. Open space also reduces flooding and pollution, which aids in biological diversity and the health of natural ecosystems.
Additional Public Safety
We would be able to increase public safety patrols, so that Kane County forest preserves and trails continue to be safe.
Preserve Improvement Projects
Various capital improvement projects would move forward, if the referendum were approved. Among the priorities:
Rutland Bog Access & Fishing Amenities
Rutland Bog is an ecological gem with incredibly rare plant communities. New trails and a boardwalk platform would allow visitors to view and safely explore this one-ofa-kind area in Kane County. Interpretive signs would share the bog’s rich history. Fishing areas would also be created.
Multi-level Wildlife Observatory
Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve is the site of the District’s largest wetland restoration. Soon after creating the wetland amidst the surrounding prairie, the site became a birding hot spot. A multi-level observatory would allow the public to get a better view of the entire site and the wildlife that flock to this preserve.
Bison on the Prairie Expansion
The Forest Preserve District is bringing bison back to the Kane County prairie. The initial animals will arrive on Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve in late 2024. An adjacent, fenced area would allow us to increase the number of these majestic animals present on site.
Urban Ecology Field Station in Aurora
An Urban Ecology Field Station would serve as an outpost for environmental education and help reconnect people with nature in their neighborhood. The center would focus on urban wildlife, plant communities, nature cycles, home gardening and food forests, weather and atmosphere, community science, land stewardship, and careers in nature, ecology and conservation. The urban ecology focus would make it unique to Kane and the surrounding counties.
Why Protect Open Space?
Open space improves the quality of life for residents as it increases property values, cleans our air and water, and provides healthy recreation and education opportunities. We protect and connect crucial habitats so plant and animal communities can be preserved and enhanced for future generations.
Critical Natural Area Enhancements
With referendum approval, funds would help protect open space and preserve and restore woodlands, wetlands and prairies. Restoration projects would move forward like historic woodland protection at Elburn Forest Preserve, Prairie restoration at Sauer Family Prairie Kame Forest Preserve, and protection of Fox River Fen, a community flush with biodiversity.
What Are the Benefits to You?
In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever to provide forest preserves and outdoor recreation — programs and places where children can play and be physically active. Forest Preserves play a vital role in promoting the physical and mental health of our community. Forest Preserves improve everyone’s quality of life through:
n More public access to preserves
n Additional trails for walking, jogging and hiking, where you can get outside and immerse yourself in nature
n Increased nature programs for all ages, especially children
n Added outdoor recreation facilities for everyone to enjoy
n More forest preserves near you, so you can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of nature
n Cleaner air to breathe
n Cleaner water to drink
How Much Would This Cost?
Because of savings from sound financial management, bond payoffs and refinancing, the Forest Preserve District has an opportunity to add acreage, make preserve improvements, and still provide a tax decrease to Kane County residents, starting in 2025.
Referendum impact:
The cost of the referendum is roughly $10 per $100,000 of home market value. Most homeowners would pay about $3 per month. Even if the referendum were to pass, taxpayers would still see a reduction in overall taxes from the Forest Preserve District by 2027.
Example for a $300,000 home:
$30/year referendum cost
- $54.98 in cumulative debt reduction (2025-2027)
$24.98 net tax decrease in 2027
Projected Annual Cost Per Household
How Much Does the Forest Preserve District
Receive from Property
Taxes?
The Forest Preserve District will continue to be fully transparent. There will be full public disclosure of how the funds are spent.