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FOREST

Countywide special district

DeKalb County Forest Preserve District

The Forest Preserve District acquires, protects, restores, and manages natural lands for habitat, education, recreation, trails, and public access.

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Reporting about DeKalb County Forest Preserve District

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An open public meeting packet sits in front of a Midwestern civic building.

Why one Sycamore tax code lists nine public bodies

DeKalb County's SY07 tax-code detail shows nine separate governments and districts serving one representative property, each with its own authority, budget, meetings, and records.

Authority

Who makes the decision

County Board members serve concurrently as Forest Preserve commissioners, but the Forest Preserve remains a separate public body with its own levy and decisions.

Public money

How it is funded

The District has a separate countywide levy and may use grants, gifts, fees, and other conservation and recreation revenue.

Meeting rhythm

When the public work happens

Commissioners generally meet immediately after the 7:00 pm County Board meeting on the third Wednesday. July is recess, with August 19 listed next.

Responsibilities

What this body controls

  • Preserve acquisition, restoration, maintenance, and access
  • Trails, habitat, education, and nature-based recreation
  • Capital projects, contracts, land agreements, and stewardship
  • A separate Forest Preserve budget and levy

Records desk note

How this archive works

The commissioners page provides a distinct schedule and meeting-material trail even though the same elected officials also sit as the County Board.

Go to the official archive ↗