McHenry County Conservation District. Annual Report - April 1, March 31, 2016

Transcription

1 McHenry County Conservation District Annual Report - April 1, March 31, 2016

2 Our Mission The McHenry County Conservation District exists to preserve, restore and manage natural areas and open spaces for their intrinsic value and for the benefits to present and future generations. McHenry County Conservation District manages over 25,000 acres of open space graced with woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and savannas. Trails and other recreational amenities have been added within 33 conservation areas where the public can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, horseback riding, camping, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Brookdale Administrative Office US Highway 14 Woodstock, IL tdd Lost Valley Visitor Center Route 31 and Harts Rd. Ringwood, IL Prairieview Education Center 2112 Behan Road Crystal Lake, IL Research Field Station Wildlife Resource Center Police Evenings & Weekends Our Vision By the year 2020, McHenry County Conservation District will be a premiere public agency in the country for preserving, protecting and managing open space. Residents will have developed a personal responsibility for their local environment, gained a greater appreciation for their natural world and invested into ensuring its future protection. Achieving this vision will: Inspire respect for the land; Promote sound environmental practices; Promote the long-term viability of the county s biodiversity; Provide opportunities for responsible use of the land in concert with natural resources; Promote environmental stewardship; Provide quality experiences that promote green, healthy and balanced lifestyles; Connect children to nature and; Foster public and private partnerships.

3 Our Board of Trustees Our Team Bona Heinsohn President Brandon Thomas Vice - President Kent Krautstrunk Treasurer Stephen Barrett Secretary David Kranz Trustee Pete Merkel Trustee Vern Scacci Trustee Carolyn Schofield County Board Liaison Executive Director Elizabeth S. Kessler Administration & Finance John Kremer, Director of Operations & Public Safety Andy Dylak, Director of Administration & Finance Anne Basten, Executive Assistant Jenny Heider, Human Resources Manager Jean Gerstbrein, Accounting Supervisor Linda Bryant, Accounting Assistant Stephanie Michael, IT Specialist/ Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Corey, Operations Administrative Assistant Communications Department Wendy Kummerer, Marketing & Communications Manager Lora Petrak, Community Relations Specialist Denice Beck, Volunteer Coordinator Planning Department Amy Peters, Planning Manager Sarah Rummel, Associate Landscape Architect II Police Department Jeff Diedrick, Police Chief Randi Baker, Police Administrative Assistant Ty Culver, Sergeant Corey Burley, Officer Dan Hibbeler, Officer Charlie Montgomery, Officer Kyle Retek, Officer Ryan Stewart, Sergeant Brian Elliot, Officer Ben Wolfe, Sergeant Steve Johnson, Sergeant Chris Murison, Officer Terry Micklinghoff, Officer Education Department Deb Chapman, Education Services Manager Trish Greninger, Education Services Administrative Assistant Andy Talley, Education Program Coordinator Samantha Shaw, Education Program Assistant Mary Kozub, Education Outreach Coordinator Kim Compton, Education Program Coordinator Andrew Zeiger, Education Program Assistant MichaelSchultz, Prairieview weekend staff Ed Barry, LVVC Info Desk Specialist Randi Rewoldt, LVVC Info Desk Specialist Mary Jo Lucas-Healy, Info Desk Specialist Lucy Flores, floater- Info Desk Specialist Debbie Bartmann, Info Desk Specialist Land Preservation & Natural Resources Ed Collins, Director of Land Preservation & Natural Resources Sandy Rogers, Administrative Assistant Brad Woodson, Natural Resources Manager Gabe Powers, Natural Resources Projects Coordinator Chris Zeiner, Restoration Ecologist John Peters, Restoration Ecologist Jeff Murray, Restoration Ecologist Matt, Eyles, Restoration Ecologist Paul Bruett, Restoration Technician Adam Rex, Restoration Technician Cindi Jablonski, Wildlife Ecologist Laurie Ryan, Plant Ecologist Gail Brown, Scientific Database Coordinator Cindy Rendl, GIS Specialist Tom Simpson, Research Field Station Ecologist Val Siler, Land Preservation Manager Glen Von Bergen, Agricultural Services Coordinator Updated 7/08/2016 Austin Hackert, Habitat Specialist L aura Roncal, Habitat Specialist Garrett Fales, Habitat Specialist Lucas Dykstra, Habitat Specialist Wildlife Resource Center Sara Denham, WRC Manager Beth Gunderson, WRC Specialist Rebecca Murphy, WRC Assistant Sites & Fleet Department Perry Weborg, Sites and Fleet Manager Ben O Dea, Sites Supervisor Karen Brabec, Sites/ Facilities Administrative Assistant Steve Stabenow, Ranger Nick Svoboda, Assistant Ranger Russ Rogers, LVVC Ranger Bryson Calvin, Ranger Josh Crittenden, Assistant Ranger Steve Grover, Mechanic II Kyle Ames, Mechanic I Chad Secor, Ranger Jacob Muench, Assistant Ranger Dave Vecchio, Ranger Eric Lundstrom, Assistant Ranger Kurt Klinger, Ranger Dillon Riemann, Assistant Ranger Mary Deja, Ranger Jacob Holmes, Assistant Ranger Facilities & Maintenance John Berg, Facility Maintenance Manager Steve Stukenberg, Maintenance Worker Tom Troxell, Electrician Erich Parpart, Maintenance Worker

4 4 Year in Review Annual Report Statement Fiscal Year Working Together for Fiscal Responsibility After reaching its peak in 2008, McHenry County s EAV fell by 34% through 2014, as the local economy was not immune from the subprime lending crisis and great recession of Out of concern for the deteriorating economic position of the County and its residents, caused by the unprecedented slow post-recession recovery, the Conservation District s Board of Trustees made a conscientious decision to not take a General Fund property tax levy increase for three consecutive levy years (2012, 2013 and 2014) and in 2015 further reduced its overall aggregate property tax levy. During the same time period, the District effectively absorbed $1.1 million dollars of inflationary costs related to operating expenses by finding cost and service reductions, utilizing shared services, and increasing alternative non-tax revenues The County s EAV has now returned to a growth mode, growing by 2.3% and the unemployment rate falling below 5% during the 2015 calendar year. Preserving & Protecting Public Investments In 2001 and 2007, voters approved referenda to preserve land and improve District properties for public use. In both instances, voters overwhelmingly recognized the importance and value of preserving McHenry County s wide open spaces and treasured landscapes before they were developed. Each of the bond issuances required debt service and the District s debt will be entirely paid off by The proceeds from the 2007 bond issuance, enabled the District to protect an additional 4,140 acres, provide public access and amenities to (9) new conservation areas, add (8.5) miles of regional trails, (7.5) miles of hiking trails, (7) picnic shelters, and (3) fishing/canoe access points. In order to manage this accelerated rate of growth, with minimal increases in operating revenues, the District adhered to a very fiscally conservative management approach which included holding staffing to minimum levels necessary to meet critical operational needs and finding ways to be more productive, efficient and cost effective. Statement of Revenues & Expenditures All Funds Summarized, Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2016* Actual Revenues: Tax Revenue 19,754,695 Grants 51,500 Farm & Property Leases 1,080,804 Interest Revenue 90,471 Programs & Services 149,944 Other Revenues 164,689 Total Revenues $21,292,103 Expenditures: Land Acquisition 139,760 Debt Service 12,188,628 Operations 8,306,519 Capital Outlays: Sites & Trails 589,408 Capital Outlays: Other 482,850 Total Expenditures $21,707,165 Other Financing Sources: Transfers in 116,864 Transfers (out) (116,864) Sale of Capital Assets 11,336 Total Other Sources $11,336 Net Change in Fund Balances $(403,726) Operations 38% Since FY 2012, with the 2007 bond proceeds expended, the District has transitioned into a maintenance mode pursuing minimal land acquisitions and taking on only critically important new initiatives. Therefore, the District will continue to seek creative funding sources and strategic partnerships to protect viable public open space when opportunities present themselves. Collective Impact Through Partnerships & Essential Services The District remains steadfast in its mission to provide a myriad of ecosystem services, education programs and recreational activities that will as its primary purpose protect our natural areas and promote the health, happiness and heritage of our human and non-human constituents. The programs, sites, facilities and services under the stewardship of the District are an investment in McHenry County s future. The associated benefits provide a return on investment (ROI) and return on environment (ROE) that is tangible, measurable, and essential to sustaining the long-term health and viability of the County. FY 15/16 Revenues Farm & Property Leases 5.1% Grants 0.3% Capital Outlays: Sites & Trails 3% Interest Revenue 0.4% Other Revenues 0.8% Programs & Services 0.7% Capital Outlays: Other 2% Land Acquisition 1% Tax Revenue 92.7% FY 15/16 Expenditures Debt Service 56% * All financial information is unaudited. Advocate Sherman Hospital Alden Neighbors Seed Sharing Group Algonquin Area Library District Barrington Area Conservation Trust Barrington Hills Riding Club Boone County Conservation District Boone Creek Watershed Alliance Bull Valley Riding Club Cary Consolidated School District #26 Cary/Fox River Grove Rotary Club Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce Cary Grove High School Cary Park District Chicago Wilderness Citizens for Conservation City of Crystal Lake City of Marengo City of Woodstock ComEd Crystal Lake Anglers Crystal Lake Park District Dave s Bait & Tackle & Taxidermy Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Environmental Law & Policy Center Forest Preserve District of Cook County Fox River Ecosystem Partnership Fox River Grove Memorial Library Fox Waterway Association Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge Friends of McConnell Farm Friends of the Fox Harrison School District #36 Huntley Community Radio Huntley Park District Huntley Penguins Illinois Department of Natural Resources Illinois Department of Transportation Illinois Stewardship Alliance Illinois Nature Preserves Commission McHenry County Conservation District remains committed to working collaboratively with our county, municipalities, townships, park districts, local businesses and not-forprofit partners to preserve open space, restore habitats, connect trails, and create a variety of recreational opportunities that improve the quality of life for all that make McHenry County their home. The Conservation District s protected public lands and associated working landscapes provide McHenry County citizens with indispensable, invaluable, irreplaceable ecological services that are fundamental to the overall success and continued strengthening of a vibrant, healthy and economically prosperous McHenry County. Johnsburg Public Library Lake County Forest Preserve District Lakers/Sno Bugs Lincoln Park Zoo Loyola University Retreat & Ecology Campus Marengo Township McHenry County McHenry County 4-H - University of Illinois Extension McHenry County 4H Conservation Club McHenry County Audubon Society McHenry County College McHenry County Division of Transportation McHenry County Bicycle Advocates McHenry County Bicycle Club McHenry County Conservation District Agricultural Lease Holders Century Hikers Club Hunters Trustees Emeritus Volunteers McHenry County Community Foundation McHenry County Equestrian Coalition McHenry County Conservation Foundation McHenry County Council of Governments McHenry County Department of Health McHenry County Division of Transportation McHenry County Economic Development Corporation McHenry County Farm Bureau McHenry County Fire Chief s Association McHenry County Gravel Advisory Council McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission McHenry County Historical Society McHenry County Horse Club McHenry County Planning McHenry County Sheriff s Office McHenry County Schools Environmental Education Program (McSEEP) Year in Review Even more compelling to the economic benefits, is that open space is essential in providing relief from a horizon of only rooftops, reduces air pollution, improves water quality, provide areas for flood waters and limits storm water impacts, reduces erosion and increases property values. Our human health and viability is vitally dependent upon the quality and biodiversity of our public lands and the ecosystem services they provide (the food we eat, the water we drink, and the sense of place for solitude, renewal and physical activity). Whether you visit one of the District s conservation areas, participate in a program or special event, every resident of McHenry County directly benefits from the protected natural resources on the Conservation District s public lands 365 days of the year. Intergovernmental Agreement and Cooperative Partnerships McHenry County Conservation District works in all corners of the county with numerous agencies, businesses and organizations. Whether our collaborative effort is through an Intergovernmental Agreement and Cooperative Partnership, or as Conservation Congress Delegates, the combined support, involvement and partnership of these organizations, businesses and individuals strengthen our overall commitment to the open lands, natural resources and residents of McHenry County. McHenry County Snowmobile Club McHenry-Lake County Soil and Water District McHenry Public Library National Ski Patrol Nippersink Creek Watershed Association Northern IL Special Recreation Association Nunda Township Road District Openlands Pheasants Forever Prairie Grove Central School District #46 Red Buffalo Nursery Richmond-Burton High School District #157 Riding Club of Barrington Hills Riley Township SEDOM Small Waters Environmental Education The Land Conservancy of McHenry County The Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee Trout Unlimited Trust for Public Land US Army Corps of Engineers US Fish & Wildlife Service US Forest Service Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County Village of Algonquin Village of Cary Village of Greenwood Village of Huntley Village of Lake in the Hills Village of Lakewood Village of Oakwood Hills Village of Richmond Village of Spring Grove Village of Wonder Lake Visit McHenry County Woodstock High School Conservation Club Woodstock Rotary Club Woodstock Snowmobile Club Landscapes Fall

5 A Year of Impact Fiscal Year April 1, 2015 March 31, 2016 McHenry County Conservation District's 25,125 acres host over 115 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of biking trails, 19 fishing sites, 5 campgrounds, 4 canoe launches, 40 miles of horse trails, and 21 sites with picnic shelters. Education & Outreach Top 7 1,021,858 23,827 turtles released into District wetlands, Staff touched the lives of residents who attended Educational & Wildlife Programs, School Field Trips and Day Camps. OVER ONE MILLION VISITORS! Visitors to Open Sites & Trails: Wildlife Resource Center 131 injured animals admitted; 45 Blanding s Top 1, ,414 Picnic Shelters Rentals and Special Event Reservations 74 released in cooperation with IDNR. 5 Attended Events: Festival of the Sugar Maples First Friday Summer Concert Series Earth Day Celebration Harvest Gathering of Oaks for 100 Years Most Visited Sites 1,933 Phone Calls 32 FREE Special Events Prairie Trail: 125,300 hosted with over 5,000 in attendance. 1,605 lbs. of seed collected from 187 native plant species valued at $94,715 Glacial Park: 84,399 The Hollows: taken on concerns, injuries, and nuisance problems with local wildlife. 1,762 Acres Burned 3,300 Acres in Grassland Management 5,532 Acres in Agriculture Leases 10,737 acres of Hydric Soils = Flood Storage Capacity! 2,876 people Camped Local enjoying starry evenings and moonlit nights. 64,592 2,000 oak, hickory, and hazelnut trees were planted, as well as associated woodland shrubs. Fel-Pro RRR: 64,221 If every acre of hydric soil holds 1 foot of water, then during a typical spring flood event the Flood Storage Capacity on District lands = 3,498,662,187 gallons. (or 5,297 Olympic size swimming pools) District Lands allow for 24,438,825,000 gallons of stream runoff / filtration / storage capacity per year. Web Site visitors Twitter followers 127,840 1,259 YouTube views Pinterest followers 6, Facebook likes Instagram fans 2, Full-Time Employees: Part-time Employees: Seasonals: Seasonal Maintenance 158 acres of trails & turf mowed/week 28 miles of ski trails are groomed at 8 sites 336 hours of snow shoveling 334 hours of snow plowing Marengo Ridge: 47,552 2,062 different species. live in habitat provided in Conservation District lands. Rush Creek: 46,025 Pleasant Valley: 34,735 6 Landscapes Fall 2016 Commitment to Public Safety 7 days a week Year Round 324 b iological inventories were cataloged on Conservation District Sites during Birds Butterflies/Insects Fish Fungi Herpetiles Mammals Macro-Invertebrates Mussels Plants # of Surveys: Total Species Recorded: ,277 (986 Native) Conservation District Officers make a difference in the lives of people who enjoy spending time outdoors. They protect the public and natural resources, ensuring a safe visit for every citizen in the community. They are assisted by Public Safety Volunteers: S.W.E.E.P.; Glacial Park Ski Patrol; Hunting Program 534 Volunteers provided approximately 10,000 hours of service to the District valued at $230,000 worth of hourly service. Landscapes Fall

6 Year in Review Donors & Sponsors We Couldn't Do it Without You It is with deep gratitude that we recognize and acknowledge our donors, sponsors, and outdoor enthusiasts during FY for their continued dedication and support which is essential to the furtherance of our mission of preserving, restoring and managing natural areas and open spaces in McHenry County for their intrinsic value and for the benefits to present and future generations. Donations Summary: General Donations $4, Natural Resources Specific $9, Trust Donation $132, (bequests received from the Audrey Masters and Avichouser Trusts) $146, McHenry County Conservation FOUNDATION McHenry County Conservation Foundation was instrumental in providing the funds to assist the District in launching the 1 st McHenry County Conservation Congress held in February 2016 where more than 200 individuals were in attendance from varied organizations and interest groups to discuss the fate and future of the county s public lands over the next 50 years Conservation Congress 2016 Shaping the Future of Conservation on McHenry County Public Lands The Next 50 Years! General Donors HP & Judith Blus Encap Hilltop PTO Bryce R. Hopp McHenry County Bicycle Club Natural Resource Specific Numerous donations were earmarked to assist in funding the District s 100 Oaks for 100 Years fall planting and Big Woods Tree Donation. Daughters of the American Revolution Susan Harmon David Miller KPMG Comm Giving Stephen & June Keibler McHenry Co Audubon In Memory of Nick Thomas: Aon Hewitt Associates Richard & Nancy Bartolozzi Dan Campbell Donna Eversman Laura and Richard Gergus Larry D & Susan K Hirsch In memory of Ernie Pieroni: Don Bentz Gaylor Excavating, Inc. Ray & Felicia Kuna James & Patricia Overly Bertha Smith In addition, from time to time the District s Wildlife Resource Center will receive donations from individuals and community organizations. Cary Public Library Earth Sports Fox River Grove Library John Link Gloria Krause Tracie Krause Ann Messina Erik Olivares Moira Palmer Kathy Reilly Tom Rome Christopher Romanousk Jennifer Vaughn L. Jean Wenkel Grants: The District received a $36,500 North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grant Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited for the acquisition of 9.32 acres in the Village of Greenwood to restore and protect wetland habitat. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service also awarded the District a $15,000 grant for implementation of the 2016 Youth Conservation Corps summer high school program. Special thanks to the Festival of the Sugar Maples sponsors: This is the first year the Conservation District went out to seek sponsors for this long-standing event so it could continue to be offered free of charge to our residents. Thank you to the local Marengo and Union businesses who stepped up and showed their support! Stone Bakers Pizza

7 18410 US Highway 14, Woodstock, IL tdd