The Severson Dells Nature Center Board of Directors supports the following:


Winnebago County Forest Preserve District
Governance Referendum Background

Advisory Referendum November 2008

1) Since its creation in 1922, the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District has been acquiring land in order to achieve the purpose set forth by state statute to “acquire and hold land for the preservation and restoration of native flora and fauna and cultural heritage areas for the enjoyment and education of our citizens and future generations.”

2) WCFPD owns and manages 9,500 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, trails, picnic areas, campgrounds and golf courses.(39 preserves)

3) WCFPD has identified an additional 11,700 acres of priority acquisition properties for acquisition to expand existing preserves and connect preserves to create corridors along rivers.

4) In recent years, accelerating urban growth and development (sprawl) has put added pressure on the acquisition of land and has created a conflict between the need to preserve open space and the need to continue economic growth.

5) WCFPD Board is composed of the same 28 individuals who comprise the Winnebago County Board. Board Chairman is WCFPD President.

6) County Board members/Forest Preserve Commissioners serving dual roles are faced with issues so numerous and diverse that often their time and talents are stretched too thin to be effective.

7) Due to the separate and distinct statutory purposes and powers, the County Board members and Forest Preserve commissioners are often faced with conflicting policy decisions, e.g.
- Preserve open space and natural areas vs. buildings, roads, highways
- Zoning & land use issues
- Economic development programs
- Tax abatement incentives

8) This change will not create a new unit of government or new taxing entity. The Forest Preserve District is already a separate agency and levies its own tax. The proposed governance change will NOT affect your tax bill.

Therefore, an advisory referendum will appear on the November 2008 ballot asking voters to
approve a Forest Preserve District governance structure separate from the County Board.
Shall the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District be governed by an independent elected
nonpartisan board consisting of no less than 5, no more than 7 Commissioners, replacing
the current 28 member Board of Commissioners?

For additional information please call Jamie Johannsen, Director of Marketing & Community Relations at the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, 815-877-6100.