McHenry County Conservation District Annual Report - April 1, 2015- March 31, 2016

Brookdale Administrative Office 18410 US Highway 14Woodstock, IL 60098815.338.6223 | tdd 815.334.2878

Lost Valley Visitor CenterRoute 31 and Harts Rd. Ringwood, IL 60072815.678.4532

Prairieview Education Center2112 Behan Road Crystal Lake, IL 60014815.479.5779

Research Field Station 815.678.4532

Wildlife Resource Center815.728.8307

Police 815.338.6223Evenings & Weekends815.338.2144

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 snow-mobiling.

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.

Our VisionBy 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 re-sponsible 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.

Our Board of Trustees

Executive Director Elizabeth S. Kessler Administration & FinanceJohn 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 DepartmentWendy Kummerer, Marketing & Communications Manager Lora Petrak, Community Relations Specialist Denice Beck, Volunteer Coordinator

Planning DepartmentAmy Peters, Planning Manager Sarah Rummel, Associate Landscape Architect II

Police DepartmentJeff 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 DepartmentDeb 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 ResourcesEd 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 DepartmentPerry 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 RangerDave 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

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

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 2007-2009. 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 InvestmentsIn 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 2027. 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.

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 ServicesThe 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.

Annual Report Statement — Fiscal Year

McHenry County Conservation District remains committed to working collaboratively with our county, municipalities, townships, park districts, local businesses and not-for-profit 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.

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.

Advocate Sherman HospitalAlden Neighbors Seed Sharing GroupAlgonquin Area Library DistrictBarrington Area Conservation TrustBarrington Hills Riding ClubBoone County Conservation DistrictBoone Creek Watershed AllianceBull Valley Riding ClubCary Consolidated School District #26Cary/Fox River Grove Rotary ClubCary-Grove Chamber of CommerceCary Grove High SchoolCary Park DistrictChicago WildernessCitizens for ConservationCity of Crystal LakeCity of MarengoCity of WoodstockComEdCrystal Lake AnglersCrystal Lake Park DistrictDave’s Bait & Tackle & TaxidermyEnvironmental Defenders of McHenry CountyEnvironmental Law & Policy CenterForest Preserve District of Cook CountyFox River Ecosystem PartnershipFox River Grove Memorial LibraryFox Waterway AssociationFriends of Hackmatack National

Wildlife RefugeFriends of McConnell FarmFriends of the FoxHarrison School District #36Huntley Community RadioHuntley Park DistrictHuntley PenguinsIllinois Department of Natural ResourcesIllinois Department of TransportationIllinois Stewardship AllianceIllinois Nature Preserves Commission

Johnsburg Public LibraryLake County Forest Preserve DistrictLakers/Sno BugsLincoln Park ZooLoyola University Retreat & Ecology CampusMarengo TownshipMcHenry CountyMcHenry County 4-H - University of Illinois

ExtensionMcHenry County 4H Conservation ClubMcHenry County Audubon SocietyMcHenry County College McHenry County Division of TransportationMcHenry County Bicycle AdvocatesMcHenry County Bicycle ClubMcHenry County Conservation District

–Agricultural Lease Holders–Century Hikers Club–Hunters–Trustees Emeritus–Volunteers

McHenry County Community FoundationMcHenry County Equestrian CoalitionMcHenry County Conservation FoundationMcHenry County Council of GovernmentsMcHenry County Department of HealthMcHenry County Division of TransportationMcHenry County Economic

Development CorporationMcHenry County Farm BureauMcHenry County Fire Chief’s AssociationMcHenry County Gravel Advisory CouncilMcHenry County Historic Preservation

CommissionMcHenry County Historical SocietyMcHenry County Horse ClubMcHenry County PlanningMcHenry County Sheriff’s OfficeMcHenry County Schools Environmental

Education Program (McSEEP)

McHenry County Snowmobile ClubMcHenry-Lake County Soil and Water DistrictMcHenry Public LibraryNational Ski PatrolNippersink Creek Watershed AssociationNorthern IL Special Recreation AssociationNunda Township Road DistrictOpenlandsPheasants ForeverPrairie Grove Central School District #46Red Buffalo NurseryRichmond-Burton High School District #157Riding Club of Barrington HillsRiley TownshipSEDOM Small Waters Environmental EducationThe Land Conservancy of McHenry CountyThe Wildflower Preservation and

Propagation CommitteeTrout UnlimitedTrust for Public LandUS Army Corps of Engineers US Fish & Wildlife ServiceUS Forest ServiceVeterans Assistance Commission of

McHenry CountyVillage of AlgonquinVillage of CaryVillage of GreenwoodVillage of HuntleyVillage of Lake in the HillsVillage of LakewoodVillage of Oakwood HillsVillage of RichmondVillage of Spring GroveVillage of Wonder LakeVisit McHenry CountyWoodstock High School Conservation ClubWoodstock Rotary ClubWoodstock Snowmobile Club

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.

* A

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Tax Revenue92.7%

Grants0.3%

Farm & Property Leases5.1%

Interest Revenue

0.4% Programs & Services

0.7%

Other Revenues

0.8%

LandAcquisition

1%

Debt Service56%

Operations38%

Capital Outlays: Sites

& Trails3%

Capital Outlays:

Other2%

Tax Revenue92.7%

Grants0.3%

Farm & Property Leases5.1%

Interest Revenue

0.4% Programs & Services

0.7%

Other Revenues

0.8%

LandAcquisition

1%

Debt Service56%

Operations38%

Capital Outlays: Sites

& Trails3%

Capital Outlays:

Other2%

FY 15/16 Revenues

FY 15/16 Expenditures

Statement of Revenues & Expenditures All Funds—Summarized, Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2016*

ActualRevenues: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)

2015–2016

5Landscapes | Fall 20164

Year in ReviewYear in Review

Education & OutreachA Year of Impact 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.

2,876 people Camped Local enjoying starry evenings and moonlit nights.

Top 5 Attended Events: 1,442 Festival of the Sugar Maples 937 First Friday Summer Concert Series 396 Earth Day Celebration 278 Harvest Gathering of 1858 261 100 Oaks for 100 Years

3,414Picnic Shelters Rentals and Special Event Reservations

2015 2015 2016Full-Time Employees: 77 75 72Part-time Employees: 6 7 10Seasonals: 59 56 53

534 Volunteers provided approximately 10,000 hours of service to the District valued at

$230,000 worth of hourly service.

1,605 lbs. of seed collected from 187 native plant species valued at $94,715

1,762 Acres Burned 3,300 Acres in Grassland Management5,532 Acres in Agriculture Leases

2,062 different species . live in habitat provided in Conservation District lands.

324 biological inventories were cataloged on Conservation District Sites during 2015-16

# of Surveys: Total Species Recorded:Birds 57 220Butterflies/Insects 10 158Fish 21 94Fungi 5 194Herpetiles 162 29Mammals 23 29Macro-Invertebrates 6 34Mussels 8 27Plants 32 1,277 (986 Native)

32 FREE Special Events hosted with over

5,000 in attendance.

2,000 oak, hickory, and hazelnut treeswere planted, as well as associated woodland shrubs.

Top 7

Most Visited Sites

Prairie Trail: 125,300

Glacial Park: 84,399

The Hollows: 64,592

Fel-Pro RRR: 64,221

Marengo Ridge: 47,552

Rush Creek: 46,025

Pleasant Valley: 34,735

Web Site visitors 127,840

YouTube views 6,385

Facebook likes 2,493

Twitter followers 1,259

Pinterest followers 71

Instagram fans 60

Staff touched the lives of 23,827 residents who attended Educational & Wildlife Programs, School Field Trips and Day Camps.

District Lands allow for

24,438,825,000 gallonsof stream runoff / filtration / storage capacity per year.

10,737 acres of Hydric Soils = Flood Storage Capacity!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)

Seasonal Maintenance158 acres of trails & “turf” mowed/week 28 miles of ski trails are groomed at 8 sites 336 hours of snow shoveling334 hours of snow plowing

Fiscal Year April 1, 2015–March 31, 2016

OVER ONE MILLION VISITORS!Visitors to Open Sites & Trails: 1,021,858

Wildlife Resource Center 131 injured animals admitted; 45 Blanding’s turtles released into District wetlands, 74 released in cooperation with IDNR.

1,933 Phone Calls taken on concerns, injuries, and

nuisance problems with local wildlife.

Commitment to Public Safety7 days a week • Year Round

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 Program7Landscapes | Fall 20166 Landscapes | Fall 2016

McHenry County Conservation Foundation’s

Saturday, October 1 6:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park Route 31 & Harts Rd., Ringwood

Cocktails & Hearty Hors’ D’oeuvres Raffles, Prizes, The Wall of Wine

Live & Silent Auctions — Live Music

Tickets �$40�each or�2�for�$75 before Sept. 1st

$50�each after Sept. 1st — until sold out. Only 225 event tickets will be sold. Price includes two complimentary beverages in souvenir glass, finger food, musical entertainment and live auction fun!

F Online: McHenryConservation.org

F  In Person: Cash or check only. Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 & Harts Rd., Ringwood Brookdale�Administrative�Offices,�18410�US�Highway�14,�Woodstock

F  By Mail: Checks payable to McHenry County Conservation Foundation; include name, address, number of tickets requested and payment. Mail to: “Tap�into�your�Wild�Side”, P.O. Box 1108, Woodstock, IL 60098 info: 815.759.9390 • info@mchenryconservation.org

All proceeds go toward outdoor recreation enhancements and wildlife habitat improvements.

We Couldn't Do it Without YouIt is with deep gratitude that we recognize and acknowledge our donors, sponsors, and outdoor enthusiasts during FY 2015–2016 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.

General DonorsHP & Judith BlusEncapHilltop PTOBryce R. HoppMcHenry County Bicycle Club

Natural Resource SpecificNumerous 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 RevolutionSusan HarmonDavid MillerKPMG Comm GivingStephen & June KeiblerMcHenry Co Audubon

In Memory of Nick Thomas:Aon Hewitt AssociatesRichard & Nancy BartolozziDan CampbellDonna EversmanLaura and Richard Gergus Larry D & Susan K Hirsch

In memory of Ernie Pieroni:Don BentzGaylor Excavating, Inc.Ray & Felicia KunaJames & Patricia OverlyBertha Smith

In addition, from time to time the District’s Wildlife Resource Center will receive donations from individuals and community organizations.

Cary Public LibraryEarth SportsFox River Grove LibraryJohn LinkGloria KrauseTracie KrauseAnn MessinaErik OlivaresMoira PalmerKathy ReillyTom RomeChristopher RomanouskJennifer VaughnL. 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.

McHenry County Conservation Foundation was instrumental in providing the funds to assist the District in launching the 1st 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.

Ancel Glink

Dave’s Bait, Tackle & Taxidermy

Thank you to our sponsors:

FOUNDATIONMcHenry County Conservation

C o n s e r v a t i o n C o n g r e s s 2016

Shaping the Future of Conservation on McHenry County Public Lands

—The Next 50 Years!

02.06.16

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!

Special thanks to the Festival of the Sugar Maples sponsors:

Stone Bakers Pizza

Donations Summary: General Donations $4,425.00Natural Resources Specific $9,945.00Trust Donation $132,179.82(bequests received from the Audrey Masters and Avichouser Trusts)

$146,549.82

Come�to�the�event�to�bid�on�great�items�from�these�local�community�donors—more�to�come!Alpine AccessoriesAndy Talley Art DesignBjorkman’s Ace Hardware, McHenryBlue Eagle PotteryChain O’Lakes Brewing Co.Classic CinemasCody’s Farm & OrchardCountrysideCrystal Lake Brewing Company

Dave Miller–Bird ExpertDave’s Bait & TackleDoor County StayDucks UnlimitedGreen Earth FarmHarley DavidsonJaci’s Cookies Gourmet Cookie

CompanyJetstream Jimmy’s, Lake in the Hills

Lake Geneva Cruise LineLynda Wallis, Freelance IllustrationsLynfred WineryMain Street PourHouseMarvin’s Toy StoreMarty Hackel PhotographyNinja Fishing CharterPeggy Rummel DesignsRandi Rewoldt Designs

Richardson Adventure FarmSilver Cloud–Paul DeMuthThe Bike HavenThe Raue CenterThomas TailsVon Bergen’s Country MarketWeg Studios Photography

From kayaks and bikes, to wine tours and fishing excursions;

from native plants and fine arts to brewery tours and more… there is

something for everyone to Tap into their Wild Side and bid on! Get a sneak peak at all the great auction items at: bit.ly/TapWS16-Sneak

8 Landscapes | Fall 2016

Year in Review — Donors & Sponsors

18410 US Highway 14, Woodstock, IL 60098 815.338.6223 | tdd 815.334.2878