McHenry County Conservation District

The McHenry County Clerk’s Office has reported the results for the November 5, 2024, General Election, following the counting of late-arriving mail-in and provisional ballots. The results confirm that voters have passed the Conservation District’s Proposition to Increase the Limiting Rate to Protect WATER QUALITY, Preserve WILDLIFE HABITAT and Increase OUTDOOR RECREATION ACCESS FOR ALL. The proposition passed with 50.28% of the overall vote, reflecting community support for these essential initiatives. “This is an exciting day for conservation in McHenry County and we’re incredibly grateful to the voters for their trust and support,” said McHenry County Conservation District Executive Director Elizabeth Kessler. “Through their votes, residents have reaffirmed how important the protection of nature and access to the outdoors are to their lives and have chosen to reinvest in the vital work of the Conservation District.” The Conservation District would like to thank voters, volunteers, staff, McHenry County Conservation Foundation, and the coalition of many individuals and partners who contributed their time, talents and resources to the “Vote Yes for McHenry County Conservation District Proposition” Committee. Your support has been instrumental in advancing our mission to protect natural resources and enhance outdoor experiences for everyone in McHenry County. Thank you for standing with us in this important effort. “We are thankful to the residents of McHenry County and appreciate their collective decision to continue to protect our natural areas for the benefit of current and future generations,” said Conservation District Board President Chris Dahm. “This small reinvestment back into the Conservation District will have a huge impact on what we can do to protect our water, preserve wildlife habitat and increase outdoor recreation access for all.” We would also like to congratulate the Forest Preserves and Park Districts in the region who also passed successful ballot measures, including the Lake County Forest Preserve District, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Geneva, IL and Huntley Park District. Your efforts reflect a shared commitment to preserving natural spaces and enhancing recreation opportunities.

??The partnership between McHenry County Conservation District and Ruhter Bison LLC was honored with a Best of the Best Award on October 25th by Illinois Association of Park Districts at their Best of the Best Awards Gala! Partnerships like these help further expand the reach of conservation efforts. ??Grazing bison enhances soil health and fertility, improves carbon sequestration, and advances grassland habitat. McHenry County Conservation District and Ruhter Bison partnered to integrate bison into a grassland management strategy by converting an overgrazed cattle feedlot and crop field into a prairie ecosystem regeneratively grazed by native bison. We also facilitate education with public programming about the natural and cultural history of bison. ??After only two growing seasons, biological activity has improved and soil respiration has increased, organic matter percent has doubled, and the Haney soil health score tripled. Bobolink and Savanna Sparrow densities have increased, and there is a high demand for educational offerings on this unique approach to farming and conservation. ??Thank you to our partners at Ruhter Bison, and IAPD for honoring us with this award. ??Learn more at MCCD.me/BisonGrazing

??Election day is here! Flock to the polls! ??Photo of a flock of Sandhill cranes by Pierre Steygers. ??Reminder: Conservation is on the ballot! Learn more about the proposition to increase the limiting rate to protect water, preserve wildlife habitat, and improve outdoor recreation access for all: MCCD.me/Proposition2024

“Every morning, when you get up and you work for the Conservation District, you get a brand-new canvas, and that canvas is the future, and you get to paint the future with the work that you do, and that’s something you don’t get out of most jobs. Here, the palette of your colors is limited only by your own imagination and your own passion for the work that you do. So, I've been fortunate. I've had a blank canvas every morning I get up and it says the same thing: what are you going to paint today?”?- Ed Collins, former Director of Land Preservation & Natural Resources, McHenry County Conservation District What does it mean to work for McHenry County Conservation District? Check out the article on the career and retirement of long-time District employee Ed Collins in the winter issue of Landscapes.

We are still accepting applications for our Education Services Manager position. Learn more at MCCD.me/Apply

?? The Winter issue of Landscapes is online and on its way to mailboxes this week! Winter program registration begins November 10 for county residents. ?? Check it out at MCCD.me/Landscapes ?? Cover photo by Cynthia Smith

McHenry County Conservation District will have a proposition on the ballot this November to increase the limiting rate to Protect Water Quality, Preserve Wildlife Habitat, and Improve Outdoor Recreation Access for All! In 2026, property taxes paid to the Conservation District will go down due to the District paying off general obligation bonds. Without the passage of this proposition, taxes will decrease 58%. With the passage of this proposition, they will still decrease 45%. The difference for a homeowner with a home valued at $300,000 is just $27 a year. This $27 reinvestment is a small sum that will have a large impact on our natural resources, wildlife, environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities.

This Fall, McHenry County Residents will have the opportunity to vote on a proposition put forward by the Board of Trustees of the McHenry County Conservation District, to increase the limiting rate to protect WATER QUALITY, preserve WILDLIFE HABITAT, and improve OUTDOOR RECREATION ACCESS FOR ALL. Please take a moment to learn about this proposition. More information can be found at MCCD.me/Proposition2024

Apply today for our Education Services Manager position! We are seeking an inspiring and experienced leader to oversee our Education Services Department.?Job application and information can be located at https://lnkd.in/djh8yDHi.

Proposition 2024 - Limiting Rate Increase to Protect Water Quality, Preserve Wildlife Habitat and Improve Outdoor Recreation Access for All Residents of McHenry County are being offered a choice on the November 5 - General Election Ballot. This proposition will increase the limiting rate of the McHenry County Conservation District and has been put forward by the Board of Trustees to ensure McHenry County's natural environment remains protected, accessible and thriving for generations to come. The ballot proposition focuses on three main areas: Water Quality Protection, Wildlife Habitat Preservation, Outdoor Recreation Access for All. Learn more at MCCD.me/Proposition2024