Chairman Goslin led the Forest Preserve Finance Committee through the Forest Preserve budget process this winter. On Thursday, December 15th, the 2012 FPD Budget was approved unanimously at the Special Meeting of the Forest Preserve District Board.

The total proposed appropriation for FY2012 is $195 million. This includes:

$58M general operating budget, a 1.5% increase from 2011
$5.7M for Construction and Development
$13.8M for Capital Improvements
$10.1M for Real Estate Acquisition, including $4M in new money
$15.5M for Brookfield Zoo (the Zoo raises $48.5M)
$9.6M for Botanic Garden; (the Garden raises $19.8M)

The main objectives for the District in 2012 are:

Focusing on greater accountability by implementing recommendations from the desk audit and achieving compliance with the Shakman rules

Continuing to restore our natural forests, savannahs and prairies

Continuing to identify and acquire key land parcels and create connections between District properties

Expanding public outreach initiatives and educational programs, particularly for children

Building and leveraging the District’s conservation, land restoration and environmental protection work by continuing to grow our volunteer corps

Completing a new Land Acquisition Plan, releasing a more transparent Capital Improvement Plan, and completing a plan for the District’s new initiative to restore and expand its historic campgrounds