Boone County Conservation District

This Master Plan for the Boone County Conservation District, adopted in February 2025, updates the previous 2006 plan and outlines a ten-year strategic direction until 2035. The plan's primary purpose is to preserve and manage natural areas and open spaces for ecological, educational, and recreational benefits. Key priorities include establishing and managing ecological corridors, identifying specific preservation areas, implementing interagency coordination and funding strategies, and focusing on departmental goals across administration, land and facilities management, natural resources management, and education.

The agenda for the meeting included reviewing financial reports for December 2025 and receiving reports from the Executive Director, Director of Land & Facilities, Director of Natural Resources, and Director of Education. District affairs discussion focused on an Archery Program Violation, including determining a position on a participant violation, reviewing the Native Seed Harvest 2025, and examining Volunteer Hours for 2025. Key actions included a discussion on Public Engagement Survey Results and a potential action following an Executive Session regarding the purchase or lease of real property. The meeting concluded with Accounts Payable review and Board Member Comments.

The Boone County Conservation District Board of Trustees convened to discuss various district affairs. Key discussion points included the South Piscasaw Connector Grant, approval for Josh Sage to order seed from two companies, acceptance of the 2018/19 audit, and approval of Levy Ordinance No. 138 with corrections. The board also granted permission for Director Kane and Attorney Loos to execute an easement and approved Ordinance No. 139, the Annual Abatement Ordinance for the Alternative Revenue Bond. Updates were provided on the IDOT rerouting project, turf mowing bids, and the purchase agreement for land from KB Farms. Additionally, the board acknowledged a donation of deer mounts by Dennis Frichtl and approved accounts payable.

This document outlines the Boone County Conservation District's approach to wildlife monitoring and land management. The organization preserves and manages natural areas for ecological, educational, and recreational benefits. Key activities include tracking species to guide land management strategies, enhancing biodiversity, protecting species in need, and restoring high-quality habitats. The overall goal is to maintain healthy ecosystems and support native wildlife populations within Boone County.

The Boone County Conservation District is required to investigate and ascertain the prevailing rate of wages for laborers, mechanics, and other workers in the locality of Boone County employed in performing construction of public works. The general prevailing rate of wages in this locality for laborers, mechanics, and other workers engaged in construction of public works is ascertained to be the same as the prevailing rate of wages for construction work in Boone County area as determined by the Department of Labor of the State of Illinois as of June of the current year. Any and all revisions of the prevailing rate of wages by the Department of Labor of the State of Illinois shall supersede the Department's June determination and apply to any and all public works construction undertaken by the Boone County Conservation District.