The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is seeking public input about its seven forest preserves, Niabi Zoo and the district’s many amenities at a pair of public meetings on Tuesday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 14.
“Our preserves belong to the people of Rock Island County,” Jeffrey Craver, Forest Preserve District director, said in a news release. “The board, staff and I value the public’s suggestions and we’re excited to collect the public’s input on what improvements the Forest Preserve District should consider.”
The first public session is set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at Indian Bluff Course Clubhouse 6200 78th Ave., Milan.
The second meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at the Niabi Zoo Administrative Office Building, 13010 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley, Illinois.
The areas and amenities the Forest Preserve District is seeking public comment about include:
- Amôwa Forest Preserve,19500 Hubbard Road, East Moline.
- Dorrance Park, 401 Agnes St., Port Byron, Illinois.
- Illiniwek Forest Preserve, 836 State Ave., Hampton, Illinois.
- Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, 19408 Loud Thunder Road, Illinois City,
- Martin Conservation Area, Loud Thunder Road, Illinois City.
- Indian Bluff Golf Course, 6200 78th Ave., Milan.
- Niabi Zoo, 13010 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley.
Written comments about the Forest Preserve District will also be accepted until Friday, May 3. Send them to: Forest Preserve Office c/o Jeffrey Craver, 19406 Loud Thunder Road, Illinois City, IL 61259.
The mission of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is to maintain and acquire lands with the intent to restore and conserve such lands for the purpose of preservation, education and recreation for its residents with fiscal responsibility.
The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is governed by the Forest Preserve Commission, which is made up of the members of the Rock Island County Board.
In total, the Rock Island County Forest Preserve Commission governs seven forest preserve areas totaling 2,659.46 acres. They include Amôwa Forest Preserve, Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, Illiniwek Forest Preserve, Niabi Zoo, Indian Bluff Golf Course and Forest Preserve, Dorrance Park and Martin Conservation Area.
For more information about the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, visit www.RICFPD.org.
