No forest preserve swap for fairgrounds

There have been numerous occasions during my 16-year tenure as president of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County when a public or private agency has turned to the district to satisfy its land needs. A recent suggestion stated that the DuPage County Fairgrounds should be relocated from its current site to the Danada Forest Preserve at of Naperville and Butterfield roads in Wheaton.

This would entail the construction of a massive carnival and exposition facility on the surrounding natural areas. This land swap will not happen on my watch. The forest district is not and will not be a land bank for any person, agency or group with a deficient amount of space to carry out its purpose or commercial enterprise.

It is my firm belief that DuPage citizens expect the forest district to maintain its land holdings in order to keep pace with the county’s burgeoning population rather than disseminate precious open spaces to rectify poor planning by other agencies.

Furthermore, plans are currently under review that would designate portions of this area as a “wetland bank” for the East Branch of the DuPage River. The district’s plans to enhance visitors’ experiences at this wetland with nearby trails is fitting with the district’s mission of conservation, education and recreation.

I pledge to spend the next four years of my presidency continuing to serve the best interests of county residents by protecting valuable natural areas, running an efficient operation, and managing the county’s flora and fauna in a consistent and professional manner without political interference.

D. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr.

President, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County