Lower taxes and more open space

You don't have to set foot in the Kane County forest preserves to experience their benefits. All residents enjoy cleaner water and cleaner air because of these important, protected open spaces.

They filter groundwater and provide flood control. Neighboring property values frequently increase near preserves. Trail systems link our communities.

If you do choose to visit - and I hope you do - these are wonderful natural areas in which to enjoy and recreate. They offer a place for quiet reflection or a family picnic, bike rides or bird-watching, horseback riding or dog walking, camping or hiking, you can enjoy a nature program or historic tour. And, preserves provide protected wildlife habitat across more than 20,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands and prairies. They're a part of what make Kane County a desirable place to live, work and play, and I'm proud to serve as its president.

The district has an April 4 referendum on the ballot for land acquisition and preserve improvements. The cost for the owner of a $250,000 home would be approximately $22 annually, for 20 years. However, due to strong financial management, refinancing of debt and paying off bonds, taxes will actually be decreasing from the district. Would you like lower property taxes from the district, along with increased open space? As always, we have put this measure on the ballot to let the voters make the final decision. Our successes are evident. A recent poll about the district found an 87 people approval rating. People value their forest preserves.

I know we have our critics, like any organization, but I have to wonder what their motivations are, when forest preserves truly benefit all of us, both now and for generations to come.

Michael Kenyon

President, Forest Preserve District of Kane County

Geneva