Jeff Gahris: 2024 candidate for DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 4

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: Commissioner, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, District 4

City: Wheaton

Age: 71

Occupation: N/A

Previous offices held: Current DuPage County Forest Preserve District 4 commissioner; Environmental Commissioner, Village of Glen Ellyn

Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

I grew up in a rural environment that included farmland and woodlands. This helped to shape who I am. I have spent my lifetime enjoying and protecting the environment, both in my private and professional life. I am most motivated to assure that we maintain and enhance our natural areas so that they that are beautiful, ecologically diverse, healthy, and sustainable for future generations. I have the background and skill set to help make that happen in DuPage County.

If you are an incumbent, describe your two biggest contributions to the board. If you are a non-incumbent, describe two ways you would contribute to the board.

To date I have pushed for and obtained a “net zero” design for the new DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center animal rehabilitation clinic that will use no more energy than it produces on site. This will reduce operating cost while setting a great example for the public and other building owners can see what can be done to minimize environmental impact. I also encouraged the District to pursue a professional study of environmental sustainability practices associated with various District operations, in other words, making the best and wisest use of our resources. These are early steps in my desire to substantially reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from our operations while being wise stewards of our financial resources.

What role should the forest preserve play in preserving historic buildings on its land?

The District's primary mission is to preserve, protect, and restore natural areas for the education, enjoyment, and recreation by the public. That said, I believe that preserving certain historic structures on forest preserve land can enhance a “sense of place” for visitors, and can be an important part of educating the public about the history of the land which has been set aside for preservation. For example, the District entered into an agreement with the Village of Glen Ellyn allowing a Native American group to fund and establish a cultural and environmental center at the historic McKee House in Churchill Woods Forest Preserve. Here, the public can learn about the presence and impact of Indigenous peoples at this site for many years prior to the arrival of settler Winslow Churchill and his family.

How would you rate the job the commission is doing to develop existing forest preserves and make them accessible to residents? How would you approach things differently?

I believe the professional staff are doing an excellent job at managing the preserves, with the right balance of preservation, restoration, and developing amenities for access such as trails. Further, I believe that the Board of Commissioners is providing proper guidance by adopting and implementing master plans. While process is not perfect, I believe we need to continue to emphasize public participation opportunities. Good examples include public participation prior to construction of the new DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center and planned improvements at Green Valley Forest Preserve. Finally, the District is engaging with agencies that advocate people with differing abilities. The public has helped to shape the direction and results of our planning process.

What is the most important issue facing the forest preserves in your district and how should it be addressed?

Many of our natural areas are being overrun by invasive plant species that choke out native plants, so the natural areas are out of balance to the detriment of our oak trees and other important plants that support an abundant, productive and diverse community of plants and wildlife. By aggressively removing the invasive plants, we open up the natural areas to create vistas which are more attractive and safer for visitors. Most recently, visitors are most pleased with the restoration of Salt Creek and surrounding lands within Fullersburg Woods. The invasive plants never stop growing, so it takes several years to restore a tract of land. The cost of these projects is increasing, but once the land is fully restored, ongoing maintenance costs may be reduced, and the public will appreciate the results.

Earlier this year, some suggested that the 1996 state law that established a separate forest preserve board in DuPage County should be undone and that the forest preserve should be returned to the control of the county board. Do you support that idea? Why or why not?

In 1996, the Forest Preserve District Board was established as a separate entity from the County Board to address perceived or real conflicts of interest. Board members would be both County Board Members and Forest Preserve District Commissioners and would make contradictory votes. This could lead to underfunding of important infrastructure and maintenance of natural areas. Also, I am concerned that the environmental landfill fund would be plundered to fund priorities unrelated to the District’s mission. I join the majority of board members of both the County and the District in not supporting the proposal.