Lake County resident survey planned to gauge forest preserve usage and get suggestions

Lake County forest preserve officials are preparing a new survey to determine residents’ attitude and interest in the organization and facilities.

The forest board on Wednesday is expected to approve a $39,000 contract with aQity Research and Insights Inc., for a countywide awareness, attitude, interest and usage survey.

“Every few years, we try to survey the residents of Lake County and ask high-level questions,” explained Rebekah Snyder, director of community engagement and partnerships.

The intent is to better understand public attitudes and behaviors to help officials clarify priorities, allocate resources, identify what messages resonate with residents and determine what value is placed on the forest district’s mission and services.

Results generally don’t vary much if at all as but comparing with past surveys can help guide adjustments. Surveys in 2005, 2008, 2016, 2019, and 2022 consistently have shown residents want the district to maintain what it has, make trail connections and restore habitats, for example.

“We generally don’t see a lot of swings,” Snyder said. “We like to watch for trends in sentiment. We just don’t want to be surprised.”

Specific questions will be fine-tuned after the contract with aQity is approved. Snyder said 600 respondents is considered a statistically appropriate sample size.

Potential topics include opinions of the district compared to other local and countywide agencies; feedback on strengths and areas to improve; perceived importance of the district on quality of life and benefits it represents; and, how often and what types of activities residents use.

Priorities for improvements; short-term versus long-term planning goals; and identifying how familiar residents are with the Preservation Foundation as an alternate funding source also are potential topics.

Results from previous surveys have shown about 78% of respondents use the forest preserves in some manner.

The district has worked with aQity for decades on the surveys and hired it last year to gauge the willingness of Lake County voters to support a tax hike referendum. Based in part on the results, a $155 million question was put on the November ballot with two-thirds of voters in favor.

Forest commissioners in early March are scheduled to consider and officially approve a project list for the referendum proceeds.