Trail Ends for Forest Preserve President

When Bonnie Thomson Carter took leadership of the Lake County Forest Preserve  District Board in 2002, she had a list of goals. As she prepares to step down from that role, Dec. 6, she feels she has accomplished what she set out to do.

"The timing is right; I achieved more than I wanted to and I always felt it was an honor. I didn't feel I was entitled to be president forever," Carter said.

One of the biggest achievements during her tenure was in 2008; in the midst of a recession, the forest preserve passed a $185 million referendum that enabled the preservation of 5,500 acres of land. The funds allowed the acquisition of 14 new preserves, 38 miles of trail connections and a multitude of improvements to facilities.

Forest Preserve Executive Director Tom Hahn credits her with the referendum success as one of the main spokespersons.  He said she was tireless in her efforts and gave numerous presentations, from early in the morning until evening.  

"She is very outgoing and she would tell people about the benefits and give people a good idea of the importance of the referendum," Hahn said.

An Advocate for Open Space, Preservation

Carter, a Republican from Ingleside, has served in the dual role on the Lake County Board and Forest Preserve District, since 1996, at a time of sky-rocketing development. She became involved in local development issues and became aware of some of the related problems, such as flooding due to wetland filling. As she became more aware, she was determined to build awareness of the importance of forest preserves.

"People get the benefit when land is preserved, When you don't have development , you don't have impact on the roads, don't have impact on your taxes," Carter said.

Veteran County Board Member Carol Calabresa, of Libertyville commended Carter for her dedication to the forest preserve.

"I think when Bonnie first ran for the county board, she thought she needed to focus most of her attention to solving her resident's county issues. She grew to really appreciate the forest preserve," Calabresa said.

"She really became an advocate for the forest preserves and started to enjoy walking the paths. She has walked most of the trails and that's about 150 miles," Hahn said.

Carter said Lake County residents, today, also see the value of the forest preserves.

"The public sees the benefit of open space. It adds to the quality of life to have easy access, whether you like to walk, bird watch or get into educational programs. There is something for everyone," Carter said.

In 2007, Carter helped found the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The foundation allows the forest preserve to benefit from private gifts. So far, it has raised nearly $4 million for projects including preservation, education and improvements to preserves.

"This was really important to me because people in the community wanted to contribute to what the forest preserve does, as individuals or corporations," Carter said.

Another major achievement during her tenure was the purchase of a $4.1 million office building that will allow the forest preserve to consolidate its offices and improve efficiency. The building on Winchester Road in Libertyville will also be the future home of the Lake County Museum.

Tough Spots – Olympics, Fort Sheridan Golf Course

Carter's eight-year term has not been without controversy. Two of the most controversial issues the board has been involved with were its bid to hold the 2016 Olympics equestrian events at Lakewood Forest Preserve and its plans for Fort Sheridan – an issue that is ongoing.

Carter said the proposed Olympic equestrian center was an exciting prospect. After the Olympics, the facility was to serve residents with special needs. While many residents were in favor of the plan, many were against it. Carter said the board decided to get out of the plan after hearing residents' concerns. She said it was important to exit gracefully so as not to hurt Chicago's bid for the Olympics nor to embarrass the forest preserve.

"I was more happy to get rid of it. Going in, it felt like the right thing, but during the process it felt like it was taking us too far away from our mission," Carter said.

The future use of the Fort Sheridan site continues to be a controversial issue. The forest preserve acquired the site with the caveat that there would be a golf course. The forest preserve took out the old golf course and went for bids on a new course. The price tag for an 18-hole course was too high, which has led the district to reconsider. Residents of the Fort Sheridan housing development say they were promised a golf course when they bought their homes.

Carter said in the early '90s, the forest preserve believed a golf course would be self-sustaining and generate revenue. But, the climate has changed.

"Since that time the golf industry has changed dramatically – in my opinion building a golf course is the wrong use of the site. The reasons past boards supported it no longer make sense," she said. "Less and less people golf; it's a historical site and the only public access to Lake Michigan."

Carter noted she would have had the votes to stay as forest preserve president, but felt it was time for a new face. She believes a leader of the forest preserve needs to be dedicated to the preserve's mission. "You have to look at the bigger picture, make tough decisions, stay the course, be a strong leader. Blogging goes on and you have to have big shoulders and have to be believe you're doing the right thing."

Carter to Focus on County Issues

Carter will still continue to serve Lake County as a board member and forest preserve member, representing Dist. 5.  Her term runs until 2012. "I plan to refocus on the county; I plan on staying involved in environmental issues, and refocus on getting Lake Michigan water in the county," she said.

She may have a little more free time and would like to spend that playing piano and  traveling. She would like to see all the National Parks and her husband, Tom, would like to see all the battlefields. They are parents of four grown children.

Another goal is to have the time to visit her daughter, Amanda, 25, who is in the Navy and currently stationed in Oak Harbor, Wash.

"When my daughter joined the Navy, I promised her I would see her as much as possible. I want to have the time and be flexible to see her wherever she is in the world. She decided to represent our country and I have to have time to go see her." Carter said.