Boone County Conservation District
Jan 20, 2026
The lede
- Board addressed archery program violation, requiring participant to complete 8 hours of volunteer time following hunting on an unauthorized date
- District achieved record native seed harvest of 1,400 pounds in 2025, valued at nearly $160,000 across 170 species
- Public engagement survey showed strong community support (88.8%) for a referendum to purchase and protect open space in Boone County
- Board committed to purchasing a 34-acre property near Piscasaw Fen Conservation Area within three years of Openlands’ acquisition
Decisions & votes
July 15, 2025 Executive Session Minutes - Motion to keep minutes closed due to ongoing need for confidentiality. Approved unanimously 5-0.
December 16, 2025 Minutes - Motion to approve as written. Approved unanimously 5-0.
Archery Program Violation - Motion to follow precedent requiring 8 hours of volunteer time for participant who hunted on unauthorized date (December 20, 2025). Approved unanimously 5-0.
Public Engagement Survey Results - Motion to add survey results to the 2025 Master Plan. Approved unanimously 5-0.
Executive Session - Property Acquisition - Motion that Boone County Conservation District intends to purchase property within three years of Openlands’ acquisition of 34-acre parcel near Piscasaw Fen Conservation Area. Approved unanimously 5-0.
Accounts Payable - Motion to pay expenses due through January 20, 2026. Approved unanimously 5-0.
Discussion items
Archery Program Violation: A program participant hunted on December 20, 2025, when the conservation area was open to public (not an authorized hunt day). Participant failed to verify hunt calendar, harvested a doe, properly tagged it, and self-reported the violation. Board applied precedent from similar November 2024 incident. Volunteer hours ideally to be completed before April 2026 qualifications begin for 2026-2027 season.
Native Seed Harvest 2025: Record harvest of approximately 1,400 pounds collected by staff and volunteers using hand and mechanical methods. Mechanical harvesting performed primarily by Natural Areas Technician Ben Davies. Harvest included 170 species with estimated market value just under $160,000. Volunteer groups collected 40 species (357 pounds) valued at $61,000, representing 40% of total harvest and value. 19-year cumulative market value exceeds $1.3 million, projected to surpass $1.8 million over next 10 years.
Volunteer Hours 2025: Total of 3,815.75 hours completed, an increase of 405.5 hours over 2024. Natural Resources Management Tuesday group increased by 300 hours. Education volunteer hours rose due to high school volunteers and Helping Hands Day group (100 additional volunteers). Board members and younger volunteers also contributed to growth. Three volunteer groups operating: Deanna leads Saturdays, Aarron leads Tuesdays, and Ben is starting group with Friends of Illinois Nature Preserve’s organization.
Public Engagement Survey Results: 224 responses received. Key findings: 82% enjoy hiking conservation areas; 70.1% indicated need for open space in Boone County; 88.8% would support referendum to purchase, protect, and maintain open space. Public desires more canoeing opportunities, trail maintenance, better signage, and restroom facilities. Long Prairie Trail maintenance noted as high priority. Interest shown in hiking programs; Deanna has begun offering Saturday programs.
Executive Director Report: Performance review documents to be submitted to Board President Thomas for February executive session discussion. Request for proposals for architectural concept design to be posted January 27, 2026, with presentations planned for March 18, 2026 board meeting. 2026 volunteer waiver available for board members to complete.
Financial / operational notes
December 2025 financial reports placed on file subject to audit.
Accounts payable approved for payment through January 20, 2026.
Native seed harvest market value: $160,000 (2025); cumulative $1.3 million (19 years); projected $1.8 million+ (next 10 years).