The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is made up of eight departments. These departments include the General Office; Legal Department; Department of Planning and Development; Department of Finance and Administration; Resource Management; Permits & Recreational Activities; Law Enforcement; and Maintenance.
The General Office Department contains all administrative personnel for the Forest Preserve District. This includes the General Superintendent, Deputy General Superintendent, External Affairs Manager, Special Events Director; Public Information Officer and other supporting staff.
The District’s Legal Department handles all legal matters for the Forest Preserve District.
The Planning and Development Department contains five subsections. They are Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, GIS, and Real Estate and Licensing. The department as a whole, oversees all major construction of new facilities and the reconstruction of old facilities. Their work includes planning, specifications, and supervision of contract work in the Forest Preserve District.
The Department of Finance and Administration provides oversight and manages all financial affairs and administrative functions related to personnel, purchasing agent, risk management, and financial accounting and reporting.
The Department of Resource Management manages the District’s Nature Education Programs and Land Management Programs. They run the District’s six Nature Centers and are also responsible for the fish and wildlife of the area as well as their habitats throughout the District.
The Permits & Recreational Activities Department oversees the operation and maintenance of the District’s three aquatic centers and oversees the District’s relationships with Billy Casper Golf, which manages and maintains the District’s 10 golf courses and four driving ranges. In addition, all permits and licenses – including picnic permits, special permits and horse licenses – are issued by this department.
The Law Enforcement Department is responsible for enforcing all Federal and State Laws as well as County Ordinances.
The Maintenance Department is responsible for the care and maintenance of District facilities such as picnic areas, buildings, and trails. They also manage the District’s Central Warehouse and Garage.
