Citizens Advisory Committee

Committee function

In 1975, the Citizens Advisory Committee was formed by the Forest Preserve District of Will County Board of Commissioners to advise the Board on land acquisition and on the use of Forest Preserve properties. The Committee's mission includes proposing guidelines for land acquisition and land use policies and suggesting the direction of the District's future.

Committee meetings

The Citizens Advisory Committee generally meets the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. View the meeting schedule for 2024.

Citizens Advisory Committee meetings are held at the Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Road in Joliet. View a Google Map of the meeting location.

The meetings are open to the public, and anyone who wishes to address the Committee may do so at these meetings.

Committee membership

Volunteer members make up the Citizens Advisory Committee. The President of the Forest Preserve District's Board of Commissioners appoints the members for four-year terms.

Mary Ann Deutsche, Chairperson

25035 Old Post Road
Crete, IL 60417
Home phone: 708-227-3793
Email: [email protected]
Term expires: Dec. 31, 2026

Stephen Baker, Vice Chairperson

933 Shirley Parkway
New Lenox, IL 60451
Home phone: 815-485-5273
Email: [email protected]
Term expires: Dec. 31, 2024

Bill Bromer

1509 N. William St.
Joliet, IL 60435
Home phone: 815-727-1915
Email: [email protected]
Term expires: Dec. 31, 2024

Chris Cartwright

2264 Salisbury Drive
Naperville, IL 60565
Mobile phone: 815-302-5575
Email: [email protected]
Term expires: Dec. 31, 2026

Barbara Parker

178 Creekside Drive
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Home phone: 630-484-5577
Email: [email protected]
Term expires: Dec. 31, 2026

Jeanne Tewes

9814 W. Stuenkel Road
Frankfort, IL 60423
Home phone: 815-469-9954
Email: [email protected]
Term expires: Dec. 31, 2026

Carol Zelensky

1147 W. Frank St.
Beecher, IL 60401
Home phone: 708-921-8699
Email: [email protected]
Term expires: Dec. 31, 2026

Mission

The Forest Preserve District protects and enhances Will County’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

Motto

Bringing People and Nature Together

Guiding principles

  • Staying true to our purpose.
  • Being good stewards.
  • Connecting people and nature.
  • Focusing on wellness.
  • Working with others.
  • Promoting sustainability.