DuPage Forest Preserve District Hires New Director

Brent Manning officially began as the new executive director of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County on October 1. Manning was the first director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources from 1995 to 2003. After leaving IDNR, he served briefly as the director of the Wyoming Fish and Game Department.

During his career with the IDNR, Manning was active in land acquisition and spearheaded public ownership of the 19,000-acre Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie near Joliet and the 15,600-acre Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in central Illinois.

When asked about plans for his new post, Manning stated, "As an ecologist, I know that the natural resources in suburban areas require careful stewardship and creative solutions to maintain and restore native flora and fauna. As an outdoorsman, I look forward to expanding the county's recreational opportunities. By working with the Board of Commissioners and with staff members, I hope to formulate long-term strategic thinking, secure important land acquisitions and develop local coalitions to successfully fulfill the district's mandate."