DuPage forest district launches new online tools.(News)

Byline: Elisabeth Mistretta emistretta@dailyherald.com

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District is expanding its online tools for residents, especially those with disabilities.

At the end of the month the district will launch new BrowseAloud software on its website, dupageforest.org. The free plug-in will offer text-to-speech technology for people with visual impairments, learning disabilities or literacy difficulties. The district also created an online video that explains its master plan for St. James Farm Forest Preserve near Warrenville. The plan aims to transform the former private property into public space that preserves DuPage history. Initiatives include equestrian special events, plant and wildlife preservation and a partnership with the Warrenville Historical Society.

Officials said the new Internet initiatives will not only help visitors explore the district's forests, but they'll also help create greater transparency for its spending and decision-making.

This is especially true, they said, since BrowseAloud works for Microsoft Word and PDF documents, along with basic web pages. That means easier access to board of commissioners agendas, meeting minutes and supporting documents.

"We have an obligation to provide access to all of our preserves, and this is another way to let people know what their tax dollars pay for," district spokesman Bill Weidner said. "It opens up opportunities for them to learn about the district's inner layers and administration."

That's especially important because some residents and community activists have criticized the district for delayed or inadequate responses to Freedom of Information requests, or for not posting timely public information online.

One of the residents, Shannon Burns, said she applauds the new measures but thinks they need to go a step further. Burns ran for a commissioner seat in 2010 but lost the election, and she also opposed the forest preserve's decision to build a large fleet garage in Blackwell Forest Preserve near her Warrenville home.

"St. James Farm is a jewel ... anything that will increase awareness of the farm by providing information on future plans is a good idea," Burns said. "My complaint is that the district only showcases projects that will receive positive feedback."

Burns said she wishes the district also had videos to explain controversial plans like the fleet garage.