Stantec selected for US$8.5 million habitat enhancement, ecological consulting project in Illinois

Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and innovative engineering, has been awarded a US$8.5 million six-year, master services agreement with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC), Illinois. The contract provides for habitat restoration throughout the 70,000-acres forest preserve, including services such as vegetation management, prescription burning, ecological assessment, hydrological consultation, and nursery services.

Established more than 100 years ago, the FPCC manages about 70,000 acres of open space in the Chicagoland region. The FPCC is one of the oldest and largest forest preserve districts in the US. The FPCC provides outdoor recreation and educational programs, and some of the plant and animal diversity on its lands is on par with the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

The contract builds on a 10-year relationship between Stantec and FPCC. Since 2013, Stantec has worked on over 26,000 acres of FPCC property, including 16,500 acres of invasive species control, 8,150 acres of prescriptive burning, and 1,500 acres of invasive brush and tree removal. These properties encompass a variety of ecosystems, including various sensitive and rare ecotypes of prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Many of these locations are designated Illinois State Nature Preserves, which are permanently protected by state law.

“Stantec has a passion for preserving and enhancing open spaces and improving our communities,” said senior ecologist and project manager Eric Johnson. “We’re honored to continue our partnership with FPCC to achieve their restoration plans for these unique lands.”

The FPCC lands draw an estimated 62 million visits annually, providing an outdoor escape and natural beauty near one of the nation’s most populous areas.

“The work Stantec does on our lands is critical for preserving its ecological integrity and improving its function and value for both people and nature,” said Troy Showerman, resource project manager for the FPCC. “We appreciate Stantec’s technical expertise and practical experience and look forward to continuing to work together.”

In 2022, Stantec was the first A/E consultant to be named as a formal partner with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The firm was also the first A/E consultant to be named a formal partner with the Network for Engineering with Nature. Stantec was ranked #6 in Engineering News Record’s 2023 list of Top 200 Environmental Firms.

Learn more about Stantec’s Ecosystem Restoration Services.

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they’re our communities too. This allows us to assess what’s needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what’s never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

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Media Contact
Chris Niskanen
Stantec Media Relations
Ph: (612) 747-8613
chris.niskanen@stantec.com