DuPage forest chief gets pay bump to $161,500

DuPage County Forest Preserve District commissioners finalized today a new contract for Executive Director Brent Manning, bringing his pay to $161,500.

Manning started with the forest preserve in September 2003. His credentials included seven years as Illinois Department of Natural Resources director and a brief stint as Wyoming's game and fish department director before being hired in DuPage.

Manning currently earns $157,500. Under the new contract, he will receive a 2.5 percent raise for a salary of $161,500 starting in October. He will make $165,000 in the second year of the contract.

Asked about his goals, Manning said, "I'd like to make sure we maintain our fiscal track and are continuously cognizant of the wishes and desires of the people of DuPage."

During his tenure, taxpayers approved spending $68 million to purchase open space, and Manning has overseen acquisition of sites such as the 370-acre Dunham Forest Preserve near Wayne last year.

Manning will receive five weeks of vacation annually and a car allowance of $400 monthly.