Chicago outdoors & COVID-19 updates: FPD of Will Co., Chain, Waukegan, Geneva Musky Conference, McHenry CCD

Forest Preserve’s coronavirus-related closures, cancellations extended through April 30 The Forest Preserve District of Will County has extended its facility closures and program cancellations through April 30 as a result of the new coronavirus pandemic and the recent extension of the governor’s stay-at-home order. All visitor centers, including the District’s Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet, preserve parking lots, dog parks and latrines will remain closed during this time period. The launching of boats will not be allowed until the preserve parking areas reopen. Kayaking is not allowed at this time due to the closure of the parking lots and for safety reasons due to limited police patrols. All public programs and volunteer workdays are now canceled through April 30; registered program participants will be contacted. Trails will remain open as long as they can be accessed safely on foot or by bicycle and people continue to help limit the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet as recommended by health authorities. Shoreline fishing also is allowed as long as social distancing is practiced. The closures and cancellations have been instituted to help reduce a spike in COVID-19 cases, which could overwhelm health care providers and facilities and lead to more deaths. The Forest Preserve’s actions are designed to reduce the number of people in the preserves and on trails, which will help protect members of the public and District staff from the transmission of COVID-19. In the best interests of everyone, stay close to home, urged Ralph Schultz, the Forest Preserve District’s chief operating officer.

4/1/2020 COVID-19 UPDATES by Erin | Apr 1, 2020 | News Hunters and anglers who wish to hunt or fish during the ‘Stay at Home’ order may do so provided they have the appropriate licensing and permits and are hunting or fishing on private property or at sites which are currently open to the public. We ask our hunters and anglers to help their fellow outdoorsmen and women by following all public health directives, including staying at least six feet away from other sportsmen and staying home if they’re exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19. Specifically, the Fox Waterway remains open for boating and provides a vast opportunity to practice essential social distancing measures to keep you and your loved ones safe during this world-wide Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we will practice social distancing. As a result we have cancelled the April meeting and have rescheduled the Geneva Musky Convention to Nov 13 -15. We will be assessing our May meeting and other upcoming outings and events over the next few weeks.

And even though when you call the port and they say you can not fish the rocks, you CAN, you just can’t drive to them.

Closing The Hollows (Lake Atwood) in Cary, Beck’s Woods and Piscasaw North in Chemung for fishing through April 30, 2020 McHenry County Conservation District is doing all we can to keep our employees, visitors and residents as healthy and safe as possible. In response to the guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the shelter-in-place order issued by Governor JB Pritzker in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 disease, the Conservation District has announced additional cancellations and closures. The District announced this morning that it is Closing The Hollows (Lake Atwood) in Cary, Beck’s Woods and Piscasaw North in Chemung for fishing through April 30, 2020 to conform with the social distancing guidelines issued by Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Stay at Home Executive Order and to deter the large number of anglers expected with the opening of trout season. All three sites are closed completely Saturday and Sunday, April 4 and 5 to deter the large crowds that are expected this weekend with the opening of trout season. The hiking trails at The Hollows will reopen on Monday, April 6, while Lake Atwood will remain closed. Additional changes and new announcements may come in response to the circumstances in the days to come. We will communicate as quickly as we can. The District’s website MCCDistrict.org is the best location for the most up to date information on site openings/closing – as well as our Facebook page @DiscoverMCCD. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and always keep your best interests, health and safety in mind.