[Update 2] Chicago outdoors/coronavirus: Hammond launch is open, DuPage notes, Isle Royale, Erie reminder

Hammond Marina reopened, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County notes, Isle Royale National Park delays opening and a reminder on Lake Erie/Ohio come in these updates on Chicago outdoors and coronavirus.

SHARE [Update 2] Chicago outdoors/coronavirus: Hammond launch is open, DuPage notes, Isle Royale, Erie reminder
A file photo of an iconic fishing spot on Lake Michigan in Indiana, which became easier to reach with Hammond Marina reopening. Credit: Dale Bowman

A file photo of an iconic fishing spot on Lake Michigan in Indiana, which is easier to reach with Hammond Marina reopening.

Dale Bowman

Listen, as I type this, the sun pours in the window and what feels like a smoking hot breeze fluffs the curtains.

I understand what pulls people outside on a day like this, but, for God’s sakes, make that for all of our sakes, do social distancing, don’t go out if feeling ill and wash hands thoroughly before and after being out.

But here are a mixed bag of updates related to coronavirus and Chicago outdoors, in the broadest sense of the word.

* * *

[UPDATE 2] As of the morning of Wednesday, April 8, Hammond Marina is definitely open for launching. But not for personal watercraft.

East Chicago Marina remains closed.

* * *

There are a number of updates from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. I am hoping the beautiful weather today doesn’t lead to more closures before I am even finished compiling this.

Here are the last updates

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Latest updates: 4/7/20: The Bluff Road parking lot at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien is closed to alleviate congestion and large crowds in the area. Rocky Glen Waterfall is closed. 4/5/20: Parking is limited to DuPage residents only at the following preserves: Waterfall Glen: street parking prohibited Fullersburg Woods Blackwell Herrick Lake Hidden Lake MOST PRESERVES OPEN-SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIRED:Parking lots (Waterfall Glen& Fullersburg restricted to residents only), trails, off-leash dog areas. CLOSED:Fishing at Blackwell, Pratt’s Wayne Woods & Wood Dale Grove, Waterfall Glen Waterfall, restrooms, preserves with animal care, and more visit dupageforest.org/coronavirus Questions? We can help!

* * *

Isle Royale National Park is closed through through June 14. It was scheduled to open April 16. (Reminds me it is one of the prime places I have yet to visit.)

Here is the gist from the National Park Service:

Isle Royale is Closed Through June 14, 2020 Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Due to COVID-19, through June 14, 2020, Isle Royale and its surrounding islands are closed to all visitors. Lake Superior waters remain open. All islands reopen June 15, 2020. The Houghton Visitor Center is scheduled to reopen May 18, 2020.

Click here for more details.

* * *

Because I did not post this notice from Ohio until last night, probably worth a reminder here.

Ohio is tightening down in response to the coronavirus. Ohio suspended sale of non-resident fishing and hunting licenses and also asked visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days. To put it plainly, as Ohio Department of Natural Resources director Mary Mertz noted, “making recreational travel unfeasible.” Or to put it even more bluntly, forget that road trip from the Chicago area for the bonanza of walleye on Lake Erie, at least for now.

Click hereto read the full release.

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