We are urging trail users to follow minimum impact practices when visiting forest preserves. “It's essential that whatever you bring into the preserve, you take back out with you,” said Executive Director Ty Kovach. “Pack it in, pack it out, and leave no trace. Take all trash with you, including pet waste, and dispose of it at home,” he said. “Maintenance is at a minimum at this time. We are working to keep the preserves safe, clean and open for use. Visitors can help in this effort by using forest preserve trash cans as little as possible.” 
 
Forest Preserve officials encourage visitors to be flexible and respectful. “We intend to keep preserves and trails open, but it is absolutely critical that visitors keep the preserves clean, be courteous to other trail users, and continue to follow social distancing rules at all times,” Kovach said.

•  Maintain 6 feet of separation on all sides and at all times. 
•  Break into single file and move to the right shoulder when approaching or passing others to allow for maximum physical distance. 
•  Alert others when passing from behind, especially around corners or in blind spots. 
•  When biking, ride single file only, control your speed and announce your presence when approaching other trail users.
•  Keep dogs leashed and on trails at all times and pick up after them. Do not leave pet waste on the trails or in parking lots.

When in the parking lot, wait until the area is clear of other nearby people before exiting or entering your car. If a preserve parking lot is full, use our interactive trail map (www.LCFPD.org/maps/) to find another nearby preserve to visit.
 
To date, all public buildings, restrooms, playgrounds, marinas, golf courses, visitor centers and dog exercise areas are closed. All educational programming has been canceled through the end of April. All picnic shelter and open area reservations and special use permits are canceled and future requests will not be accepted through the month of April. 
 
Check the Lake County Forest Preserves website (LCFPD.org) for updates on closures and cancellations. Bring the outside in by following the Lake County Forest Preserves (@LCFPD) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for inspiration.

Media Contact
Ty Kovach, Executive Director, tkovach@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3338

Photo Requests
Kim Mikus, Communications Specialist, kmikuscroke@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3202

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