With the weather predicted to improve this weekend and in weeks ahead, Forest Preserve staff will be even more closely monitoring trails and preserves to make sure social distancing is taking place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Rangers will be increasing vigilance about preserve usage, especially in the more popular preserves,” said Ty Kovach, Lake County Forest Preserves executive director.
 
"We intend to keep preserves and trails open during the state’s stay-at-home order, but that could change quickly and preserves could close immediately if visitors don’t abide by safe social distancing rules. All preserve visitors must maintain a 6-foot separation between people or family groups at all times and follow other public health guidelines while in parking lots or on trails," Kovach said. 
 
“The vast majority of our preserve trails are designed to accommodate social distancing. Most are at least 8 feet wide and many are 10 or 12 feet wide,” said Director of Operations Mike Tully.
 
Forest Preserve staff encourage visitors to be flexible and respectful of fellow trail users. When passing people on the trail, move off on the shoulder to allow maximum space between you and the others. 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 and find another nearby preserve,” Tully said. 
 
"We would like to thank visitors for abiding with social distancing rules," Kovach said. "Our observations have been positive and we hope that people will continue following Governor Pritzker's executive order." 
 
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. 
 
Preserves are open 6:30 am to sunset but there is no regularly scheduled maintenance. Please pack it in, pack it out. Visitors are asked to leave no trash in the preserves, take everything out and recycle at home.
 
Check here for closures and cancellations. Bring the outside in. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for inspiration. 

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

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

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