Coronavirus In McHenry County: Park Site Closures Announced

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — The McHenry County Conservation District announced in a Wednesday news release additional cancellations and closures to keep employees, visitors and residents as healthy and safe as possible during the coronavirus outbreak. According to the conservation district, the following new closures are taking place as of Wednesday (April 1) 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 the coronavirus:

• The Hollows (Lake Atwood) in Cary, Beck's Woods and Piscasaw North in Chemung are closed for fishing through April 30, 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 named above 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 and all of Beck’s Woods and Piscasaw North sites will remain closed.

According to the news release, the conservation district encourages our residents and many visitors to keep physically and mentally healthy by spending time outdoors, while keeping your distance from other people.

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"Help keep our sites open by complying with social distancing protocol," the conservation district wrote," adding that they're seeing high levels of visitation, especially at the district's more popular preserves, and therefore want to send out these reminders:

Go Solo and Avoid Crowds: Social/Physical distancing is the key to stopping the spread of COVID-19 — stay 6 feet apart from people you do not live with.

Avoid Crowded Areas, Including Parking Lots!: If your favorite place is full, find a less crowded place or trail.

Yield to Others on the Trail and walk single-file where the trail narrows to keep a safe distance, and walk clockwise on looped trails!

Do Not Hold Social Gatherings. Now is not the time to meet up with friends for a hike.

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Stay safe and healthy:

Respect Closures: Do not venture off trail or enter closed sites.

Go B4 You Go: All restrooms are closed. No, you may not use the bushes or a tree, eww.

Keep the Trails Clean, Leave No Trace. Pack-in/pack-out whatever you bring with you. Pickup after your dogs, poop bags and receptacles are posted at trail heads.

Related:

• Illinois Coronavirus Update April 2: Nearly 1,000 New Cases A Day
• Coronavirus In McHenry County: Reminders, Resources Amid Pandemic

Updates and more information MCCDistrict.org

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