Illinois DNR closures: Some perspective, some explanations and questions answered

Three anglers walking into the dawn at LaSalle Lake on opening day of fishing Sunday; by afternoon the IDNR closed its sites, including LaSalle. | Dale Bowman

I looked for shed antlers Saturday at a forest preserve and golf course, planning a column on staying mentally alive during the lockdown around COVID-19.

At the opening of LaSalle Lake to fishing on Sunday, I thought how perfect an outing the cooling lake made with lots of social distance. But, by afternoon, notes came that LaSalle and other Illinois Department of Natural Resources sites were being closed.

I understood closing buildings, picnic areas, campgrounds and other areas where virus could be spread on contact. Closing outdoor spaces was harder to understand.

By contrast, as of Monday, area forest preserves and the Chicago Park District had shutdown programming and closed buildings, but left sites open so people could use the trails and fish.

Victor Chavarria was one of the successful anglers to catch a hybrid striped bass at LaSalle Lake on opening day Sunday, hours before LaSalle and other IDNR sites were closed.

Here are some answers and explanations from the IDNR:

Who made the call?

IDNR is working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Governor’s Office to monitor the situation. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution; we felt it was a necessary step in helping to stem the progression of COVID-19 as well as protect the health of our visitors and staff. We’ll continue to work with IDPH and the Governor’s Office to assess when we can safely reopen our facilities.

Was the possibility considered of leaving the sites physically open for such uses as people hiking and fishing?

We considered all options, but social distancing and staying confined to one’s home are absolutely necessary to slowing the progression of COVID-19. Again, IDNR sees the closures of our state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites as a necessary step in helping stem the spread of disease, protecting both the patrons who enjoy our state sites as well as our dedicated employees.

What does the closure mean for camping/cabin reservations?

All campgrounds at state sites closed [Monday] at noon; cabin reservations will be canceled and no new reservations will be made until state sites are opened again.

What does it mean at some place such as North Point Marina, IDNR owned but run by Westrec Marinas?

We’re still assessing closures and concessionaires, however, all concessionaires should follow directives and guidance of state and local departments of public health.

Many sites have multiple entry points, will you be able to police the closure effectively?

Site staff worked this weekend, and will continue to work this week, putting up barricades and signage letting patrons know the state parks, recreational areas, fish and wildlife areas and historic sites are now closed to the public. Illinois Conservation Police Officers also will remain at our sites to monitor the closure.

Do you anticipate the closure still being in effect as spring turkey hunting begins? Will turkey hunting be closed in state sites?

. . . [U]nfortunately [we] don’t have a timeline as to when our state facilities will be opened and available to the public. Any event or activity which takes place at our state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites is canceled or postponed for now because the sites themselves are closed.

If not, will people have their permits refunded?

At this time, we’re still working through any plans related to licensing.

What does it mean for inland trout season?

If the bodies of water being fished are within the boundaries of a state park, fish and wildlife area, recreational area or historic site, they are closed to the public until further notice.

WILD THINGS: Sandhill cranes again made major moves through the area. Ken “Husker” O’Malley sent a photo he took while fishing the south suburbs. John Vukmirovich reported thousands flying high near Lemont on Sunday.

STRAY CAST: Daily briefings on coronavirus from Illinois/Chicago are like hiking Rock Creek Canyon; updates from the federal government are like visiting a pay trout pond.

A file photo from Matthiessen State Park, a favorite IDNR site; IDNR sites closed Sunday afternoon.