PEORIA, Ill. — Illinois closed down state parks on March 15 due the coronavirus pandemic.
Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Colleen Callahan tells WMBD’s Greg and Dan the decision was not made lightly.
“It was an agonizing decision,” Callahan said. “Especially as we’re going into a time of year when we so look forward to being outside. With all of that said, it was the right decision.”
Callahan said she knows the decision was not well received.
“The State of Illinois was the first state to close all of its parks and recreational locations,” Callahan said.
The closure includes all of the Rock Island Trail.
Other states have followed Illinois’ lead in closing down state parks.
Fishing is still allowed in areas that are still open said Callahan.
“The Illinois River is still open, there are private lakes that are still open. We encourage those fishermen and women to do what they enjoy doing where they can,” Callahan said. “As long as they have their licensing and permits of course.”
Illinois Conservation Police will issue citations to those not in compliance.
However, with all of Illinois’ 329 state parks, miles of trails, and hundreds of acres of land, and more it is a challenge for the police to monitor.
“Will there be violations? Will there be fines? Yes, the Conservation Police Officers continue to do their work,” Callahan said.
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