Cook County forest preserve picnic permits go on sale

The Forest Preserves of Cook County begins online and in-person picnic permit sales for 2018 at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2. Picnic permits are required for groups of 25 or more. In addition to saving time by purchasing permits online, visitors can view information such as site availability, grove maps and the various fees associated with grove rentals by visiting fpdcc.com/permits. People can also apply in person at Forest Preserves General Headquarters, 536 N. Harlem Ave. in River Forest. Doors will open at 7 a.m. Accepted payment methods are cash, check or credit card. Reservations for camping dates also are available; information is at fpdcc.com/camping, or call (855) 937-2267. For help with online permit purchases, call (800) 870-3666. This is the last year purchases open Jan. 2; for 2019 permits will go on sale Thursday, Nov. 15.