Forest district permits go on sale Dec. 1

DuPage County residents wanting to use the forest preserves to exercise their dogs off-leash, drive private boats or sail model aircraft may purchase permits starting Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Permits will be available online at dupageforest.org or through forest district's Visitor Services from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at 3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton.

To buy permits online, customers should visit dupageforest.org and click on "Register" and then "Purchase Permits." After making their selections, they'll be prompted to create secure online accounts, which they can use to purchase additional permits, reserve picnic areas and family campsites a year in advance, and register for forest district programs.

People who wish to purchase permits in person, by phone (except off-leash dog area permits), or by mail or fax can download applications with instructions at dupageforest.org under "Things to Do" and "Permits and Fees." For information, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

At the end of November, the district will mail reminder postcards to 2015 permit holders with instructions for renewing.

"Now it's easier than ever to get permits and sign up for our programs," said Joe Cantore, forest district president.