advertisement

Forest preserve permits going on sale

Visitors to DuPage County forest preserves can buy permits for off-leash dog areas, watercraft and model crafts around the clock beginning Saturday, Dec. 1, at dupageforest.org.

For those who prefer to buy permits in person, they go on sale from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays beginning Monday, Dec. 3, at Visitor Services, 3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton.

Dog owners can purchase off-leash permits in person from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays starting Dec. 5 at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook.

New for 2019, stand-up paddleboarding will be allowed from June 1 through Aug. 31 on Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville with an annual private watercraft permit, which paddleboarders must wear on the water.

All 2019 private watercraft permits for DuPage residents will be $30 for the first craft and $15 for each additional one. Nonmotorized watercraft no longer need water usage stamps, but all watercraft (except stand-up paddleboards) now need hull identification numbers.

It will also be easier for senior citizens 65 and older and military veterans to get their free qualifying annual permit. If you've qualified for a free annual permit in the past two years and are purchasing a 2019 annual permit, you'll receive the credit automatically upon completion of your online transaction.

The family camping season is being extended in 2019 from May 2 to Oct. 27 and will include the full weeks of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Picnic shelter and camping reservations are available up to one year in advance.

To purchase permits online:

1. Visit dupageforest.org.

2. Click "Registration & Permits" and "Purchase Permits."

3. Scroll to the one you want and click "Add to Cart."

4. Log into your account. (If you bought a permit or signed up for a program online or over the phone, you likely have one.) Don't have one? Click "Create New Account."

5. Use your credit card to make a secure payment.

6. The forest preserve district will process your payment and drop your permit in the mail.

Customers who wish to purchase permits through Visitor Services can save time by downloading and printing applications in advance at dupageforest.org under "Things to Do," "Get Outdoors" and "Permits and Fees."

For more information, call (630) 933-7248.

New for 2019, stand-up paddleboarding will be allowed from June 1 through Aug. 31 on Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville. Photo for The Washington Post by Astrid Riecken
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.