Kane County Forest Preserve District to conduct nighttime mowing along Fox River Trail
It's difficult to mow the edges of major trail systems, like the Fox River Trail, when there are plenty of walkers, joggers and bicyclists on it.
In fact, each time there is a pedestrian, Forest Preserve District of Kane County staff need to shut down equipment, in order to let pedestrians safely pass.
Often times, staff won't see or hear riders approaching from behind, until they're nearly upon equipment.
While there have been no accidents to date, out of concern, staff discussed the topic at a recent employee Safety Committee meeting, to brainstorm ideas to get the trail edges mowed, but to do so in a more safe and efficient manner. Out of that discussion, nighttime mowing was born.
In order to safely maintain the linear trail system and avoid conflicts with trail use, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County will be mowing at night, in heavily used sections of the Fox River Trail.
The mowing will begin at sunset (around 8:15 p.m.) when the trails are closed and be limited to 2½- to 3-hour increments.
The nighttime mowing process will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Dundee Maintenance Facility and will travel north to Souwanas Drive in Algonquin and then return to the starting point.
On Wednesday, Aug. 5, the nighttime mowing will continue south from the Dundee Maintenance Facility and will travel to Grove Aveune in Elgin and then return to the starting point. The same trails will be mowed again at sunset on Sept. 1-2.
The John Deere tractor is fully equipped with lighting and signals, as well as an additional four white lights. Additionally, one police car from law enforcement will accompany the tractor and one police car will stay behind the tractor, with their lights on.
The forest preserve district asks trail users to be mindful of the trail mowing and the heavy machinery being used.
Signage will be posted at each route to notify the public.
For more information, contact the Forest Preserve District of Kane County at (630) 232-5980 or visit www.kaneforest.com.