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Construction of the new Dog Park at Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve in Wadsworth is nearing completion. The new turn lanes on Yorkhouse Road, parking lot, concrete walkways, perimeter fencing, shade shelters, drinking fountains and tree plantings are complete. Unfortunately, due to the unfavorable weather and poor soil conditions, the grass establishment has not proceeded as expected and will require an additional growing season in the spring 2019 before we can open to the public. The installation of site signage and benches will also occur in the spring. The anticipated opening is summer 2019. Learn more>>
 Discontinuing Lake County Board members’ use of Purchasing Cards (P-Cards) is one of many recommendations made by the Lake County Board’s Rules Committee and approved by the full Board.
The Rules Committee recently met to review its Rules of Order and Operational Procedures, as is traditionally done following an election and the Board’s reorganization. The Committee approved several measures related to Board spending, including travel, technology, and mailings.
Watch this video as Rules Committee Chairman Paul Frank explains more.
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 At a special election on Monday, Dec. 3, the Board of Commissioners elected their new leaders, choosing Angelo Kyle of Waukegan (District 14) as President of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The Board also elected Julie Simpson of Vernon Hills (District 18) to serve as Vice President. Both will serve two-year terms, which end December 2020.
"I thank everyone for this privilege and wonderful opportunity,” Kyle said after he was named to the top post. He said he is looking forward to again serving and was taught by his parents that leadership starts with service. He previously served as a Forest Preserve Commissioner for 22 years, from 1990 through 2012. Learn more >>
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 The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is looking for your feedback about the condition of the state’s transportation infrastructure. IDOT is responsible for maintaining federal and state highways in Illinois. That means in Lake County they are responsible for state routes like IL 22, IL 132, IL 60 and IL 120 – and federal highways like U.S. 45 and U.S. 12. Take the survey!
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 View Camera Images from Major Intersections
Did you know that you can look in on the road conditions from your computer or mobile device before you hit the roads? You have access to the PASSAGE cameras which means you can look at real-time snapshots from major intersections. Go to LakeCountyPASSAGE.com, turn on camera images in “Layer Options” at the top right, find intersections along your route, and check road conditions in each direction. Looking at the camera images before you leave allows you to see how weather is impacting the roads. This can help you make decisions about how early to leave and which routes to take.
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 Which Roads Does LCDOT Plow?
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) plows Lake County highways, the ones marked with the five-sided blue and gold route markers such as Butterfield Road, Washington Street, and Buffalo Grove Road. View map of LCDOT snow routes. We do NOT plow state routes like IL Route 120 or IL Route 60. State routes are maintained by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
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 Safety Tip: Don’t Crowd the Plow
Every year we ask drivers to remember to stay back when approaching a snow plow. This is for your safety, and the safety of our snow plow drivers. When visibility is low, and roads are potentially slippery, it is crucial to SLOW DOWN and STAY BACK! Watch now.
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 Build an Emergency Kit for Your Vehicle
You may have an emergency supplies kit for your home, but what about your vehicle? Make sure to keep a shovel, blankets, booster cables, and these other items in your car this winter.
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There have been recent concerns regarding ethylene oxide emissions from two facilities in Lake County, Medline Industries in Waukegan and Vantage Specialty Chemicals in Gurnee. Residents seeking information about ethylene oxide in Lake County can find the latest updates at a webpage created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The U.S. EPA has been working with the Illinois EPA to examine emissions information from both the Medline and Vantage facilities to determine potential next steps. Questions and concerns should be sent via email to the U.S. EPA at eto@epa.gov.
 Property owners residing in unincorporated Lake County may be eligible to save an average of $281 a year on their flood insurance policies through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program. Residents within unincorporated Lake County who meet certain requirements are eligible for up 20% savings on flood insurance premiums. Property owners should contact their flood insurance agent to obtain individual savings information. If you live within a village or city, contact your municipality to see if they participate in the CRS program. Learn more
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 Tis the season to be in Lake County, which is home to a plethora of holiday festivities to fill yourself up with holiday cheer. Check Visit Lake County’s holiday guide to find events to enjoy with family and friends.
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 Volunteer for the annual Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count on Jan. 30, 2019. Each year, the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless holds the Point-in-Time Homeless Count where volunteers search across Lake County to interview and offer assistance to unsheltered people experiencing homelessness. The data gathered helps coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness and allows organizations to track progress toward the goal of ending homelessness. Apply to volunteer.
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 The Stormwater Management Commission has hidden four geocaches (boxes) around Lake County to teach you about stormwater best management practices and introduce you to a few of the beautiful areas our county has to offer!
Inside each box, find information about your current location, a question you must answer, and coordinates to the next location. Visit the geocaching website to get coordinates to the first location. Once you have them, you can put them into any map application. Geocaches can be located up to 30 feet from the posted coordinates.
As with any good treasure hunt, there’s a prize. Visit all four sites and correctly answer the questions at each location to win an SMC geocoin. Please note there are a limited number of geocoins.
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 Forest Preserve News
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 Winter Snow and Ice Removal Operations
Lake County Forest Preserve staff will be performing adjustments this coming winter to reduce the amount of road salt applied during snow and ice removal operations. It is anticipated that the resulting reduction in the use of road salt will have positive environmental and financial benefits. Also, a corresponding reduction in staff time managing snow and ice is expected to allow for an increase of staff time invested in winter restoration activities.
The following shelters will be not be open for use through March 31, 2019: Greenbelt A, C, and D; Nippersink C and D; Van Patten B, C and D. In addition, the following parking lots will not be salted: Buffalo Creek, Cuba Marsh, Grant Woods – Rollins Road, Lake Carina, Lyons Woods, McDonald Woods, Pine Dunes, Prairie Wolf – Route 22 Lot, Raven Glen – Route 45 Lot, Raven Glen (West) – Route 173 Lot, Ray Lake, Singing Hills, and Sun Lake.
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 Symbols of Illinois: Cardinal
Join us at Ryerson Woods Welcome Center on Sunday, Dec. 16 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial (1818–2018) by learning about our state symbols. This is the final program in the 10-part series about the origin and natural history of the symbols. May include a brief walk. Drop-in program, no registration required. Learn more »
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 Winter Recreation and Solar-lit Trails
Before heading out to a Lake County Forest Preserve for a winter hike or a twirl on the ice, check the status map on the winter sports page.
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Solar-lit Evening Hikes
With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some brisk evening exercise along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville and along a 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.
Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open after sunset until 9 p.m., daily through Sunday, March 10. Bicycle and equestrian traffic are not permitted on the lighted trails after sunset. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
To access the lighted trails, park at Lakewood's Winter Sports Area located on the east side of Fairfield Road just south of Route 176, or at Old School's main entrance lot located on the east side of St. Mary's Road just south of Route 176. Lake County Forest Preserve Rangers regularly patrol the areas. Learn more »
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