Benton, IL – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake reminds visitors that the following recreation areas will be closed to all vehicle and foot traffic during the first weekend of the 2017 firearm deer season. Dates for the closures are November 17-19, 2017. Areas affected by the closure include the North Sandusky picnic area and campground; South Sandusky picnic area, campground, beach and boat ramp; South Marcum picnic area and campground; North Marcum picnic area and old campground; and the Blackberry Nature Trail. These areas will be utilized by persons involved in the annual Rend Lake Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities and will remain closed as a safety precaution.
In addition, the Corps of Engineers will temporarily close all sections of the Rend Lake Bike Trail, which are under the management of the Corps of Engineers, to persons not actively involved in the sport of deer hunting during all state firearm deer hunting seasons. These closures include bike trail sections beginning west of the Franklin Cemetery and continuing to North Marcum day use area, and trail sections beginning in the North Sandusky day use area and continue to the South Marcum campground. All persons not involved in the sport of deer hunting are prohibited from utilizing these trails during the periods of November 17-19, November 30, December 1-3, and December 8-10. Persons wishing to access hunting spots should remember that Federal law prohibits the use of motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), on all government-managed properties.
For more information on these temporary area closings, feel free to contact the Rend Lake Project Office by phone at (618) 724-2493 or by email at rendinfo@usace.army.mil.