The mission of our Public Safety department is to preserve and protect the nature of Kane County, and to ensure a safe, family environment.
Forest Preserve District police officers are professionals who receive the same rigorous training as other officers throughout Illinois. Officers patrol the forest preserves 365 days a year, and are always available to assist the public and respond to calls for service.
Uniformed officers patrol on foot, bicycle, scooter, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), snowmobile, and in patrol vehicles.
The Public Safety Department is assisted by the Kane County Mounted Rangers, a volunteer organization that enhances public safety by patrolling on horseback. The Mounted Rangers also assist with special events and crowd control, and have direct contact with on-duty Forest Preserve police when working in the preserves.
Pay a Fine
In Cases of Emergency
Call 911 immediately and ask for a Forest Preserve District police officer to be dispatched to your location. Please be prepared to provide as much information as possible, such as your location, name of the preserve, nearest cross street or fire number.
As users and neighbors of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, you play an important role in protecting our natural resources and keeping preserves safe. Please immediately report any accidents, and unusual or criminal situations.
Report non-emergencies
For all non-emergencies, you may report an issue online through File a Concern with the Public Safety Department.
Safety Tips
To enhance your enjoyment when visiting the Kane County forest preserves, we offer you the following safety tips:
- Be mindful of your personal safety by being aware of your surroundings -- this can be inhibited by the use of headphones or earbuds.
- Ensure that any personal belongings are safely secured and out of sight in your locked vehicle.
- Carry a cell phone to report problems or request assistance.
- Stay on designated trails and paths.
- Trust your instincts, they're usually correct!
- Walk or run with a companion when possible.
Rules of Courtesy
To ensure a pleasant experience for all forest preserve users, please follow the following rules of courtesy:
- Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 10 feet, with the exception of off-leash areas.
- Owners are responsible for cleaning up after pets.
- Horseback riders must yield to pedestrians.
- Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and horseback riders.
- Snowmobiles must yield to all.
- Alert others on the trail when passing from behind.
General Ordinances & Information
For more information on Forest Preserve District of Kane County rules and regulations, view our General Use Ordinance. Abbreviated rules are below:
- Forest Preserve hours: Sunrise to sunset.
- No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances are permitted.
- No all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorbikes are permitted.
- No motorized vehicles are permitted off of roadways or parking areas.
- No firearms or weapons are permitted, including air guns, paintball guns, BB guns, sling shots or bows and arrows.
- No hunting, trapping or harming wildlife.
- Help protect natural resources by not damaging, killing, relocating or removing any form of plant or animal life.
- Respect forest preserve property -- do not damage or deface any building, sign, pavement, table or other equipment.
- No littering, dumping or abandoning household trash.
- Camping is permitted only in designated areas or with an acquired permit from the Forest Preserve District.
- Fires are permitted only in designated fire pits and must be extinguished before leaving.
- Fishing licenses are required by all persons ages 16 and up. Certain areas are posted catch and release only.
- Vending requires a permit from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.
- Speed limits throughout all preserves are 15 miles per hour. All other traffic rules apply.
- Show courtesy and respect for nature and others in the preserves.
- Violations of ordinances can result in fines from $20 - $500 and may require a court appearance.
