Boating activity on the DuPage River continues to be restricted as a result of recent heavy rain which caused the DuPage River to rise significantly.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has implemented its restricted boating area plan for both the east and west branches of the DuPage River.
The plan, which prohibits any boating or tubing activity, went into effect at 8 p.m. Saturday and will remain in effect until water levels and navigation conditions return to a safe and manageable state, states an alert on the Will County Forest Preserve District’s website.
A flood warning is in effect until 7 p.m. for the Du Page River from Illinois Route 59 in Plainfield downstream to where it merges with the Des Plaines River in Channahon.
At 8 a.m. Monday, the DuPage River rose to close to 16 feet, according to the National Weather Service. Flood stage is 15 feet.
On Friday and Saturday, emergency responders helped tubers and kayakers caught in the swift current at Hammel Woods Forest Preserve in Shorewood and in Naperville.
As of 8 p.m. Sunday, these Will County preserves were affected by flooding:
- DuPage River Trail at 95th Street: The bridge section of the trail is closed.
- Hammel Woods – DuPage River access: Trail gates are closed and caution tape is in place.
- Hammel Woods – Route 59 access: Flood gates are closed on the trail and across the road. A river closed sign has been posted near the kayak launch.
- Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve in Bolingbrook: Hidden Lakes Trout Farm is closed because of the DuPage River overflowing its banks. Hidden Oaks Nature Center and the remainder of Hidden Oaks Preserve remain open during normal business hours.
- Hickory Creek Preserve in Mokena – LaPorte Road access: The trail is closed at the bridge due to creek flooding. Multiple branches and trees are down across sections of the trail.
- I&M Canal Trail at Shepley Road: A river closed sign has been posted.
- Lake Renwick Preserve in Plainfield – Turtle Lake access: A tree has fallen across the trail.
- Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville: The kayak launch is closed, and a river closed sign has been posted.
- Sauk Trail Reservoir in Frankfort: All three gates are closed due to water on the trail.
- Whalon Lake boat launch: The preserve’s boat launch is closed because of rising water levels in the lake. The preserve remains open for all non-water related activities.
