Campton Forest Preserve locator map. Source: Kane County Forest Preserve District

Campton Forest Preserve will be closed to the public on Saturday, Sept. 20, due to a large-scale, search-and-rescue exercise, scheduled to take place in the preserve throughout the day.

The Forest Preserve District and the Kane County Office of Emergency Management are jointly hosting a full-scale search and rescue exercise from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sept. 20.

Various agencies plan to participate, including police and fire departments from several state and local jurisdictions around northeastern Illinois, volunteers including the Kane County Mounted Rangers and Snowmobile Safety Patrol, canine search units, as well as support groups such as The Salvation Army. More than 100 people are expected to participate.

“Training like this is invaluable. Preparation and regular drills are key to making sure we respond quickly and appropriately — and communicate across agencies — during a real-life crisis situation,” said Sgt. William Glisson of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. “We’ll not only learn from the drill, but from each other how best to prepare and respond. We’re honored to be coordinating this important regional event with the Kane County Office of Emergency Management,” he said.

Campton Forest Preserve is located at 4N379 Town Hall Road, St. Charles. The forest preserve will re-open to the public at approximately 6 p.m. Sept. 20, following completion of the exercise.

For more information, contact the Forest Preserve District of Kane County community affairs department at 630-232-5980.

SOURCE: Kane County Forest Preserve District press release