Kane Forest Preserve officials seek public’s help to curb illegal dumping
Chronicle Media — February 24, 2016
An entire roof was dumped at the Rutland Forest Preserve in Hampshire on Feb. 3. Kane County Forest Preserve officials are seeking the public’s help to curb illegal dumping.
Police from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County are seeking for the public’s help to catch those who illegally dump trash in the forest preserves.
“Illegal dumping or ‘fly dumping’ is a constant battle for us,” said Police Chief Mike Gilloffo. “Unfortunately, it’s very common, and a weekly occurrence. We get everything from household garbage left in dumpsters to remodeling project trash, old tires, and landscape waste left in the preserves. It’s a big problem,” he said.
On Feb. 3, fly dumping reached a new level when someone discarded an entire roof within Rutland Forest Preserve in Hampshire.
The person left a note for the district stating: “Forest Preserve, sorry for this, but the county took the money I had for disposal, so I had no choice. Have a happy 2016.”
Police are investigating and seek the public’s help identifying the responsible party. Anyone with information is asked to call (630) 232-5980 and ask for the Public Safety Department.
“They’re right in that it costs the Forest Preserve District money, but ultimately, illegal dumping costs all Kane County taxpayers,” said Gilloffo. “The more time we have to spend cleaning up after people, the less time and resources we have to devote to our regular services.
The fine for illegal dumping is $75, restitution for cleanup and repair of natural areas. In some cases, the dumping requires a mandatory court appearance and court costs.
District police have been successful in identifying some of those who have previously left trash in the preserves. Police will deliver a ticket and possible notice to appear in court to their homes, as well as make them clean up the mess. In some cases, police have returned trash bags to residents’ homes with their tickets.
Anyone with information on the discarded roof materials left at Rutland Forest Preserve, should call (630) 232-5980 and ask for the Public Safety department.
If you are in the forest preserves and happen to witness someone illegally dumping, please call 911 and ask for a forest preserve officer.
— Kane Forest Preserve officials seek public’s help to curb illegal dumping —
