J. Norman Jenson Forest Preserve

Wilma and I have come by here several times in the past but it was always locked. I don't think it was officially open yet. Today the gate was open so we went in to look around. Just a gravel road and a parking area next to one of their fancy outhouses. The web site still says it is not open to the public, but it appears it actually is. No trail map on the web site, but there is one posted on site. Here is what their web site says as of today.

J. Norman Jensen Forest Preserve was purchased in 2004 and has not yet been developed for public access. The 112.5 acres of land along the Rock River west of Rockton provide scenic river vistas as well as important prairie wetlands and natural areas
Acres: 112.5
Access Road: Yes
Restrooms: No
Drinking Water: No
Pay Phones: No
Picnic Tables: 1
Shelterhouses: 0
Playground Equipment: No
Ball Fields: No
Horseback Trails: No
Hiking Trails(miles): 0.75
Campground Sites: 0
Boat Launches: 0
Canoe Access: No
18 Hole Golf Course: No
Illinois Nature Preserve: No
Special Facilities:
Donated Land: No
Natural Areas: Yes

All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Location – 14400 S. Bluff, Rockton, IL 61072

Jensen is undeveloped and does not have an access site. It is on the south side of South Bluff Road north of the Village of Rockton and the Rock River, east of Prairie Road.

The map posted at the parking area does not indicate there is a water pump and I did not see one. It does say there is a "small picnic area". I did not see the picnic area.

They have posted a handy chart showing the time for sunset for the entire year so one can know when the preserve closes.

There is a posting that says bow fishing is allowed. I wonder if that means they ban it in other preserves. I have not noticed a sign either allowing or banning bow fishing in any other FP.

Update 8-21-12 - I emailed the district yesterday and asked about the bow fishing sign. The reply I got today said bow fishing is allowed in all of the preserves as long as state fishing rules are followed.