Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's executive order to reopen select state parks and bodies of water in Illinois last Friday created quite a stir among boaters when it did not mention the two-person to a boat limit that was discussed in his initial detailed outline of the guidelines last month. 

Tuesday, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity updated the order and included the two-person limit. Additionally, the order asks residents to refrain from traveling long distances to boat or fish.

The order issued also reminds outdoorsmen fishing from boats and banks is now permitted. The two-person limit applies to all boats, regardless of its size and competitive tournaments, and events promoting fishing are prohibited. 

As for marinas and boat rental facilities, they are operating with the minimum number of workers necessary, and restaurants or bait shops at these sites can operate under a take-out or curbside pick up service. 

Many may wonder why the DCEO is issuing the guidance regarding state parks and Illinois waterways and according to officials with the department, quote - "DCEO has been providing guidance on a number of topics geared toward essential businesses and operations, as determined by the Governor's stay-at-home order. This includes anywhere from golf to drive-ins to camping - all of it is listed in the FAQ on our site."

State parks and marinas are under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and DNR officials will carry out the guidelines for these facilities as deemed necessary.