8/5/20 – USFS crews have been busy this week doing additional brushing on the Flambeau Trail on trail 118-102 south of Wintergreen. Crews have also been busy filling in mud holes and blading the trail in the area by Sailor Lake campground. Beavers have been active on trail 118-111 by Newman Lake and we have a trapper in there working to remove them. Trail users should use caution when in these areas as they may encounter heavy equipment working on the trail. The trails are starting to dry out some and are getting a little dusty. Any questions or concerns regarding the Flambeau Trail can be sent to Brady Howe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 715-762-5104.

As captured in our last e-newsletter, the August 15th regional event is still on. Our thanks to the Rusk Riders ATV Club for lining up the outdoor pavilion in the Village of Weyerhaeuser as our host club. The shelter will provide shade but still give us ample room to comply with distancing health recommendations as we gather. More details are provided:

Saturday, August 15th - Northwest Regional Meeting, followed by an optional group trail ride afterward

Registration starts at 8:30 AM with the meeting scheduled to get underway at 9:00 AM.

Village of Weyerhaeuswer Community Park pavilion located at 358 County Road F in Weyerhaeuswer

The meeting agenda will include statewide updates from the WATVA leadership team followed by important regional, statewide or local issues you bring forward.

Because of the COVID-19 situation, we ask that you bring your own chairs. We'll have some seating there but highly encourage you to bring your own. Speaking of bringing your own, this year we also ask attendees to bring their own bag lunches, especially if you intend to join the optional trail ride afterward.

To recap, here's the list of what to bring:

1) Yourself, friends or family who are interested in sharing and learning about our sport
2) Chairs for yourself
3) An open mind, plus thoughts, questions, or ideas you'd like to discuss
4) Your own bag lunch if you choose to stay for the ride or mingle with attendees afterward
5) Your own machine and safety gear if you want to enjoy the group ride

August Trail Ambassador Training Schedule

There's never been a better time to consider being a Trail Ambassador. With all the new riders and heavy traffic this year, our sport needs many eyes and ears out on the trails and routes to help educate and share the correct information with the riders. At the same time, we can assist our law enforcement professionals in very important ways.

Our Trail Ambassador training program provides our dedicated volunteers with the tools, process, and information necessary to instill confidence for our ambassador teams out on the miles of routes and trails.

New Trail Ambassador potential applicants can view our website for more details and expectations and requirements at trailambassador.com

For new Trail Ambassador's, you must first take part in the classroom webinars from the comfort of your own home or office, on the evenings of August 19th & 20th, starting at 6:00 PM. A good internet connection with microphone and speakers are required.

To complete the trail ambassador certification training, a hands-on, field day training will be taking place on Saturday, August 22nd. Also note other prerequisites on the web site. You will need to bring your own machine and safety gear for this session, we will be riding as part of the field day exercise. The location for this field day training is the Embarrass River ATV Park in Tigerton, located about 40 minutes from Wausau or 30 minutes from Shawano. Start time will be 10:00 AM.

https://www.tigertonwi.com/campground-atv-park

If for personal scheduling reasons you can make the webinar classroom evenings but not the August 22nd field day training, we'll be scheduling more field days as the year goes on. Feel free to get the classroom training out of the way if your schedule works out that way.

For "already certified Trail Ambassadors", if you'd like to attend our field day training on August 22nd as a refresher course for yourself, send us an email so we plan accordingly, using our general communication center email address of This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at (920) 783-6890.

7-20-2020 – Crews were able to check some sections of the Flambeau trail after the recent storms over the past weekend and the trails were in great condition. There is some water on portions of the trail on the 118G-102 but is passable. With the rain there is limited dust on the trails. For information on any recreational opportunities on the forest please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/cnnf. If any issues or concerns are found on the trails please contact Brady Howe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 715-762-5104.

The Big Snow Resort in Upper Michigan is offering a free 1 night ATV Lodging exclusively for WATVA members. More information about Big Snow can be found here: https://www.bigsnow.com/

Please present WATVA membership card at check-in. 

Additional nights available from $68.00.

Offer expires October 31st 2020. Subject to availability.

On Monday, June 29 USFS crews will begin replacing the culvert on Clover Creek on trail 118C-101. The trail will be temporarily closed during construction which is scheduled to be completed on July 2. Please observe the closure and stay out of the work area to keep everyone safe. A temporary detour will be marked on the trail during this time.

Today crews also checked multiple segments of trails for any trees or erosion issues from the recent weather events. Trails are in great shape with minimal dust! Should be a great weekend to ride. 

by Ryan Urban, Rice Lake Chronotype

Rice Lake officials are considering opening more streets to ATV/UTV traffic.

At its June 23 meeting the City Council voted to create a plan designating what streets will be open to ATVs.

Currently, ATVs are allowed on only some sections of Pioneer Avenue, South Street, Macauley Avenue, North Street and Lakeshore Drive.

As ATV/UTV trail riding increase in popularity, more local communities have expanded street access to riders in recent years.

Pete Schneider, president of the Rice Lake Snow & Dirt Club, said the club would like to see the City adopt state guideline on ATV routes, with a level of access similar to other local communities.

More than a dozen people spoke during public comment, encouraging more access to streets.

Many said it was burdensome to have to trailer their ATVs a short distance just to access the Wild Rivers Trail. Many also argued that more access would boost tourism to hotels, restaurants, bars and other businessses.

"Rice Lake serves as more of a complement of convenience, rather than a destination," said Rice Lake resident Shawn McKeever.

He said that Rice Lake is missing out on economic impact, being "a cornerstone of several great trail systems."

Bob Moullette and Nicky Repka, respresenting Rice Lake Tourism Commission, said the commission favored expanding ATV access in Rice Lake.

Repka said that because so many events have been cancelled due to COVID-19, Rice Lake Tourism is marketing more local recreational opportunities, including ATV/UTV trail riding.

Chip Lewis, owner of Airtec Sports, said the presence of four ATV/UTV dealerships in Rice Lake was representative of their popularity.

"It's kind of a big thing here. You can travel all over Wisconsin from this point," said Lewis.

The issue was brought to the Council in by Alderman Todd Larson and Doug Edwardsen, both of whom said they are not ATVers but support expanded routes.

"I'd like people to have access without having to trailer half a block or having to confess driving down an alley," said Larson.

Alderman Harlan Dodge questioned if a city of Rice Lake's size should be compared to nearby smaller communities when it comes to ATV routes.

"I think we need to watch what roads we open, and how (ATVs) cross Main Street," said Dodge. "We want to have what's safest for ATV users and auto users."

Originally Story at the link below.  

MINNEAPOLIS, MN. (June 8, 2020) – Today, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), announced it donated more than $110,000 to off-road and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) organizations across the United States as part of its ongoing T.R.A.I.L.S Grant Program. The 12 nonprofit organizations that were awarded a Spring 2020 T.R.A.I.L.S grant received awards ranging from $3,500 to $10,000. The grants will support the development, improvement and expansion of trails, and help educate riders on safe and responsible riding practices. "These local organizations and clubs are made up of passionate volunteers and riders who love our sport – they are truly the lifeblood of the off-roading community with a genuine desire to help create a safe and enjoyable experience for all those looking to get out and ride," said Steve Menneto, president of Off-Road at Polaris. "The T.R.A.I.L.S Grants Program is our way to help support their efforts and show our appreciation for their passion and dedication."

The Spring 2020 T.R.A.I.L.S Grants recipients are:

• Exeter Explorers ATV Club (Exeter, Maine)
• Garland Trail Hawks ATV Club (Garland, Maine)
• Roxbury ATV Riders Club (Roxbury, Maine)
• Upper Peninsula Recreational Off-Road ATV Riders (Kingsford, Michigan)
• Trail Prospectors Alliance (Ely, Minnesota)
• Range Trail Committee (Virginia, Minnesota)
• Ephratah ATV Trail Monitors (Johnstown, New York)
• Pennsylvania ATV Trail Development Corporation (Wampum, Pennsylvania)
• Vermont ATV Sportsmans Association Inc (Barre, Vermont)
• Southwest Recreation Regional Authority (SRRA) DBA Spearhead Trails (Coeburn, Virginia)
• Baraboo Bluffs ATV/UTV Club Inc. (Baraboo, Wisconsin)
• Nokomis ATV Club (Heafford Junction, Wisconsin)

"Now more than ever, our riding community is looking to the outdoors for a fun escape and off-road riding is an experience that can be enjoyed while still allowing people their space in these uncertain times," said Nick Wognum, president of the Prospectors Trail Alliance. "In partnership with two other clubs, the Prospectors Alliance helps manage more than 250 miles of Minnesota's trail system. We are already seeing more and more riders out on the trails as the weather gets nicer and thanks to Polaris this grant will enable us to help keep the trails properly maintained, well-marked, and clear of obstacles."

Since its inception in 2006, Polaris' T.R.A.I.L.S Grants program has provided funding to national, state and local organizations in the United States to help support the future of ATV, snowmobiling and off-road riding. The T.R.A.I.L.S Grant program covers two main objectives: promoting safe and responsible riding and supporting environmental preservations and trail access. Organizations may use funds from the grant to increase and maintain land access through trail development, maintenance projects, safety and education initiatives, and other projects.

To date, the program has supported 305 ATV, off-road and snowmobiling organizations with more than $2.6 million in grants. Visit the T.R.A.I.L.S Grant program website for more information and to apply for a future grant.

About Polaris

As the global leader in Powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2019 sales of $6.8 billion, Polaris' high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris' presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com.

Media Contact:

Erika Frederick
Polaris
(763) 417-8673
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wisconsin State Park campgrounds opening June 10. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will reopen state campgrounds on Wednesday, June 10 with special conditions to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.

Some of the changes that campers and park visitors will experience beginning June 10 include:

• Automatic touchless check-in.
• New signs to educate visitors on recreating responsibly.
• Park offices will remain closed to the public.

RESERVATIONS

• Camping reservations will be accepted by phone (1-888-947-2757) and online only to eliminate face to face interaction with DNR staff.
• Same-day camping reservations are also now available by phone (1-888-947-2757) and the online reservation system.
• Check-in is no longer necessary at the office or visitor station when coming to a property. Please proceed directly to your campsite and begin setup. Property staff will visit sites to monitor occupancy.
• Campers should note that Rock Island State Park remains closed through June 30. The Washington Island Ferry Line has also currently suspended all trips to and from Rock Island.
• Camping reservations for June 8 or 9 will be canceled and refunded; if reservations for a longer stay begin on June 8/9 and extend beyond June 10 your arrival will automatically be adjusted to June 10.

GROUP CAMPING, SHELTER, AND AMPHITHEATERS

• Group camping, shelters, and amphitheaters will be closed through June 30.
• All reservation holders will be contacted and provided a full refund.

RESTROOMS AND BUILDINGS

• Most restrooms at state properties are now open.
• Some remote water fountains may be closed in the day use area of the park or have the bubbler turned off and have access to the water spigot only.
• All other facilities will remain closed, including towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, contact stations, and concessions.
• Equipment rentals are unavailable at this time.

FIREWOOD

• Firewood is not available at state parks at this time and should be purchased before campers arrive.
• Campers are reminded that certified firewood that has been properly heat-treated or aged to kill any infesting pests or diseases to protect Wisconsin's trees must be purchased within 10 miles of their camping location

ADMISSION

• Annual park stickers and trail passes are required to visit state parks and trails.
• Annual stickers are available for purchase online or with credit card by phone 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. seven days a week by calling toll free: 1-888-305-0398.
• Annual trail and daily passes are NOT available for purchase at individual properties. Visitors must have an annual admission sticker adhered to their vehicle or proof of purchase for entry.
• Once proof of purchase is shown, visitors must place proof of purchase on the dash of the windshield while parked within the boundary of the property.
• The 2020 annual vehicle admission sticker is valid through Dec. 31, 2020.
• Annual state trail pass is required for anyone age 16 or older biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or in-line skating on certain trails. A state trail pass is NOT required for walking or hiking. The annual trail passes are valid through Dec. 31 of the year they are issued.

CAPACITY AND CLOSURES

• Due to high demand, many properties will likely reach their pre-determined capacity limits. When this happens, properties will close until existing visitors leave, and capacity is reduced.
• Visitors are encouraged to explore other DNR recreation areas or visit during non-peak hours before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• The following State Natural Areas remain closed: Pewits Nest, Parfrey's Glen, Dells of the Wisconsin River, Gibraltar Rock.
• Popular attractions within state parks, including beaches, where social distancing cannot be achieved may close as needed.

EVENTS

• All events and special event permits are canceled through June 30.
• Volunteer activities will also follow the Bounce Back Plan and be permitted on a case-by-case basis depending on group size and whether the activity can be done maintaining 6 feet of space between volunteers.

The DNR urges state park visitors to do their part when visiting DNR properties. Most Wisconsin state parks, forests and other day-use areas do not have garbage or recycling bins. When you visit, please take your garbage and recyclables home with you. We all play a vital role in taking care of our natural resources. Following the Leave No Trace principles helps protect the land for generations to come. Fight the Bite! Ticks are out, and visitors should take precautions to prevent Lyme Disease.

Visitors are reminded to practice social distancing of 6 feet, refrain from congregating in large groups, travel only within your home communities and follow all existing state park rules and guidelines. Visitors are also encouraged to wear masks in situations where social distancing is difficult.

The DNR continues to receive the most up-to-date information and will adjust operations as conditions change. We will also continue to monitor on-the-ground circumstances each day to determine additional conditions that may become necessary. Before visiting other properties, please check with individual parks regarding changes to park operations.

For specific information regarding COVID-19 we encourage the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.

Brushing has wrapped up on the trails and they are looking great. Wildlife has been very active too, with lots of new fawns being spotted on the trails. 

USFS crews are planning on replacing the culvert at Clover Creek on trail 118C-101 in mid to late June. 

During this construction the trail will be closed from FR 533 to trail 118K, with traffic being detoured on trail 118H-121. The trail will be signed with maps when the construction is taking place. 

Beavers have still been active on the trails and crews have been working diligently on removing the beavers and the dams. If you see water going over the trail, or any other issues or concerns, please contact Brady Howe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 715-762-5104.

 State Parks To Lengthen Hours, Reopen Select Restrooms And Extend Campground Closures

Wisconsin State Parks are adjusting operations. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – In accordance with public health guidelines and safety recommendations, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is modifying current operations to maintain the safest environment for visitors and staff.

Beginning Saturday, May 23, all Wisconsin state park system properties will return to regular operating hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Properties will no longer be closed Wednesdays.

In addition, a limited number of day-use area restrooms at park properties will reopen for public use beginning Wednesday, June 3. Visitors are reminded to plan ahead as well as bring hand sanitizer in the event it is not available at facilities.

All group, family and indoor group campsites will remain closed through June 7. All events and shelter reservations will also be canceled through June 7. Permit and reservation holders will be contacted and provided a full refund. The status of events, reservations and camping after June 7 is currently under review.

Rock Island State Park is closed to all use, including camping, until July 1. According to the ferry operator, ferry service to and from the island is on hold until further notice due to high lake levels and pending guidelines for both State Park and vessel operations during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The following properties will remain closed for the health and safety of the public, staff, and property integrity:

• Dells of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area
• Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area
• Parfrey's Glen state Natural area
• Pewits Nest state Natural area

The priority continues to be the safety and health of our visitors and staff and we still ask the public to continue recreating responsibly close to home, practicing social distancing, frequently washing their hands, and only traveling for necessity. The DNR will continue to turn the dial on additional outdoor recreation opportunities, amenities and services at our state park system properties. Visitors are also encouraged to wear face coverings in situations where social distancing may be difficult. This may apply to outdoor spaces as well.

As we move into the holiday weekend be mindful of the following:

• An annual park sticker or trail pass is required to visit state parks and trails which can be purchased online or by calling 1-888-305-0398 daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• All restrooms are closed through June 2
• Temporary capacity restrictions will be put into place as needed to manage admissions and overcrowding at properties. View current property information before visiting here: Wisconsin State Park Capacity Updates.

• Attractions at which social distancing cannot be achieved are closed at various properties; visit the park notices webpage for information about ongoing closures.
• All other facilities currently closed such as towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, entrance stations and concession buildings remain closed to the public.
• Fight the Bite! Ticks are out, and visitors should take precautions to prevent Lyme Disease.

The DNR urges visitors to do their part when visiting state parks. Most Wisconsin state parks, forests and other day-use areas do not have garbage or recycling bins. When you visit, you will need to take your garbage and recyclables home with you. We all play a vital role in taking care of our natural resources. Following the Leave No Trace principles helps protect the land for generations to come.

The DNR continues to receive the most up-to-date information and will adjust operations as conditions change. We will also continue to monitor on-the-ground circumstances each day to determine if additional changes may become necessary. Before visiting other properties, please check with individual parks regarding changes to park operations.

For specific information regarding the COVID-19 we encourage the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Summer-Use ATV/UTV Trails open Friday, May 22.

During the summer season, (which runs through September 15), you may operate your ATV/UTV on State-funded Summer-Use Trails ONLY. Summer-Use Trails are designated with WHITE blazers.

Remember - It is illegal to ride ATVs & UTVs on the Gandy Dancer Trail south of Hwy 77 in Burnett County during any non-frozen season.

All ATVs and UTVs must display either a Wisconsin registration or an ATV Trail Pass to ride on our trails. Only machines meeting the state definition of an ATV/UTV are allowed on these trails. Please go to the WI DNR webpage for the state definitions and registration/pass information.

Trails will close in the event of a Red Flag Alert due to fire danger. Always check back for updated information before riding.

Caution: Trail maintenance vehicles may be on the trails at any time.

Use caution and look for signage regarding timber sale activity. Trucks may be crossing trails.

Some township ordinances allow for ATV/UTV use of the town roads and others do NOT allow it. It is the rider's responsibility to contact the township in which you plan to ride in and get the current rules pertaining to ATVs/UTVs and their town roads.

NO OFF-TRAIL USE IS ALLOWED. Please stay on the designated trails to protect our trail agreements with private landownders.

It is your responsibility to know where you are and whose property you are on. Please be careful, be respectful to other trail users, and ride safely.

Contact Information

If you need any maps, or if you need any other information, please contact Burnett County Tourism at 1-800-788-3164 or feel free to email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To contact Burnett County Forest & Parks, please visit their website at www.burnettcounty.com/trails. 

5/21/20 – The Flambeau Trail is open and is in good condition. Brushing is begging today on trails 103 and 104 by Wintergreen Lake. Once this area is completed brushing will begin on trail 111 between Blockhouse and Hwy 182. Beavers have been active on trail 111 near Newman Lake. If you notice any plugged culverts or water coming over the trail please contact Brady Howe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 715-762-5104. Trails are a little dusty at the moment, but with some rain in the forecast that shouldn't be an issue for much longer. Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has released some great information for getting outside, staying safe and being well during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Here are some great tips for accomplishing getting outside, staying safe and being well.  

Get Outside. Stay Safe. Be Well. 

Time spent outdoors being physically active keeps your mind and body healthy. Follow these recommendations to keep yourself and others safe.​

• Feeling Sick? Please stay home. Have a cough or fever? Call your doctor.
  
  
• Physical distance 6 feet from others. Maintain a safe distance from others not in your household. Smile and wave hello, but respect others' space.
  
  
• Ride solo or only with other members of your household. Ride solo, but let others know your plans, your route and when you'll be back.
  
  
• Avoid congregating. Maintain a safe distance at access points. Allow others to leave before entering a crowded area.
  
  
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly. Wash for 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer after touching shared surfaces and before you touch your face. 
  
  
• Pack it out. Leave no trace. Be respectful of nature. Please take your trash with you if receptacles are unavailable or full.
  
  

Due to a washout on Benson Lake Road, the trail from Goodman Park to the west to the Forest County line is closed. The detour will be; from the power line trail turn west on Homestead Lake Road to County I turn right on I to Camp 5 Road west on Camp 5 rd to Harper lk rd West on Harper Lake Road to Valley Lake Road than north on Valley Lake Road to Benson Lake Road. This detour should only be approximately 2 weeks. These are town roads you will be using this route with vehicles use extreme caution on your ride.

DATE: 13 May 2020

TO: News Media and Other Parties of Interest

FROM: Dale Mayo, Vilas County Parks & Recreation Administrator RE: Vilas ATV trails scheduled to open.

THE VILAS COUNTY ATV TRAIL SYSTEM IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN AT 8:00 A.M. ON FRIDAY 15 MAY FOR THE 2020 SEASON. THERE WILL BE A SEGMENT OF LANDOVER TRAILS IN CONOVER THAT WILL BE TEMPORARLY DETOURED DUE TO HIGH WATER.

As always, please enjoy Vilas County recreational trails responsibly and maintain social distancing.

Dale Mayo
Administrator
Vilas County Parks & Recreation Department

The Summer ATV/UTV Trails under the Management of the Douglas County Forestry are open at this time.

Clubs are out on trails performing maintenance. Please use caution when passing our Volunteers.

Please check with neighboring Counties before you ride to make sure that the trails are open.

The new county road routes will not open until May 22^nd and they are signed.

For Further information, Pease contact the Douglas County Forestry Department at 715-378-2219

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM excluding Holidays.

This report was prepared on Friday, May 8, 2020

Please Enjoy and Ride Safe

Clint Meyer

Park and Recreation Supervisor

Douglas County Forestry Department

9182 East Hughes Ave.

Solon Springs, WI. 54873

Phone: (715) 378-2219

Fax: (715) 378-2807

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web:www.douglascountywi.org

High to Very High Fire Danger Continues During the Weekend 

 MADISON, Wis. – Gusty winds, very low humidity, and little-to-no precipitation lead to a weekend of critical fire weather conditions. The threat is predicted to continue into early next week with elevated fire danger across the state.

To help us keep Wisconsinites safe, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues to request that the public avoid outdoor burning, including limiting the use of campfires and off-road vehicles and to avoid disposing hot ashes from wood stoves in grass or wooded areas.

Fire control officials are concerned that the cooler temperatures and slightly lesser winds will cause the public to become complacent as Wisconsin enters the peak of wildfire season. The main factor going into the weekend is the very low humidity levels (about 15-20%), coupled with tinder dry vegetation. Fires under these circumstances can start easily and spread quickly.

The greatest chance of precipitation will occur on Saturday evening, but will be confined to southern Wisconsin. Winds will be out of the north and northwest for the duration of this timeframe. Fuel conditions such as trees, shrubs and grasses are very dry. Please continue to take extra precautions as a dry stretch of weather remains.

The northern half of the state is entering a critical time for catastrophic fire, especially in sandy soil and pine areas. Fires in these locations are starting to see increased fire behavior, resulting in fire moving from the surface to the crowns of the trees, making fire suppression more challenging. The greening of vegetation is progressing in the southern part of the state which is lessening the fire risk.

Burning remains suspended with DNR-issued burning permits for debris piles, barrels and grass or wooded areas. We are also asking the public again to be especially careful with any activities that could potentially lead to a wildland fire such as smoking, chainsaws, dragging trailer chains, off-road vehicles or other small engines have the potential to throw sparks. Use extreme caution until the fire weather improves.

The DNR will be on high alert across the entire state this weekend, pre-positioning equipment for rapid response. The DNR has four contract tanker planes and access to the Wisconsin Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters with bucket capability.

Continue to monitor the current situation here or by searching the DNR website using keyword "fire." 

The Oconto County Tourism department released a Facebook post stating the county will open their ATV & UTV trails on Friday, May 8th 2020. 

Rhinelander, WI – APRIL 30, 2020 -- The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will be lifting the closure order for boat landings (except for some within closed campgrounds) today. In addition, both motorized and non-motorized trails on the National Forest will be open May 8 or when local conditions allow for opening. Please check the website or with your local county to see what trails are open before heading out.

"The Forest takes the safety of our personnel, contractors, volunteers, and visitors seriously, and we also understand that outdoor activities like fishing and hiking are encouraged during this difficult time. It is important to stay close to home and limit travel when pursuing places to recreate," said Paul Strong, Forest Supervisor on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

While the boat landings will be available for use, they will not be maintained, nor will any associated facilities be available such as restrooms or garbage receptacles until further notice. Trails will be open however, without restrooms or garbage receptacles at trailheads.

"The Forest is working with trail partners to address eminent hazards on the trails prior to opening," said Strong. "The Forest and partners will be doing required maintenance only at this time while we work through the risks of field work"

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will continue to coordinate its COVID-19 response in alignment with all federal, state and local guidance. The Forest will be considering the risks associated with opening additional recreation sites, such as campgrounds, which remain closed. In addition, camping, campfires and groups of more than 10 people are prohibited on the National Forest until further notice. Please visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/cnnf and click on Alerts and Notices to view the closure orders outlining what is closed and prohibited.

When visiting your public lands, it is important to be aware of current forest limitations. To protect public health and safety, all visitors to the Forest are encouraged to:

• Avoid visiting the forest if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
• Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit to the Forest.
• Take your trash with you when you leave.
• Please make arrangements to use the restroom before or after your visit to the forest. Unmanaged waste creates a health hazard for our employees and for other visitors.
• If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location. Also consider avoiding the Forest during high-use periods.

"The public is asked to do their part to ensure the safety of ourselves, our families and our communities," said Strong. "Please remember to take your trash with you, practice leave no trace principles and social distancing when recreating on your National Forest."

KEWAUNEE, WI – The Kewaunee County Promotions & Recreation Department has delayed the opening of Riverview ATV Park, which typically happens in the beginning of May until the end of the month or once the "Safer at Home Order" is lifted by the State, due to COVID-19 concerns as well as wet trail conditions. 

The off-road recreational vehicle park allows for the use of ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes. It is not only popular amongst locals, but out of county residents as well. "Aside from Kewaunee County residents using Riverview ATV Park, we see a lot of riders from neighboring counties and while we would like to open sooner, it's just safer for everyone that we delay the start of the season," said Dave Myers, Director of Kewaunee County Promotions & Recreation Department. "A benefit to this is also giving the trails time to dry out and allowing the Baylake ATV Club, our not for profit friends group, more time to groom and prepare the park for the season." 

For more information on Riverview ATV Park, visit www.VisitKewauneeCounty.com or call the Kewaunee County Promotions & Recreation Office at (920) 388-0444.