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.

MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers today directed the Department of Natural Resources to re-open several state parks, forests, and recreational areas originally closed due to unprecedented crowds and out of an abundance of caution to protect public health.

The DNR will reopen 34 state parks and forests on May 1, 2020 under special conditions to help minimize overcrowding, allow for social distancing requirements, and to promote a safe and enjoyable experience for staff and visitors.

"Outdoor recreation is important for both physical and mental health, and I know how important it is to Wisconsinites to get outside and enjoy Wisconsin's natural resources and spring weather," said Gov. Evers. "With a few adjustments, like closing one day a week for maintenance and reduced hours of operation, folks should be able to get outside and enjoy our parks safely and respectfully."

"Amid the immense uncertainty of this crisis, we are very fortunate to have such beautiful spaces in which to ease our minds and take care of ourselves," Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes said. "I am glad that we are able to reopen these spaces with new safety guidelines, so that people can enjoy our state parks and forests while we continue to prioritize public health and safety."

Here are the latest Wisconsin state park property updates:

ADMISSION REQUIRED STARTING MAY 1

• An annual park sticker and/or trail pass will be required to visit state parks and trails.
• Annual stickers will be available for purchase with credit card by phone 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. seven days a week by calling toll free: 1-888-305-0398. We thank you in advance for your patience as we may be experiencing heavy call volumes.
• Annual 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.

HOURS OF OPERATION

• State parks and forests will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, a change from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Properties will be closed to the public every Wednesday for maintenance and upkeep.
• Northern Forests, Flowages, Lower Wisconsin Riverway, and Wild Rivers will be open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Specific properties listed below.
  • Black River State Forest
  • Brule River State Forest
  • Chippewa Flowage
  • Flambeau River State Forest
  • Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
  • Governor Knowles State Forest
  • Lower Wisconsin State Riverway
  • Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
  • Pike Wild River
  • Pine-Popple Wild River
  • Turtle Flambeau Flowage
  • Willow Flowage
• Hunting and fishing will be allowed on all open properties in accordance with legal season structure and hours. Access to some areas may be limited to walk-in or water access only.
• The following properties will remain closed for the health and safety of the public, staff, and property integrity:
  • Gibraltar Rock state natural area
  • Pewit's Nest state natural area
  • Parfrey's Glen state natural area
  • Dells of The Wisconsin River state natural area

BOAT LAUNCHES

• DNR boat launches are open at open state properties.
• All anglers and recreational boaters should practice social distancing and keep travel to a minimum.
• If individuals can lawfully access Wisconsin's rivers and lakes, they are free to navigate upon them while engaging in outdoor recreation.

TRAILS

• All linear/rail trails are open to the public, which includes ATV trails.
• The Ice Age Trail remains open.
• An 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.

RESTROOMS AND BUILDINGS

• Restrooms at all state properties will be closed. This includes the closure of restrooms on properties currently open to the public.
• All other facilities will remain closed, including towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, contact stations and concession buildings.
• Attractions where social distancing cannot be achieved will be closed as needed at various properties.

PRE-DETERMINED SAFETY CAPACITY LIMITATIONS

• At times, many properties will likely reach their pre-determined safety capacity. When this happens, visitors may be denied entry to the park until existing visitors leave. Visitors are encouraged to explore other DNR recreation areas or visit during non-peak hours before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• State Parks likely to temporarily prohibit additional visitors include:
  • Copper Falls
  • Devil's Lake
  • Governor Dodge
  • Governor Nelson
  • Harrington Beach
  • Hartman Creek
  • High Cliff
  • Interstate
  • Kinnickinnic
  • Kettle Moraine Southern Unit
  • Lapham Peak
  • Perrot, Rib Mountain
  • Roche-a-Cri
  • Whitefish Dunes
  • Willow River

CAMPING AND EVENTS

• Camping, group camps and shelters will remain closed until May 26. Refunds will be issued to all customers.
• Limited numbers of remote, backpack and boat-in campsites are available on a first-come first-serve basis. A list of some of the properties offering this type of camping include:
  • Brule River State Forest
  • Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area
  • Dunnville Wildlife Area
  • Flambeau River State Forest
  • Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
  • Governor Knowles State Forest
  • Meadow Valley State Wildlife Area
  • Tiffany Wildlife Area
  • Van Loon State Wildlife Are
  • Willow Flowage
• Volunteer activities remain suspended at DNR properties.
• All events and special event permits are canceled until May 26.

The public should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:

• Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, non-essential workers in your house);
• Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water;
• Covering coughs and sneezes;
• Avoiding touching your face; and
• Staying home.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you and 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.

Two more counties are gearing up to open their ATV / UTV trails this weekend. Florence and Marinette County have posted up dates regarding the opening dates:

 Marinette County

Pete Villas, Marinette County Forestry Administrator
Subject: ATV Trail re-opening

The entire Marinette County ATV /UTV Trail System will be re-opened on May 1, 2020. The trail system was closed for spring break up and to allow for the trails to be cleared of downed trees and debris. Thank you for you cooperation while the trail system was closed.

Due to the COVID-19 situation, please follow the guidelines found in the Marinette County Outdoor Recreation Season Plan found on Marinette County's website in the Media Releases section under Administration.

Pete Villas, Marinette County Forestry Administrator

 Florence County

​As posted on the Blue Ox Trail Riders website.

ATV Trails Opening

Florence County ATV trails will open on May 1st 2020 at 12:01 AM. Please use extreme caution, as there may still be spots that have ice and/or snow cover.

There will be some areas of trail in the USFS Property (Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest) that may have closures. Trails affected would be: Trail F7A - F14.

Please ride with caution as many sections of the trail system are still in very poor condition and keep an eye out for groomers as they will most likely be sharing the trail in an effort to smooth things out after the past winter season.

Make sure to follow Covid-19 guidelines and be respectful to one another. Let's make this a safe recreational season.

Support your local ATV club and the hard work they do to maintain the Florence County ATV trail system.

Questions or concerns may be directed to the Florence County Forestry and Parks Department (715) 528-3207 option 4. For more trail information please visit our website at:
www.ExploreFlorenceCounty.com


Fire destroyed our Blue Ox equipment building, two tractors, two drags and all of our tools and supplies. We will do our best to keep up with the trails with the remaining equipment.

Blue Ox Trail Riders

​The Forest County ATV / UTV trails are set to open May 1st at noon. Here is the notification from the Forest County ATV Association:

TRAILS OPEN MAY 1st at NOON

Here is the official statement from the Forest County Forestry Dept. "All Forest County State funded ATV Trails will be open for use on Friday, May 1st, 2020 at noon. Snowmobile trails are not open for ATV use by County Ordinance. Please stay on the approved trails and routes. Please use caution and appropriate speeds when using the ATV trails. Trails across National Forest will remain closed."

The "National Forest" segment is the connector between the Nicolet State Trail and the town of Blackwell.

Big thanks to our Trail Ambassadors for surveying the trails and getting them in shape and also to our Forestry Dept for working with us toward the opening date!

Gates are open, we are doing some last minute grading/brushing, LET'S GO RIDING!!

Forest County ATV Association

In a sure sign of spring, two of Wisconsin's OHV parks are gearing up to open in the coming weeks. 

Embarrass River Campground & ATV Park Opens May 1st 

First up is Embarrass River Campground and ATV Park. On their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Embarrass-River-Campground-and-ATV-Park-141574899354340/) they state:

As of today April 17th we will still open the trails and campground on May 1st. You must practice social distancing when you are at our facilities which includes:

Staying 6 ft away from people not apart of your household.

Only people of a single household may be on any given campsite.

If you do feel sick or have a fever please stay home or seek medical care.

The Office will be open for shower, bathroom and laundry only. If you need to speak with staff please go to the self registration window on the east side of the building or call the park office.

We will increase the frequency of cleaning of our facilities to prevent the spread.
To reduce contact with people, we will not be delivering firewood to your campsites (unless pre-ordered on your reservation) until the safer at home order has been lifted. You will still be able to purchase firewood at the office or drop money in the dropbox by the woodshed.

If you have any questions contact us by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 715-535-2169

Dyracuse Recreation Park Opens May 2nd

 The Dyracuse Recreation Area stated on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/dyracuserecreational.park/) they are set to open on May 2nd at 10am. No further information has been given about social distancing rules.

​Hidden Bear Trail ATV club donated $1,000.00 to the Christian Food Pantry and $1,000.00 to Community Health Mask Makers recently. 

Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/233376364193416/photos/a.290660098465042/585713452293037/?type=3&theater

From the article: "Maintaining proper social distance, Christian Food Pantry president Scott Wycherley, left, accepted a $1,000 check from Hidden Bear Trail ATV Club membership secretary Dawn Schmoker. Both were practicing safe protection with masks as they filled the shelves at the Lakewood food pantry. HBT ATV Club thanks volunteers at the pantry, as well as local health providers, EMT's and firefighters, grocery stores, gas stations and restaurant workers."

Rhinelander, WI – APRIL 10, 2020 -- In alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure health safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will be delaying the opening of all recreation sites and not allowing camping or campfires until further notice. In addition, the Forest is implementing a group-size limitation of 10 people or less per group across the entire Forest. Last week, the Forest shutdown all restrooms and removed garbage receptacles at recreation sites.

The following are closed until further notice:

• All Developed Campgrounds (Reservations will be cancelled, and refunds issued for the month of May). The Forest will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly with additional cancellations in June and/or the reopening of sites on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• All Day Use Areas (trailheads, picnic areas, boat landings, beaches and the Mountain Fire Tower)
• Lost Lake Cabins, Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center and Forest Lodge
• Dispersed (roadside/Forest) camping on the National Forest
• Trails (motorized and non-motorized designated trails)
• All restroom facilities

The General Forest remains open to the public including Forest Roads for hiking, biking and scenic driving. 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, search for a less occupied location. Also consider avoiding the Forest during peak hours.

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest takes the safety of our personnel, contractors, volunteers, and visitors seriously. With spring quickly approaching, the potential for crowded conditions increases in parking areas, trailheads, and at popular forest destinations, undermining the country's critical efforts to contain the spread.

"Personal responsibility is now more important than ever. Let's all do our part to ensure we are keeping ourselves, our families and our communities safe by being prepared and recreating responsibly," said Paul Strong, Forest Supervisor on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will continue to coordinate its COVID-19 response in alignment with all federal, state and local guidance. When visiting your public lands, it is important to be aware of current forest limitations. Everyone is urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most recent CDC guidelines are available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html. Additional information is also available at https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has moved to virtual services. Please visit us at http://www.fs.usda.gov/cnnf and access our forest maps at https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/. You can also follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CNNF002 or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CNNF002.

MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers today directed the Department of Natural Resources to close several state parks to protect the health and safety of Wisconsinites.

Due to unprecedented crowds, litter, vandalism and out of an abundance of caution to protect public health and safety and help flatten the curve, the following Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Recreational Areas will close at the end of the day Thurs., April 9, and will remain closed beginning Fri,, April 10, until further notice:

Northeast Region

High Cliff State Park

Southeast Region

Big Foot Beach State Park, Harrington Beach State Park, Havenwoods State Forest, Kohler-Andrae State Park, Kettle Moraine State Forest Lapham Peak, Loew Lake, Mukwonago River, Northern Unit, Pike Lake, Southern Unit, Lakeshore State Park, and Richard Bong State Recreational Area

South Central Region

Aztalan State Park, Belmont Mound State Park, Blue Mound State Park, Cadiz Springs State Recreational Area, Capital Springs State Recreational Area, Cross Plains State Park, Devil's Lake State Park, Fenley State Recreational Area, Governor Dodge State Park, Governor Nelson State Park, Lake Kegonsa State Park, Lower Wisconsin Riverway, Mackenzie Center, Mirror Lake State Park, Natural Bridge State Park, Nelson Dewey State Park, New Glarus Woods State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, Sauk Prairie State Recreational Area, Tower Hill State Park, Wyalusing State Park, Yellowstone Lake State Park, Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area, Pewits Nest State Natural Area, Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area and Dells of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area

"I wanted to keep state parks open for the public to enjoy during this challenging time which is why outdoor activity is listed as an essential activity under the Safer at Home order," said Gov. Tony Evers. "Unfortunately, growing difficulty with ensuring social distancing compliance, dwindling cleaning supplies and mounting trash are some of the challenges faced by our state parks staff. We have to address the growing public health and safety concern and protect Wisconsinites."

Despite waiving fees, closing state park offices, visitor centers, and non-essential buildings to help minimize the transmission of COVID-19 at parks, the situation has reached a point where public safety in the parks and surrounding communities takes precedence over keeping these locations open. If the public does not follow social distancing guidelines and vandalizes property, more state parks may have to close.

The public should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:

• Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, non-essential workers in your house);
• Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water;
• Covering coughs and sneezes;
• Avoiding touching your face; and
• Staying home.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you and 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.

​Check out the full article here: https://fox11online.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-concerns-close-oconto-county-owned-boat-landings-campgrounds-and-more

​From the article: 

"There were 140 vehicles. They represented 34 counties, three states. There were no Oconto County residents parked there. However, over half of the vehicles that were there, were from counties that have 10 or more cases. So that's where our concern is, that there are people coming to Oconto County that are coming from areas that there is a high incidence of the illness," she said.

Konitzer says all County-owned ATV-UTV road routes are off limits until further notice. And the county's campgrounds, expected to open on May 1, will likely stay closed as well.

The latest closure ties in with another health department statement issued on April first, urging visitors to stay away from their seasonal homes and properties.

​COVID-19 Update:

As of today April 8th 2020 our campground and trails will still open as normal on May 1st.

Since our campground will not open until after the current safer at Home order expires, social distancing measures will not need to be taken.

That being said below are the current social distancing practices in place for any campground that is currently open (Per Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) or what you can expect if this order is extended past our opening date.

1. Maintain 6ft between others.

2. Campsites may hold members of a single household only. No private gatherings of any sort.

3. Be as efficient as possible in places of common space such as our office building. Please go to the bathroom or take your shower and exit the building to reduce contact with others.

This year we will be increasing the frequency of cleanings in our building and will not be providing helmet rentals this year until everything is back to normal.
Our vending machines will still be stocked for the year but we cannot serve any pizzas or ice cream until restaurants are able to serve.

Please understand this is an ever changing situation so there may be new developments between now and May 1st

Thank you all for your understanding. We hope to see you this summer.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1494599297385220&id=141574899354340

​It's almost trail riding season for the majority of the state! However, there are a few things you should know regarding opening dates and soil conditions. We frequently are asked what trails are open from folks wanting to get out and ride. To help answer this question, Randy Harden, President of WATVA, wrote a blog post explaining the answer. 

This time of year is know in our circles as "the spring breakup". So what does that mean you may be thinking?

The spring time is when frost is coming out of the ground, wet conditions add to the trail base instability, then add to this it's also a prime fire hazard time before things green up, it all adds up to why trails around the state are not open yet.

We really need warm, sunny conditions to dry out the trail base so it can become more stable so it doesn't cause massive rehab issues once we start riding. If our spring weather is wet and cool, this adds to the delays. Mother Nature controls much of these conditions, we just have to wait until our professional land managers and club trail captains make their assessment to approve opening.

Even different soil types of each trail system adds to the final assessment and opening approvals.

We have land managers from many county forest staffs, state DNR and federal managers from the US Forest Service that all enter into their assessment and approvals.

As a general time frame and in dryer years (also before COVID-19) some systems have opened mid-May, others the weekend before Memorial weekend. Wet years have even experienced an early June opening, it's all dependent on weather and soil conditions.

My goal in answering this short question with a fairly long answer, is to offer an explanation as to why the systems are not yet open. Hopefully you find this information helpful.

Randy