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

ATV Clubs,

I am very appreciative that clubs are working on their own to get trails built or getting permissions for trails in your area.

As you make these requests, PLEASE make sure that your requests coincide with Oneida County ATV TRAIL Opening & Closing dates.

By our County ordinance, Oneida County Trails Open on May 22 and close on December 1 each season. These dates have been set for over 10 years now and will not change.

Do not confuse this with routes (town roads & county highways), I am specifically talking about trails.

Clubs are making requests for trails with many other different random dates and it is making it difficult and confusing for many groups/public!

Please do not confuse the Towns, the State, landowners and especially the public with other dates.

The Oneida County TRAIL dates are set, please follow accordingly.

If you already have trail dates that are different than the above, here in Oneida County, please change accordingly.

Thanks you for your cooperation.

Eric Rady
Assistant Forestry Director
Oneida County Forestry & Parks
PO Box 400 - Courthouse
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Office: (715) 369-6140
Voice: (715) 369-6234

Campfires For Warming Or Cooking Strongly Discouraged

CONTACT: Catherine Koele, DNR Wildfire Prevention Specialist 608-219-9075 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MADISON, Wis. - Spring in Wisconsin has the highest fire risk with the No. 1 cause of wildfires being debris burning. Wildfires pose a serious threat to public safety, property and our natural resources. People cause over 98% of all wildfires in Wisconsin.

Due to the COVID-19 Safer at Home order, we are taking proactive measures by suspending all Department of Natural Resources burning permits until further notice to protect the health and safety of Wisconsinites.

All burning of debris in barrels, burning of debris piles on the ground, grass or wooded areas is prohibited at this time.

Most debris fires occur in the spring after the snow-cover melts and before vegetation greening. Spring is when people are outside doing yard clean-up and then choosing to burn leaves, brush and pine needles.

Burning permits are required by the Wisconsin DNR in many parts of the state to conduct legal and responsible burning in the outdoors. Burning permits are also required by the Wisconsin DNR in DNR forest fire protection areas to conduct burning of legal materials when the ground is not completely snow-covered.

DNR burning permits do not apply within incorporated cities and villages. These municipalities oftentimes can and do create their own burning permit requirements. In addition, some townships may choose to be much more restrictive than state law and may not allow burning at any time.

Regardless of where you burn, it is up to you to check with your local municipality for their regulations, even if you have obtained a DNR burning permit. Not sure if your burn location falls within DNR forest fire protection? For a more detailed look, zoom-in to your location on the burning restrictions map.

Emergency responders and firefighters have an increased need to take pandemic precautions, so they remain available to continue to protect the public from wildfires and reduce the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Remember to report wildfires by dialing 911 immediately.

Distance is key during this public health emergency. Under the Safer at Home order, we must do all that we can to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Staying home as much as possible and limiting travel to your community is the best way to lower COVID-19 infection rates.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 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 park closures become necessary.

Steps To Prevent And Avoid Exposure

• 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
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when able

For updates on event cancellations and building closures at DNR properties, visit the DNR website or follow @WIDNR on Facebook, @wi_dnr on Instagram, or @WDNR on Twitter.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. 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.Enter your text here ...

DNR Office of Communications

Sarah Hoye
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
101 S Webster, P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Media Line: (608) 266-3143 TDD: 711
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
dnr.wi.gov | wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2020
CONTACT: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fees Waived For Wisconsin State Parks And Trails
State Parks, Trails And Restrooms Remain Open; Property Buildings Closed

MADISON, Wis. – Fees are now waived for all Wisconsin State Parks and Trails that continue to remain open to the public. Parks, law enforcement and property staff will also continue to provide routine sweeps of state park
system properties.

Staying home as much as possible is the best way to lower COVID-19 infection rates, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, should you need a place with space, getting outdoors has both physical and mental benefits.

Distance is key during this public health emergency. Please do not congregate at restrooms, self-registration stations or electronic kiosks. Additionally, do not gather in groups of 10 or more people and maintain six feet of distance from others.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 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 park closures become necessary.

Beginning March 24, 2020, the DNR will implement the following changes to the operation of all state parks and recreation areas across the state consistent with guidance provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Department of Administration.

​In a letter that was sent to all Polaris suppliers, 

Polaris Suppliers, Monday, March 23, 2020

The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is rapidly evolving, challenging the way we work, do business and operate in general. As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, we want to update you about the actions Polaris has taken
to date.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WATVA Followers & Friends, This week our board of directors met to discuss the upcoming annual meeting and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We unanimously decided to postpone our event to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 as well as comply with state mandated health guidelines regarding the limitations of gathering of people in public or private spaces. The safety of our members and WATVA team are of the utmost importance to us. The Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point has indicated they already cancelled those rooms that members called in under the WATVA block, but if you wish to verify, please call Jennie Wierzba at 715-254-9940 or email her to verify at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To cancel your meal tickets, please complete the following form (you can also log into eventbrite): https://forms.gle/oFXDTb3GWn6YvvX66. Please allow a few days for processing your refund request. You may also choose to keep the earlier payment as a credit for the rescheduled date, whichever you choose. We will very likely have the same meal options, if not the same, just at a later date when we've all defeated this COVID-19 challenge! This is also another opportune time to thank our dealerships that have contributed to our meal / conference costs, we thank you for your continued support. You can check out a full list of our supporting dealerships here: https://watva.org/index.php/about/2020-annual-meeting We are working with the hotel on some possible future dates, however making this decisions at this point in time is like hitting a moving target with so many variables at play. As of now, our regional meeting and rides are still moving forward. Our Northeast regional meeting will be held August 1st in Woodruff with our Northwest regional meeting being held August 15th in Rusk County. Please watch our Facebook page or our website for more details on further upcoming events.

Wisconsin State Parks and Trails will remain open to the public. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues to receive the most up-to-date information and will adjust operations as conditions change. We will continue to monitor on the ground circumstances each day to determine if park closures become necessary.

Recent guidance from the Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends canceling or postponing gatherings of 10 people or more to help protect Wisconsinites, visitors and staff from the spread of COVID-19, particularly those who are most vulnerable to infection and severe disease.

Parks, law enforcement and property staff will be diligently ensuring groups larger than 10 do not congregate as well as provide routine sweeps of our properties.

Beginning March 19, 2020, the DNR will implement the following changes to operation of all state parks and recreation areas across the state consistent with guidance provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Department and Health. Here is what to expect:

Voluntary Registration Fees

• Admission is voluntary at this time via self-registration or electronic kiosks

Close all state park offices, visitor centers, and non-essential buildings for duration of public health emergency; bathrooms remain open

• Effective immediately, the DNR will close the following state buildings to the public: Park headquarters, offices, visitor centers, nature centers, research stations, ranger stations, shooting ranges, fish hatcheries, shelters, showers, concessions, and indoor group camp buildings on all DNR owned properties to the public.
• Restrooms on state properties will remain open given there are enough resources, cleaning supplies and access to personal protective equipment for staff to maintain them.
• Properties will continue to be staffed and outdoor recreational opportunities (hiking, trails, fishing, hunting, etc.) remain open at this time.
• Visitors are reminded to practice proper personal hygiene to prevent spread of COVID-19 and to limit group sizes to under ten people when enjoying state properties.

Camping And Special Permits

• All campsites (Individual, group, and indoor) are closed through April 30, 2020.
• Refunds will be issued to all customers.
• No new reservations will be accepted until further notice.
• DNR staff or Camis Reservations staff will be reaching out to individuals with current or upcoming group camping reservations to issue refunds. Any other questions regarding camping reservations can be directed to the Camis Call Center at 1-888-947-2757.
• DNR property managers will also be contacting groups or individuals who have existing special event permits.
• Our customer service representatives also continue to provide service via phone at 1-888-936-7463 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

For updates on event cancellations and building closures at DNR properties, visit the DNR website or follow @WIDNR on Facebook, @wi_dnr on Instagram, or @WDNR on Twitter.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. 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.

We are committed to service excellence.

Visit our survey at http://dnr.wi.gov/customersurvey to evaluate how I did.

Missy VanLanduyt
Recreation Partnerships, External Relations and Communication Section Chief – Bureau of Parks and Recreation Management
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 South Webster Street

Madison, WI 53707
Phone: 608 266-7617

​IRVINE, CA – March 16, 2020 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's 2018 Annual Report of ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries, released in February 2020, confirms that injuries related to all-terrain vehicles continue to decline.

Assessing a 10-year period (2009-2018), CPSC staff cited a statistically significant overall decrease of 38 percent in ATV-related emergency department-treated injury estimates. The decrease of 13 percent in the estimated number of ATV-related emergency department-treated injuries from 2017 to 2018 also was found to be statistically significant.

"The commitment to safety education and training by the member companies of the ATV Safety Institute and the CPSC is clearly contributing to the decline in ATV injuries," said Erik Pritchard, ATV Safety Institute chief executive officer. "The ATV Safety Institute aggressively reaches out to new ATV owners to urge them to take our free hands-on training and our e-Courses to learn and practice our eight Golden Rules for ATV Safety.

"And we continue to plan our seventh annual ATV Safety Week, currently slated for June, when anyone who owns an ATV can get free hands-on training from ASI licensed instructors at locations throughout the country," Pritchard said.

ATV owners and non-owners should visit ATVSafety.org for more information about ATV Safety Week. An announcement with more details about how adults and their families can register for training during ATV Safety Week will be made in April.

​DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAIL UPDATE 3/16/2020.

All Snowmobile and Winter ATV trails under management of the Douglas County Forestry Department are officially closed for the season.

In addition, all year-round recreational trails are temporarily closed at this time except for the following trail segments:

1. Gandy Dancer Trail – MN/WI Stateline to Patzau.

2. Saunders Grade – MN/WI Stateline to Schallameir Road parking lot.

3. Wild Rivers Trail – Douglas Co./Washburn Co. line to a point 500 feet north of County Highway Y.

4. Wild Rivers Trail – North Trailhead parking lot (County Highway A) to the Harroun Road.

It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property.

Please share this info with anyone that you believe would be interested…our goal is to inform as many trail riders as possible.

Douglas County Ski Trails

The service roads and parking lots are plowed. The Ski trails are still covered in snow but are packed hard and our groomer is unable to cut new tracks in the packed snow. Grooming is suspended until further notice.

Thank you again to all the members of the Northwest Trails Association for the amazing work that they do to open and maintain over 300 miles of winter recreation trails in Douglas County!

This report was prepared March 16th, 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

 Volunteer Education Instructors:

This notification is in regards to the Coronavirus (COVID 19) and program direction on how to conduct business as a volunteer instructor. Effective immediately, the Department of Natural Resources has taken the position to cancel all Safety Education Classes for Hunter-Internet field days-Archery-ATV-Snowmobile-Boating-Trapper Education classes from March 16th to March 31st.

Please review your pending roster and notify the public of this. If you need help in closing your class, please call your Outdoor Skills Trainer. CONTACTS: https://dnr.wi.gov/Volunteer/instructorcorner/outdoorSkillsTrainers.html

We are aware of classes posted that are after April 1st and we will notify you as soon as were able on any future closures. If you decide on your own to postpone your class we support your decision.

Planning a class soon:

We encourage our instructors to consider waiting until this virus has run its course in Wisconsin before posting a new class. We look forward to getting back to normal and offer safety courses to our public soon.

If you should have questions please contact your OST. You may also call the appropriate program administrator for questions. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause now and into the short term future. Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation. 

Respectfully,

Jon King 
Hunter Education Administrator
Conservation Warden
608-575-2294 

Martin Stone
OHV Administrator
Conservation Warden
608-778-2035

​DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAIL UPDATE 3/13/2020.

All Snowmobile and Winter ATV trails under management of the Douglas County Forestry Department will officially close for the season at 8:00 AM local time on Monday, March 16, 2020.Douglas County received two days of warm weather over the weekend and the trail conditions across the county range from good to poor.The trails that are shaded are still in pretty good shape. There are some areas of bare ground and almost all grooming has stopped on the trails.Snowmobile traffic is not recommended

In addition, all year-round recreational trails will temporarily close at that time except for the following trail segments:

1. Gandy Dancer Trail – MN/WI Stateline to Patzau.

2. Saunders Grade – MN/WI Stateline to Schallameir Road parking lot.

3. Wild Rivers Trail – Douglas Co./Washburn Co. line to a point 500 feet north of County Highway Y.

4. Wild Rivers Trail – North Trailhead parking lot (County Highway A) to the Harroun Road.

It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to utilize their property.

Deer have been reported on trails so keep an eye out while traveling.

Please share this info with anyone that you believe would be interested…our goal is to inform as many trail riders as possible.

I have attached a trail map which outlines the open and closed trails.

SW Quadrant – OPEN TRAILS

Trail 5

Trail 5A

Trail 930

Trail 935

Trail 835

Trail 9 (Caution: watch for logging North of Hwy M)

Closed Trails

Trail 925 between Swedish highway and Andrews Road (Gates are closed)

SE Quadrant –OPEN TRAILS

Trail 35 (WRT north of Solon Springs)

Trail 35 (WRT south)

Trail 27B

Trail 27C

Trail41S

Trail 41B

Trail 217

Trail 727

Trail 17N

Trail 7

Trail 27

Trail 3

Trail 5

Trail 41 (Watch for Logging)

Trail 541

Closed Trails

Trail 17S South of Lower Eau Claire Lake(Gates are Closed)

NE Quadrant –Open Trails

Trail 1
Trail 2
Trail 4 Very rough trail lots of ruts

Trail 6 Very rough trail lots of ruts
Trail 24
Trail 27/27A
Trail 35 (WRT)

Closed Trails

Trail 235 (Gates are Closed)

Caution Watch for Logging:
Logging operations with on Trail 4 between Hwy D and Trail 24.

Logging on the west end of Trail 6 is finished
Logging on Trail 4 between Trail 6 and Hwy P finished
Logging on Trail 4 east of Hwy F is finished.

NW Quadrant-OPEN TRAILS

Gandy Dancer Trail

Saunders Grade

Wrenshall Grade

Trail 0

Trail 28

4/41

Trail 4

Closed Trails

The Cross town connectorfrom Tower Ave to East 2^nd Street (Gates closed and signed)

Osaugie/Tri County Trail from Loons Foot Boat Launch to Barkers Island (Gates Closed and signed)

Douglas County Ski Trails

The service roads and parking lots are plowed.The Ski Trails where Groomed Wednesday February 19thand are still covered in snow.The trails are packed hard and our groomer is unable to cut new tracks in the packed snow. Grooming is suspended until further notice,

Thank you to all the members of the Northwest Trails Association for the amazing work that you do to open and maintain over 300 miles of winter trails in Douglas County!

This report was prepared March 13th, 2020.

Please enjoy and Ride safe!