By Shereen Siewert
Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday announced 34 state parks and forests previously closed by state order will reopen on Friday, with some special conditions.
The Wis. Dept. of Natural Resources will modify operations at the parks to maintain a safe environment for visitors and staff, Evers said.
Citing large crowds, litter, vandalism and public safety issues, Gov. Evers directed the DNR to close 38 Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Recreational Areas on April 10.
To minimize overcrowding and allow for social distancing requirements, these conditions will be in effect when parks reopen this week:
ADMISSION REQUIRED
- 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 are:
- 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
- NOTE: Capital Springs State Recreation Area and Cross Plains State Park are managed cooperatively with multiple partners and municipalities and as such were removed from the closure list in April.
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.
“We are excited to reopen several of our state parks and forests for the public to enjoy,” said DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole. “When visiting our treasured state parks and forests, remember to stay close to home, practice social distancing and carry hand sanitizer. Please enjoy the outdoors responsibly and be more than safe.”
Most Wisconsin state parks, forests and other day-use areas do not have garbage or recycling bins. Visitors must take any garbage and recyclables home when departing.
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 will adjust operations as conditions change and will monitor on-the-ground circumstances each day to determine additional conditions that may become necessary.
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.
