DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 Tent camping and campfires at Wyalusing State Park / Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Featured Activity: Campfires
The sun is setting, the camp chairs are set up, you have a cold beverage and graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows are laid out on a nearby picnic table. Inside your circle of camp chairs sits a fire ring with some locally-sourced firewood starting to crackle and light.
No matter how you enjoy a summer fire, there's nothing quite like it as nights cool down and mosquitoes come out. Across Wisconsin state parks, most standard, group and equestrian campsites have metal fire rings, and some properties have fire pits available on a first come, first-served basis.
 To help protect the state’s forests from harmful pests and diseases that travel in firewood, visitors are prohibited from bringing firewood into Wisconsin state parks from outside a 10-mile radius. If you plan on having a fire at a state park or forest, get your firewood at the property, from within a 10-mile radius, or buy state-certified firewood if purchasing the wood more than 10 miles from the property.
When you buy your firewood at state parks and forests, that money goes back into the park property; many of the firewood kiosks like you see above are operated by Friends groups that support projects in park properties.
Campfire Safety
- Before setting up a campfire, be sure it is permitted.
- Clear away dry leaves and sticks, overhanging low branches and shrubs.
- Attend to the campfire at all times.
- Keep a campfire small which is easier to control.
- Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids.
- Do not burn garbage, plastic, glass, cans or other recyclable items.
- Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire. Make sure to put it completely out before leaving the site.
- If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.
- Treat a burn right away. Cool the burn with cool water for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth.
What's your favorite way to s'more? Tell us on social media by tagging #OutWiGo!
NATURE BY THE CAMPFIRE
Devil's Lake State Park
Wednesday, July 13, 8 - 10 p.m.
Join our naturalist around the campfire to learn about the park’s nightlife.
Each week, we’ll have some fun activities about a different nighttime topic. You’ll even have a chance to make some pudgy pies or s’mores. This program is great for all ages.
Meet at the firepit by the Rock Elm shelter (North Shore).
Did you know: Nearly nine out of 10 wildfires nationwide are caused by humans and could have been prevented! (Smokeybear.com)
Outdoor News & Announcements
Heads up! Dances With Dirt Extreme Trail Run at Devil's Lake State Park is happening Saturday, July 9. The race starts at 5:30 a.m. and continues into the afternoon. Please be aware of increased traffic and runners on several trails, including the East Bluff and through Steinke's Basin.
Tree And Prairie Planting At Milwaukee State Park Properties
This spring, volunteers and DNR staff planted about 7,000 prairie plants and 270 trees and shrubs at Lakeshore State Park and along the Hank Aaron State Trail. The plants provide pollinator and bird habitat and food, plus help with other ecological benefits. Volunteers are integral to the Wisconsin State Park System! Check out the progress of these plants and trees this summer, and signup to volunteer for projects this summer here.
Photo: Volunteers plant at Lakeshore State Park along the Milwaukee shoreline. Credit: Roberto Ayala, DNR Park Manager - Milwaukee State Park Work Unit
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Spotlight On: Governor Knowles State Forest
Established in 1970 as the St. Croix River State Forest, the forest was re-designated the Governor Knowles State Forest in 1981 to recognize former Governor Warren P. Knowles for his administration’s progress in conservation. Four thousand acres that were donated in 1971 formed the nucleus of the State Forest in those early years.
Today, the State Forest is 55 miles long and up to two miles wide, and encompasses 32,500 acres, acting as an extended resource protection zone for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. A designated wilderness zone buffers the Riverway throughout the length of the State Forest. Six designated State Natural Areas within the forest preserve unique biotic communities.
Although a primary objective of this forest is to preserve and protect the St. Croix River and its valley, forest management provides multiple benefits, including scenic beauty, water quality protection, wildlife habitat, forest production and recreation: camping, paddling, hiking, horseback riding, biking, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
There is something for everyone at Governor Knowles. Equestrians can access 40 miles of trails and stay at the equestrian campground. Electrical hookups make camping here a destination for RV travelers. Group campsites make this a fun place for meeting up with a group. For adventurous backpackers or the canoe-camper, there are nine primitive campsites along the shore and on many islands; a typical day of canoeing will take you about 20 miles, unless you decide to explore an island or two or wet a fishing line in some of the quiet bays and backwaters.
Governor Knowles State Forest is located in Grantsburg, in Burnett County. Read more about it here.
Photo: Wisconsin DNR
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Leave No Trace
Help us preserve and protect the natural beauty of Wisconsin by following Leave No Trace ethics when you are out at Wisconsin state park properties. These seven principles help decrease the damaging impact we have so everyone may enjoy parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas at their best. Thanks to the Ice Age Trail Alliance.
Principle #3: Dispose Of Waste Properly
- Pack it in, pack it out. Don’t bury, burn or leave any garbage or leftover food. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled food before leaving.
- Dig a 6-inch-deep cat hole at least 200 feet from trails or water to bury human waste. Cover and disguise the hole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and all feminine hygiene products.
- Minimize use of soap, and avoid using it within 200 feet of water sources. Sand makes an excellent scrubber. Use biodegradable soap and scatter strained gray water at least 200 feet away from water sources.
Upcoming Events
Non-Motorized Recreation & Transportation Trails Council Quarterly Meeting
Wednesday, July 13, 11:30 a.m.
Virtual
The Nonmotorized Recreation and Transportation Trails Council carries out studies and provides advice and consultation to the legislature, governor, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Transportation on all matters related to nonmotorized recreation and transportation trails, including trail planning, acquisition, development, maintenance and management. The draft agenda for the meeting may be posted to the Council’s website before the meeting. Time will be available during the meeting for public comment.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 852 4746 3727
Phone: 312-626-6799
North Mendota Trail Ribbon Cutting at Governor Nelson State Park
Thursday, July 14, 3 p.m.
Join the DNR and Dane County Parks to welcome this new trail connection! The North Mendota County Trail goes through Governor Nelson State Park, providing safe access off of County Highway M.
Find more Nature Programs and DNR events here.
Photo: The new North Mendota Trail connection at Governor Nelson, prior to paving. Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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#OutWiGo: Beaches & Waterfalls
Add some magic to your summer by visiting a whimsical Wisconsin waterfall or a sandy beach this weekend!
We've gathered a list of five Instagram-worthy places with waterfalls well worth a visit. And as a bonus, many are within easy driving distance of each other, so you can hit up more than one in a day.
You can also find the perfect beach for you, from Bayfield to Kenosha, in the list of best beaches in the summer issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
If you like what you see in these articles, be sure to subscribe to get more great information on Wisconsin's outdoors in your mailbox.
Photo: Now and Then Falls at Amnicon Falls State Park. Credit: Philip Schwarz
Share your favorite Wisconsin state park campfire snack, song, or activity by tagging your photos with #OutWiGo on social media!
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