DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Smokey Bear supports fire safety in the Wisconsin state park system. Be like Smokey - prevent wildfires and enjoy our state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas safely! / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Happy Birthday, Smokey Bear!
Catherine Koele, Wisconsin DNR, wildfire prevention specialist
The Smokey Bear wildfire prevention campaign is the longest-running public service campaign in U.S. history. Since 1944, Smokey Bear has taught millions of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires. Seventy-nine years later, on August 9, Smokey is celebrating yet another birthday.
How will you care for the world around you by sparking change, not wildfires? Take Smokey’s Pledge, share his message, consider alternatives to burning, or simply encourage your friends and family to be more careful with fire. Doing your part will help ensure Wisconsin’s most treasured landscapes—and the people and wildlife who call them home—are safe from devastating, unplanned and unwanted fires.
If you enjoy a campfire, keep Smokey in mind when you build your campfire or walk away from the fire ring. Always make sure the embers are cold before leaving the fire unattended. Keep water on hand to put out any fires.
Join us at one of our state park events this weekend (see below) in honoring Smokey Bear and his timeless message of wildfire prevention.
For more information on Smokey and to find a few campfire safety tips, visit smokeybear.com. Cheers to another 79 years, Smokey Bear!
Visit Us At The Wisconsin State Fair
The Wisconsin State Fair started on Thursday, Aug. 3. Visit the Wisconsin DNR and the Wisconsin State Park System inside Exploratory Park!
We'll have information about Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas plus chances to win prizes, giveaways, information and more. The State Fair runs through Aug. 13.
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DNR Accessibility Team
The DNR is committed to providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all abilities around the state. Equipment, materials and building techniques have made accessibility improvements attainable in more park properties.
The DNR has a team of staff dedicated to making improvements for accessibility at our properties including construction projects, policy updates, budget initiatives and more.
One of the team members is Nick Zouski, the DNR's Accessibility Coordinator. Nick works closely with Wisconsin state parks, engineering and DNR program staff to improve outdoor recreation experiences for individuals with disabilities. In addition, Nick is the technical advisor to the DNR Disability Advisory Council (DAC). He also works with the public to answer questions and reviews feedback regarding accessibility.
To share feedback on accessibility in the Wisconsin State Park System, drop us a line at DNR.accessibility@wisconsin.gov.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Workday At Kohler-Andrae State Park
Thank you to the Sheboygan Chamber of Commerce and its group of 30 volunteers who helped out at Kohler-Andrae State Park recently! Participants were all interns that work for local businesses. The park’s cordwalk allows users to more easily and lightly tread on the dunes and access the beach. However, because of the nature of the shifting sands it requires a lot of labor to maintain. The volunteers dug out cordwalk that was buried under several feet of sand and leveled and repositioned it. And they did it in the rain with positive attitudes. The State Park System staff thank you, and all our volunteers, for helping out!
Do you have a group in mind who are willing to get their hands dirty volunteering at state parks? Contact the property where you're interested in volunteering or contact the State Park System's Volunteer Coordinator, Janet Hutchens.
Photo Credit: Molly McKay, Wisconsin DNR
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 Experience the power of the LaSalle Falls on the Pine River! / Photo credit: Travel Wisconsin
The 89-mile Pine River and its major tributary, the 62-mile Popple River, offer a true wilderness experience. It is among Wisconsin's more remote river systems.
These rivers alternate from quiet sections to swift, rocky riffles, low rapids and waterfalls, offering high-quality paddling and fishing in a secluded, natural environment.
The lakes, rivers and lands of the Pine and Popple Wild Rivers have a little something for everyone: canoeing, kayaking, tubing, sightseeing, fishing, hunting, camping, berry picking, photography, bird watching and other outdoor recreation activities.
The rivers' greatest attractions are the miles of undeveloped river that allows everyone a chance to find their own special place.
The Pine and Popple Wild Rivers have eight named waterfalls, with the Pine River's Breakwater Falls being tallest at about 60 feet and the 22-foot high LaSalle Falls being the most impressive. Most waterfalls are accessible by foot from either town or county forest roads.
Little Bull Falls, Big Bull Falls, Washburn Falls and Jennings Falls are located on the Popple River.
To access this area, access from the south via either U.S. Highway 41 or 141 or State Highway 101; access from the west is via U.S. Highway 8 or State Highway 70. The property office is located in Florence.
Many access sites on the upper Pine River are unimproved and do not offer off-road parking. Many gravel roads, like the Goodman Grade, are marginally improved or are unimproved and poorly marked. A four-wheel drive vehicle, truck or other vehicle with high ground clearance is needed. Note: There is no bridge on the Goodman Grade at either the Pine River or Popple River.
The Pine and Popple Wild Rivers are located in Florence County.
Photo credit: Narayan Mahon, Travel Wisconsin
Green Career Fair
Havenwoods State Forest
Saturday, Aug. 5
12 - 3 p.m.
Are you interested in a "green" career? How about a career in natural resources? Wondering what a "green job" could look like? Stop by Havenwoods State Forest for a Green Career Fair! Meet with green employers and connect with college and university programs to explore post-high school education options. This career fair is aimed at those about to finish their high school education but is open to all ages. No registration required. Drop-in anytime!
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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It's Smokey Bear's Birthday! Come Celebrate At Wisconsin State Parks.
Smokey Bear's Birthday
Buckhorn State Park
Saturday, Aug. 5
2 - 3 p.m.
Join us at the beach for Smokey Bear's birthday party! All are invited to celebrate, meet Smokey in person and learn about fire safety. There will be cake and ice cream and the chance to win prizes with Smokey trivia!
Smokey Bear's Birthday Party
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
Saturday, Aug. 5
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Join us in celebrating forest icon Smokey Bear’s 79th birthday! You will hear the story of Smokey, learn about fire safety, enjoy a campfire, and even have birthday cake!
Photo credit: Catherine Koele, Wisconsin DNR
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Culture And Climate Change
Copper Falls State Park
Saturday, Aug. 5
4 - 5 p.m.
Join Cathy Techtmann, UW-Extension Statewide Specialist in a current look at trends in climate and the cultural implications for the future. The program engages the audience with wildlife icons, and people’s interests, and provides an interactive and engaging look at a serious issue. Fun for all ages! No pets, please.
Medicinal & Edibles Hike / Caminata De Plantas Medicinales Y Comestibles (Bilingual)
Lakeshore State Park
Thursday, Aug. 10
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
With new plants in bloom and new fruits ripening, Lakeshore State Park has a rich collection of edible and medicinal plants. Learn which plants are edible, which are used medicinally and how they can be prepared for use. Also learn which plants to avoid! All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the North Entrance, just in front of Discovery World.
Con el estreno de nuevas flores en plena flor y frutas ya maduras, Lakeshore State Park tiene una rica colección de plantas comestibles y medicinales. Aprenda cuáles son comestibles, cuáles se usan de forma medicinal y cómo se pueden preparar. ¡Aprenda también cuáles deben evitarse! Bienvenidas todas las edades y habilidades. Nos reuniremos en la entrada norteña del parque, justo delante de Discovery World.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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How do you have a safe campfire?
Share your campfire safety tips via photo on social media.
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