DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Electric tricycles are great for riding on linear trails. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Brisk afternoon air, bright skies and colorful leaves. The beginning of fall is perfect for biking across Wisconsin's many bike trails. Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are an excellent way to get involved and experience the many natural areas this state has to offer. Whether it be smooth pavement, crushed gravel, packed dirt or the technically challenging terrain of Blue Mounds State Park, get out there and enjoy the ride.
E-bikes provide accessible riding, fitness and peace of mind to a variety of people and are loads of fun. They are offered in many styles, from tricycles and recumbents to upright road and gravel bikes. The additional energy is usually supplied through a throttle lever, or as pedal assist. Points to consider when selecting an e-bike are body positioning, battery capacity, motor type, maximum power output, weight and gearing.
Note that electric bicycles are allowed on some of the straight (linear) bicycle touring trails, but riders must follow a 15 mph speed limit. Any e-bike capable of reaching speeds higher than 30 mph is classified as a motorcycle under state law, and therefore may only be ridden on trails that specifically allow motorcycles.
Thankfully, you do not need to go buy another bike if you have an e-bike and want to ride e-bike restricted trails. E-bikes used without the motor engaged are allowed on all bicycle trails.
If you are 16 years and older, make sure to grab a state trail pass before riding most state trails. Information about where trail passes are required and where e-bikes are allowed to be used is on the Bicycle Trails DNR webpage. Trail passes are valid for each calendar year and cost $25.
Get Ready For Fall
Grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte and read about everything our state has to offer this time of year in the fall issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, now available in print and online.
The latest issue celebrates all the autumn traditions “Rooted in Wisconsin,” with stories offering a little something for everyone around the state. Within the pages, you’ll discover a dive into Wisconsin’s thriving forest products industry.
Additionally, learn more about an inclusive outdoor education space in Racine County, a look at the First Capitol Historic Site, a salute to the Northwoods and a guide for hiking trails you’ll surely fall for.
Explore the ghosts of port towns past with tales of thriving Lake Michigan coastal communities that vanished a century ago. Private well owners will find everything they need to know to keep their water supply safe. In the Kids Corner, prepare for a classic game of tic-tac-toe while learning about acorns, pine cones and growing trees. Plus, enjoy a special highlight on everyone’s favorite badger, Bucky.
Find these stories and so much more in the fall issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
Share the love and give a subscription to help someone else explore all that fall in Wisconsin has to offer. Call 1-800-678-9472 or subscribe online at wnrmag.com.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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DNR Looking To Buy Bushels Of Red Pine Cones
Looking to make money and help out the DNR?
The Wisconsin DNR is asking for help from the public in collecting red pine seed for their reforestation program. These red pines (Pinus resinosa) can be found throughout the state, especially in the sandy soil of northeast, northwest and central Wisconsin. Now is a vital time for regeneration to maintain this valuable timber resource.
September is the best time to collect these red pine cones as they change color from green to purple-brown with red-brown tips. At this point, the cones have matured, but not yet opened their scales to release the seeds. As fall maturity spreads from north to south in the state, the readiest cones are in northern Wisconsin and the south/central regions are now reaching maturity.
The DNR pays $125/bushel for properly collected red pine cones. Read this recent DNR news release for information on how to collect and sell. Please contact your local property manager to obtain seed collecting permits for this activity.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Silver Lake Public Access Parking Lot To Close For Construction
The parking lot of the Silver Lake Public Access located at 37304 Valley Road in the village of Summit in Waukesha County will be temporarily closed for construction beginning Monday, Oct. 2, 2023.
Work at the site will involve construction of an asphalt parking lot and paving of access road to allow for ease of boat launching and universally accessible parking near the entrance. The project also includes construction of water retention areas to help capture runoff water from the parking lot.
While the parking lot is under construction, the boat launch will be available for customers to use. Silver Lake Public Access site users should be careful when using the boat launch during this temporary closure. Find alternative launch locations through the DNR’s interactive boat access map.
 Enjoy a sunset bike ride along the Fox River State Trail. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
From downtown Green Bay, the Fox River State Trail winds along the beautiful Fox River before extending for 25 miles along a former rail corridor. The Fox River corridor has a rich history, beginning with the Native Americans who used footpaths to travel between their villages located along the river. The early French explorers, missionaries and traders built their posts and missions along these trails.
From the north trailhead in Green Bay, about 11 miles of the trail is asphalt-paved to Lasee Road. From Lasee Road south into Calumet County, the trail is surfaced with limestone screenings. Along the way, the trail passes by numerous overlooks along the Fox River, many local parks and the Brown County Historical Society. A "Health Trail" along a portion of the Fox River Trail in Allouez provides trail users with an outdoor fitness challenge course.
WALKING, BIKING AND IN-LINE SKATING
The level grade and smooth asphalt and limestone surfaces make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. The 11 miles of asphalt trail in Brown County from the northern trailhead to Lasee Road are suitable for in-line skaters. Fox River State Trails are open to e-bikes.
HORSEBACK RIDING
The southern portion of the trail, south of Highway 96 in the Village of Greenleaf to Ott Road in Calumet County, allows horseback riding on the gravel surface. Riders are asked to limit their use of the trail immediately following a heavy rainfall to reduce the amount of damage to the trail. Riders must pick up after their horse.
TRAIL FACTS
Rail Trail: Yes
Length: 25 miles
Surface: Asphalt - 11 miles. Crushed stone - 14 miles
Counties: Brown, Calumet
Communities: Green Bay, Allouez, De Pere, Rockland, Wrightstown, Holland, Greenleaf, Forest Junction, Hilbert
A state trail pass is required for bicycling, in-line skating and horseback riding for users age 16 and older.
Outdoor Wheelchair Program Celebration
Point Beach State Forest
Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023
1 - 3 p.m.
Join us to celebrate the launch of the DNR’s new outdoor wheelchair program. This exciting new program is an effort to promote inclusive access to public lands by offering outdoor wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment. Users of all ages and abilities will have a chance to demo the new equipment at this event and learn more about the Wisconsin State Park System’s commitment to providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all abilities around the state.
Meet at the Nature Center to help us celebrate and try out one of the new outdoor wheelchairs.
Find accessible features and services at Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas on our Find A Park webpage.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Public Lands Day
Get outside for Public Lands Day, Sept. 23. Established in 1994, National Public Lands Day celebrates the connection between people and the environment while encouraging the use of public spaces for education, recreation and volunteering. Wisconsin is home to more than six million acres of public lands that offer endless recreation opportunities.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy Wisconsin's State Natural Areas, 49 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails and thousands of miles of fresh water. Events all over Wisconsin are taking place such as this Public Lands Volunteer Workday from 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Sugar River Wetlands. Find a park near you and watch the DNR events page for volunteer offerings.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Know Your Wisconsin Trees
High Cliff State Park
Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023
10 a.m. - noon
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by joining Tim James, Wisconsin DNR Forester, to learn about Wisconsin trees; their forms, bark, leaves and fruit, along with basic forestry practice. All ages are welcome. Dress for the weather. Meet at the observation tower.
Do you like this newsletter? Be sure to share it with a friend! Help your friends and family stay up-to-date with news, highlights and events from the Wisconsin State Parks System with our weekly OutWiGo Newsletter. Visit the Wisconsin State Park System online or go to the Subscriber Preferences Page linked below.
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