DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Be extra careful when hiking wet and muddy trails. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Lots of state properties have experienced heavy rainfall over the past few weeks, so parkgoers may run into some muddy trail conditions. Here are some ideas to keep yourself and others safe on the slippery slopes.
- If a trail is significantly muddy, save the trail for another day.
- Hike and cycle early. During freeze/thaw months, travel these areas in periods of firm/frozen ground, typically in the early mornings. As the sun rises, these areas soften and liquify. Check local trail conditions online for closures to activity types per conditions.
- Hike on the center of the trail. This keeps trails solid and maintains narrow trails. If there is unavoidable mud, hike directly through rather than to the sides.
- Clothing is meant to get dirty. Choose outfits that clean easily and are fine to get muddy.
- Wear waterproof boots with high sides on short to medium length walks to avoid wet socks. On longer hikes in particular, or multi-day treks, breathable, quick drying shoes may be preferable. Breathable, quick-dry socks help with either option.
- Hiking or trekking poles offer stability, especially on descents and accents in muddy conditions as slipping hazards increase.
Fire Order Lifted
The burning permit requirement in 12 southern Wisconsin counties is now lifted.
The rescinding of this Special Fire Order applies to the following 12 extensive DNR protection area counties outside incorporated cities and villages: all of Columbia, Crawford, Green Lake, Marquette, Portage, Richland, Sauk, Waupaca and Waushara counties, as well as portions of Dane, Grant and Iowa counties.
The original permit reinstatement went into effect on Sept. 18, 2023, due to prolonged drought. A Special Fire Order allows the DNR to suspend burning when the fire danger is elevated.
Recent rain events have improved the overall fire danger and drought situation to allow the department to resume normal burning permit requirements for this time of year. Traditionally, DNR burn permits are required in extensive protection areas from Jan. 1 through May 31, anytime the ground is not snow-covered.
The public is still urged to be careful when having any kind of fire, as the fire danger changes daily, and it’s important to check with local fire officials before conducting any outdoor burning.
Check current fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
|
Register For The Happy Little 5K
Sign up for the Happy Little 5K, an annual run inspired by Bob Ross, the renowned painter, instructor and television host. Participants can complete their 5K anywhere outdoors between Earth Day (April 22, 2024) and Arbor Day (April 26, 2024). Included in registration is a Happy Little t-shirt, bib number and finisher's medal.
Buy a park sticker from the DNR Admission page and log the run at any of our wonderful state parks in Wisconsin. Proceeds for this race support tree planting and forest protection efforts in state parks such as invasive plant and forest pest management and early detection surveys.
Registration is open at the Run For the Trees: Happy Little 5K website.
Photo Credit: Happy Little 5K
|
Snowmobiles are permitted on the 39-mile, limestone section of the trail. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Military Ridge State Trail
The 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail in Iowa and Dane counties connects Dodgeville and Madison by way of an 1855 military route between Verona and Dodgeville. The trail runs along the southern borders of Governor Dodge and Blue Mound state parks, passing by agricultural lands, woods, wetlands and prairies.
The access trail to Governor Dodge is about 2.3 miles east of Dodgeville. The access trail parallels County Highway Z and then leads walkers and bikers to the Cox Hollow beach and picnic area. The Blue Mound access trail is about 0.75 miles west of the village of Blue Mounds and enters the park near the campground. Both access trails have a steep grade and go uphill to the campgrounds.
The Ice Age Trail crosses the Military Ridge State Trail corridor for a short distance near the Verona parking lot and continues north and south through Badger Prairie County Park.
Snowmobiles are permitted on the limestone section of the tail, but not the paved asphalt section between Fitchburg and Verona. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The Military Ridge State Trail also connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.
-
Rail trail: Yes
-
Length: 40 miles
-
Surface: Asphalt - 2.5 miles; Crushed stone - 37.5 miles
-
Counties: Dane, Iowa
-
Communities: Dodgeville, Ridgeway, Barneveld, Blue Mounds, Mount Horeb, Klevenville, Riley, Verona and Fitchburg
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
|
All Archery In The Lodge
Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023
10:30 a.m. – noon
Have you ever wondered how to shoot with bows and arrows? Now is your chance to get a guided archery program in our lodge! Join us as we test out our skills and learn the steps to archery success at the MacKenzie Center.
This free event has a limit of 12 people, so please register in advance by calling 608-635-8112. Meet naturalists at the Lodge at 10:30 a.m.
|
Seth Peterson Cottage Tours
Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023
1 – 4 p.m.
The 1958 Seth Peterson Cottage is Frank Lloyd Wright’s last Wisconsin building. Come and join us for a tour of this hidden gem located within the Mirror Lake State Park property.
Learn about the history of the cottage and the efforts made to restore it for all to enjoy. Get a look at the architectural masterpiece that very few have seen and gain an appreciation for the way Frank Lloyd Wright was able to work the building into the surrounding landscape.
The tours are hosted by the Seth Peterson Conservancy Group.
The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Seth Peterson Cottage is open for tours the second Sunday of each month from 1–4 p.m., with the last tour beginning at 3:30 p.m. Reservations are not required. The admission fee is $5.00 for adults. Children 12 and under and Seth Peterson Conservancy members are free.
|
Rock Your Mocs Hike
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Established 2011, Rock Your Mocs is a worldwide Indigenous Peoples virtual unity event where people wear their moccasins, take a photo, add the hashtag #ROCKYOURMOCS and upload it to social media. This creates an "online photo album” for the world to see and enjoy.
Join our naturalist to honor our ancestors and commemorate National Native American Heritage Month.
Dress for the weather! Meet at the Lakeshore State Park's north entrance, just west of Discovery World.
Photo Credits: Wisconsin DNR
Find more information on these and other events on the DNR Events calendar.
|
Love this newsletter? Forward it to a friend! Help your friends and family stay up-to-date with news, highlights and events from the Wisconsin State Park System with our weekly OutWiGo Newsletter. To sign-up for weekly newsletters, visit the OutWiGo webpage.
|
