Recently Closed Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Rec Areas to Reopen this Friday
Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 -- 9:18 AM
(AP) -Thirty-four Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreational areas closed for three weeks will be able to reopen on Friday as temperatures increase across the state and cases of coronavirus level off, Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday.The Democratic governor has faced increasing criticism from Republicans and the state’s business community to loosen his stay-at-home order that runs until May 26. The announcement of park openings came the day after Evers also allowed nonessential businesses that can offer contactless curbside drop-off and pick-up, like dog groomers and small engine repair shops, to reopen. Evers faced a Tuesday deadline to respond to a Republican lawsuit seeking to block his stay-at-home order and force him to work with the Legislature on an alternative plan. Evers ordered the closure of 40 state parks and recreational areas on April 10, citing overcrowding that could hasten the spread of COVID-19, mounting trash, dwindling cleaning supplies and vandalism. Maintaining the parks has been more difficult after Evers waived entrance fees and closed park offices, visitor centers and bathrooms. The parks will open with new conditions designed to minimize overcrowding.
Bathrooms will remain closed, as will towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, contact stations and concession buildings. Camp sites will remain closed until May 26. Annual park passes will now be required and won’t be for sale at the parks. The parks will open as usual at 6 a.m. but close four hours earlier at 7 p.m. They will all be closed on Wednesdays for maintenance. Hunting and fishing will be allowed on all open properties in accordance with the legal season structure and hours, but access may be limited to walk-in or by water. Boat launches are open at state properties and all trails are open, including those for ATVs. Evers’ order on Monday allowed for the reopening of businesses that rent ATVs and other recreational equipment, including kayaks.
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