Clean up crews in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest have made some progress after severe storms damaged some popular campgrounds July 19, but many areas remain closed, mostly in Oconto county.
Spokesperson Hilary Markin says crews continue to check on trails and facilities, mainly making sure the public would be safe from falling trees and limbs. Markin outlines some recreation spots that will be opening...
"...Each day we're making progress, but right now Bass Lake Beach is open, barrier-free fishing area is open, Boot Lake beach and boat landing is open, however the campground remains closed as that was a heavily damaged area. We also have Boulder Lake open, and Mountain Lakes which is a popular dispersed recreation site. There are a couple of campsites that are open there and Wheeler Lake beach is also open...."
All ATV trails are closed until further notice in Oconto County. 14 developed recreation spots remain closed, along with 18 dispersed recreation sites.
Markin says the Langlade-Oconto county line area was one of the most damaged...
"...In Langlade county we have just a couple of dispersed recreation sites, all of those remain closed. The part of the National Forest in Langlade county around Popple Ridge was one of the most damaged areas in the Forest. We're having a tough time climbing our way through it to get in there..."
More information is on the the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website.
Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management spokesperson Andrew Beckett says the state continues work in Langlade county...
"...The Wisconsin National Guard has a lot of volunteers on the ground in Langlade county who have been assisting with debris clearance efforts to get downed trees removed from public right-of-way, public infrastructure. In addition, the Dept. of Natural Resources and the Dept. of Corrections have both had teams helping with debris removal as well..."
Beckett says the clean up in the hardest hit areas will take much more time before things improve.
