The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has opened about half of its campgrounds and recreation areas.
The National Forest works to have its recreational facilities ready to go by the time the Wisconsin fishing opener takes place. But the long, cold, wet winter slowed the opening says spokesperson Hilary Markin...
"...So we're going to have about half of our campgrounds opening this weekend in time for the fishing opener. A lot of them on the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District are opening. The gates will be open for people to come. Same thing for the Great Divide Ranger District in Washburn, Medford-Park Falls and Eagle River-Florence will have a couple that will be ready and some will be open next weekend..."
During the spring, additional crews are brought in to support the removal of hazard trees and to assist recreation staffs with getting sites ready for business. Markin says routinely the crews are in the sites getting ready for spring by early April. This year they had to get the gates plowed free of snow to get in.
Markin says even though some campgrounds are opening, many other recreational components remain closed...
"..Trails are remaining closed through the weekend. I don't believe any of them are opening. Obviously we know folks are wanting to come to the Northwoods and ride on trails. But the majority of them are going to be closed for the weekend. I've been seeing some conversations that we hope to have them open next weekend..."
More information on recreation possibilities is available at the the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website.
The state-owned Northern Highland American Legion State Forest has 13 of 18 campgrounds open, pending the melting of snow and other factors. Some of the boat landings in the state forest are not ready to go because of road limits. More information on the state forest recreation possibilities is on the DNR website under Northern Highland American Legion State Forest.
