MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is proud to host the 8th annual Wisconsin Free Fun Weekend. Park admission fees, fishing license and trail pass requirements will be waived on June 6-7 to encourage Wisconsinites to take advantage of and enjoy Wisconsin’s outdoors.
During Free Fun Weekend June 6-7:
- No state park admission stickers or trail passes are required.
- People may fish without a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps. All other fishing regulations apply.
- ATV, UTVs, and OHMs are exempt from registration requirements. Resident and non-resident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a trail pass to ride state ATV trails.
- Capacity limits remain in effect at some properties to limit overcrowding.
- Visitors are asked to recreate responsibly close to home and practice social distancing.
Before heading to a state park, trail or waterbody near you, here are some additional things to know:
FISHING
- Residents and non-residents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps.
- All 2020-2021 fishing regulations apply including bag and length limits.
- Due to the public health risk, loaner equipment will not be available. Anglers should bring their own equipment and bait.
- Only anglers living in the same household (i.e. family members or roommates) should fish within six feet of one another.
- Events such as fishing clinics have been canceled.
- Anglers are encouraged to have a backup plan in the event there is crowding or unsafe conditions where they plan to fish. We encourage everyone to fish safely and responsibly.
- Locate launches and shorefishing access points near you.
STATE PARKS
- Admission stickers will not be required.
- All state parks have updated hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- All group, family and indoor group campsites will remain closed through June 7. The status of events, reservations and camping after June 7 is currently under review.
- Some state parks have implemented capacity restrictions limiting admission. Make sure to look at current property information before visiting.
- Park-goers should remember to take their garbage and recycling home with them as most state parks, forests, and other day-use areas do not have garbage or recycling bins.
- Attractions at which social distancing cannot be achieved are closed at various properties; visit the park notices webpage for information about ongoing closures.
- All other facilities currently closed such as towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, entrance stations and concession buildings remain closed to the public.
- Fight the Bite! Ticks are out, and visitors should take precautions to prevent Lyme Disease.
- Make sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles to help protect these lands for generations to come.
TRAILS
- Trail passes will not be required for both residents and non-residents.
- All linear/rail trails will be open to the public, including ATV trails.
RESTROOMS AND BUILDINGS
- A limited number of day-use area restrooms at park properties will reopen for public use beginning Wednesday, June 3.
- All other facilities will remain closed, including towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, contact stations and concession buildings.
- Attractions where social distancing cannot be achieved will be closed as needed at various properties.
BOAT LAUNCHES
- All DNR boat launches are open
- Anglers and recreational boaters should continue to practice social distancing and keep travel to a minimum.
- A list of launches and shorefishing access points is available on the DNR website to help anglers find fishing locations close to home.
- Boats need to be registered, which can be done either online or via mail.
- Minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by removing plants and animals from boats before and after launching, draining all water from compartments, and never move live fish from any waterbody,
SAFETY
- Wear a lifejacket at all times when fishing from a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
- Use boat lights after sunset.
- Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during an ATV ride or while operating a boat.
- Wear a helmet and protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt while riding an ATV.
- All children under the age of 18 MUST have a minimum Department of Transportation standard motorcycle or ATV helmet – bicycle helmets are NOT legal.
- Keep your speed in mind as weather and terrain conditions vary or change.
Free Fun Weekend has become a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. Participants are encouraged to join the Wisconsin State Parks’ OutWiGo initiative. Make sure to tag your Free Fun Weekend photos with #OutWiGo.
Keeping Wisconsinites safe remains the department’s top priority. Free Fun Weekend goers are urged to continue to practice social distancing, avoid congregating in large groups, use hand sanitizer and wear masks when social distancing is difficult..
For specific information regarding COVID-19, we encourage the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.
Author: News Desk
This piece was posted by our news team! Contact us or submit stories at [email protected].
