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State parks, trails remain open

List includes Hartman Creek State Park

Wisconsin’s state parks and trails – including Hartman Creek State Park and the Tomorrow River State Trail – remain open to the public.

The state Department of Natural Resources will continue to monitor on-the-ground circumstances each day to determine if park closures become necessary.

Recent guidance from the state Department of Health Services recommends cancelling or postponing gatherings of 10 people or more to help protect Wisconsinites, visitors and staff from the spread of COVID-19.

“We recognize that spending time outdoors benefits physical and mental health,” DNR Secretary Preston Cole said. “Getting outdoors can also help relieve stress, especially during this public health emergency. A quiet walk does wonders to reduce our anxieties. The DNR is committed to providing a safe environment for our visitors to enjoy while protecting the health of our staff.”

Parks, law enforcement and property staff will ensure that groups larger than 10 do not congregate as well as provide routine sweeps of state park system properties.

Hartman Creek State Park is located seven miles west of Waupaca, while the Tomorrow River State Trail runs for nearly 30 miles from Plover to Manawa.

Changes took effect March 19

• Admission is voluntary at this time via self-registration or electronic kiosks.

• Park headquarters, offices, visitor centers, nature centers, research stations, ranger stations, shooting ranges, fish hatcheries, shelters, showers, concessions and indoor group camp buildings on all DNR-owned properties open to the public are closed.

• Restrooms on state properties will remain open if there are enough resources, cleaning supplies and access to personal protective equipment for staff to maintain them.

• Properties will continue to be staffed and outdoor recreational opportunities (hiking, trails, fishing, hunting, etc.) remain open at this time.

• All campsites – individual, group, and indoor – are closed through Thursday, April 30. Refunds will be issued to all customers and no new reservations will be accepted until further notice. DNR staff or Camis Reservations staff will reach out to individuals with current or upcoming group camping reservations to issue refunds. Any other questions regarding camping reservations can be directed to the Camis Call Center, 1-888-947-2757.

• DNR property managers will contact groups or individuals with existing special event permits.

• Customer service representatives continue to provide service at 1-888-936-7463 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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