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News You Can Use
EXPLORE WISCONSIN’S WONDERFUL STATE PARKS
With summer just around the corner, there are many ways to experience Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas this season. Here are helpful resources to get you into the outdoors.
Find it: The DNR’s Find A Park tool has details on properties near you — or something more distant you haven’t explored before. Search by activities, amenities, camping types, accessible features and more at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/801.
Events: There’s so much happening at state parks around Wisconsin, and the DNR events calendar keeps you updated. Search by location, event type, date range and keywords at dnr.wi.gov/events.
Camping: State properties offer some of the best camping you’ll find, with more than 6,000 campsites statewide. Plan and reserve your campsite now at dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/camping.
Volunteer: Wisconsin’s state parks need you! Helping with cleanup, campgrounds, naturalist activities and more can make a big difference, and it’s easy to sign up. Find details at dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/volunteer.
Admission: Vehicles entering most state parks, forests and recreation areas require an admission sticker. You can buy annual passes online or get annual and daily passes upon entry at most properties; dnr.wi.gov/tiny/1256. You’ll need a state trail pass on most trails for biking, horseback riding and in-line skating (not walking and hiking), and they also are available online or on-site; dnr.wi.gov/tiny/1556.
OFFICE OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER QUALITY
DNR water quality efforts are being bolstered by the Office of Agriculture and Water Quality, established in 2021 to address the growing need for innovation, research and outreach for Wisconsin’s agricultural industry. The office coordinates resources and communications across the DNR to promote sustainable agriculture, including:
• identifying funds and staffing that can be leveraged to strengthen research, outreach, policy and programs;
• serving as the main point of contact for science and policy approaches to addressing agricultural impacts on water quality;
• serving on the steering committee of Discovery Farms, UW-Madison Extension’s farmer-led research and outreach program;
• spearheading Wisconsin’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy; and
• serving as the DNR lead for collaboration with other key agencies, organizations and industry groups.
MEET US AT THE FAIR
Mark your calendar to spend time with the DNR at another Wisconsin State Fair! This year’s fun is Aug. 1-11 at State Fair Park in West Allis, where DNR staff will be on hand to bring you more about the state’s great outdoors. For fair information, including hours and admission details, see wistatefair.com.
