OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Those wanting to launch a boat this weekend in Oconto County are in luck.
The public landings reopened Friday.
The move coincides with changes at some campgrounds, and when those sites may be ready.
After an unlucky fishing trip, Wally Weiss and Ken Kohls are calling it a morning. The boat launch at North Bay Shore Park is ready for business.
“I’m surprised there aren’t more vehicles here. We thought they’d be full up today, thinking it was the first time it’s open in two weeks,” said Wally Weiss, Oconto Falls.
Oconto County health officials closed the landings April 8, during the walleye spawning run. They say there were too many vehicles were crowding the parking lot. With the walleye run winding down, the landings could reopen.
“The risk of social gatherings, and also the social distancing is much much reduced,” said Deb Konitzer, Oconto County Health Officer.
Konitzer says in addition to the boat landings, campgrounds with seasonal sites, are able to open. She says places like restrooms and showers have to stay closed, and campers must follow Safer at Home restrictions.
“That means not going to your neighbor’s and having a group get together,” said Konitzer.
Holtwood Campground has 50 seasonal sites. The City of Oconto runs the park, and officials say they don’t plan to open here until May 26. Konitzer says all other recreational campsites, like those at North Bay Shore Park, will remain closed.
“It is a difficult time, and it seems like it’s been a long time that we’ve been having to stay at home, and give up a lot of what we like to do, but if we hang in there, it will make a difference on how we can recover,” she said.
Fishermen like Wally Weiss agree.
“Hopefully it’s good. As long as people maintain the correct procedures, I think six feet, and be good about it,” he said.
County leaders say the changes are in effect as long at the Safer at Home Order is in place.
