CALUMET COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Governor Tony Evers is closing a number of state parks, forests and recreational centers.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources was ordered to shutdown 40 of these locations, amid the coronavirus pandemic, including High Cliff State Park.
Nearly 16,500 people visited High Cliff State Park, and that was just on the weekend of April 4 to April 5.
In April 2019, the DNR says High Cliff had approximately 41,500 visitors.
As of April 8, 2020, the DNR reports more than 45,500 for the month, so far.
Several parks are seeing record attendance similar to this.
“With that comes trash, with that comes people congregating in groups, parking lots are full,” said Sarah Hoyes, communications director for the state’s DNR. She tells FOX 11 there’s a public health element to the Governor’s directive.
“In these areas, where some of these trails narrow, people are passing shoulder-to-shoulder.”
Governor Tony Evers is now directing the DNR to close dozens of state parks because of “unprecedented crowds, litter, vandalism and out of an abundance of caution to protect public health and safety” during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Right now, what you’re seeing is people who have been stealing hand sanitizer units from bathrooms, we have buildings being vandalized and spray painted, we have unprecedented crowds at some areas,” Hoyes said.
High Cliff is now one of 40 parks that will remain closed, until further notice.
“I wanted to keep state parks open for the public to enjoy during this challenging time which is why outdoor activity is listed as an essential activity under the Safer at Home order,” Evers said in a news release. “Unfortunately, growing difficulty with ensuring social distancing compliance, dwindling cleaning supplies and mounting trash are some of the challenges faced by our state parks staff. We have to address the growing public health and safety concern and protect Wisconsinites.”
Tammara Hansen tells FOX 11….
“It’s quite sad to me, because this is the only way to really get out right now.”
Catherine Mapes or Kaukauna was disappointed by Thursday’s announcement, too. She visits High Cliff on almost a daily basis.
“I haven’t seen as much here…my daughter did say she saw some trash, but I haven’t seen it be a huge problem here at High Cliff.”
She’s disappointed the actions of others have ruined the chance for her and her daughter to get outside.
“We’ve enjoyed hiking and walking. She’s big into photography, so it’s really been an outlet for her to just spend time out here and enjoy the outdoors.”
The DNR has waived fees to allow more people to enjoy the parks.
But it has a warning for the public…
“If people do not continue practicing social distance and do not respect the properties, more properties will have to close,” said Hoyes.
