MADISON, WI (WTAQ) — Gov. Tony Evers is closing 40 state parks, forests and recreational areas, including High Cliff State Park.
Evers says he is directing the Department of Natural Resources to close the parks because of “unprecedented crowds, litter, vandalism and out of an abundance of caution to protect public health and safety” during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, Evers says the parks, forests and recreational areas will close at the end of the day Thursday, April 9th and 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. 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.”
In addition to High Cliff, the following state parks, forests and recreational areas are being shut down:
- Southeast Region: Big Foot Beach State Park, Harrington Beach State Park, Havenwoods State Forest, Kohler-Andrae State Park, Kettle Moraine State Forest Lapham Peak, Loew Lake, Mukwonago River, Northern Unit, Pike Lake, Southern Unit, Lakeshore State Park, and Richard Bong State Recreational Area
- South Central Region: Aztalan State Park, Belmont Mound State Park, Blue Mound State Park, Cadiz Springs State Recreational Area, Capital Springs State Recreational Area, Cross Plains State Park, Devil’s Lake State Park, Fenley State Recreational Area, Governor Dodge State Park, Governor Nelson State Park, Lake Kegonsa State Park, Lower Wisconsin Riverway, Mackenzie Center, Mirror Lake State Park, Natural Bridge State Park, Nelson Dewey State Park, New Glarus Woods State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, Sauk Prairie State Recreational Area, Tower Hill State Park, Wyalusing State Park, Yellowstone Lake State Park, Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area, Pewits Nest State Natural Area, Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area and Dells of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area
The order does not shut down any State Parks in Central Wisconsin. Rib Mountain State Park, Council Grounds State Park, and Hartman Creek State Park all remain open for now. But, Evers’ office says if the public does not follow social distancing guidelines and vandalizes property, more state parks will close.
