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Forestry, Parks & Recreation
NEW in 2023
All County Campgrounds and Day Use Parks will now be open to ATVs and UTVs with the following rules:
- ATV/UTVs may only operate on designated travel ways, roads, or parking areas (limited only to where licensed highway vehicles can legally operate).
- ATV/UTVs must abide by all posted speed limit signs (10 mph in the parks).
- Operation of an ATV/UTV is not permitted on any pedestrian walking path/trail.
- Operation of an ATV/UTV is not allowed during campground quiet hours (10:00 pm - 8:00 am).
- Operators must also follow all state and local laws pertaining to ATV/UTV operation.
- ATV/UTVs must be registered by the State of Wisconsin.
- Operation of all other motor vehicles and other power driven vehicles that cannot be officially licensed or registered by the State of Wisconsin as a legal highway or recreational vehicle is prohibited.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of the Douglas County Forestry Department are, on behalf of Douglas County residents, to:
County forest resources should be protected from natural catastrophes such as fire, insect, and disease outbreaks, and human threats such as encroachment, over-utilization, environmental degradation, and excessive development.
Forest resources are managed for environmental needs such as the protection of watersheds and rare plant and animal communities as well as the maintenance of plant and animal diversity. These same resources, however, also must provide for societal needs including recreational opportunities and production of raw materials for wood-using industries.
- Provide stewardship to forest resources
- Develop and maintain recreational opportunities
- Serve as an informational resource to the public
Management must balance local needs with broader State, national, and global concerns by integrating sound forestry and practices related to wildlife, fisheries, endangered resources, water quality, soil, and recreation.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Douglas County Forestry Department is to enhance the quality of life in the county by ensuring long-term health, viability and productivity of County Forest lands, and providing many diverse recreational opportunities to our residents and visitors that meet the needs of current and future generations.
Protecting Resources
County forest resources should be protected from natural catastrophes such as fire, insect, and disease outbreaks, and human threats such as encroachment, over-utilization, environmental degradation, and excessive development. Forest resources are managed for environmental needs such as the protection of watersheds and rare plant and animal communities as well as the maintenance of plant and animal diversity. These same resources, however, also must provide for societal needs including recreational opportunities and production of raw materials for wood-using industries.