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Take it outside! Enjoy a FREE FUN day thanks to the Wisconsin DNR. Enjoy.
photo c. WDNR ©2013 |
Map of family-friendly hikes, other tools help make the most of June 1-2 “free fun”
MADISON –Free fishing clinics, loaner fishing equipment and
interactive maps showing easy family-friendly hikes and organized ATV
rides are among the tools aimed at helping Wisconsin residents and
visitors make the most of free outdoor fun on June 1-2.
On these days, Wisconsin residents and visitors can fish for free,
hike or bike state trails for free, and ride public ATV trails for free.
On Sunday, June 2 only, they can enjoy free admission to state parks
and forests.
More information on the free activities, places to go to enjoy them, can be found on DNR’s website and search, Free Fun.
Family-friendly hikes
A new interactive map helps guide people to dozens of easy trails or
trail segments suitable for families with young children and for those
looking for shorter, flatter trails featuring lots to look at. Some of
them are located on state trails, which are free on both June 1-2.
Others are in state parks, where admission to the state parks is free
only on Sunday, June 1.
“These trails are easy enough for the whole family to enjoy and
they’ll take you past some beautiful scenery,” says Brigit Brown,
Department of Natural Resources trail coordinator. “Serene waterfalls,
cool old railroad tunnels, the vast expanse of Lake Michigan, and the
mighty Mississippi – these are just some of the awesome sites along the
Wisconsin state trails we’ve highlighted here on the map.”
Free fishing clinics and fishing equipment for loan
Theresa Stabo, DNR aquatic education director, says the free fishing
weekend is a great opportunity for beginners to learn how to fish.
“We have places to take kids and beginners fishing and people there
to help them get started on this life-long activity that connects them
to each other and their natural resources,” Stabo says.
Dozens of free fishing clinics are scheduled over the two-day
weekend, some of them at state parks and others sponsored by
conservation groups, civic groups, or local parks and recreation
departments.
“Many of our partners are offering clinics to people of all ages to
welcome those adults who may have missed the boat when they were kids,”
Stabo says. “And those clinics geared for younger children require a
parent to accompany them. That way the parent will learn right along
with the child and [be able to] continue fishing as a family activity
long after Free Fishing Weekend has come and gone.”
Most of the fishing clinics will provide the fishing equipment (some for loan, some for keeps), instruction and bait necessary.
Basic fishing gear is also available at 50 DNR locations so people
can try out fishing without committing to buying the equipment. She
encourages people to check the list of loaner sites and arrange to pick
up equipment from those DNR offices that are open only during weekdays.
About half of the 50 loaner sites are stationed at state park offices,
which are open on the weekends. Equipment at those sites is available on
a first-come, first serve basis.
The tackle loaner locations, a list of the free fishing clinics and a
list of places to take kids and beginners fishing can be found on DNR’s website and search, Free Fun.
ATV/UTV event listings
An interactive map on the Wisconsin ATV Association website shows 10 listings of events or rides to help get in on the free wheelin’ fun. (exit DNR).
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Theresa Stabo, Fishing - (608) 266-2272
- Brigit Brown, Trails - (608) 266-2183
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MADISON
-- With statewide temperatures projected to remain below freezing
through the first week in March, the 2015 Wisconsin early trout season
may be on the chilly side. The good news, state fisheries biologists
say, is that many of the state's top trout waters feature strong
groundwater flows and stay free of ice. So, the trout will be there
waiting if anglers can gear up properly to manage the cold. The early
inland catch and release trout season runs on selected waters from 5
a.m. on the first Saturday in March (March 7, 2015) through the Sunday
preceding the first Saturday in May (April 26, 2015). The regular inland
trout season runs from May 2, 2015 to Sept. 30, 2015. Most trout
streams are open to early fishing with the exception of tributaries to
Lake Superior and most streams in northeastern Wisconsin; check the
current trout fishing regulation pamphlet for specific waters. Anglers
are required to use artificial lures and flies; barbless hooks are not
required.
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