[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6455874,"mediaKeyId","5717673-1d4b697b607cdc0071b686f35a92f639","parentId",5717673,"title","State citations over water, signage constrain overnight camping plans at Rockbridge and Viola parks","audioSeconds",234,"startMs",327000,"endMs",561000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5717673-1d4b697b607cdc0071b686f35a92f639&start=327&end=561","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5717673-1d4b697b607cdc0071b686f35a92f639/thumbnail_327000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6455874/Richland-County/Wisconsin/State-citations-over-water-signage-constrain-overnight-camping-plans-at-Rockbridge-and-Viola-parks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455874-9f44302f4db82c463ea389a9058bb265/orig.mp4?Expires=1775848443&Signature=czQOXpXkAgO0VJPvJGp4e-1sZN646z7WphGkAiyBDgfPaaZ8XgENfsXziZMQe9dHk72lTxNj8mRWn~UGyGMZPI5-nJ2QKhrppsj5SSmcMb6rN6HLK8J2f89ZEz8Dv7LjGAUT3btUkD5OMN-hqONITtsb4kWiq7SyphlhPqWmExVPGBzMV2OV5rEIu77YT6WQ4Qlb0XPyGeJ5S7mRpHBpfYrvu3WHbEuucGsu4FhldHv9VDC~tWBHOouXLmOAp0xgkOBPM7qYI0~8i~YfeB4-AR3jGzKuTck5jbFF~UiHvvg2Iyy28E9HTs7esiKavPZ~vwfbmuS6Di-SqUTkh0GCyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richland County, WI","date","2025-09-04T15:24:21Z","article","At its Aug. 28 meeting, the Richland County Parks Committee heard that state inspection citations related to water supply and signage could force the county to scale back or end overnight camping at Rockbridge and Viola parks.

The parks staff member who briefed the committee said the county received “several violations and citations, for the park's main property,” including that potable water under pressure must be supplied within 400 feet walking distance of each campsite and that a sign must point to the nearest available telephone (the county was told a landline, not a cell phone, is required). The staff member said those findings mean “we will not be able to allow camping on the backside of the wall because we have no means of running water,” and that the county may have to reduce the number of campsites and limit overnight use to tent camping near the park entrance.

The committee was told there are no fines at this time, but the citations remain on the county’s record. The parks staff member said parts for a separate well repair had arrived but that recent heavy rains delayed work and water-sample collection. The staff member recommended the committee take the information, investigate options and return with a fuller discussion when the full committee is present.

Committee members pressed on practical implications and equity concerns. Committee member Daniel McGuire described tent campers he had visited as “lovely people” who camp out of a desire to be in nature and said he was reluctant to remove camping that benefits low-income or retired residents. Supervisor Roberts questioned whether the state’s measurement of 400 feet matched how other parks operate and suggested the county communicate with state inspectors to seek clarification or context.

Staff and committee members discussed narrower alternatives: designating tent-only, primitive camping with clear signage and limiting RV access; moving campsites closer to existing wells; or converting some parks to day-use only to avoid violating water-supply rules. Several committee members urged involving the county’s tourism office and pursuing private donations or grants to fund infrastructure (water lines and testing) instead of relying on the county’s limited general fund.

The committee did not adopt any policy change at the meeting. Members agreed to continue the discussion at a future meeting after additional research and with the full committee present.

Next steps noted by the committee: staff follow up with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection to clarify requirements, confirm which telephone types meet the signage requirement, and return to the committee with options for tent-only designation, limits on sites, cost estimates for water-line work and a plan for involving tourism and potential donors.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Parks Committee - 2025/08/28","oneSentenceSummary","At its Aug. 28 meeting, the Richland County Parks Committee heard that state inspection citations related to water supply and signage could force the county to scale back or end overnight camping at Rockbridge and Viola parks.","taxTitle","Richland County, Wisconsin","taxId",72898,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455859,"Parks Committee approves agenda and minutes, adjourns after routine items",2113,23000,2136000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5717673-1d4b697b607cdc0071b686f35a92f639&start=23&end=2136","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5717673-1d4b697b607cdc0071b686f35a92f639/thumbnail_23000.jpg","/articles/6455859/Richland-County/Wisconsin/Parks-Committee-approves-agenda-and-minutes-adjourns-after-routine-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455859-0a55a198a2e3e9e171e0ac5dd55ea10f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775848443&Signature=UOYCZ5psaxbYBIDploW~RrMyijJO~eTSi7wR0LvqsG25xHTyIhTfnkG8S~tYxN9HCL2ojbxQOADjLWM6efQmuHiVuwrUNBU4DTJr~SFXlWB7Sneo7HXmn~2iyxLA0yY7v72Hio2mAIPr9m9iGswX7IwIPPTn5wPUrU2Wq-AcqmAXU0fQTXHoeOfkvl52VJye8a~JxWFNpr~EjhWVaak4M0La8xcGPOH6gFF7x1eDVwc0IL7ZyT7C~HWG-l4hEk7hcxiMundEMjt4gLWole6NJuK62bx~tWNqJCEHAmpKAYK6UVYpByOtoJDjqfyNqbKq4KilqWoDBH1kfcH3Yc7LMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richland County Parks Committee approved its meeting agenda and the minutes from the June 12 meeting and adjourned after discussing reports, camping registration and a proposed no-tobacco policy.

A motion to approve the agenda was made at the start of the meeting and approved. A later motion to approve the minutes from the June 12 meeting was made by Supervisor Hendricks and seconded by Mr. Collins; the committee approved the minutes by voice vote. At the end of the meeting a motion to adjourn was made, seconded and approved.

No substantive policy motions or ordinances were adopted at the meeting; the committee directed staff to follow up on state citations related to camping, to arrange a presentation by Partners for Prevention on tobacco policy and to return with cost estimates and options for campsite configuration and water infrastructure.","At the Aug. 28 Richland County Parks Committee meeting members approved the agenda and minutes from June 12 and adjourned after routine reports and discussions; no substantive policy votes were taken.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455864,"Committee hears reports on well repairs, trail work and occasional squatting at county parks",130,190000,320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5717673-1d4b697b607cdc0071b686f35a92f639&start=190&end=320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5717673-1d4b697b607cdc0071b686f35a92f639/thumbnail_190000.jpg","/articles/6455864/Richland-County/Wisconsin/Committee-hears-reports-on-well-repairs-trail-work-and-occasional-squatting-at-county-parks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455864-d80f9e83557cdb21d4c6a5fcb080695e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775848443&Signature=B7dMn0ykb9ocIKUcFoY5P7L8pNXtVAjHpvPhn21LF052i0bCvfrLGSWx4VEtNrXFpRrx7LyFdiFu2PY79crOuYTls0gWsJ6B20UqzTDyhJne7-6JxJgQu-JkmAHVSV-sc5X6K~~inxqEOqWQH7TSNBYtHwjgw-l5ftJBJ1oeM7LcjEzVyHKXjC4VWNV9XyC1JcTw4nSe~hiIaaKizN9EoJeNbk3V84D-QWic3tjzKBlrvqlCirIijtGvSQbjYLFFmWL2uZK8PzDNPgzzKJUz8lQG8P0qz40H-AiMLYyKQ3S-YwPeYmKMLoXLfZ9Fwe27za3C4hD~edlXXRVPtz9T8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the reports portion of the Aug. 28 meeting, the Richland County Parks Committee received updates on maintenance work at county parks, a pending well repair, recent trail improvements and a limited squatting incident.

Brian Thielman, introduced by a committee member during public comment, said he has visited several local parks “in the last couple of months. And for the most part, these look really, really good.” He singled out mowing and trail upkeep and thanked staff for their work.

Parks staff reported crews had returned to a bike-trail area near Rockbridge, removed an old blue strap and planted new species, but that high water and heavy rains had prevented work in some locations. The staff member said one well tested positive for bacteria; the problem was traced to a spigot head that had developed bacteria on the inside and “just basically had to be removed and replaced with the new heat” (replacement/spigot details described by staff). Parts for a separate well repair have arrived but scheduling is delayed by weather and by a busy season.

Staff also reported an isolated squatting incident at Biola; the individual had lost his home and staff connected him with services. No ongoing systemic squatting problems were reported.

Committee members asked for follow-up on the Viola well issue and whether that affects plans for any legal camping there. The parks staff member said Viola remains technically closed for overnight camping until monitoring paperwork is resolved and a DNR sign-off is completed.

No formal action was taken on maintenance items at the meeting.","Committee members and a public commenter praised recent maintenance while staff described well repairs delayed by high water and a spigot head that developed bacteria; staff also reported an isolated squatter issue at Biola and improvements near a bike trail.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455870,"Parks committee hears proposal to pursue countywide no-tobacco policy following Richland Center",361,1563000,1924000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5717673-1d4b697b607cdc0071b686f35a92f639&start=1563&end=1924","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5717673-1d4b697b607cdc0071b686f35a92f639/thumbnail_1563000.jpg","/articles/6455870/Richland-County/Wisconsin/Parks-committee-hears-proposal-to-pursue-countywide-no-tobacco-policy-following-Richland-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455870-4377622d8bfe45c479e06f1c602edd5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775848443&Signature=nPnKN5gsGHN8drqaQ6cP5jb-bgPF32kCy8PztlW2BcFzSPZD~21KTb1iKBTW~eD4la9yPIrNiiYhzlC3n3sGW8u~nU82jAIHouVvIczpYQ8QY1grgBGcWv-jtg-aaoDRqWHGanmKca4vIdqzZJtjWGWWcRM3J2ST5UgAHstZpAt2mIpmNX7q-nUVTWQOkV6E8sqTqn0Zk8gDGXpFoAJHM-K38eHYJpa5LdC-cfwOwl3D~AE24QQuQ3N3MUQJSli7CwxbG0E2WvIojxssV6yKK4QAU99DbrFzeBe3-fCn9LcfIW-ZKa3KhcFwI1xjuFb~g2MWH5lfr4U8BxHrMZnCaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Aug. 28 meeting, the Richland County Parks Committee discussed whether the county should pursue a no-tobacco policy for county-owned parks, boat landings and the recreation trail, following a policy adopted by the City of Richland Center.

The parks staff member noted the city process took “two and a half years” and recommended the coalition — Partners for Prevention — present to the parks committee and then, if the committee supports it, to Public Works and the county board. The staff member identified the coalition organizer by name: “The head of the coalition is Betsy Braceler.”

Committee members raised enforcement concerns and practical limits. One member said that elsewhere officials rely on signage and education rather than issuing citations: “I don't think we will probably ever write 1,” a speaker recalled from other jurisdictions, describing a practice of asking violators to stop rather than pursuing fines. The committee discussed that a county resolution would list locations and hours and that signage and outreach to schools and youth organizations could support compliance.

No vote or formal directive was taken. Committee members agreed that a community presentation would be an appropriate next step, and the parks staff member said they would notify the coalition and arrange for an initial presentation to the committee. The committee also noted that, because it meets quarterly, presentation timing may mean follow-up will occur several months later.

Next steps: Partners for Prevention, represented by Betsy Braceler, to be invited to make a short presentation to the parks committee; if the committee supports the proposal, the item would move next to public works and then to the county board for consideration.","Committee discussed starting a county process — beginning with a presentation by the Partners for Prevention coalition — to consider adopting a no-tobacco policy for county parks, boat landings and the recreation trail similar to a policy recently adopted by the city of Richland Center.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

State citations over water, signage constrain overnight camping plans at Rockbridge and Viola parks

Parks Committee approves agenda and minutes, adjourns after routine items

Committee hears reports on well repairs, trail work and occasional squatting at county parks

Parks committee hears proposal to pursue countywide no-tobacco policy following Richland Center