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DNR marks 125th anniversary of Wisconsin State Park System with outreach, partnerships and new merchandise
Summary
The DNR presented a planning summary of events and outreach for the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System, including a promotional partnership with Department of Tourism and UW athletics and new merchandise and admission-pass options.
The Department of Natural Resources briefed the Natural Resources Board about events and outreach marking the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System.
Missy Van Landet, recreation partnership section chief, said the park system manages roughly 790,000 acres across 50 state parks, seven river and resource areas, 15 state forests, 44 state trails and eight recreation areas. Visitation spiked in 2020'21 and has since plateaued; camping and admission revenue remain critical to a largely self-funded system.
The anniversary campaign aims to increase visitation and revenue, expand and diversify volunteers and friends-group membership, recruit seasonal staff, and publicize capital projects. Van Landet highlighted specialty merchandise, a new 12-month admission pass, a new adventure journal and a partnership with the Department of Tourism's "7 Wonders" marketing that includes UW athletes for social-media outreach.
Van Landet said the department also has developed toolkits for partners and a robust schedule of events, including an Interstate Park celebration and a large public event on September 20 that will incorporate several anniversary milestones. Board members asked about volunteer capacity and whether parks have EV charging infrastructure; staff said volunteer hours are rebuilding after pandemic lows and EV charging would require additional budget and planning.
The briefing was informational; the board requested continued updates on participation, merchandise and volunteer recruitment.
