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Eau Claire County tightens rules for dispersed camping, raises fees after reports of illegal activity
Summary
The County Board adopted an ordinance closing dispersed camping in the county forest from May 1 to Sept. 15, raised the two‑week permit fee to $40 and set nightly permits at $5 as officials cited safety, litter and enforcement costs.
Eau Claire County supervisors voted 24-2 on Jan. 21 to amend county forest rules, closing dispersed camping during the summer months and increasing permit fees. The ordinance sets a two-week dispersed camping permit at $40 (previously $10) or $5 per night for shorter stays and prohibits dispersed camping from May 1 through Sept. 15.
The change follows reports to county staff of repeated permit violations, abandoned camps, exposed needles, harassment and incidents that required law enforcement or emergency response. "There were significant public-safety and enforcement issues over the summer," Supervisor Joseph Knight said in explaining the committee recommendation. "Staff time and cleanup costs rose, and officers…
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