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Committee debates converting some county parks to day-use only amid compliance concerns
Summary
Committee members discussed a resolution to reclassify county parks and limit overnight camping because of compliance issues with state campground rules (ATCP 79), enforcement difficulties and limited park staffing; members asked staff to gather more information and bring options back to a future meeting.
The committee debated a draft resolution on the use and classification of county parks after staff reported compliance issues related to campground operations, well locations and the level of maintenance the county can afford.
"We found out we weren't in compliance with the state of Wisconsin on the location of the well and relative location to where the campers are tentatively parking," the presenter said, citing DATCP campground rules (ATCP 79) as a driver for the review. Staff noted that maintaining overnight campsites requires water, testing and staffing and that some parks lack suitable terrain to meet current spacing and well-location rules.
Supervisors urged caution about removing camping options, suggested exploring kiosks, Venmo/permit approaches, volunteer partnerships or service organizations to help manage sites, and recommended consulting economic development staff (Marty Richards) for options to support camping as an amenity. The committee did not adopt the resolution; members agreed to keep current short-term parking/permit practice for now and to request more information and public input before a formal change.
Staff said they would provide DATCP guidance and return the item to a future agenda with proposed options for compliance, funding and enforcement.
