Free fun is on tap June 1 and 2 for everyone in Wisconsin’s
great outdoors.
On these two 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, they can enjoy free admission to state parks and
forests.
“Wisconsin great outdoors is always the ticket to fun and on
June 1 and 2 it gets even better,” said Department of Natural Resources
Secretary Cathy Stepp. “The fun’s on us.”
More information about “free
fun” in Wisconsin’s outdoors is available on DNR’s website. Go to dnr.wi.gov and search “free fun.”
Stepp says the free fun weekend is a great chance for people
to get together with families and friends and try new outdoors activities, or
return to an activity they haven’t done for a long time.
The free activities also highlights the work DNR and
partners have done to provide clean water, clean air and great outdoor
recreation, and how important they are to Wisconsin’s quality of life and state
and local economies, Stepp said.
The 2012 Outdoor Industry Association's Outdoor Recreation
Economy survey shows that Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation economy
generates $11.9 billion annually in consumer spending, directly supports
142,000 jobs and generates $844 million in annual state tax revenue.
ATV/UTV free riding new
this year
New this year, Wisconsin residents
and nonresidents can ride their ATVs or UTVs on public trails for free on those
two days. A law advanced by the Wisconsin ATV Association and passed in 2012
created the free weekend.
Normally, Wisconsin residents have
to register their ATVs or UTVs with DNR for public use to operate on public
trails, or other areas open to the public like frozen water bodies. Nonresident
riders normally have to buy a nonresident trail pass to ride on these areas in
Wisconsin. On June 1 and 2, the registration and trail pass fees are waived.
All other ATV and UTV regulations apply during the weekend.
Free fishing June 1 and
2
The free fishing in Wisconsin on
June 1 and 2 applies to all waters. No fishing license is needed to fish any
waters -- this includes inland trout and Great Lakes trout and salmon fishing,
which normally would require a trout stamp in addition to a license. Fishing
rules such as limits on the size and species of fish that can be kept do apply,
however.
Dozens of free fishing clinics are
being hosted around the state by conservation groups and others to help
encourage people to try fishing. Free loaner equipment is available at 50 state
parks, DNR offices, and partner organizations, according to Theresa Stabo, DNR
aquatic education director.
On June 1 and 2, all state trail
pass fees on all DNR-owned state trails are waived. Cooperatively-run state
trails also may waive fees.
On Sunday June 2, all state park
vehicle admission sticker fees on all DNR-owned properties are waived.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: on Free Fishing Weekend contact
Theresa Stabo, angler education, 608-266-2272; on ATVs, Joanne Haas, law
enforcement public affairs manager, 608-267-0798; on state parks and trails,
Paul Holtan, state parks, forests, trails and recreation public affairs
manager, 608-267-7517
