In an effort to address the challenge of increasing costs and decreased use without the ability to increase fees, services will be reduced this summer in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF). In Bayfield County, six recreation sites will be affected:
o 1 campground closure
Horseshoe Lake Campground – This campground was designed for horse use and is located near the Moquah Barrens. There are 11 sites with hitching posts; vault toilets; and garbage service. There are 12 miles of horse trails connected to the campground.
o Reduced services at 6 other recreation sites
Bladder Lake Day Use - This site is a day use area that has grills; picnic tables; a vault toilet; small parking pull through (up to 3 to 4 cars; and beach area. The hours of operation are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. (Reduced services for 2015 includes: toilet closed; no mowing; removing fire rings/grills and picnic tables; and no fees collected.)
Drummond Ski Trailhead - This trailhead is used during the summer for the portion of the CAMBA Mountain Bike Trail that utilizes a portion of the Drummond Ski Trail. In the winter, this trailhead is used by skiers who come to ski on the 8.3 miles of the Drummond Ski Trails. The hours of operation are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily year round. (Reduced services for 2015 includes: toilet closed; no mowing; and no fees collected until after October 1, 2015.)
Horseshoe Lake Dispersed (FR 427) - This dispersed site was turned into a developed day use site. This site is used for picnicking and fishing. This site has fire rings, picnic tables, and a vault toilet. The hours of operation are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. (Reduced services for 2015 include: toilet closed; no mowing; no grading of the access road; and removing fire rings/grills and picnic tables.)
Lake Owen Day Use Area - This day use site is located on the shoreline of Lake Owen. There is a swimming beach; picnic tables; a shelter; grills; drinking water; and a two stall vault toilet building. The North Country National Scenic Trail also traverses through this area. The hours of operation are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. (Reduced services for the 2015 season includes: Only one of two toilet stalls will be open; reduced mowing; the beach remains open but will not be raked. Fees will continue to be charged for use at this site.)
Valhalla Recreation Area - This area is both a trailhead and has facilities primarily managed for winter motorized and non-motorized trail activities. During the snow-free season, hiking and trail running are allowed on the non-motorized trails, but are not managed for these uses. Trails 31, 33, and 35 come through this area year round. During the summer, this site offers two parking areas; vault toilet buildings; motorized and non-motorized trail systems; and information at kiosks at the two entrances. The hours of operation are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily year round. (Reduced services for the 2015 season includes: toilet buildings in area closed; no mowing of parking areas or around buildings; no fees collected until October 1, 2015. Parking lot and access to trails remains open.)
Representatives from the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will be in attendance at a public meeting being held at the Town Hall in Drummond on Wednesday, May 27th at 6:30 PM to answer questions and get feedback from the public.