Conditions at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
Conditions as of Friday, June 27, 2008:
Trails
Flood waters of the East Branch of the Milwaukee River have receded
and the river is once again within its banks.
Bridges and culverts have been inspected and are safe. Some culvert repair work
will need to be completed.
Mauthe Lake to Long Lake Bike Trail: Trail is repaired and open for use.
Mountain Bike Trails: The Greenbush and New Fane Mountain Bike Trails are open. The trails are have standing water in some areas.
Horse Trail: All horse trails are open for use. The following sections of the horse trail are still wet and/or have some standing water - East Moraine Drive to CTH S; Auburn Ashford to Youth Camp Road; Jersey Flats Bridge to Division Road; CTH F to CTH V; STH 67 to Spring Valley Road
Nature Trails: Tamarack Circle Trail is flooded and closed.
Ice Age, New Fane, Zillmer, Butler Lake, Parnell, Greenbush Hiking Trails - All hiking trails are open, but expect to encounter standing water, slippery conditions and saturated trail surfaces.
Camping
Mauthe Lake Campground is open for camping. Reservations for weekend camping, especially electrical sites, are recommended mid-May through October. Use the Web or call (888) 947-2757.
Long Lake Campground is open for camping until Columbus Day in October. Use the Web or call (888) 947-2757.
New Prospect Horseriders Campground is closed for camping until the major campground renovation is completed (see the project map [PDF, 156KB]). We anticipate opening the campground this fall. The campground has experienced significant erosion and damage due to the rain storms since last week. Grading and seeding of the renovated facility was just completed, and it is very vulnerable to water erosion.
Greenbush Group Campground is open for the season until the last weekend in November. For camping reservations use the Web or call (888) 947-2757.
Backpack shelter camping is available year round. A camping permit is required, and you must camp at a designated shelter campsite. Reservations are recommended for backpack shelter camping in the spring and fall on weekends. If you do not have a reservation, you must stop at Forest Headquarters or the Ice Age Visitor Center to obtain a camping permit. We recommend calling ahead to determine availability for first-come, first-served backpack shelter camping. For more information, ask Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, (262) 626-2116 or (920) 533-8322.
Swimming
Beaches are tested regularly for e. coli bacteria counts. At this time, the swimming beaches are open.
Boating
Mauthe Lake - the boat landing is flooded and closed. We don't know when the landing will be re-opened.
Long Lake - the boat landing is no longer flooded and open for use. The lake is no longer under a "slow-no-wake" emergency rule.
Auburn Lake - the boat landing is flooded but is not closed. The boarding dock is currently under water. The lake is under a "slow-no-wake" emergency rule because of the high water.
Hunting & Fishing
About 95 percent of the state forest [PDF 805KB] is open to public hunting during established open seasons. Some seasons may be subject to change. Consult the Wisconsin Hunting and Trapping Regulations before going hunting. Target shooting is prohibited in all areas of the forest.
For more information, ask Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, (262) 626-2116 or (920) 533-8322.
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