Storm damage could impact Memorial Day Weekend camping in Wisconsin

BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. (WMTV) – People camping this Memorial Day Weekend at Wisconsin State Parks could notice some debris from Tuesday’s storm on the trails.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, all parks will be open but crews will still be out cleaning up down trees, power lines and other damage caused by winds and tornadoes earlier this week.

DNR and Wisconsin State Parks Recreation Partnerships Chief Missy VanLanduyt said 99% of their camping lots are sold out this weekend, something the staff is happy about, but they want people to be aware of remaining storm debris.

“You’ll generally notice that the properties are open and they’re safe and you can recreate, but there will be a lot of brush and down trees in some areas,” she said. “So, we’re just asking folks to be aware, avoid it and to let our staff have the space to keep cleaning it up over the next couple of weeks.”

VanLanduyt said people who come across fallen trees, branches or other debris should walk around it, over it or avoid it. She said safety is what’s most important. Campers should not try to clean up anything.

“Some folks love a chainsaw!” VanLanduyt said. “They want to come out and be really helpful. People love our state parks system and they’re really trying to be helpful, but our staff is trained in first aid, certified chainsaw operators, so they know what they’re doing to clean this up.”

Camper Lisa Cappelli appreciated the DNR’s work.

“They do such a wonderful job of maintaining the trails for people like me,” she said. “So, what I hope what people experience this weekend is a lot of appreciation for people who are doing the good work of keeping the trails safe for us.”

VanLanduyt said Blue Mound State Park’s campsites haven’t had power since Tuesday. She said the staff’s office has power, but electricity has not returned for the applicable campsites. If this power does not return by Friday, she said the staff will email people with reservations to notify them, but the sites will still be useable.

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