A WORD ABOUT FOREST RULES
ENDANGERED SPECIES
This year visit the . . .
The Vilas County Forest is a working forest in addition
to being a recreation area for people of all ages. Multiple
use management provides for the blending of timber
production, aesthetics, wildlife, fisheries and
watershed protection. State law mandates that these
resources be managed under principles of
sustainability, providing benefits to both present and
future generations. Vilas County Forest is third party
certified as a sustainable forest. Management practices
conform to the sustainability standards set forth under
the Sustainable Forestry Initiative®.
There is one basic rule in the Vilas County Forest:
have respect and consideration for your fellow visitors
and the forest environment. Vilas Ordinances 2, 16,
19, and 80-2A sets forth the rules and regulations
that apply on Vilas County lands. If you keep the
basic rule in mind, you will probably never need to
concern yourself with the finer points of the law.
The County Forest is home to endangered, threatened,
and wildlife species of special concern, such as the
bald eagle, osprey, spruce grouse, grey wolf, wood
turtle and the common loon. All can be observed in
suitable habitat throughout the forest.
VILAS
COUNTY
FOREST
NSF-SFIS-1Y943-S1
The Forest is producing an annual harvest of
approximately 9,800 cords of pulpwood and 330
thousand board feet of lumber. These wood products
provide raw resources for the paper and lumber
industry and provide for jobs throughout Wisconsin,
the Midwest and the world.
The harvests of today are scientifically managed to
produce a continuous flow of forest products and
prevent the indiscriminate cutting that took place in
the past. Prior to tree harvest operations, wildlife and
fish managers are consulted so that harvests can be
designed to enhance habitats and protect our natural
resources.
The demand for wood cutting permits continues to
increase every year as more and more residents are
using wood for secondary or primary heat in their
homes and cottages. Permits are issued for the harvest
of non-merchantable tops and logging residue.
The forest is also used by many educational
institutions, such as Trees for Tomorrow, for field trips
where students and teachers see and experience a
working forest in action. Additional information may
be obtained by contacting the Vilas County Forestry
Department at 330 Court Street, Eagle River,
Wisconsin 54521 or calling (715) 479-5160. FAX:
(715) 479-5573 or E-mail: [email protected].
1) County Property – Protect and respect is the key.
Do not remove or destroy any natural growth. The
Forest parks and recreation sites are open from sunrise
to sunset except where specific times are posted.
2) Hunting – Permanent tree stands are not allowed
on the County Forest Lands. Regulations for hunting
blinds are available at the Department Headquarters.
3) Boat Landings – Overnight parking or camping is
not permitted at any Vilas County landings.
4) Camping – Camping is by permit only, unless access
is by watercraft at the canoe campsites on the
Wisconsin River.
5) Beaches – Soap, fires, food, pets and beverages are
prohibited on beach areas.
6) Pets – Pets are allowed on an 8’ leash in designated
areas only. Please clean up after your pet. No pets
are allowed on beaches or in picnic areas.
7) Litter – Please take all refuse with you when you
leave. Leave the area cleaner than when you arrived.
The forest belongs to all of us.
8) Snowmobile Trails – Wheeled vehicles are not
permitted on designated snowmobile trails from
December 1st to March 30th.
9) ATV’s are not permitted on County Land.
10) Firewood Harvest – Firewood harvest is by permit
only and must be obtained from the County Forestry
Office.
This is not a complete set of rules; however, the ones
most frequently broken are listed here. These rules
are enforced for your safety, protection and enjoyment.
PICNICKING AND SWIMMING
Three (3) swimming beaches
and many picnic areas dot the
forest, providing excellent
swimming and picnicking
facilities. Tables, grills and
toilets are available at these
sites.
The bald eagle and osprey are the large fish-eating
birds of prey. They once again nest near suitable
lake and river habitats throughout Wisconsin. After
a drastic population decline in the 1950’s and 1960’s,
these birds have made a dramatic come-back in the
inland lake region of northern Wisconsin.
When visiting the forest, enjoy seeing one of the 140
nesting pairs of bald eagle and or the 23 nesting pairs
of osprey that call Vilas County their home. Listen to
the haunting call of the loon or the howl of the wolf.
in northern Wisconsin
FROM
VILAS COUNTY FORESTRY DEPT.
Vilas County
330 Court Street
Eagle River, WI 54521
FOREST MANAGEMENT
Vilas County Forest
is Ready for You
FACTS ABOUT YOUR COUNTY FOREST
LOCATED IN CENTRAL VILAS COUNTY
SNOWMOBILE TRAILS
Over 100 miles of snowmobile trails within the forest
CANOE CAMPING
There are three (3) canoe campsites located along the
Wisconsin River, north of Eagle River. On these sites,
camping is free, but limited to one night only if access is by watercraft. If a vehicle is utilized the current camping fee applies.
CAMPING AND CAMPGROUNDS
There is one (1) designated campground at Tamarack
Springs where picnic tables and fire rings are provided
along with pit toilets. A registration station is provided
and camping is restricted to not more than ten (10)
consecutive days. One walk-in, wilderness type
campsite is located on White Spruce Lake. Contact
the Forestry Department for the current fee.
HUNTING - FISHING - BOATING
Subject to certain regulations, all County Forest Land
is open to hunting. State regulations should be
checked for the exact opening and closing dates for
various species. Fishing and boating opportunities
are available on the majority of lakes within the forest. Fishing piers have been placed at six (6) lakes
and on the Wisconsin River to provide an opportunity
for pan fishing. Four of the piers are accessible to
people with disabilities.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS
Over 5 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails
through the forest
HUNTER HIKING TRAILS
90 miles of hunter hiking trails closed to motor
vehicle traffic
LAKES AND STREAMS
60 lakes and 11 trout streams bordering on forest
lands
FOREST ROADS
48 miles of county forest roads to enhance access
FOREST LANDS
Over 40,000 acres of forest lands in five townships
KEY CONTACTS
Vilas County Sheriff - 715-479-4441
Vilas County Forestry Dept. - 715-479-5160
DNR Hot Line - 1-800-847-9367
(Game Violations)
Eagle River Hospital - 715-479-7411
Emergencies - 911