Guidelines for Visiting State Natural Areas

Come prepared for your visit. Amenities vary widely from site to site. State Natural Areas located within state and county parks and private nature preserves sometimes contain parking areas, maintained trails, interpretive signs, drinking water, and restrooms. Most other SNAs, however, are primitive and have few or no facilities. Trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A compass and detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs. Remember to take along water, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, and field guides and wear appropriate footwear and field clothing. The Natural Resources Foundation (NRF) of Wisconsin sponsors expertly guided field trips to several SNAs each year. The NRF's current field trip schedule (exit DNR) is available.

The restrictions and guidelines that follow are applicable to most SNAs, though sites owned by agencies and organizations other than the DNR may have additional rules.

• Most SNAs are open to the public year around unless otherwise noted in the SNA site descriptions or posted at the site. SNAs within State Parks are generally open between 6:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M.
• Please recognize and respect the property of private landowners adjacent to SNAs by not trespassing. Seek the landowner's permission before crossing private lands.
• Do not collect plants (including fruits, nuts, or edible plant parts), animals, fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead. Collecting for scientific research requires a permit issued by the DNR.
• Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles, are prohibited except on trails and roadways designated for their use. Access is only by foot, skis, snowshoes, and watercraft. Some trails are wheelchair accessible.
• Geocaching is not permitted. Earthcaching and virtual caching, in which a container is not hidden on the property, is permitted.

• Pets are allowed on most DNR-owned SNAs, although they are prohibited in Parfrey's Glen. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 8', unless they are being used for hunting purposes in areas that are open to hunting during the established season. Check with the individual DNR property (e.g. State Park, Forest, Wildlife Area) for more information. Pets are prohibited on sites owned by The Nature Conservancy and most other private conservation organizations.
• Horseback riding is not permitted.
• Camping and fires are generally prohibited.
• Rock climbing and rappelling are prohibited, except at East Bluff and Dalles of the St. Croix SNAs.
• Fishing, trapping, and hunting are allowed on most DNR-owned properties in accordance with state regulations.
• Help prevent the spread of garlic mustard and other invasive species: Before entering the natural area, please thoroughly clean your shoes and clothing. Seeds can lodge in the cracks of hiking boots and athletic shoes as well as in pant cuffs and socks.

Consult Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter NR 45 (exit DNR) for more information about rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state-owned property.