State Natural Areas_Content Page_Visitor_Guidelines

State Natural Areas Visitor Guidelines

Guidelines and rules for visiting

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Visitation and use

The majority of SNAs are remote and have few or no developed facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and roads are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be absent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. 

Public use of SNAs is channeled in two directions: scientific research and compatible recreation. Natural areas serve as excellent outdoor laboratories for environmental education and formal research on biological communities and their component species. A permit issued by the SNA Program is required to conduct studies or collect specimens on SNAs. Natural areas are not appropriate for intensive recreation such as camping or mountain biking, but they can accommodate low-impact activities such as hiking, bird watching and nature study. 

The rules governing the use of all DNR properties, including SNAs are found in Ch NR 45, Wis. Admin. Code.

Entrance fees

Entrance to SNAs owned by the DNR is free of charge, except for Parfrey's Glen,  Pewits Nest, The Dells of the Wisconsin River and SNAs located within State Parks and the Point Beach and Kettle Moraine State Forests. A Wisconsin State Parks and Forests vehicle admission sticker is required for these sites. We are unaware of any admission fees for SNAs owned by SNA program partners, including land trusts and other government agencies. However, please get in touch with the landowner for more information.

Rules

Refer to the table below for specific rules applicable to SNAs. Since many SNAs are owned by DNR partners, including land trusts and other governmental agencies, please get in touch with the landowner directly for hunting and trapping, hours, pet policy and other recreational activity rules as they may differ from DNR policies.

Activity Guidelines and Rules for DNR-owned and most Partner-owned SNAs
Camping Camping and fires are generally not permitted. However, some SNAs within state forests allow for primitive camping. Check with the respective state forest for details.
Climbing Rock climbing and rappelling are prohibited, except at East Bluff SNA within Devil's Lake State Park and Dalles of the St. Croix River SNA.
Collecting The collection of non-huntable animals, plants, fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood or any other natural material, alive or dead, is prohibited except by SNA research permit.
Commercial use of state properties Any person engaging in commercial filming or photography on state properties, including state natural areas, must acquire a commercial use permit.
Drones Flying-related activities, including drones, hang-gliders and model airplanes, are prohibited. The SNA Program may issue permission to use drones for educational or research purposes.
Geocaching Traditional geocaching is not permitted. Earthcaching and virtual caching, in which a container is not hidden on the SNA, are allowed. Contact the SNA Program for permission to establish a virtual cache.
Horses Horseback riding is prohibited except on designated equestrian trails. 
Hours Most SNAs are open year around 24 hours a day unless otherwise noted in the specific SNA web page description or posted at the property. SNAs embedded within State Parks may have designated property hours.
Hunting Most DNR-owned state natural areas are open to hunting according to state regulations. Refer to the "recreation" tab on individual SNA web pages to determine if the DNR or a program partner owns the SNA. Hunting is generally allowed on SNAs owned by SNA partner organizations and agencies, such as The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service, and county forests. Still, specific rules vary depending on the partner's policies, and some may require a special permit. Refer to the "ownership" tab on individual SNA pages to determine if a partner owns the SNA and contact them directly for more information on hunting on their properties. Also, local township and municipal ordinances may regulate or prohibit hunting and the discharge of firearms on lands within their jurisdiction.
Pets 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 used for hunting purposes in areas open to hunting.
Plants Plants and plant parts, including seeds, roots, boughs, flowers, etc., may not be collected without a permit issued by the SNA Program. See below for guidelines on gathering edible wild plants.
Research A permit is required to collect specimens and conduct scientific research on SNAs. Please get in touch with the SNA Program for a permit application. 
Vehicles Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft and snowmobiles, are prohibited on SNAs except on trails and designated roadways. Access to SNAs is only by foot, skis, snowshoes and watercraft. Some trails are wheelchair accessible.
Wild edibles Edible fruits, edible nuts, wild mushrooms, wild asparagus and watercress may be removed by hand without a permit for personal consumption by the collector. "Edible fruits" means fleshy fruits from plants, including apples, plums, pears, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, juneberries and strawberries harvested for human consumption. "Edible nuts" means walnuts, hickory nuts, acorns and other similar nuts from trees and shrubs.