Current News
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News FLASH
The forest headquarters at KMSF-Northern Unit will be closed for construction from March 10 to April 6, 2025. During this time, the administrative services will be available 7-days a week from 9 am to 4 pm at the Ice Age Visitor Center, N2875 State Hwy. 67, Campbellsport. We apologize for any inconveniences.
New 12-Month Admission Pass
Explore More With The Wisconsin State Park System’s New 12-Month Admission Pass | Wisconsin DNR – Press Release regarding new 12-month admission pass
Vehicle Admission Passes | Wisconsin State Park System | Wisconsin DNR – link to DNRs website on vehicle admission passes
Your Pass Now – Yourpassnow.com/parkpass/wi for online admission pass purchases
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (newfwsp.blogspot.com) – online admission pass vendor
Additionally, if you could share that self-registration stations are no longer available throughout the forest (All self-registration stations were removed by directive of the Bureau of Parks and Recreation Management – statewide all self-registration station will be removed by Memorial Day). Visitors can purchase passes online at Your Pass Now, Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (newfwsp.blogspot.com), and at property offices when open: Forest Headquarters 9 am – 4 pm, Monday-Thursday and Ice Age Visitor Center 9 am – 4 pm, Friday – Sunday.
KMSFNU Master Planning
Update on the Master Plan
The Southeast Glacial Plains Master Plan (MP) covers the largest and most populous region in Wisconsin, making it one of the most complex plans the DNR has undertaken. This plan significantly impacts the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit, one of Wisconsin’s premier recreational areas. MPs are no longer conducted on a property-by-property basis but rather at the regional level. The plan spans over 200,000 acres of state-managed land notably the Kettle Moraine State Forest (all units), Governor Nelson State Park, High Cliff State Park, Horicon Marsh, Glacial Drumlin State Trail, Ice Age Trail segments and many more properties. Section Chief Erin Rieser estimates completion in 2–3 years.
Friends President Mike McFadzen will invite Master Planning staff to our April 8th 2025 board meeting. The process will involve public meetings and soliciting input on current and future land use. After the comment period, the DNR will explore management options, which is where the real decision-making begins. All Master Plans require final approval from the Natural Resources Board.
There is significant interest in the plan from the ski club, bike clubs, and other forest users. There is also interest in having motorized trails in the Kettle Moraine. The Friends will encourage public participation, posting updates on the Friends website and social media to draw attention to key issues.
Website: https://kmnorthfriends.org/
The lead planner, René Buys, is overseeing the Plan. Mike recommended signing up for updates on the Wisconsin DNR’s Property Planning webpage: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fl/PropertyPlanning/index
The Master Plan will be a regular agenda item at our Board Meetings moving forward.
The Kettle Moraine State Forest is a natural resource wonderland. Many traditional and non-traditional user groups will be vying for forest use.
