Fire Wood Regulations in Dane County

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive insect that kills ash trees, has been found in Winnebago County Illinois. This confirmed site is the closest site yet to Dane County. Just over the Wisconsin border, Winnebago County is less than 45 miles away along the I-90 Corridor. Many of our park/campground visitors are from the Rockford, Illinois area.

It is our goal to keep the invasive insect out of our area for as long as possible by being diligent in inspecting ash trees in county parks, and by preventing the insect from coming into the county from outside infected areas.

All firewood brought into a Dane County Park must either originate within Dane County, or be purchased by a Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture Certified Firewood Dealer.

To assist with this regulation, the price of certified firewood that can be purchased at Dane County parks is reduced from $5/pack to $3/pack.

For more information regarding EAB, please visit the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources Emerald Ash Borer page.

Year-Round Activities

Year-round recreational opportunities abound throughout the Dane County Park System. Whether you enjoy fast-paced physical fun or quiet enjoyment, Dane County Parks offer you countywide locations for quick get-aways from urban settings and offer custom-built recreational facilities amid splendid natural beauty. Imagine all you can do year-round throughout the Dane County Park System.

Winter can be one of the most exciting times of the year. Miles of specially groomed trails winding through dense woodlands, rolling hills and open meadows provide snowmobilers or cross-country skiers with boundless views and ideal conditions. Smooth, white blankets of snow contrast with the diversity of structural shapes, bark colors and textures of trees and shrubbery. Winter is an ideal time for following animal tracks in freshly fallen snow, for quiet walks, ice fishing, or observing winter birds, wildlife and plants. Contact the County Park Office for additional information on winter programs.

Spring reveals to nature lovers the wonders of new life uncovered from the melting blanket of white. Colorful blooming buds and wildflowers, bright green leaf blades poking up through wetland, woods and prairie floors, and the sounds of songbirds marched with warming winds and waters add to the total delight of springtime in the parks.

Summer seems to bring out the best in everything. Dane County parks provide areas for fast-paced volleyball, basketball, softball, horseshoes and tennis as well as quiet areas for picnics, crackling campfires, fishing and hiking. Whether you come to enjoy the happy sounds and smells of picnics or parties or prefer to focus on the sights and sounds of birds, insects or vegetation along shorelines, winding trails or a wetland boardwalk, you'll find ideal settings amid the natural beauty of the parks.

Fall means brilliant colors in Dane County skies, waters, forests and fields. Bright orange, white, yellow, purple, red and bluish-black berries abound. Scampering animals harvest the ripened berries, nuts and seeds among quietly drying grasses, plant stalks and newly fallen leaves. Grand overlooks from bluffs or observatory towers reveal broad, colorful views of Wisconsin landscapes. What a perfect time to inhale nature's beauty and what perfect places...Dane County Parks!

Dane County's Commitment

Dane County continues to improve its facilities to provide access for everyone. We strive to go above and beyond the requirements mandated by the Americans With Disabilities Act to make park and natural areas a joy for all. Special facilities include a boardwalk through wetland marshes at Token Creek County Park, and the Lewis Nine Springs Eway. Accessible fishing piers are available at Babcock, Fish Camp, Salmo Pond, Token Creek and Stewart Lake County Parks. A special fishing area at the Jenni and Kyle Preserve is available for the exclusive use of children and people with disabilities. Call the Dane County Parks Division office at (608)224-3730 for more information about the many fully accessible facilities in our park system.

Special Recognition

The Dane County Park Commission gives special recognition to the following people who generously donated land to the Dane County Park System:

Otto Festge, John Holtzman, Phillip & Isabel LaFollette, Russell & Ella McCarthy, Marcella Pendall, The Donald/Woodburn Family, The Wrolstad Family