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DOUGLAS COUNTY FOREST Mooney Dam County Park Come get away to… the way life should be. Mooney Dam County Park Douglas County Forestry Department 9182 East Hughes Ave., PO Box 211 Solon Springs, WI 54873 Phone (715) 378-2219 [EMAIL REDACTED] www.douglascountywi.org/forestry Discover Douglas County Parks… escape back to nature! Please observe all park rules and regulations Park Address 14293 South Fowlers Circle, Gordon, Wisconsin 54838 (park) 14333 South Fowlers Circle, Gordon, Wisconsin 54838 (boat launch) Getting There Located 11½ miles east of Highway 53 at the County Highway Y turn off in the Town of Gordon. Take County Highway Y east for 11½ miles, turn right (south) on East Mail Road and take it for ¼ mile, turn left (east) on Fowlers Circle and take it for 2/10ths of a mile where you’ll see the park entrance on the left (north) side of the road. Nearest Municipality: Town of Barnes (Bayfield County) Location NW¼ of the NW¼ Section 36, Township 44 North – Range 10 West, Town of Gordon, Douglas County, Wisconsin Longitude: 91° 34’ 12.3279” W Latitude: 46° 15’ 30.0156” N Driving distance from regional metropolitan areas: Chicago, IL – 435 miles Des Moines, IA – 400 miles Duluth, MN – 55 miles Eau Claire, WI – 120 miles Milwaukee, WI – 365 miles Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – 160 miles Wausau, WI – 205 miles Park Size 7 acres (35 acres of total property) Park Hours The park is open to the public daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 365 days a year. Reg- Mooney Dam County Park Established 1938 istered campers and individuals using the boat launch are excluded from these hours. Off Season During the off-season when the camp- ground is closed the park is minimally maintained. Restrooms are closed, no gar- bage disposal or trash collection, and no snow removal in the park or along the ser- vice road is provided. Park Admission Day-use admission to the park is free. Camping rates are included in the “Season- al Camping” section. This guide is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a complete listing of all related park information. Information, including rules and regulations contained in this brochure were current at the time of printing only. To be sure this is the most current brochure version available, please visit www.douglascountywi.org or contact the Forestry Department. New versions may or may not be printed annually. If you would like specific information on the most current regulations and laws, see Douglas County Land Recreation Ordinance #7.2 available at www.douglascountywi.org or by contacting the Forestry Department. For Wisconsin state laws go to www.legis.state.wi.us Park safety is everyone’s responsibility. TURN IN VIOLATORS: (715) 394-4432 STAY CONNECTED WITH DOUGLAS COUNTY FORESTRY USE YOUR SMART PHONE TO SCAN THIS QR CODE Recreation Opportunities Fishing and Boating The Eau Claire Chain of Lakes is made up of 11 connected spring-fed, clear water lakes, surrounded by scenic forest lands. The three largest lakes, Upper Eau Claire Lake, Middle Eau Claire Lake, and Lower Eau Claire Lake are the focal point of the Chain with 8 smaller lakes linked with and feeding into them (Birch Lake, Bony Lake, Cranberry Lake, Devils Lake, Robinson Lake, Shunenberg Lake, Smith Lake, and Sweet Lake). All lakes in the Chain are located in Bayfield County with the only exception being the western half of Lower Eau Claire Lake which is located in Douglas County and serves as the headwaters of the Eau Claire River. With a maximum depth of 41 feet and av- erage depth of 22 feet, the 802 acre Lower Eau Claire Lake is the shallowest and weed- iest of the Eau Claire Chain of Lakes (Upper, Middle and Lower). The bottom type is pri- marily sand, with lesser amounts of gravel and muck. Aquatic vegetation is moderate, consisting mostly of pondweed, coontail, and bulrushes along portions of the 7.78 miles of shoreline and in the shallower bays and inlets. Well known to local anglers as a trophy muskie water, Lower Eau Claire Lake also has a good reputation for its walleye, large- mouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and panfish fishing opportunities. Anglers are frequently rewarded with ex- cellent catches and those willing to put in the time necessary can often locate trophy sized fish. Although not plentiful, the lake does hold some very large muskies that approach or exceed the magical 50” mark and many veteran muskie anglers visit the lake annually in search of one of these elu- sive trophies. Lower Eau Claire Lake can also be popular with recreational sport boaters, pontoon- ers, water skiers, tubers, and personal wa- tercraft enthusiasts, especially on Holiday weekends. Its open waters and shoreline scenery provide plenty of room for carving the surface with skis, pulling the kids on a tube, sightseeing all the cabins and homes, or wave jumping on a jet ski. To best avoid some of this recreational boating pressure, anglers should target during the week or early/late in the day to fish whenever pos- sible. For shore anglers, the park offers fishing access above and below the dam. Depend- ing on the time of year some great fishing opportunities can be found in these areas and experienced by shore anglers. Anglers should use caution if wading in the area below the dam as dangerous currents ex- ist with drop offs and footing can be very slippery. In addition to the lake, the Eau Claire River which starts beneath the dam offers an- glers additional fishing opportunities for northern pike, walleye, bass, panfish, and other game fish. The river is ideal for ca- noeists and kayakers and unlike the lake, it remains relatively undeveloped and offers a more solitary wilderness experience. Fur- thermore, the other 10 lakes in the Chain all also offer excellent fishing opportunities for many species and are only a short drive away. Anglers must be sure to comply with all State of Wisconsin fishing laws and rules. For additional Lower Eau Claire Lake and Eau Claire Chain of Lakes fishing informa- tion, a WDNR lake map, or to check for any fish consumption advisories please check the WDNR website at www.dnr.wi.gov or contact the WDNR Brule Ranger Station, 6250 South Ranger Road, Brule WI 54820 or (715) 372-4866. Boat Launch For boat anglers, an improved boat launch with concrete pad and 24-foot dock is available in the park next to the dam. Use of this launch is free to the public. The dock is typically removed during the fall of the year before ice formation and installed during the spring of the year after ice out. Users are encouraged to review any posted information at the launch site to educate themselves on rules and regulations and important lake issues. No overnight dock- ing of boats is allowed at the launch. Canoeing and Kayaking The Eau Claire River has long been a favorite destination for paddlers seeking to experience its wild beauty. The headwaters of the river are formed at the dam and a nice put-in location can be found below the dam. Several town road bridges located down- stream can be used as take-out locations or more adventurous canoeists and kayakers can paddle the entire approximate 15 mile stretch all the way to the St. Croix River. Much of the river is largely undeveloped and offers paddlers peaceful solitude and beautiful northwoods scenery. Depending on the time of year and water levels, some of the shallow- er stretches may be difficult to float. Paddlers who would prefer to stay close to the park can also enjoy paddling the shoreline of Low- er Eau Claire Lake. For maps and additional information on the Eau Claire River, please contact the Forestry Department or the WDNR Brule Ranger Sta- tion, 6250 South Ranger Road, Brule WI 54820 or (715) 372-4866. Upper Eau Claire Lake Wildlife Visitors and campers can expect to see native wildlife during their stay at the park. While some critters will pass through the park, others call it home and have become accustomed to human activity. Species that are commonly observed in the park include white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, raccoons, red fox, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, woodpeckers, and many species of song birds. Bald eagles, ospreys, loons, seagulls, great blue herons, turtles, and waterfowl such as Canada geese and several species of ducks are all common to the lake. Occasionally a black bear will pass through park grounds and mink, otters, and fishers have all been observed from time to time. Mornings and evenings are typically the best time of day to catch a glimpse of active wildlife. Users are reminded not to feed wildlife and keep garbage picked up and disposed of properly. For the more dedicated wildlife viewer, the Douglas County Forest lands in the area as well as the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area (Bird Sanctuary) contain tens of thousands of acres of wild and rugged lands that provide a variety of exceptional wildlife habitats. For further information on Douglas County Forest lands, please visit www.douglascountywi.org or contact the Forestry Department. For further information on the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area, please contact the WDNR Douglas County Wildlife Management Area Property Manager at WDNR Service Center, 1401 Tower Ave- nue, Superior, WI 54880 or (715) 395-6912. Please remember to enjoy wildlife from a distance. KEEP WILDLIFE HEALTHY & WILD – Please Don’t Feed Them! Please let wild animals remain wild Feeding of wildlife and waterfowl (ducks & geese) can result in harm to both an- imals and people. Animals that depend on handouts become a nuisance to park visitors and a danger to themselves. If you care about animals, please don’t feed them… allow them to remain wild in their natural habitats. Together we can keep out parks friendly and beautiful. Safety First! Remember you are responsible for your own safety. Camping and other outdoor recreation activities have inherent risks and you may encounter a variety of unexpected and/or dangerous conditions. It is your responsibility to be informed and take necessary precautions. Please report any safety hazards to the Douglas County Forestry Department (715) 378-2219. Park safety is everyone’s responsibility!!! Remember the right way is the safe way. Minimize your Impact! To help make everyone’s camping stay or park visit safe and enjoyable, as well as protect the park and its natural beauty, please observe all park rules and regulations. Protect future enjoyment of the park by leaving it better than you found it. Your behavior and the actions you take affect others. Help maintain a family friendly atmosphere for all park visitors. Leave it better than you found it! TURN IN VIOLATORS: (715) 394-4432 Reporting Violations At times, careless and inconsiderate individuals perform acts that can result in damage to park resources, threaten public safety, and disrupt the park experiences of others. These behaviors deprive law-abiding users of park experiences and opportunities and can jeopardize future park use privileges for all users. Diligent park users reporting illegal activities has increased the effectiveness of law enforcement’s ability to protect park resources and user experiences. With your help we can do much more if we all work together. If you see or learn about any illegal or suspicious activity, please be sure to report it. All violations can be reported anonymously. Violations can be reported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by: • Calling the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department at (715) 394-4432 • Calling the Douglas County Forestry Department at (715) 378-2219 • Emailing a report to [EMAIL REDACTED] To make a report, users are encouraged to use the violation reporting form available online at www.douglascountywi.org/forestry or by contacting the Forestry Department. For all violations requiring immediate attention call (715) 394-4432. State violations (including violations of fish and game laws) can be reported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by: • Calling the WDNR Violation Hotline at (800) TIP-WDNR ([PHONE REDACTED]) • Texting [space] followed by the tip to TIP-411 (847-411) • Emailing a report to [EMAIL REDACTED] Together, we can keep our parks friendly and beautiful. Enough is Enough! Report all violations. Take responsibility. Make the call. Penalties If you are found to be in violation of County Ordinance, you can face civil penalties. Civil citations start at $150 and range up to $500. Fines for second or subsequent violations may be increased. In addition, restitution for any damages you cause may be pursued by civil action in circuit court. The County holds the authority to immediately revoke park use privileges of any individual from the County park system on a temporary or permanent basis if deemed appropriate and/or necessary. Remember, your privilege to use the park depends on you! Security Limited law enforcement patrol is provided by Douglas County Sheriff’s Department personnel depending on the day and time. More frequent patrol is provided by the daily park attendants. Round the clock patrol within the park is not currently provided. Please be sure to secure all valuables before leaving your vehicle or campsite unattended. Biting Insects Warm spring and summer weather in the park can often bring with it a variety of sucking or biting insects such as ticks, biting flies, gnats, no-see-ums, and mosquitoes. Dawn and dusk are peak mosquito and no-see-ums times, but flies, ticks, and gnats are active through- out the day. During peak population periods, cover up with light, long-sleeved clothing and wear a hat or cap to reduce exposed skin. Applying insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing will provide added protection and can help make time spent outdoors more enjoyable during these periods. Ticks & Lyme Disease The black-legged (or deer) tick can be found at the park and throughout the region. This insect can carry a bacterium which causes Lyme disease. Lyme disease can cause serious health problems if left untreated. To ensure that your risk of infection is minimized, make sure you and your pet remain on main- tained surface areas and stay away from long grasses and other vegetation. In addition, examine your clothing and body after spending time outdoors. An infected tick can transmit Lyme disease if not removed from your skin within 24 to 48 hours. The park and other outdoor recreational areas which carry the risk of this disease continued to be frequently enjoyed by many people each year. Play it safe when visiting the park and any other outdoor area by simply using common sense. The black-legged (or deer) tick that can carry the bacterium which causes Lyme disease is NOT to be confused with the more common American dog tick (or wood tick). For additional information on Lyme disease, please contact your local Health and Human Services Department, local Cen- ters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) office, or your healthcare provider. Get tick smart… Know the bug. Know the bite. Know what to do. Mosquito Deer Fly/ Horse Fly Tick RECYCLE Please place metal, glass, and paper products in the Park’s recycling stations. DCF-MDP-2015 This photo features Ameri- can Dog Ticks (wood ticks) and Black-Legged Ticks (deer ticks). To the right of the postage stamp are two stages of the black-legged tick. They are a female (largest) and male (inter- mediate). The two small specimens on the stamp itself are black-legged ticks in the stage. The two ticks to the left are male and female American dog ticks. Report all violations! (715) 394-4432 Unique Douglas County attractions include: Fairlawn Mansion, Fairlawn Gardens, SS Meteor Maritime Mu- seum, A World of Accordions Museum and Harrington ARTS Center, Douglas County Historical Society, Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, Gordon-Wascott Histor- ical Museum & Depot, Solon Springs Historical Museum, Barker’s Island Marina, Osaugie Waterfront Trail, Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center, Superior Speedway, Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds, Superior/Duluth twin- ports area, several golf courses, numerous restaurants and taverns, and many businesses offering a multitude of shopping opportunities. Unique Duluth, Minnesota attractions include: Ca- nal Park, Aerial Lift Bridge, Art in the Alley, Duluth Art Institute, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth Playhouse Theater, Glensheen Mansion, Great Lake Aquarium, Lakewalk, Lake Superior Maritime Visi- tor Center, Lake Superior Zoo, Leif Erickson Park, Proctor Speedway, North Shore Scenic Drive, Scenic Railroad, Park Point, Tweed Museum of Art, SS William A. Irvin Museum, and the Vista Fleet. Nearby Douglas County Park campgrounds include: Lucius Woods County Park and Mooney Dam County Park. Nearby day-use Douglas County Parks include: Bass Lake County Park, Long Lake County Park, Anna Gene County Park, Lake Minnesuing County Park, and Park Creek Pond County Park. Douglas County FOREST At over 278,000 acres, the Douglas County Forest is the largest and one of the finest County Forests in the State of Wisconsin. With hundreds of miles of well-groomed recreational trails, over 100 pristine lakes to fish, swim, and boat, and vast acreages of wild forest land open to all sorts of outdoor recre- ational experiences, it’s no surprise that the County Forest is one of the true gems of Douglas County. Big woods, clean water, and spectacular wildlife… adventure starts here! The County Forest is the NORTHWOODS at its best! Other nearby parks and recreational areas include: Pattison State Park, Amnicon Falls State Park, Bois Brule River, Brule River State Forest & State Fish Hatchery, City of Superior Parks, Douglas County Forest, Douglas County Wildlife Management Area, and the Chief Kabemabe Sce- nic Overlook. Contact the Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Com- merce for further information at (715) 394-7716 or toll-free at (800) 942-5313 or visit www.superiorchamber.org Douglas County communities include: Towns of Amnicon, Bennett, Brule, Cloverland, Dairyland, Gordon, Hawthorne, Highland, Lakeside, Maple, Oakland, Parkland, Solon Springs, Summit, Superior, and Wascott; Villages of Lake Nebagamon, Oliver, Poplar, Solon Springs, and Superior; and the City of Superior. Driving distance to other communities in the area: Barnes, WI – 10 miles Danbury, WI – 51 miles Gordon, WI – 12 miles Hayward, WI – 22 miles Hinckley, MN – 79 miles Minong, WI – 23 miles Solon Springs, WI – 20 miles Spooner, WI – 43 miles Superior, WI – 51 miles Wascott, WI – 17 miles Swimming The park does not offer a desig- nated swimming area. Although not prohibited, swimming is not recommended above or below the dam. No lifeguards are provided and individuals who choose to venture into the turbulent water beneath the dam should ex- ercise caution with dangerous currents, drop offs, and footing on slippery rocks. Jumping or diving off the dam is prohibited. Swim at your own risk! Dangerous currents and hazards exist above and below the dam. NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY! Never swim alone! Power Loading Boats Power loading is prohibited at all County boat launches. Power loading can cause damage to the launch ramps that may not be visible from the surface of the water. "Power loading" is a term used to describe using the motor to load and unload the boat onto and off the trailer. The County’s public launch ramps were not designed to sustain the forces generated by today’s larger and more powerful boats or the practice of power loading. Repairs are time consuming, frustrating for the public, and expensive. Propeller wash creates a significant force that can erode the lakebed and create a large hole at the end of the ramp. Eroded material is often deposited beyond the ramp to create a mound, which can result in a barrier for launching and loading. Boats and equipment can incur damage if the boat or lower unit runs aground on the mound or if the trailer becomes stuck in the hole. In the worse cases, the end of the ramp could collapse, resulting in an unusable launch ramp. In low water conditions the mound created from propeller wash can obstruct launching and loading all together. The County recognizes that some boaters are accustomed to power loading. However, all boaters are encouraged to NOT race their engines while on the boat ramp. more than idle speed should be all that is necessary to load and/or unload the boat with proper trailer depth. The BEST practice is for boaters to refrain from using the mo- tor at all and use the winch to load and unload their boat. Enjoy boating without power loading! More to See and Do Middle Eau Claire Lake Lower Eau Claire Lake ---PAGE BREAK--- Looking for a place get away from it all and disappear in a secluded northwoods hideaway? The Douglas County Forestry Department welcomes you to visit Mooney Dam County Park located on the scenic shores of Lower Eau Claire Lake at the headwaters of the Eau Claire River. Framed by outstanding natural beauty, the park is the ideal retreat to escape to and get back in touch with nature. A visit to Mooney Dam County Park is a refreshing break from the fast lane into a slower paced, more simple way of life. Let the sweet smells of our clean air and sparkling water surround you. Feel the sun’s warm rays on your skin under deep blue skies above. Fish the rich waters of Lower Eau Claire Lake and explore the entire Eau Claire Chain of Lakes. Relax with family and friends around a warm campfire while listening to the gentle harmony of crickets chirping. Come to a place where you’ll re-con- nect with nature, escape from the stresses of everyday life, replenish your soul, and stimulate your mind. Escape to Mooney Dam County Park and experience life the way it should be. We look forward to your visit! Rest. Relax. Enjoy. WELCOME During your visit… Please remember that you are sharing this space with plants, animals, campers, and other park visitors. Please thoroughly review the information contained in this brochure to help enhance your enjoyment and to further assist with the preservation and protection of your County Park. A Natural Legacy — Douglas County Parks provide a natural legacy of outdoor activities and recreation. They are an important part of the Forestry Department’s efforts to promote and pass on a strong conservation ethic to the generations of today and tomorrow. These efforts help ensure that the best of Douglas County’s natural resources will be sustainably managed and avail- able for future generations to enjoy. Protect and preserve our parks... do your part! Culture & Dam History The Lakes Like many of the waterways in the region, historical records indicate that the Eau Claire River and many of the lakes in the Eau Claire Chain have a rich and storied history dating back to pre-settlement times. Chippewa and Sioux Native American tribes utilized the wa- terways as trade routes and war paths in their ancient struggles against each other. Several busy villages were located on the lake shoes and a renowned Indian cemetery was locat- ed on the Middle Lake. The area was truly the land of the Chippewa, where members of the so-called lost tribe of the St. Croix Band hunt- ed, fished, trapped, and pursued their ancient culture. These bodies of water later served as travel routes for the first French explorers, missionar- ies and fur traders as they claimed this great wilderness territory for France, spread the gos- pel of Christianity, and trapped and traded furs. During the great logging era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the water bodies were used to float and transport logs down- stream to the St. Croix River and form there to mills located in St. Croix Falls, WI and Still- water, MN. These resources provided the raw materials necessary to meet the demands of growing cities such as Chicago, IL, Milwaukee, WI, and Minneapolis, MN. Because of the vast timber resource, the Eau Claire Lakes area was extremely attractive and profitable for large timber companies. It was during this time that the first dam was built at the same site where the present dam is located. Known locally as Chase Dam, this dam was a logging dam constructed from rocks and logs. It greatly expanded the sur- face area of what is now known as Lower Eau Claire Lake and increased the water supply for all of the timbering operations along the Eau Claire River and into the St. Croix River. In the early 1900’s after the vast stands of virgin timber were eventually depleted after many decades of harvesting, the dam was abandoned and allowed to deteriorate. The property where the dam was located changed ownership several times over the course of the next couple decades until pur- chased by James L. Mooney and his wife Julia A. Mooney. Mr. Mooney was a retired Captain from the Chicago Police Department who chose to retire in the area. In 1938, the Mooneys deeded 1.11 acres to Douglas County with an agreement in place stating that construction of a dam would begin within one year. Making good on the agreement, Douglas County initiated con- struction of the present dam structure in 1938 which was completed in August of that year. The current structure is a gravity dam of earthen construction that supports the 802 acre Lower Eau Claire Lake to the east and EMERGENCY INFORMATION Cellular phone service many be limited. Emergency Services For Emergencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dial 911 Douglas County Sheriff’s Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (715) 394-4432 Wisconsin State Patrol (District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (715) 635-2141 To Report a Forest Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dial 911 To Report a Hazardous Substance Spill . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 943-0003 To Report a Hunting or Fishing Violation. . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 847-9367 or cell #367. Poison Control Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (608) 262-3702 or (800) 222-1222 Non-Emergency Services WDNR General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (888) 936-7463 Douglas County Forestry Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (715) 378-2219 Douglas County Dept of Public Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (715) 395-1404 Emergency Weather Awareness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 943-0003 Road Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 511 or (800) 762-3947 You are at Mooney Dam County Park, Fire #14293 South Fowlers Circle, Gordon, Wisconsin 54838 (Fire #14333 for the boat launch) Medical facilities are located in Superior – WI, Minong – WI, Hayward – WI, and Spooner – WI. Have Feedback – Contact Us. We are here to make your park and recreation experience a good one! The Forestry Department is committed to making all Doug- las County Parks a safe, fun, and pleasurable experience for all who visit. It's through the valuable information provided by patrons, residents and visitors alike, that our park system continues to grow, change and im- prove its programs and services. If you would like to of- fer any comments and/or suggestions on ways we can make the park better or how much you enjoyed your visit, please contact us (see the “For More Information” section for contact information). Join us in the Parks. The Forestry Department offers competitive seasonal employment opportunities in the County Park system. Job applications are typical- ly due by the end of March annually. Please contact the Forestry Department for further information. If working outdoors and being part of a high-spirited and enthusiastic team sounds attractive to you… then you just might be who we are looking for! Donations. In addition to annual budget funding for the cost of daily operations and special projects, monetary donations are graciously accepted and also provide important financial support for the park. Park visitors can give cash or check gifts by depositing them in the secure donation box located in the park or by mailing to the Forestry Department. Funds will be used for visitor services and safety, education programs, and projects that protect natural and cultural park re- sources. Thank you for any interest in supporting your County Park! For more information about the Douglas County Park System or the Douglas County Forest please visit www.douglascountywi.org/forestry or contact the Forestry Department at: Douglas County Forestry Department 9182 East Hughes Avenue • P.O. Box 211 • Solon Springs, WI 54873 Phone (715) 378-2219 • Fax (715) 378-2807 [EMAIL REDACTED] The information in this brochure applies only to Douglas County Parks. Individuals are asked to contact appropriate land owners for park and outdoor recreation policies on all lands under other public ownerships. State of Wisconsin DNR General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (888) 936-7463 State of Wisconsin DNR Brule River State Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (715) 372-4866 State of Wisconsin DNR Pattison State Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (715) 399-3111 State of Wisconsin DNR Amnicon Falls State Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (715) 398-3000 City of Superior Parks and Recreation Department (Municipal Forest). . . (715) 395-7270 Douglas County Wildlife Area (Bird Sanctuary). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (715) 372-4866 National Park Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (715) 483-2274 Discover Douglas County Parks…escape back to nature! FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS BROCHURE, please contact the Douglas County Forestry Department. Select photos courtesy of Catherine Khalar. Publication DCF-MDP-2015 © 2015, Douglas County Forestry Department. All rights reserved. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. Leaving a Good Impression… The following are seven simple things, but they can go a long way toward making the park enjoyable and safe for all of those who use it. They will protect our park resources and improve park experiences for all users. Following these simple guidelines called the 7C’s will reduce the need for more stringent regulations and help retain a fun, family friendly atmosphere for everybody. CARE Care about how you camp by being considerate of others in the park. CAUTION Use caution in the use of all camping and recreational equip- ment. Handle fire and flammable fuels so as not to endanger yourself or others. COURTESY Practice politeness to enhance the park experience for all us- ers. Respect the privacy of others, control your children, leash and pick up after your pets. Always be extra sensitive to others while camping or visiting the park. CLEANLINESS Be clean in your camping habits and teach your children the importance of cleanliness. Pick up litter no matter who left it and be proud of the campsite or area you leave behind. COOPERATION Observe the letter and spirit of park regulations and the rules established to protect everyone’s enjoyment of the park. Work coopera- tively with others to make the park better for everyone. CONSERVATION Protect the environment in which all users enjoy the park and help those whose job it is to guard and wisely manage the park. Leave a better park for those who follow. COMMON SENSE Apply common sense and good judgment to every situation, by doing so you will make the park experience better for yourself and all others. Please be considerate and pass it on! Responsible behavior is ethical behavior… help spread the word! Activities and Facilities Seasonal Camping Campground is open annually from two Fridays before Memorial Day to one week after Labor Day. Campground offerings include… • 11 drive-in non-electrical sites (sites are located in both shaded and open areas). • Gravel parking, picnic table, garbage can, and fire ring provided at all sites. • 1 gender specific restroom facility is provid- ed with vault toilets. The following are NOT available… • No sites with electrical service. • No individual site water or sewer hookups. • No sanitary dump station. • No showers or flush toilets. • No garbage dumpster. • No pull through sites. • No tent or camper pads. • No paved or concrete parking aprons. • No group sites. Rates • $10.00 per night non-electric site. $1.00 per night for each additional person above NOTE: Rates are subject to change. You can find up-to-date information by visiting www.doug- lascountywi.org or contacting the Forestry De- partment. Registration • All sites are on a first-come, first-served self-registration basis, NO reservations are taken. • All campers must register at the park when they arrive. Registrations CANNOT be taken in advance or over the phone. • Registration slips and the deposit box are located at the self-registration kiosk by the restrooms. No advance reservation available. To Self-Register: 1. Pick up a self-registration camping permit at the self-registration kiosk by the restrooms (see map). 2. Completely fill out the form and carefully remove the top slip copy and clip it to any untagged site number post. DO NOT set up on any campsite before paying. 3. Immediately return to the self-registration kiosk and place your full payment (cash or check) in the envelope portion of the permit and deposit it into the deposit box. Credit cards are NOT an accepted method of payment. • Campers CANNOT prepay and/or register for a site in advance of arriving at the park. • Upon arrival, campers can choose to pay day- by-day rather than all at one time. • A site is not considered “taken” until a regis- tration slip is filled out and clipped to the site post and payment has been deposited. There are no requirements for occupying a site for it to be considered “taken”. Once paid, no refunds will be issued. Visitors Visitors (non-registered campers) are wel- come in the park and campground daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Quiet Hours & Noise Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily. Creating excessive noise, causing a dis- turbance, or use of any device including but not limited to radios, televisions, generators, etc. that can be heard from a distance of more than 20 feet is prohibited during this time frame.. Please be considerate of your fellow campers. Campfires Fires are only allowed in the met- al fire rings or grills provided or in a self provided container specif- ically designed to contain a fire. Keep campfires small and burn only wood and clean paper. Gas and propane camp stoves and grills are permitted. Never leave fires or coals unattended. Fires must be extinguished completely before leaving the campsite/ park or retiring for the evening. Firewood is available in the park during the summer months for a fee (see “Firewood” section). Firewood Cutting live or dead standing trees is prohibited. You are al- lowed to gather wood in the immediate area of your site that is “DEAD AND DOWN” for your fire; however, available dead and down wood is typically scarce. You should consider purchasing locally harvested firewood (see the Firewood Adviso- ry). Pre-cut firewood sold for $3.00 per bundle and delivered to your site is available by con- tacting one of the park attendants. There are also several local businesses that sell bundled campfire wood in the immediate area as well. Help keep pests out. Don’t bring firewood in! Water One well handpump is available for water. This water is potable (approved for drinking) and can be used to fill containers that can be stored at your site. No water hookups available at any individual sites. Food Storage & Wildlife DO NOT attract wildlife! Keep a clean camp. This is Bear Country! Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, rac- coons, and skunks are also year- round campground residents. Store your food, pet food, cooking utensils, and scented items (toiletries, insect repellent, etc.) in your hard-sid- ed vehicle or in a secure food storage container. These items should remain stored when not in use. Keep garbage picked up and disposed of in the designated receptacles located in the park (be sure to securely close lids). Remember, feed- ing wildlife is strongly discouraged and harass- ing wildlife is illegal! Sanitation Littering or disposing of garbage anywhere other than in the des- ignated receptacles located in the park is prohibited. Each site is provided its own garbage can and on-site trash collection is provided daily during the summer camping season. Please keep garbage picked up. Discarding garbage or waste that was gen- erated outside the park is prohibited. There is NO dump station for trailers and other recreational vehicles. Stored sewage and waste- water (black and gray) must be removed from the park and should be properly disposed of at a designated facility. There are NO showers or laundry facilities in the park. Portable showers are permitted. One restroom is available with vault toilets and no running water. This facility is handicap accessi- ble and is open when the campground is open. Keep your park clean! Recycling 1 recycling station is provided to properly dispose of metal, glass, and paper products. Be sure to re- view important information post- ed at this station before depositing items and please keep all non-recyclables out of these containers. The parks recycling program is one of the ways Douglas County is working towards encouraging residents and visitors to recycle where they live, work and play. All park users are encouraged to recycle. Help keep the park beautiful. Recycle today for a better park tomorrow! Motor Vehicles and Bicycles Be sure to keep all motorized vehi- cles, bicycles, and trail- ers on paved or designated travel/ parking areas. Use of skateboards, rollerblades, and push scooters is permitted on paved or designated travel areas only. Please contact the Forestry Department to inquire on the rules and regulations for other types of transportation devices. Operating a motor ve- hicle or bicycle off paved or designated travel areas is prohibited! Remember to SLOW DOWN for safety! ATV’s, UTV’s, Dirt Bikes, & Other Similar Vehicles Operation of any off-highway ve- hicle, including all-terrain vehicles (ATV), utility-terrain vehicles (UTV), motor bikes (dirt bike), mopeds, mini-bikes, motorized scooters, specialized four- wheel drive units, tractors, dune buggies, go- carts, golf carts, and other similar vehicle types is PROHIBITED in the park. These types of ve- hicles can be stored in the park at your site but cannot be operated. ATV road routes are available nearby to the park. However ATV’s CANNOT be operated in the park. They can be stored at your site but MUST BE transported to the trail system with a trailer or other method. Pets Pets are permitted in the park and campground. When outside of a vehicle or camping unit, all pets must be on leashes. Please prompt- ly clean up all pet waste and deposit into des- ignated garbage receptacles. Store pet food in vehicle or camping unit when not in use. Pick up after your pet! Please be familiar with the following campground rules and regulations: While camping it is prohibited to… • camp anywhere other than at a designated campsite. • occupy a campsite without paying the registration fee and displaying an appropriate camping permit. • camp with more than 8 non-fam- ily members per site (number of immediate family members per site is not limited). • camp at any single site for more than 10 consecutive nights. • place, occupy or use more than 1 camping unit (tent, trailer, camper, RV, or other similar type of shelter) per site. Leave your campsite looking as if nobody ever stayed there. ATV use in the park is PROHIBITED You MAY NOT operate an ATV or any other off-highway vehicle in the park at any time for any purpose. See the “ATV’s, UTV’s, Dirt Bikes, & Other Similar Vehicles” section for further information. Additional Park Rules & Regulations Within the park it is prohibited to… • litter. • transport any garbage or trash that was not produced in the park to the park and dispose of it. • damage or deface any park feature, facility, or property. • post any sign, advertisement, or other informational media. • engage in any activity which is prohibited by sign or notice. • locate or operate a non-registered or non-licensed vehicle or trailer. • be in the park during closed hours or season (excluding registered campers). • not clean up after a pet. • ride or possess any livestock. • harass or kill any wildlife or allow a pet to do the same. • cut or mar any plants or trees. • excavate or trench soil resources. • construct or establish a trail or pathway. Respect the area by not trenching or putting nails in trees! Park Use Privileges Douglas County appreciates your cooperation and compliance with all park regulations. These regulations promote a friendly family atmosphere that is enjoyable for you and other visitors. Visitors who do not comply may be subject to appropriate civil citations and/or a loss of park use privileges. Firewood Advisory Firewood may contain non-native insects and plant diseas- es. Bringing firewood into Douglas County from other ar- eas may accidentally spread pest insects and diseases that threaten the health of the County Forest. Visitors should use firewood that was gathered within the County or purchased from a local vendor. Do not leave firewood in a park or in the Forest, do not transport locally purchased firewood out of the County – BURN IT! DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD PERIOD! Emerald Ash Borer Douglas County is currently under Wisconsin Department of Agri- culture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) quarantine for Emerald Ash Bor- er (EAB). All firewood use, collection, and transport is highly regu- lated. For additional information on the quarantine, including fire- wood rules and regulations, please contact DATCP at [PHONE REDACTED] and/or the USDA-APHIS at [PHONE REDACTED]. FAQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: What are the camping fees for the campground? A: Established in 2011, $10.00 per night for a non-electric site. You can always check current rates by visiting www.douglascountywi.org. Q: Does the campground have any sites with electric service? A: No. All the sites are non-electric. Both Gordon Dam County Park (17 miles away) and Lucius Woods County Park (19 miles away) offer sites with electric service. Visit www.douglascountywi. org/forestry or contact the Forestry Department for additional information on these other camp- grounds. Q: Our family is thinking of planning a camping vacation to the park. We have a large RV and pull behind camper trailer that we would like to bring with us. We understand that no electric sites are of- fered but can we still camp with these types of camping devices? A: Yes. Although no electric sites are offered and there are no individual sewer hookups or water hookups available for such units. Water is provid- ed by 1 well handpump located in the park. No dump station for black or gray water is available. All sewage and wastewater (black and gray) must be removed from the park and properly disposed of at a designated facility. Q: I’m from outside of the area and would like to plan a week long camping vacation at Mooney Dam County Park this summer. Can I reserve the site I want ahead of time? A: No. Advanced reservations are not available for any site at any time of the year. You would have to self-register at the park upon your arrival meaning that the specific site you want may or may not be available. Arriving during the week, Monday through Thursday, would be your best chance at finding the site you want open. Fridays and weekends, especially Holiday weekends, are typically the busiest times with the most site oc- cupancy. Q: My family and I don’t plan on camp- ing until Friday afternoon. Can I visit the campground earlier in the week and pay for the site each day from that day up until Friday when we plan on camping to ensure that we get the specific site that we want for the weekend? A: Yes. You have occupancy rights to that site as long as a registration slip is filled out and clipped to the site post and payment has been made for each day prior to your arrival. You do not have to place any camping item at the site during the week as a requirement to “occupy” the site even through you will not be there until Friday. How- ever, you are encouraged to place something at the site as a clear indicator that it is occupied oth- er than only the registration slip clipped to the site post. You are also encouraged to inform one of the park attendants of your plans so they are aware as well. If the site has been paid for each prior day and a registration slip properly filled out and posted, the site is yours when you arrive on Friday. Q: I arrived Sunday morning and am planning on staying in the campground for the week but did not get the specific site that I wanted. Is there anything I can do to get on a waiting list to have initial occupancy rights if it opens up? A: No. The best thing to do is to only pay and reg- ister for your current site on a day-by-day basis (do not register and pay for the whole week) and monitor the site that you would like to have. If the current occupants leave, you can self-register for that site and move to it without having to go back and correct previous registration slips. Q: My friends and I are planning a camp- ing trip to the park and would like to bring our ATV’s with us to ride the Doug- las County Forest Summer ATV Trail Sys- tem during our stay. Can we bring our ATV’s into the park and ride them direct- ly from our site to the nearest ATV trail? A: No. Operation of any off-highway vehicle (including ATV’s, UTV’s, dirt bikes, mopeds, mini- bikes, motorized scooters, tractors, dune buggies, go-carts, golf carts, and other similar types of vehicles) is prohibited in the park at any time for any purpose (excluding individuals riding on the Summer ATV Trail). You could store your ATV’s in the park at your site on trailers or in truck beds but they cannot be operated. You would have to transport them out of the park to the trail system via trailer or other method. Q: Does the park offer a swimming area for my kids to cool off and enjoy? A: There are no designated swimming areas or beaches at the park. Although not prohibited, swimming is not recommended above or below the dam due to the dangerous currents and in- herent hazards. Some park visitors enjoy wading and swimming in the river beneath the dam but extreme caution should be exercised at all times with footing on the slippery rocks, turbulent wa- ter and sharp drop-offs. No lifeguards are on duty. Jumping or diving off the dam is prohibited. A public beach is available at Lucius Woods County Park in Solon Springs 19 miles away. Q: Friends, family and I are going to be spending the 4th of July Holiday week- end camping at the park. Can we bring and ignite fireworks in the park to join in the Holiday celebration? A: No. The use or possession of fireworks or any other similar type of device is prohibited in the park at any time for any purpose. Individuals found possessing or igniting fireworks anywhere in the park will be cited accordingly. SAFETY FIRST DIAL 911 IN AN EMERGENCY! Horses Riding horses or having horses or other types of livestock in the park is prohibited. Alcoholic Beverages Alcoholic beverages are permit- ted within the park. Public intox- ication, underaged drinking and/ or disorderly conduct will not be tolerated. Keep alcohol away from minors. Fireworks & Firearms The use or possession of fire- works is prohibited in the park. It is prohibited to discharge, posses, or store an uncased or loaded firearm (including rifle, shotgun, pistol, BB gun, pellet gun, air gun, CO2 gun, paintball gun, slingshot, bow, crossbow, or spear gun). Some exemptions apply to individuals who possess a valid and current State of Wisconsin Concealed Weapon License. Hunting & Trapping Hunting and trapping activities are prohibited in the park. Be considerate. Pass it on! marks the headwaters of the 15 mile long Eau Claire River to the west. It has a structur- al height of 12 feet, overall length of 60 feet, and a 40 foot wide spillway with four 9 foot wide stop-log bays. It holds a 5 foot head of water at the face of the structure and in- cludes a concrete apron extending 22 feet on the side. Maximum discharge is approximately 3,000 cubic feet per second with a maximum storage capacity of 7,100 acre-feet. Normal storage capacity is approx- imately 3,100 acre-feet. Chippewa village Chippewa Native Americans ABOVE AND BELOW: log jams on the river during the great logging era Native American birch bark canoe Access for People with Disabilities If you need an accommoda- tion to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Forestry Department before you plan to visit. Report all violations! (715) 394-4432 Paddle amid breathtaking northwoods scenery, where wildlife abounds. The Eau Claire Chain of Lakes, made up of three larger lakes and eight spring-fed smaller lakes, covers about 3,400 total surface acres in size and includes close to 40 miles of shoreline. The Chain including the largest of the 11 lakes, the Upper Eau Claire, Middle Eau Claire and Lower Eau Claire, is located in Bayfield and Douglas Counties. The Eau Claire Chain makes up the headwaters of the Eau Clair River at the Lower Eau Claire Lake outlet in the park at the dam. The river encompasses a total wa- tershed area of approximately 37 square miles and flows into the St. Croix River in Gordon, WI. The Upper Eau Claire, the largest lake in the Chain at more than 1,000 surface acres, is in the Town of Barnes in Bayfield County. It reaches depths of up to 90 feet. The Upper Eau Claire has six satellite lakes: Robinson, Birch, Sweet, Shunenberg, Smith and Devils. The Federal Government and Bayfield County built hand-operated locks between the connecting channels and waterways in the late 1930’s. The Town of Barnes now maintains the locks which are among the last few remaining hand-op- erated locks in the United States today. A public boat launch is available for anglers looking to score the big catch or visitors who just enjoy spending a day on the water. The Middle Eau Claire is the Chain’s second largest lake. It spans 900 surface acres and has 11 miles of shoreline open for fishing, recreational sport boating or just pontoon cruising. Bony Lake is the satellite lake of Middle Eau Claire. Public boat launches are available at both lakes. With a 60 foot depth, the Middle Eau Claire is the second deepest lake in the Chain and like all the other lakes, boasts a healthy fish population. Home to Mooney Dam County Park, the last of the big three is Lower Eau Claire Lake in Douglas County. This clear water lake covers 800 surface acres and offers almost 8 miles of shoreline. The shallowest of the big three lakes with 40 foot depths, it has one satellite lake, Cranberry and serves as the headwaters of the Eau Claire River. A public boat launch is available for lake access (see the “Boat Launch” section). These two lakes complete all the lakes in the Chain network. Eau Claire is French for clear water and the Eau Claire Chain of Lakes definitely lives up to its name with its clear waters. The lakes offer wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities for all who visit. Whether you prefer to dip a worm beneath a bobber for bluegills or twitch a large jerkbait along an outer weed edge for muskies, tremendous fishing opportunities can be found in any one of the 11 different lakes. Each lake in the Chain has a different character and of- fers its own unique fishing opportunities for novice and professional angers alike. Although fishing continues to be one of the most popular activities, the lakes also hold a stunning array of other experiences, activities, and opportunities for visitors to discover. Whatever you seek, you’re sure to find something that exceeds your expectations and provides lasting memories on the beautiful Eau Claire Chain of lakes. DCF-MDP-2015