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DOUGLAS COUNTY FOREST Gordon Dam County Park Come discover the beauty… where the River runs wild! Gordon 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 7201 East County Highway Y, Gordon, Wisconsin 54838 Getting There Located 7 miles west of Highway 53 at the County Highway Y turn off in the Town of Gordon. Take County Highway Y west for 7 miles until you enter the park approximate- ly 3/4 miles beyond the Chief Kabemabe Scenic Overlook. Nearest Municipality: Towns of Gordon and Wascott. Location SE¼ of the NE¼ Section 36, Township 44 North – Range 13 West, Town of Gordon, Douglas County, Wisconsin Longitude: 91° 55' 40.4342" W Latitude: 46° 15' 9.7024" N Driving distance from regional metropolitan areas: Chicago, IL – 430 miles Des Moines, IA – 400 miles Duluth, MN – 50 miles Eau Claire, WI – 120 miles Milwaukee, WI – 365 miles Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – 155 miles Wausau, WI – 210 miles Park Size 18 acres Park Hours The park is open to the public daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 365 days a year. Registered campers and individuals using the boat launch are excluded from these hours. Gordon Dam County Park Established 1938 Off Season During the off-season when the full-service campground is closed (from one week af- ter Labor Day to two Fridays before Memo- rial Day) the park is minimally maintained. Lower restrooms and fish cleaning house are closed, no electrical service, no garbage disposal or trash collection, and no snow removal in the park or along the service road is provided. See “Off-Season Camping” section for further information. Park Admission Day-use admission to the park is free. Camping rates are included in the “Seasonal 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 With its 29 miles of meandering shoreline, the 1,900 acre St. Croix Flowage is one of the most pristine and quiet lakes remaining in Northwestern Wisconsin. The Flowage is a relatively shallow body of water with a mean depth of 7 feet and maximum depth of 28 feet. The bottom type is primarily muck, with lesser amounts of sand, gravel and rock. Aquatic vegetation is abundant, with pondweed, coontail, bulrushes, and wild rice being common. At times, heavy aquatic vegetation can impede navigation. The Flowage also contains many bottom obstructions in the form of stumps, logs, rock piles, and others. Boaters should exercise caution when traveling through unknown areas and keep speeds down to reduce the chances of contacting any of these submersed hazards. The Flowage offers exceptional fishing with a true northwoods experience. An- glers are frequently rewarded with excel- lent catches of bluegills, sunfish, crappies, perch, largemouth bass, and northern pike. The Flowage also has muskellunge, small- mouth bass, bullheads, suckers and carp. It is most well known for its crappie, bluegill, sunfish, northern pike, and big largemouth bass fishing both during the summer and winter months. Recreational boating pres- sure is typically very low due to the abun- dant structure and aquatic vegetation. An- glers must be sure to comply with all State of Wisconsin fishing laws and rules. For shore anglers, the park offers ample fishing access above and below the dam. Depending on time of year some of the best fishing in the Flowage can be found in these areas and experienced by shore anglers. For additional Flowage fishing information or a WDNR lake map, please visit 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 near the dam. Anoth- er improved public launch is located on the north side of the Flowage at the dead end of North Flowage Lane Town Road. Use of these launches is free to the public. Docks are 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 these sites to educate them- selves on rules and regulations and im- portant current issues facing the Flowage. No overnight docking of boats is allowed at the launches but registered campers can leave boats overnight tied or anchored to the shoreline to the east of the launch area. Campers should be aware that there are no docks in this area and any unattended boat is left at the owner’s own risk. Fish Cleaning House The park also offers a fish cleaning house that is hand- icap accessible for those an- glers that would like to enjoy a fresh meal from their successful outing. This house is fully enclosed and complete with garbage cans. All users are reminded to dispose of all fish carcasses and related waste at the fish cleaning house whether fish were cleaned there or not. All anglers are encouraged to check the WDNR web- site at www.dnr.wi.gov or contact the WDNR Brule Ranger Station, 6250 South Ranger Road, Brule WI 54820 or (715) 372- 4866 for any fish consumption advisories. Canoeing and Kayaking With over 29 miles of mean- dering, undeveloped shore- line, the Flowage offers almost limitless exploring possibilities for those paddling through the back bays in a canoe or kayak. As users meander along one of the many inlets and secluded bays or around one of the several islands, they stand a great chance of glimpsing some of the abundant wildlife in the area including deer, bear, otter, beaver, eagle, osprey, king- fisher, ducks, swans, turtles, and great blue herons. Quietly paddling the Flowage is the best way to see the pristine beauty of the area and take in true northwoods Island Exploration There are several scenic islands and pen- insulas within the 1,900 acre Flowage that offer rare opportunities for exploration and leisure. Most of the islands are located on public Douglas County Forest land but vis- itors are asked to double check ownership before venturing out for an island visit by referencing a Douglas County Plat Book. The islands range in size from over 100 acres to less than an acre and they all have their own unique character. Island access is by boat, canoe, or kayak and all users are reminded to exercise good judgment during their visit to help preserve the natural beauty. Fragile island plants are destroyed when trampled under-foot and unstable shorelines are eroded with frequent wakes. The most popular island activities are explo- ration, picnicking, and primitive camping. All persons wishing to camp on an island are re- quired to obtain a Recreational Use – Special Camping Permit from the Forestry Depart- ment. Please be sure to take all your trash with you when you leave to help do your part in keeping the islands clean and beautiful for others to enjoy. Please don’t cut or mar any trees, plants, or animals during your visit. Minimize your impact! Swimming The park does not offer a designated swim- ming area. Although not prohibited, swim- ming 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 exercise caution with footing on the rocks, as they can be very slippery at times. Jumping or diving off the dam is prohibited. Swim at your own risk! Danger- ous currents and hazards exist above and below the dam. NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY! Never swim alone! St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Beginning beneath the dam in the park, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway provides a total of 252 miles of recreational opportu- nities. This riverway is one of the eight rivers in the United States designated as a wild or scenic river under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. The St. Croix was added in 1972 and today is the largest scenic riverway east of the Mississippi River flowing through 8 Wisconsin Counties and 3 in Minnesota. The riverway is a unique area with a diversity of habitat, which provides many opportunities for viewing wildlife. The clean, sparkling riv- er water shelters native mussels, dragonflies, and fish. Overhead, eagles, osprey, kingfish- er and warblers fly and nest. Closer at hand otters, beavers, raccoons, fox, deer, and bear may be seen. A glimpse of the River’s past can also be seen on the landscape. Discrete features still existing today recall earlier times when Dakota, Ojibwe, voyageurs, timbermen and settlers all used the River. A variety of recreational activities can be enjoyed in this picturesque northwoods set- ting. The stretch beneath the dam in the park is ideal for canoeists and kayaks, the River is relatively shallow here with a good mix of rapids and calmer areas. This stretch is a na- tionally-renowned smallmouth bass fishery. Other fish species present include walleye, northern pike, sturgeon, muskellunge, and catfish. An unimproved canoe put-in site is available in the park just beneath the dam. Besides paddling and fishing, the riverway is a popular destination for camping, tubing, and hunting. The riverway is managed overall by the Na- tional Park Service in close cooperation with the Forestry Department. The riverway head- quarters and main visitor’s center are located in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, with additional visitor center in Trego, Wisconsin operated during the summer months. For maps and additional information, please visit www.nps.gov or contact: National Park Service, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, River Visitor Center, High- way 63, Trego, WI 54888 or (715) 635-8346. National Park Service, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Riverway Headquarters, 401 North Hamilton Street, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024 or (715) 483-2274. 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 Coun- ty’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 en- gines 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 motor at all and use the winch to load and unload their boat. Enjoy boating without power loading! St. Croix Flowage Map More to See and Do… Unique Douglas County attractions include: Fair- lawn Mansion, Fairlawn Gardens, SS Meteor Mari- time Museum, A World of Accordions Museum and Harrington ARTS Center, Douglas County Historical Society, Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, Gordon-Wascott Historical 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 twinports 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 Vis- itor Center, Lake Superior Zoo, Leif Erickson Park, Proc- tor 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. 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 Scenic Overlook. Contact the Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce for further information at (715) 394-7716 or toll-free at (800) 942-5313 or visit www.superior- chamber.org Douglas County communities include: Towns of Amnicon, Bennett, Brule, Cloverland, Dairy- land, 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 – 27 miles Danbury, WI – 46 miles Gordon, WI – 7 miles Hayward, WI – 39 miles Hinckley, MN – 52 miles Minong, WI – 17 miles Solon Springs, WI – 15 miles Spooner, WI – 37 miles Superior, WI – 45 miles Wascott, WI – 7 miles Trails for Hiking Using your legs and feet is a great way to get out and explore the scenic area. The park itself does not contain maintained hiking trails but the North Country National Scenic Hiking Trail is located a short distance away and offers hikers countless op- portunities to experience varied terrain, scenic vistas and peaceful solitude. When completed, the 4,600 mile trail will be the longest continuous hiking trail in the Unites States linking communities from New York to North Dakota, traversing seven states in-between. Wisconsin has the highest percentage of completed trail and Douglas County contains 2 of its premier segments. From high bluffs overlooking the famous Bois Brule River to the wide-open pine barrens of the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area and ev- erything in-between, something for everyone can be found along the North Country Trail. For trail maps and additional information, please vis- it www.nps.gov or or contact: National Park Service, North Country Trail, 700 Rayovac Drive, Suite 100 Madison, WI 53711 or (608) 441-5610. North Country Trail Association, 229 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331 or (866) 445-3628. For additional information on the local Brule – St. Croix Chapter of the North Country Trail Associ- ation, please visit In addition to the North Country Trail, the Douglas County Forest lands nearby to the park contain many miles of quiet woods roads and old logging trails that serve as excellent hiking trails. So lace up your hiking boots and explore the spectacular County Forest by way of its many trails deep in the woods or along one of its many rivers, lakes, or streams. Wildlife Visitors and campers can expect to see abundant wildlife during their stay at the park. Whether driving, biking, boating, or hiking, the area provides tremendous opportunities for viewing many species of wildlife. The lush woods, meadows, and marshes of the area provide exceptional habitat for white-tailed deer, black bears, and bald eagles. Beavers, muskrats, cottontail rabbits,,raccoons, turtles, ospreys, owls, loons, wood- peckers, and seagulls are common. Red fox, coyotes, fishers, bobcats, timber wolves, snowshoe hares, mink, otters, and hundreds of other bird species are also found in the area and waterfowl, including mallards, wood ducks, black ducks, ring-necked ducks, blue winged teal, and Canada geese nest along the banks of the River and Flowage. Wading birds such as the great blue heron and American bittern are commonly observed and trumpeter swans are also known Flowage residents. Mornings and evenings are typically the best time of day to catch a glimpse of active wildlife. While some critters will pass through the park, others call it home and have become accustomed to human activity. Most commonly, you can expect to see many squirrels, chipmunks, and birds that frequent the campsites and other park areas looking for easy handouts. Users are reminded not to feed wildlife and keep garbage picked up and disposed of properly. 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 to best protect park resources and user experiences. 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. Poison Ivy This plant is common throughout the park in two growth forms; a ground-level plant and a climbing woody vine. Poison ivy is very irritating to those who are sensitive to it. It can be easily avoided by staying on maintained surfaced areas and avoiding “off-trail” areas in the park. Poison ivy can grow in many different forms and appear in many colors making it difficult to accurately identify at times. Remember… “Leaves of three, let it be.” Poison Ivy Mosquito Deer Fly/ Horse Fly Tick RECYCLE Please place metal, glass, and paper products in the Park’s recycling stations. Access for People with Disabilities If you need an accom- modation 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 DCF-GDP-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. ---PAGE BREAK--- Looking for an out-of-the-way camping destination? The Douglas County Forestry Department welcomes you to visit Gordon Dam County Park where you can relax and “get away from it all” while enjoying nature at its best. Venture into the rugged natural beauty of the true northwoods. Let the sweet smells of our clean air and water surround you. Walk upon hallowed Native American ground. Fish the rich waters of the renowned St. Croix Flowage. Take in the spectacular views of the River from a top the historic dam. Explore the seemingly endless acreage of the largest and one of the finest County Forests in the State. Relax with family and friends around a warm campfire under starlit skies. Create your next adventure where the River runs wild! We look forward to your visit! Play. Enjoy. Relax. 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 St. Croix Flowage Dam is rich in history dating back to the Native American tribes, which first occupied this area, through the ear- ly traders and missionaries, the logging boom of the late 1800’s, the Work Progress Adminis- tration (WPA) workforce of the 1930’s, to the on-going development of the Gordon Dam County Park of today. A large Chippewa village occupied one of the most beautiful spots on the St. Croix River just above the present dam site. Chief Kabemabe, a peaceful and friend- ly chief and one of the signers of the 1837 trea- ty document, presided over this village that was located about one-half mile upstream from Na- mai Kowagon (Sturgeon Fish Dam) on the east side of the River. This dam showed evidence of originally being con- structed by the Native Americans with rocks and sticks for the purpose of fishing. The village was located near the heavily wooded islands, which today can be clearly seen from the high “over-look” area on the south side of Curly Franks Bay. All traces of the village have long dis- appeared under water, however, the Douglas County Forestry Depart- ment, with the help of the Wisconsin Conservation Corps, erected a histori- cal marker at this “over- look” commemorating Chief Kabemabe and his village. The “over look” is located on the north side of County Highway Y approximately 3/4 miles east from the park entrance near the intersection of County High- way Y and Fire Hill Road. The view of the Flow- age from this vantage point is one of the most panoramic vistas in Douglas County. The Flowage is part of the original river route used by early explorers, traders, and mission- aries. In the early 1600’s, a French explorer and cartographer by the name of Samuel de Champlain claimed to have discovered and ex- plored the Bois Brule and the St. Croix Rivers. In 1680, Sieur Du Lhut and his voyagers traveled the waterway in birch bark canoes from Lake Superior to the Mississippi River. It was Perrot, a French trader and explorer, who was the first man to officially proclaim the River as the “St. Croix” in 1689, when he claimed all of interior North America for France. The French kept the St. Croix trading route open until 1760 when the French war ended and England began to take possession of the French trading posts. In 1837, Nicollet mapped the Mississippi headwaters and its tributaries, including the St. Croix River. His notes includ- ed a very accurate history of Native American life along the River. He wrote of the flourishing village of Chief Kabemabe (He that sits to the side), and Kabemabe’s son, Nodin (The wind), who had his own Chippewa band downriver. He described the exten- sive wild rice beds found along the River and the large village garden which contained pota- toes, squash, pumpkins, and even a scalp pole. In the late 1800’s, the St. Croix River territory was surrounded by vast stands of virgin timber, mainly White and Red (Norway) Pine of supe- rior size and grade, making this an extremely attractive and profitable area for timbering operations. During the 1840;s, large sawmills were located at St. Croix Falls, WI and Marine on St. Croix, MN, but as the 1850’s progressed Stillwater, MN became the primary lumber destination. With these large sawmills be- ing located the only means of transportation for the logs was to float them down the River. It became necessary to pro- vide reservoirs and boom sites to hold large volumes of water used to store and sort the timber floating and also pro- vide the extra water capacity needed for each spring logging drive. In 1884, a logging dam was built out of rocks and logs at the same site the present dam is located. This dam formed what became and is now known as the St. Croix Flowage, which played an integral role in providing the wa- ter supply for all of the timbering operations along the upper St. Croix River and its trib- utaries. The original dam had five 18 foot gates, which were 11 feet 8 inches in height, in the half-moon structure style. The spring logging drive always started as soon as the ice went out on the Flowage, usually the beginning of April, and lasted un- til early July. 300 to 400 men would raft the logs and take them by steamboat down to the dam. It was not unusual for one logging camp to put in 4 to 6 million board feet of logs during a drive. After the vast stands of virgin White and Red (Norway) Pine were eventually depleted through the great harvests spanning many decades, the Jack Pine was taken, with the last and final drive being made during the spring of 1912. Sometime after 1914, the log dam burned. After the fire, a plank board walkway was roughly constructed to gain foot access from one side of the River to the other across the remaining rock piles. In 1935, the WPA began construction of the present dam structure which was completed in 1937 and officially dedicated on July 10, 1937, although no longer used for logging operations. The current structure, complete- ly renovated in 1988, creates the 1,900 acre, 28 feet deep Flowage to the east and marks the headwaters of the over 200 mile long St. Croix National Scenic Riverway to the west. Today’s dam is 106 feet long, 12 feet high and has a fenced, 8 foot wide boardwalk for easy foot access to the north side of the Flowage. Chippewa Native Americans Chief Kabemabe Scenic Overlook Log jam on the St. Croix River 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 Gordon Dam County Park, Fire #7201 East County Highway Y, Gordon, Wisconsin 54838. 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 typically 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 enthu- siastic 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 resourc- es. 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-GDP-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! Picnic areas and a children’s play area can be found in the park for day visitors and campers to enjoy. The picnic areas offer picnic tables, cooking grills, and garbage cans. No sheltered pic- nic facilities are available. The play area has swings and some playground equipment. These areas offer pleasant places for relaxing and spending time with family and friends while taking in the beautiful park sur- roundings. Picnic and Play Area Activities and Facilities Woods Woods Woods Woods 12 11 10 9 8 6 7 5 4 3 2 1 Woods 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 23 26 25 24 22 21 20 19 17 18 13 14 15 16 Caretaker’s Shed Down River Parking Playground Equipment Fish Cleaning Shelter Boat Landing Swimming Area Canoe Launch Accessible Campsite S T EEP BA N K DAM Recycling Station Recycling Station Walking Trail Snowmobile Trail St. C roi x Flo wa ge St. C roi x River County Highway 7 miles to Gordon 7 miles to Highway 53 Headwaters of the National Scenic Riverway Gordon Dam County Park Campsite locations are numbered. Campsites with electricity are circled. Site #7 is accessible. 1 1 Seasonal Campsites: Water Pump Water Pump Seasonal Camping The Gordon Dam County Park Campground is open for full-service operation annually from two Fridays before Memorial Day to one week after Labor Day. During this time, all offered park amenities and services are provided. Campground offerings include… • 12 drive-in electrical sites with 50-amp service (sites are located in both shaded and open areas). • 21 drive-in non-electrical sites (sites are located in both shaded and open areas). • Gravel parking, picnic table, bench, garbage can, and fire ring provided at all sites. • 2 gender specific restroom facilities are provided with vault toilets. The following are NOT available… • 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 • $15.00 per night non-electric site $1.00 per night for each additional person above • $18.00 per night 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 caretaker shed (see map). No advance reservation available. To Self-Register: 1. Pick up a self-registration camping permit at the caretaker shed (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 caretaker shed 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”. • In the event you plan to register and pay for a site prior to locating your tent, camping unit, or other belongings on the site, please be sure to inform one of the park attendants. 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 ex- tinguished complete- ly before leaving the campsite/park or re- tiring 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 im- mediate area of your site that is “DEAD AND DOWN” for your fire; however, avail- able dead and down wood is typically scarce. You should consider purchasing locally har- vested firewood (see the Firewood Advisory). Pre-cut firewood sold for $3.00 per bundle and delivered to your site is available by contacting one of the park attendants. There are also sev- eral local businesses that sell bundled campfire wood in the immediate area as well. Help keep pests out. Don’t bring firewood in! Water Two well handpumps are 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. Dishwater service stations are available for washing dishes or disposing of waste/gray water if dishes are washed at your site. There is NO sanitary 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. Two restrooms are available with vault toilets and no running water. Both facilities are handicapped accessible and are open when the campground is open. Keep your park clean! Treasure it! Don’t Trash it! Recycling 2 recycling stations are provided to properly dispose of metal, glass, and paper products. Be sure to re- view important information post- ed at these stations 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. Designated Summer ATV trails 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 sys- tem with a trailer or other method. 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-family 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. 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 pro- hibited 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 dis- eases. Bringing firewood into Douglas County from other areas 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 Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) quarantine for Emer- ald Ash Borer (EAB). All firewood use, collection, and transport is highly regulated. For additional information on the quarantine, including firewood rules and regulations, please contact DATCP at [PHONE REDACTED] and/or the USDA-APHIS at [PHONE REDACTED]. Pets Pets are permitted in the park and campground. When outside of a vehicle or camping unit, all pets must be on leashes. Please clean up all pet waste and deposit into designated garbage receptacles. Store pet food in vehicle or camping unit when not in use. Pick up after your pet! Horses Riding horses or having horses or other types of livestock in the park is prohibited. Alcoholic Beverages Alcoholic beverages are permit- ted at designated sites and picnic areas. Public intoxication, under- aged 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. The use or possession of any non-cased (outside of vehicle) or loaded firearm, including rifle, shotgun, pistol, BB gun, pellet gun, air gun, CO2 gun, paintball gun, slingshot, or nocked bow and arrow, crossbow, or spear gun is prohib- ited. Hunting & Trapping Hunting and trapping activities are prohibited in the park. Be considerate. Pass it on! Off-Season Camping Offered annually from the second Tuesday after Labor Day until two Thursdays before Memorial Day; on a first-come, first-served, self-registration basis. No electric service is provided, upper restrooms are open but not stocked or serviced, no garbage pickup is provided (100% carry-in carry-out), no firewood delivery provided, and the fish cleaning house is closed. Water hand pumps are available for use. Off-season access to the park is 100% weather dependent and no snow removal is pro- vided. Access at your own risk. The park access road serves as a winter snowmobile trail during the winter months and is actively groomed for snowmobile use. Use of the road by highway vehicles after grooming operations have commenced for the snowmobile season is prohibited. Off-Season Camping Rates: $10.00 per night at any site. NOTE: Rates are subject to change. You can find up-to-date information by visiting www.douglascountywi.org or contacting the Forestry Department. Leave your campsite looking as if nobody ever stayed there. FAQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: What are the camping fees for the campground? A: Established in 2011, $15.00 per night for non-electric sites and $18.00 per night for elec- tric sites. You can always check current rates by visiting www.douglascountywi.org/forestry. Q: Our family is thinking of planning a camping vacation to the park. We have a large RV and pull behind camper trail- er that we would like to bring with us. What services do you offer for these types of camping devices? A: The park has 12 drive-in sites with 20-amp electrical service hookups. No individual sewer hookups or water hookups are available. Water is provided by 2 well handpumps 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 prop- erly 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 Gordon 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: The site that I paid for and had my registration slip clipped to the site post for was taken by another camper who is not willing to move. Who can I contact to report the problem? A: Please call the Forestry Department at (715) 378-2219 and ask to speak with the Parks Super- visor who will investigate the issue and resolve the dispute. 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 ve- hicles) is prohibited in the park at any time for any purpose. 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 in the area around the boat launch or beneath the dam but extreme caution should be exer- cised at all times with footing on the slippery rocks and turbulent water. No lifeguards are on duty. Jumping or diving off the dam is prohibited. A public beach is available at Lucius Woods Coun- ty Park in Solon Springs 15 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. 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 recreational 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! SAFETY FIRST DIAL 911 IN AN EMERGENCY! DCF-GDP-2015