Kayak-access campsites unveiled at Point Beach State Forest
“I’m absolutely thrilled with this project,” said Cathy Stepp, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “When you’re on the lake, and you see the high bluffs and the beaches, it just takes your breath away. We’re just getting started. I want kayakers everywhere to know Wisconsin welcomes you.”
“This is Wisconsin’s first water trail,” Schuller said. “The DNR is now establishing a state water trails program and will be promoting it in 2015.”
“Wisconsin DNR was the first leader,” said Angie Tornes of the National Park Service, who has worked for years on the water trail, one of the two federally approved Great American Outdoors Projects in Wisconsin, along with the Ice Age Trail.
“There is a great enthusiasm about water trails,” she said.
A series of maps are available on the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, by typing “water trail” into the search box, which leads here.
“It’s vital for the users to have all data available before their trip in order to plot, among other things, where they can put in, camp, use restroom facilities or experience various natural and cultural resources,” Schuller said.
“It was love at first dip,” he said.
“This is a work in progress,” Braband said. “We want to see more access points, more campsites. Sites like this one mean more access, longer trips and more people coming into the area to kayak.”