mccaslin mountain shut down by DNR

[89eliminator]

just thought i'd relay this info for anyone that planned on going there this year. the DNR has temporarily shut it down until Jan 1st. it wont be known for a couple of weeks if it will open after the 1st.

 

[99SJ_Ex]

Tragic... One less place to go in WI...

 

[jakeWI]

i hope that its not for good! i wish there was something we could do.

 

[ChiXJeff]

You wouldn't happen to have a link to a DNR press release, would you?

 

[89eliminator]

negative. but this info was confirmed by Edith, the lady that runs the campground there.

 

[85xjwoody]

We don't know exactly what is going on at this point, but the DNR is involved and the mountain is closed. We need to get more info on this before we can go any further. We have someone going to talk to them this evening to figure out what the heck is going on.
The smiths are great people and they are going through alot right now. Please don't try to contact them about what is going on as they will be getting enough phone calls about this. Thanks everyone!!

Kim

 

[89eliminator]

i agree

 

[ChiXJeff]

We don't know exactly what is going on at this point, but the DNR is involved and the mountain is closed. We need to get more info on this before we can go any further. We have someone going to talk to them this evening to figure out what the heck is going on.
The smiths are great people and they are going through alot right now. Please don't try to contact them about what is going on as they will be getting enough phone calls about this. Thanks everyone!!

Kim

Without a doubt. The DNR is who should be answering questions, not the folks at the campground.

 

[WB9YZU]

You wouldn't happen to have a link to a DNR press release, would you?

The property is private, not public; so no, I doubt if there will be a press release.

As Kim pointed out, the Smiths (Campground owners) only own a small sliver of that property. So no use calling them.

A lot of rumors floating around right now, so hang tight. I'm sure if there is a chance that the venue can be saved by public comment or a writing campaign, I'm sure it'll get posted.

Ron

 

[jakeWI]

THIS WEEKEND

As I posted in another section:

Ok, I have updated news for those seriously interested in helping out:

Hi Jeff,
I just talked to Mike and he and Paul both said if anyone wants to come and help repair the roads they are welcome to come any time. If anyone wants to come and camp this weekend we will have
free camping for them and also we would have a free lunch of sloppy joes or something.

Ediith Smith

I have been in contact with them and if you want to come up to help out Please P.M. me (or post here) so I can let Edith know how many to expect

They are busy with this and other things also (regular life) try to keep from contacting them directly.

I WILL KEEP THIS FIRST POST UPDATED WITH THOSE THAT WILL BE THERE TO HELP

1. Mudhunter

 

[85xjwoody]

Thanks for putting that up Jake. For those who would like to come and help there will be free camping. They are also going to have some campers and possibly the cabin open for people who are willing to come and help which would also be free.
Any kind of equipment is needed from skid steers to shovels. If you don't have anything like that, still show up because there will be something to do no matter what.
We are doing some trail rebuilding and some trails are being blocked off.

Anyone's help is greatly appreciated as this is a short notice cleanup and trail rebuild.
I will be camping for the weekend there helping Saturday and Sunday. Post up here if you are able to attend and I will get you on the list at WI4x4.com so we can plan on how much food to make for Saturday and Sunday. We are trying to do some sloppy joes or something simular.

Kim

 

[HaleYes]

So why were they shut down?

 

[85xjwoody]

I don't know all the details yet. From what I gather the DNR is involved but not the direct reason behind the trails closing. Some work needs to be done to make some of the main roads more passable and some side trails that were formed need to be filled and blocked off. There is more to do but we will get the worst things taken care of first.
The trails will reopen in the future I just don't know if it will be weeks or a couple of months.
I will know much more after this weekend. I am going up there Friday afternoon and camping the weekend to help out. We will be moving rocks and boulders, moving dirt, cutting trees, and all that comes with trail maintentence. So, if anyone can spare a day this weekend and help out that would be great!!
There will be other weekends to help out I am sure but this was short notice to see what we can get done this weekend to possibly get things back open sooner.

Kim

 

[jakeWI]

I have been talking/working with the Smiths to get correct information.
This is what I know.
FACTS:
1. It was a voluntary shut down by the Smiths to assess the situation and gather information.
2. The DNR was there and stated to the Trust holders that some roads were in violation due to ruts. (I read the letter that the Smiths received from the trust holder).
3. The Smiths are working on a plan to close/repair areas that need attention and create a trail maintenance plan.
4. The owners and Trust holders have both given the Smiths permission for such closures/repairs and have reassured them that they have permission to recreate on said land.
5. 11 40s=440 acres are still in the original Forest Crop Plan (Yes it still exists due to contrary beliefs)
6. The DNR was looking at those (Forest Crop) acres for some reason.
7. Mc Caslin will reopen when they feel that adequate progress has been made.
8. Winter runs will be allowed (when everything is frozen) generally Jan.1st
9. Some trails may be closed off until repairs are made and some may be closed for good

 

[jakeWI]

quick update. a group of guys, including xjwoody went out this past weekend and worked a bunch. they moved some rocks and closed off some trails for repair and for good. if i remember right, the pond is getting blocked off for good.

 

[85xjwoody]

Here are a few pics from the weekend. We got the pond closed down for good. We closed off some other spots as well but will open next year after the spring run off and we get some more work done.