Outdoor Report: Simple Steps For ATV/UTV Safety
As you enjoy late-summer ATV/UTV excursions, wearing a helmet and seat belt, monitoring speed and using caution on hills and uneven terrain could save your life.
So far this year, 26 people have died in ATV/UTV crashes. Most crash victims were not wearing seat belts or helmets.
Follow these tips for a safe ride:
- Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride.
- Wear a seat belt and a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet.
- In addition to a seat belt and helmet, wear protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Keep your speed in check for the terrain, visibility conditions and your experience.
- Remember that some terrain in Wisconsin is too steep for ATV/UTVs. Please be careful while traversing hills or uneven terrain.
- Know before you go. Review all ATV/UTV laws here.
For more information on ATV and UTV recreation in Wisconsin, visit the DNR's website.
Get Outdoors With The BIPOC Birding Club Of WisconsinThe BIPOC ( Black, Indigenous and People Of Color) Birding Club of WI is "a community of people of color and allies who love the outdoors and the birds of Wisconsin." On Aug. 28 from 9-11 a.m., the club is hosting an event at the Cherokee Marsh North Unit in Madison. Attendees should meet in the parking lot at 8:45 a.m. The parking lot to enter the Cherokee Marsh North Unit is located at 6098 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704. Follow BIPOC Birding Club of WI on Instagram to learn more and stay up-to-date on upcoming events. You can also email the club here. |
2020 Big Year For Invasive Species MonitoringAlong with our partners, the Wisconsin DNR monitored more than 1,000 locations and documented over 150 new populations of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in 2020. Fortunately, most discoveries in 2020 were of commonly managed species like curly leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and yellow iris (Iris psuedocorus). Monitoring efforts did uncover eight new instances of NR40-prohibited species – all of which were confined to private ponds and small localized areas. These discoveries included floating marsh pennywort, Japanese stiltgrass, starry stonewort, butterfly dock, common reed grass, water lettuce and graceful cattail. Learn more about the species discovered and how you can get involved. |
Inaugural Waterfowl Hunters Expo Aug. 28The Wisconsin DNR and waterfowl conservation organizations will host the Waterfowl Hunters Expo on Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Sunnyview Expo Center in Oshkosh. This outdoor, family- and dog-friendly Expo will allow hunters to engage with experts and technologies ahead of the Wisconsin migratory bird seasons. DNR migratory game bird biologist Taylor Finger will also be available to answer waterfowl questions. The Expo will feature the 2021 Wisconsin Duck and Goose Calling Championships, a fastest-retriever contest, judging for the 2022 waterfowl stamp contest and a chance for hunters to showcase their rigs. In addition, the Expo will include hands-on exhibits and booths from industry experts, habitat managers and waterfowl scientists. General admission is $10 and military, veteran and first-responder tickets are $8. Children under 12 and dogs on lead attend free. Check the Expo’s admissions webpage for more information on dog attendance policies. Learn more about the Waterfowl Hunters Expo on the event website. |