Policies

We are pleased to make over 6,000 acres of land available for outdoor recreation in the scenic blufflands region of the Upper Mississippi. Due to rare species and sensitive habitat areas on our nature preserves, we have a policy for allowable, regulated and prohibited activities:

Allowable uses

• Hiking, trail running
• Bird watching
• Gathering nuts, fruits, fungus and antler sheds
• Nature photography
• Hunting, fishing and trapping (see our hunting fact sheet for more information)
• Cross-country skiing and snow shoeing
• Mountain biking (only allowed in Mathy Quarry on the designated bike trail)

Regulated uses

• Educational use
• Scientific use
• Group activities
• Pet Policy. Pets on leash allowed on these properties only:
  • La Crosse Blufflands (city owned properties only)
  • Fish Creek Tract (Town of Bangor)
  • Borah Creek Prairie State Natural Area

Prohibited activities

• Commercial enterprise
• Riding horses
• Camping and/or campfires 
• Target practice
• Paintball
• Motorized vehicles
• Hang gliding
• Unauthorized trail construction or modification
• Rock climbing
• Unauthorized structures (unoccupied tree stands, tree steps, hunting blinds, bird houses, signs, etc.)
• Removal of anything (including rocks, plants, trees and firewood) other than nuts, fruits, fungus, and antler sheds
• Geocaching

If you have questions, please contact our land manager by calling 608 784-3606, ext. 5.