Unless the context specifically indicated otherwise, the meaning of the terms used in this subchapter shall be as follows:
(1) 
RECREATION AREAS — All lands and water heretofore and hereafter acquired by the County or placed under the jurisdiction of the Committee and designated by signage or, as a matter of record, as a distinct unit for special recreational functions to include swimming areas, picnicking areas, fishing areas, nature study areas, campgrounds and general recreation areas. The following are designated as County recreation areas:
[Amended by Ord. No. 107-2005; Ord. No. 53-2008; Res. No. 93-2009]
(a) 
Almon Park.
(b) 
Townline Park.
(c) 
Perch Lake Park.
(d) 
Enterprise Forest Campground.
(e) 
Gilette/Wickham Recreation Area.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
(2) 
BOAT LANDING AND PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS — All lands and water heretofore and hereafter acquired by the County or placed under the jurisdiction of the Committee which are signed and developed for water access purposes. The following areas are designated as County boat landings:
[Amended by Res. No. 93-2009]
(a) 
Bass Lake Boat Landing.
(b) 
Wisconsin River Boat Landing.
(c) 
Flannery Lake Boat Landing.
(d) 
Perch Lake Boat Landing.
(e) 
Tom Doyle Boat Landing.
(f) 
Highway O Boat Landing.
(g) 
Townline Park Boat Landing.
(3) 
SPECIAL USE AREAS — All lands and water heretofore and hereafter acquired by or placed under the jurisdiction of the Committee in order to develop or maintain singular characteristic or purpose. Designated Oneida County special use areas are:
[Amended by Ord. No. 107-2005]
(a) 
Gobler Lake Scientific Area.
(b) 
Spruce Lake Waterfowl Management Area.
(c) 
Memorial Forest.
(d) 
Highway O Fishing Bridge.
(4) 
SILENT SPORTS TRAIL FACILITIES — All lands heretofore and hereafter acquired by the County and developed into non-motorized trail systems which are signed, groomed, or otherwise maintained for any of the following activities: hiking, biking, snow-shoeing, or cross country skiing. Those designated silent sports trail facilities are listed as follows:
[Amended by Ord. No. 107-2005; Res. No. 93-2009]
(a) 
Enterprise Winter Silent Sports Trail.
[Amended by Res. No. 3-2015]
(b) 
Washburn Silent Sports Trail System.
[Amended by Res. No. 3-2015]
(c) 
Cassian Two-Way Ski Trail.
(d) 
Nose Lake Ski Trail.
(e) 
Almon Park Trails (for summer hiking and winter snowshoeing only).
[Amended by Res. No. 53-2014]
1. 
Wetland Trail.
2. 
Upland Trail.
(5) 
PET — A domesticated dog or cat.
[Amended by Res. No. 93-2009]
(6) 
SILENT SPORTS TRAILS — Trails formally designated and maintained for one or more of the following activities: hiking, biking, skiing, or snowshoeing.
[Amended by Res. No. 93-2009; Res. No. 53-2014]
Except when otherwise provided, the provisions of this subchapter shall apply to all lands, structures and property owned, leased or administered by the County, and under the management, supervision and control of the Committee.
(1) 
The Committee may from time to time prescribe rules and regulations for the further use and enjoyment of recreation areas, boat landings, special use areas, playgrounds, beaches, streams, lakes and the facilities thereof. Any person who violates such rules or regulations, or who refuses to subject himself thereto, may be excluded from the use of such facilities and be subject to the penalty provided in § 14.20, Wis. Stats.
(2) 
Nothing in this Code shall prohibit or hinder the Committee, its administrator, supervisors, recreation area caretakers, other authorized agents or any peace officer from performing his official duties.
[Amended by Ord. No. 65-2003; Ord. No. 107-2005; Ord. No. 53-2008; Res. No. 93-2009]
(1) 
Closing Hours. No person shall enter or be in any County recreation area between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. No overnight camping shall be allowed at any County recreation area, boat landing, or special use area. County campgrounds are exempt from closing hour regulations. Regulations pertaining to designated campground use are listed in § 14.18 of this code. Persons transporting watercraft to and from designated boat landings are permitted at any hour.
(2) 
Recreation Area Infrastructure Maintenance Schedule. All County recreation areas are open year-round for public use. However, infrastructure of some County recreation areas are only seasonally maintained, resulting in access roads, parking lots, and toilet buildings to be unplowed, gated, or locked during specific dates. The infrastructure maintenance schedule for County recreation areas is follows:
(a) 
Almon Park:
1. 
Toilet buildings are seasonally maintained and remain open for public use between the dates of May 15th and October 31st.
2. 
Access road and parking lots are seasonally maintained and open to public use between the dates of May 15th and November 15th.
(b) 
Townline Park:
[Amended by Res. No. 53-2014]
1. 
Access road and parking lots are seasonally maintained and open to public use between the dates of April 30 and November 15.
(c) 
Perch Lake Park. All park infrastructure is open and maintained year-round for public use.
(d) 
Enterprise Forest Campground. All campground infrastructure is seasonally maintained and open to public use between the dates of May 22 and December 2.
(3) 
Personal Conduct and Nuisances. No person shall indulge in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which such conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance, or to be so intoxicated that he is unable to care for his own safety on any County owned property.
(4) 
Destruction of Personal Property. No person shall destroy, disturb, molest or remove the property or personal effects of others.
(5) 
Unnecessary Noises. No person shall operate sound trucks, loudspeakers, motors, motorboats, motor vehicles or any other mechanical devices that produce unduly loud or unnecessary noises.
(6) 
Destruction, Defacement or Removal. Except for the picking of edible fruits or nuts, berries and mushrooms, for noncommercial purposes, the following are prohibited:
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
(a) 
Disturbing, molesting, defacing, removing or destroying any trees, shrubs, plants or other natural growth.
(b) 
Carving on any rocks, archaeological or geological features, picnic tables, signs, walls or structures.
[Amended by Res. No. 53-2014]
(c) 
Driving nails, placing screws, or other metal in trees.
(d) 
Removing, damaging or defacing in any manner any structures including buildings, signs, fences, tables, or other County property.
(7) 
Entry and Manipulation. No person shall:
(a) 
Enter any building, installation or area that may be under construction or locked or closed to public use.
(b) 
Molest or manipulate any water control structure, dam or culvert.
(c) 
Enter or be in any building, installation or area after the posted closing time or before the posted opening time, or contrary to posted notice, in any recreation area or special use area, unless specifically authorized to do so by the Forest Director or Forestry, Land, and Recreation Committee.
[Amended by Res. No. 53-2014]
(8) 
Cleaning Restricted. No person shall wash themselves, cars, pets, cooking utensils or clothing in any lake or stream or on any picnic grounds, playgrounds, recreation areas, boat landings, parking lots or roadways or within 50 feet of any pump, fountain or drinking water outlet in any County recreation area.
(9) 
Disposal of Refuse. No person shall dispose of any litter, garbage, sewage, bottles, tin cans, cigarette butts, paper or any other waste material by dumping such refuse in any County recreation area, boat landing, special use area, or forest land, except by placing said refuse in receptacles provided for such purposes. Charcoal residue in any grill, fire-ring, or fireplace shall be left in its place of origin until completely extinguished and cold. Waste and recyclable receptacles provided in Oneida County recreational facilities are only for refuse and recyclables generated by individuals while recreating in said facilities. No waste or recyclable materials may be brought into an Oneida County recreational facility for the purpose of disposing of said material in the waste and recyclable receptacles.
[Amended by Res. No. 53-2014; Res. No. 79-295; Res. No. 63-2017]
(10) 
Glass Prohibited. No glass containers are allowed in any County recreation area.
(11) 
Vehicles and Boat Restrictions.
(a) 
Excessive Speed Prohibited. No person shall operate any vehicle at a speed in excess of 10 mph or contrary to official traffic signs in any County recreation area.
(b) 
Reckless Driving Prohibited. No person shall operate any vehicle in a reckless manner or contrary to § 346.62, Wis. Stats., in any recreation area.
(c) 
Operation Restricted. No person shall operate or park any motorized vehicle, except as otherwise provided in any County recreation area, boat landing and public access area, special use area, ski trail area or upon any hiking trail, other than established roads, parking areas, boat ramps, and service areas, or contrary to posted notice.
(d) 
Use of Motor Boats Restricted. By order of the Town Board of the Town of Pelican, no person shall operate any motor-driven boat in waters of Buck Lake; nor shall any person operate any motor-driven boat in waters of Perch Lake by order of the Town Board of the Town of Woodboro.
(e) 
Parking Restricted. No person shall park, stop or leave standing, whether attended or unattended, any vehicle, obstruction, or watercraft:
1. 
Blocking, obstructing, or limiting the use of any road, trail, gate, parking lot, boat landing, or waterway.
2. 
Outside any area provided for such purposes when it is practical to use areas so provided.
3. 
Contrary to posted notice.
4. 
In any recreation area between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except as follows:
a. 
Vehicles of registered campers may be parked in campgrounds owned by Oneida County at any hour. Specific regulations pertaining to campground parking are listed in § 14.18(4)(f) of this Code.
b. 
Vehicles used to transport watercraft to and from the boat landing at Townline Park may be parked at said boat landing at any hour.
(12) 
Fires. No person shall start, tend or maintain any fire except for cooking, heating, or when camping, and then only in designated fireplaces, fire-rings, or grills in any County recreation area, boat landing and public access area. Further, no person shall leave any fire unattended at designated fireplaces, fire-rings, or grills or throw away any matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipe ashes or any embers without extinguishing them, and then only in the proper receptacle.
(13) 
Fireworks, Rockets, Explosive Devices. No person shall possess, fire, discharge, explode, or set off a pyrotechnic device, firecracker, fireworks or other explosive material on any County forest lands, boat landings, recreational areas and special use areas, except exhibitions of fire works given under the direction or by the permission of the Committee or its authorized agent.
(14) 
Firearms. No person shall possess or have under their control any firearm, airgun, bow, crossbow, slingshot or dangerous weapon as defined in § 939.22, Wis. Stats., unless it is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case, in any County recreation area. Firearms, bows, and crossbows used for the purpose of participating in a State hunting season with a valid State hunting license are authorized at boat landings, public access areas, special use areas, silent sports trails located outside County recreation areas, and other County forest lands. See § 14.18 of this Code for regulations related to hunting and trapping in County owned campgrounds.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
(15) 
Pet Regulations for Recreation Areas. No person shall allow pets to enter any public building, swimming beach, picnic area, playground, or concrete pad surrounding a water pump within any County recreation area. Pets are allowed in all other areas of County recreation facilities, provided they are leashed and under the owner's control at all times. No person shall allow their pet to deprive or disrupt the enjoyment or use of any County recreation area by others. Regulations pertaining to pets on formally designated Silent Sports Trails are listed under § 14.13(21). Regulations pertaining to pets at designated campgrounds are listed under § 14.18(4)(c).
[Amended by Res. No. 53-2014]
(16) 
Horses. No person shall ride a horse on any formally designated silent sports trails or have a horse in any County recreation area. Organized events or commercial rides will require Committee approval as set forth in 525.5 of the current County Forest Fifteen-Year Plan.
(17) 
Bicycles. No person shall ride a bicycle in any County recreation area except on asphalt roads or parking areas, unless signed or formally designated otherwise.
(18) 
Athletics. No person shall play or practice any outdoor sport or other games in a manner that could injure, disturb, or inconvenience others.
[Amended by Res. No. 53-2014]
(19) 
Beaches.
(a) 
No person shall sunbathe or swim at any County recreation area or beach without wearing a swimsuit or other appropriate attire. The object of this subsection is to prevent nudity.
(b) 
Changing Clothing. No person shall change clothes, except in beach houses or other enclosed places.
(20) 
Silent Sports Trail Facilities.
[Amended by Ord. No. 3-2015]
(a) 
No motorized vehicles are allowed on silent sports trails except those being used for inspection, maintenance, or as authorized by the Forestry Department.
(b) 
No walking, snowshoeing, bicycling, sledding, or mode of travel other than that of skiing is allowed on trails designated and periodically groomed for cross-country skiing during periods when said trails are snow covered. The following silent sports trails are included in this category:
1. 
That portion of the Washburn Silent Sports Trail System groomed for skiing.
2. 
Cassian Two-Way Ski/Bike Trail.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
3. 
Nose Lake Ski/Bike Trail.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
(c) 
Ski trails can be crossed by other County approved recreational trails under the following conditions:
1. 
Trail intersections must be formally approved by the Oneida County Forestry, Land, and Recreation Department and designated as such with signs.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
2. 
Alternative use recreational trails can only bisect ski trails in the most direct manner possible. Trail crossings must be at or close to a 90° angle.
(d) 
The following activities are allowed on the Enterprise Winter Silent Sports Trail, when said trail is frozen, snow-covered, and periodically groomed for bicycling.
1. 
Cross country skiing.
2. 
Snowshoeing.
3. 
Bicycling.
(e) 
Use of trails in a manner or direction contrary to posted signs is prohibited.
(f) 
A nontransferable valid trail pass is required by individuals 18 years of age and older to bike, ski, or snowshoe on trails designated, signed, and otherwise maintained specifically for said activities.
1. 
Annual Trail Passes are available for a cost to be set by the Committee. Annual Trail Passes are valid for a one-year period from January 1st through December 31st of each calendar year.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
2. 
Daily Trail Passes are available for a cost to be set by the Committee. Daily Trail Passes are only valid for the date that is entered on the registration form.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
3. 
Trail users must have a valid trail pass in their possession while biking, skiing or snowshoeing on designated trails.
4. 
Trail passes become valid upon a completed registration form and appropriate user fee being submitted to the Oneida County Forestry, Land, and Recreation Department in any one of the following acceptable methods:
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
a. 
Depositing the completed registration form and appropriate user fee into an Oneida County self-registration drop box. A self-registration drop box is located at the entrance of each formally designated non-motorized trail facility that requires a trail pass for designated uses.
b. 
Depositing the completed registration form and appropriate user fee into any U.S. Post Office mail receptacle.
c. 
Submitting the completed registration form and appropriate user fee to an attendee at any government office or business location listed on the trail pass registration form.
(g) 
Pet regulations for Silent Sports Trails:
1. 
When silent sports trails are located within the boundary of a formally designated County recreation area, pet regulations for County recreation areas supersede those for Silent Sports Trails. The following silent sports trails, or segments thereof, must follow pet regulations for County recreation facilities listed under § 14.13(15):
a. 
That portion of the Washburn Silent Sports Trail located within the boundary of Perch Lake Park.
b. 
The Upland Trail located within the boundary of Almon Park.
c. 
The Wetland Trail located within the boundary of Almon Park.
2. 
Pets are permitted on all silent sports trails when said trails are not snow covered, provided that said pets are under the owner's control or leashed.
[Amended by Res. No. 53-2014]
3. 
Winter Ski Trail Pet Regulations. The following regulations are enforced when ski trails are snow covered or being periodically groomed for cross-country skiing:
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
a. 
Pets are not allowed on the following ski trails: that portion of the Washburn Silent Sports Trail System maintained for skiing, and that part of the Cassian Two-Way Ski/Bike Trail lying south of the point where the trail intersects Sheep Ranch Road.
b. 
Pets are allowed on the following ski trails: Enterprise Winter Silent Sports Trail, that part of the Cassian Two-Way Trail lying north of the point where the trail intersects Sheep Ranch Road, and the Nose Lake Ski/Bike Trail.
4. 
Snowshoe Trail Pet Regulations. The following regulations are enforced when snowshoe trails are snow covered:
a. 
Pets are not allowed on that portion of the Washburn Silent Sports Trail System maintained for snowshoeing.
b. 
Pets are allowed on the following snowshoe trails: Enterprise Winter Sports Trail, Almon Park Wetland Trail, and the Almon Park Upland Trail.
(21) 
Elevated Platforms and Portable Tree Stands.
(a) 
The construction or use of any permanently elevated platform, commonly referred to as a permanent tree stand, on Oneida County Forest land is prohibited.
(b) 
Screws, nails, lag screws, screw steps, spikes, or other similar devices are damaging to trees, therefore they are prohibited for use in trees on Oneida County Forest land.
(c) 
Portable tree stands may be used on Oneida County Forest land providing that they do not damage trees, and they have the owner's name, address, and telephone number clearly printed on or attached to the stand. Portable tree stands can be placed on Oneida County Forest land not more than one week prior to the opening day of Wisconsin's first big game hunting season, and must be completely removed no later than one week after the closing date of Wisconsin's last deer season the following year.
(d) 
Elevated platforms and portable tree stands found in violation of 14.13(21) of the General Code of Oneida County, Wisconsin will be removed by forestry department employees, destroyed, or sold at County auction. A person found in violation of any portion of the aforementioned ordinance is subject to a citation and monetary forfeiture.
(22) 
Ground Blinds. A ground blind means a structure, enclosure, or any material, natural or manufactured, placed on the ground to assist in concealing or disguising the user or occupant for the purpose of taking game. The following types of ground blinds are legal on Oneida County Forest land:
(a) 
Dead Natural Material Ground Blind. These blinds must be completely made of materials natural to the area such as dead leaves, branches, bark, or naturally fallen trees. Screws, nails, lag screws, screw steps, metal spikes, wire, nylon rope, or other nonbiodegradable materials may not be used to fasten materials together or to trees.
(b) 
Portable Manufactured or Portable Constructed Ground Blind. These blinds must be clearly portable and be completely removed from the Oneida County Forest at the end of each day's hunt unless they have the owner's name, address, and telephone number clearly printed on or attached to the blind. Fasteners, if used to attach or anchor the blind, cannot damage any living trees or penetrate the cambium of a living tree and must be completely removed with the blind at the end of each day's hunt. Owner identification is not required on this type of blind.
[Amended by Res. No. 53-2014; 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
(c) 
Seasonal Manufactured or Seasonal Constructed Ground Blind. These blinds include all other blinds not meeting the requirements of either Type (a) or Type (b), including portable manufactured or portable constructed ground blinds if not removed daily. Type (C) blinds can be placed on Oneida County Forest land one week prior to the opening day of Wisconsin's first big game hunting season and must be completely removed no later than one week after the closing date of Wisconsin's last deer season the following year. The name, address, and telephone number of the blind owner must be clearly printed on or attached to the blind. Fasteners, if used to anchor or attach the blind, cannot damage any living trees or penetrate the cambium of a living tree and must be removed with the blind.
[Amended by Res. No. 53-2014]
(d) 
Any ground blinds found in violation of § 14.13(22) of the General Code of Oneida County, Wisconsin, will be removed by Forestry Department employees, destroyed, or sold at County auction or by a publicly posted sale. A person found in violation of any portion of the aforementioned ordinance is subject to a citation and monetary forfeiture.
[Amended by Res. No. 53-2014; 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
(1) 
Special Consideration Permits. Recreation structures, facilities, or areas may be reserved by County residents for special purposes, subject to approval by the Committee. The Committee, or its appointed agent, at its discretion, shall issue a permit and may set a charge or security deposit for this facility. Any person to whom a permit is issued by the Forest Administrator, or other authorized personnel, shall be bound by the provisions of all County ordinances and State laws as though the same were provided in each permit.
(2) 
Peddling and Soliciting. No person shall peddle or solicit any business, offer or advertise items for sale, distribute handbills or other advertising matter, post unauthorized signs or decorative matter on any County owned lands, structures or property; or use County property as a base of commercial operations for soliciting or conducting business, peddling or providing services within or outside such lands, structures or property unless first authorized by the committee or its authorized agent.
(1) 
Definitions.
APPROVED SNOWMOBILE TRAILS
All snowmobile trails that receive State funding under Ch. 350 and are sponsored by the Oneida County Forestry Department or trails in which Oneida County holds the land use agreement, or trails on land owned by Oneida County. These trails are designated on the official County snowmobile map, a copy of which is kept on file in the Forestry Office, Courthouse, Rhinelander.
OFFICIAL TRAIL CLOSING
That date selected by the Oneida County Forestry Department in conjunction with the Oneida County Snowmobile Council and which is published on the Oneida County website, designating the approved snowmobile trails closed for snowmobile use.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
OFFICIAL TRAIL OPENING
That date selected by the Oneida County Forestry Department in conjunction with the Oneida County Snowmobile Council and which is published on the Oneida County website, designating the approved trails opened for snowmobile use.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
SNOWMOBILE
Any engine powered vehicle of a design which uses sled type runners or skis, is propelled by a continuous track, and which requires snow or ice for efficient travel.
SNOWMOBILE ROUTE
A highway designated for use by snowmobile operators adopted by the respective town or municipality and posted with signs by area snowmobile clubs.
SNOWMOBILE TRAIL
A marked trailway on public property or on private property, subject to public easement or lease, designated for use by operators of snowmobiles by the Oneida County Forestry Department, but excluding highways except those highways on which the roadway is not normally maintained for other vehicular traffic by the removal of snow.
(2) 
Restricted Use of Snowmobiles.
(a) 
No person shall drive a snowmobile on any land under the supervision, management, or control of the Department that is posted or gated as closed to such use.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
(b) 
No person shall drive a snowmobile at a speed in excess of 10 miles per hour on any portion of an approved snowmobile trail that is posted with yellow sign indicating "Slow," "Steep Hill," "Dip," "Turn," or other caution.
(c) 
Operators of a snowmobile on approved snowmobile trails must stop at all locations marked with a red sign indicating "Stop."
(3) 
Restricted Use of Snowmobile Trails.
[Amended by Ord. No. 3-2015]
(a) 
No person shall operate any bicycle, four-wheel drive vehicle, passenger car, off-road vehicle, truck, all-terrain vehicle, utility terrain vehicle, or motorcycle on any approved snowmobile trails without the written permission of the land owner or lessee, except for trail maintenance and/or inspection activities.
(b) 
No person shall operate any snowmobile on any approved snowmobile trail until officially opened by the Department.
(c) 
No person shall operate any snowmobile on any approved snowmobile trail after such trail is officially closed by the Department.
(d) 
No person shall deface, destroy, or remove any snowmobile sign posted on any approved snowmobile trail.
(e) 
No person shall post any unauthorized signs on any approved snowmobile trail without the written permission of the Committee or its agent.
(f) 
No person shall leave an unattended vehicle or place an obstruction on the groomed portion of any approve snowmobile trail.
(g) 
Pedestrians, including skiers, using approved snowmobile trails must yield to all snowmobiles on said trials.
(h) 
Operation by youthful operators is restricted and defined in §§ 350.5 and 23.33(5), Wis. Stats.
(i) 
No person shall operate a snowmobile in a careless way or at a rate of speed which would endanger person or property of self or others.
(j) 
No person shall operate a snowmobile off the leased 16.5 foot right-of-way and onto the private land along the designated snowmobile trails.
(k) 
No person shall operate a snowmobile contrary to state laws or regulations.
[Added by Ord. No. 114-99; amended by Res. No. 63-2012]
(1) 
Definitions.
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE
Is defined in § 340.01(2g), Wis. Stats.
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE ROUTE
A highway or sidewalk designed for use by all-terrain vehicle and/or utility-terrain vehicle operators by the governmental agency having jurisdiction as authorized by § 23.33, Wis. Stats.
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE TRAIL
A marked trail way on public property or on private lands subject to public easement or lease, designated for use by operators of all-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles by the Oneida County Forestry Department, but excluding roadways or highways except those roadways which are not seasonally maintained for motor vehicle traffic.
DESIGNATED ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE TRAILS
Trails that have been designated by the Oneida County Forestry Department as being open for use by operators of all-terrain and utility-terrain vehicles, and are identified on official County All-terrain vehicle trail maps, copies of which are kept on file in the Oneida County Forestry Office, Court House, Rhinelander, Wisconsin. All other motorized vehicles are prohibited on designated all-terrain vehicle trails when said trails are officially classified as open for all-terrain vehicle use, except for those motorized vehicles used for forest management, logging, and trail maintenance activities.
OFFICIAL ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE TRAIL CLOSING
That date selected by the Oneida County Forestry Department and which is published on the Oneida County website, classifying designated all-terrain vehicle trails as being closed for all-terrain vehicle and utility-terrain vehicle use.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
OFFICIAL ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE TRAIL OPENING
That date selected by the Oneida County Forestry Department and which is published on the Oneida County website, classifying designated all-terrain vehicle trails as being opened for all-terrain vehicle and utility-terrain vehicle use.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
UTILITY-TERRAIN VEHICLE
Is defined in § 23.33, Wis. Stats.
(2) 
Restricted Use of All-Terrain Vehicles and Utility-Terrain Vehicles.
[Amended by Ord. No. 49-2015]
(a) 
No person shall operate a motorized vehicle other than an all-terrain vehicle or utility-terrain vehicle, as defined by Oneida County, on a designated all-terrain vehicle trail without the written permission of the Oneida County Forestry Department, except for motorized vehicles used for forest management, logging, and trail maintenance activities.
(b) 
No person shall drive an all-terrain vehicle or utility-terrain vehicle at speeds in excess of 10 mph on any portion of an approved all-terrain vehicle trail that is posted with a yellow sign indicating "slow," "steep hill," "dip," "turn," or other caution.
(c) 
The operator of an all-terrain vehicle or utility-terrain vehicle on a designated all-terrain vehicle trail must stop at all locations marked with a red sign indicating "stop."
(d) 
No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle or utility-terrain vehicle with tire chains, tracks or studded tires on a designated all-terrain vehicle trail or on land owned by Oneida County that is entered under the County Forest Law § 28.11, Wis. Stats., either as Forest Lands or as Special Use Designation Lands.
{amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
(e) 
No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle or utility-terrain vehicle on any trail that is designated by the Department as a dual winter use snowmobile/ATV/UTV trail when the temperature on the trail at a point four feet above the trail surface, measured in the shade, is 28° F. or higher.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
(f) 
No person shall deface, destroy, or remove any all-terrain vehicle trail signs posted on a designated all-terrain vehicle trail.
(g) 
No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle or utility-terrain vehicle at a rate of speed that is unreasonable or improper under the circumstances, or in any careless way so as to endanger the person or property of another.
(h) 
No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle or utility-terrain vehicle which has been mechanically or otherwise altered from the manufacturer's specifications so as to generate additional speed, traction, or noise.
(i) 
Off-road motorcycles, minibikes, go-carts, and other non-street-legal vehicles may not be operated on the County Forest road system. The County Forest road system shall be signed with ATV/UTV route signs to indicate the road is legal for ATV and UTV operation.
[Amended by Ord. No. 22-2003; Ord. No. 63-2003; Ord. No. 95-2012; 9-15-2020 by Res. No. 64-2020, effective 10-2-2020; 9-15-2020 by Res. No. 68-2020, effective 10-2-2020; 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
(j) 
All-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles are authorized for use on existing woodland trails that have not been designated as closed to motorized use by the placement of a gate, sign, earthen berm, or other similar blockade across said trail. Any attempt to circumvent a gate, sign, earthen berm, or other similar blockade with any motorized vehicle is prohibited. All-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles are prohibited from traveling off-road, off-trail, or cross-country in the County Forest and must remain on roads or woodland trails designated as open for all-terrain vehicle and utility-terrain vehicle use.
[Added by Ord. No. 53-2008; amended by Res. No. 35-2013]
Opening Date: May 22 thru December 2.
(1) 
Definitions.
CAMPGROUND
Any tract of County Forest Land designated by Oneida County and managed by the Oneida County Forestry, Land, and Outdoor Recreation Department exclusively for camping purposes. The boundaries of campgrounds shall be marked with signs stating "Campground Boundary".
CAMPING
The use of any shelter such as a tent, trailer or motor vehicle for temporary residence or sleeping purposes.
CAMPING PARTY
Any individual, family or, unorganized group, occupying a single campsite. A camping party may not exceed six individuals.
CAMPING SEASON AT DESIGNATED CAMPGROUNDS
That period from May 22 to December 2.
[Amended 6-16-2020 by Res. No. 41-2020 (Ord. No. 4-2020), effective 6-30-2020; 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
CAMPING UNIT
A single shelter used for camping by a camping party, except those used exclusively for dining purposes. A single shelter is defined as a recreational camping trailer, pop-up camping trailer, motor home, truck camper, or tent.
CAMPSITE
A portion of a campground that is designated for use by a camping unit.
DISPERSED CAMPING
The use of any shelter such as a tent, trailer or motor vehicle for temporary residence or sleeping purposes on County Forest property outside of a designated campground.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
DISPERSED CAMPING SEASON
Dispersed camping is allowed year-round by permit for not longer than 14 consecutive days.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
FIREWORKS
As defined in Wis. Stats., § 67.10, to include anything manufactured, processed, or packaged for exploding, emitting sparks, or combustion, which does not have another common use.
OCCUPANCY
A camping unit, as defined, has been set up in a usable condition for camping.
PET
A domesticated dog or cat.
(2) 
Campsite Registration.
(a) 
Campsite use shall be on a first come, first serve basis. No sites will be reserved.
(b) 
Campsites designated as being accessible for the physically disabled.
1. 
Campsites designated as being accessible for the physically disabled can be registered by a camping party if one or more members of said camping party have in their possession a valid, state issued, Identification Card indicating that the card holder is Physically Disabled.
2. 
When a campsite designated as being accessible for the physically disabled is the last unoccupied site in the campground, a camping party without a physically disabled member can register said site.
(c) 
An individual or a camping party may register only one campsite.
(d) 
The fee for an individual campsite is to be set and revised from time to time by the Forestry, Land and Recreation Committee.
[Amended 6-16-2020 by Res. No. 41-2020 (Ord. No. 4-2020), effective 6-30-2020]
(e) 
Campground Registration Form.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
1. 
Prior to setting up a camping unit a Campground Registration Form most be properly filled out in its entirety and deposited in the Campsite Registration Receptacle.
2. 
Satisfactory completion of the following items, as determined by a designated Oneida County Official, shall constitute a properly filled out Campsite Registration Form:
a. 
All information requested on the Campsite Registration Form must be provided in full, in a neat and legible manner. Any missing, falsified, or non-legible responses to the requested information on the Campsite Registration Form could result in said form being considered invalid.
b. 
The individual registering the campsite, as determined by the name of the individual listed on the Campsite Registration Form, must be 18 years of age or older and must occupy the campsite.
c. 
The appropriate campsite registration fee, in the form of either a personal check made out to the Oneida County Forestry Department or cash, must be enclosed within said Registration Form.
d. 
Upon completion of the Campsite Registration Form, said form must be deposited in the Campsite Registration Receptacle less the Campsite Registration Receipt.
(f) 
Campground Registration Receipt.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
1. 
The individual registering the campsite must detach and retain the Campsite Registration Receipt.
2. 
Each camping party must display their Campsite Registration Receipt on the campsite marking post that identifies the campsite for which they have registered.
(g) 
No refunds shall be given on camping permits, except in the case of an emergency as determined by the forest Director. Said decision can be reviewed by the Forestry, Land and Recreation Committee.
(3) 
Campground Occupancy and Use Regulations.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]
(a) 
Only one camping party may occupy a single campsite.
(b) 
Unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, all persons not having obtained the age of 18, occupying a campsite shall have in their possession a statement of consent signed by a parent or legal guardian.
(c) 
All camping parties must set up a camping unit, as defined, in a usable condition for the entire period of registered occupancy. Sleeping in cars or on the ground in the open is not permitted.
(d) 
A maximum of two camping units, with only one being a truck camper, motor home, pop-up camping trailer or recreational camping trailer, may occupy a single site.
(e) 
No more than two motor vehicles (not including ATVs and UTVs) shall be permitted at any one campsite including the camping unit if said is a motor vehicle.
[Amended by Res. No. 35-2013]
(f) 
All camping permits expire at 2:00 p.m. on the last day of the registered period. The campsite must be completely vacated by 2:00 P.M. on the last day of the registered period.
(g) 
All camping units must be set up within the graveled portion of the campsite.
(h) 
It is unlawful to park any motor vehicle, including ATVs and UTVs, at any campsite except upon the parking area therein provided.
(i) 
A maximum of one ATV or UTV is allowed for each member of a registered camping party.
(j) 
No person shall camp and no camping unit shall remain in a campground for a period in excess of 14 nights in succession. Thereafter, the camping unit must be removed from the property for at least five days before the camping party is eligible to return.
(4) 
Campground Use Regulations. The following regulations pertain to campgrounds located on Oneida County Forest land.
(a) 
General Campground Use Regulations:
1. 
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Gas powered generators may not be used during quiet hours.
2. 
Only members of registered camping parties are allowed in the campground between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
3. 
Lewd, vulgar, boisterous, unnecessarily loud behavior, disorderly conduct, littering, unauthorized selling or destructive acts and tampering with County property is strictly prohibited.
4. 
The removal of trees or wood products including, but not limited to, branches, tree tops, logging residue, firewood, pulpwood, boltwood or sawlogs from campgrounds owned by Oneida County is prohibited unless the individual or group removing said wood products holds a valid written permit to do so that has been issued by the County Forest Director.
5. 
The washing of cars, persons, pets, cooking utensils or clothing is prohibited within fifty-feet of any water pump, water fountain, or drinking water outlet within Campgrounds.
6. 
The cleaning and/or field dressing of fish and game is prohibited within Campgrounds.
7. 
No sewer or grey water waste shall be permitted to drain to the ground surface. Said waste must be disposed of at a licensed disposal facility.
8. 
Picnicking in campgrounds is prohibited except for registered camping parties and their guests.
9. 
With the exception of edible fruits, nuts, wild mushrooms and wild asparagus for personal consumption, no person may destroy, molest, deface, remove or attempt to remove any living natural vegetative growth from campgrounds.
10. 
Registered campers and their guests are required to deposit all refuse and recyclable waste material they generated while staying at an Oneida County campground in receptacles designated for said materials, prior to their final departure from the campground.
11. 
Only refuse and recyclables generated by registered campers and their guests, during the course of their stay at a campground managed by the Oneida County Forestry Department, may be deposited in the designated waste and recyclable receptacles provided in the campground.
12. 
Screws, nails, lag screws, screw steps, spikes, or other similar devices are prohibited for use in trees on Oneida County Forest land and within Oneida County Forest Campgrounds.
13. 
No person shall ride a horse, or have a horse in any County owned campground.
(b) 
Campfires and Firewood Regulations:
1. 
To reduce the risks of introducing harmful non-native invasive species, no firewood may be brought into the Oneida County Forest, including recreational areas and campgrounds, from outside Oneida County.
2. 
Registered campers staying at a designated County owned campground may collect dead and down woody material located within said campground for use as firewood during their registered stay at the campground. No limbs, branches or bark may be taken from standing trees, nor shall any standing trees be felled.
3. 
No person shall start, tend or maintain any fire except for cooking or heating and then only in designated fireplaces, fire-rings, or grills in any County owned campground.
4. 
The removal of trees or wood products including, but not limited to, branches, tree tops, logging residue, firewood, pulpwood, boltwood or sawlogs from County owned campgrounds is prohibited unless the individual or group removing said wood products holds a valid written permit to do so that has been issued by the County Forest Director.
5. 
No person shall leave any fire unattended at designated fireplaces, fire-rings, or grills or throw away any matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipe ashes or any embers without extinguishing them, and then only in the proper receptacle.
6. 
During periods of elevated fire danger, further fire restrictions may be imposed. In the event further fire restrictions are imposed, a notice will be posted at the campground registration station.
(c) 
Campground Pet Regulations:
1. 
The number of pets, as defined, that a registered camping party may bring into a campground is limited to a maximum of 2.
2. 
Pets must be kept on a leash not exceeding eight feet in length.
3. 
Excessive noise created by pets will be considered a nuisance and the owner of said pets may be subject to expulsion from the campground without refund and may be given citation.
4. 
It is unlawful for any person to allow their pet to run, roam, or walk at large at any time.
5. 
Pets must be attended by and be under the control of a member of the registered camping party to which the pet belongs at all times.
6. 
While within an Oneida County Forest Campground, all pet fecal droppings must be cleaned up immediately by a member of the registered camping party to whom the pet belongs, and disposed of in the trash receptacle.
7. 
Pets are prohibited from entering any building except working dogs such as seeing-eye dogs.
8. 
Pets are prohibited from being on the concrete pads surrounding water pumps.
(d) 
Firearm, Fireworks, And Pyrotechnic Device Regulations
1. 
No person shall fire, discharge, explode, or set off fireworks, pyrotechnic device, or any other explosive material within campgrounds.
2. 
Within campgrounds located on Oneida County Forest land, it is unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession or under his or her control any firearm or air gun as defined in § 939.22(2), Wis. Stats., unless it is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case, or any bow, crossbow or slingshot, unless it is unstrung and/or enclosed in a carrying case.
(e) 
Hunting and Trapping Regulations:
1. 
It is unlawful for any person to take, catch, kill, hunt, trap, pursue, or otherwise capture any wild animals or birds within the boundary of any campground.
2. 
It is unlawful to feed or bait any wild animals within the boundary of a campground.
(f) 
Vehicle Operation, Parking, and Road Use Regulations within County Forest Campgrounds are as follows:
1. 
It is unlawful for any person to park, stop, or leave standing whether attended or unattended, any vehicle in a manner which is blocking, obstructing or limiting the use of any campground road, trail, sidewalk, formally designated parking area, or contrary to posted notice.
2. 
No person shall operate any vehicle at a speed in excess of 10 miles per hour or contrary to official traffic signs within any campground.
3. 
No person shall operate any motor vehicle in a reckless or dangerous manner or contrary to any federal or state law or any County ordinance.
4. 
ATV and UTV use is restricted to parking areas, graveled portions of camp sites, the designated, signed ATV/UTV trail and the graveled campground road except where signed closed to ATVs and UTVs.
5. 
No vehicles may be parked within the campground except those owned, leased or rented by members of registered camping parties between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(5) 
Dispersed camping regulations. The following regulations pertain to remote camping on Oneida County Forest property:
[Added 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021[1]]
(a) 
A permit issued by the Department is required to camp outside of designated campgrounds. This permit is available from the Forestry Office. The fee for such permit shall be determined by the Committee.
(b) 
Permit is valid for a maximum of 14 consecutive days as shown on the permit.
(c) 
The permit must be obtained prior to setting up a camping unit and must be displayed on the camping unit in such a manner that it is visible and readable from outside the camping unit.
(d) 
Camping shelter must be occupied daily and may not be vacated overnight or stored at the site.
(e) 
Each camping unit must obtain a permit and no more than three camping units are allowed in one group.
(f) 
Permits are available only for those persons who are 18 years old or older.
(g) 
Camping unit must be set up outside the right-of-way of any public road. Camping units or vehicles may not block travel on any road or trail.
(h) 
No camping within 1/4 mile of any designated Oneida County Forest Campground. No camping within any designated park, recreation areas or at boat landings.
(i) 
No camping within 50 feet of any waterbody, ATV/UTV, snowmobile, ski, bike, snowshoe or hiking trail while such trail is open for its intended use.
(j) 
No camping allowed within the boundaries of an active timber sale.
(k) 
Damage to vegetation or landforms is prohibited except to build an adequate fire ring. Driving of screws, nails, bolts or the like into trees is prohibited.
(l) 
Campfires are allowed but must follow all applicable County, town or state regulations. A three-foot-wide bare mineral soil break around the fire is required when ground is not snow-covered.
(m) 
Only dead down trees may be collected for firewood. No standing trees or brush, alive or dead, may be cut. No firewood may be brought onto the County Forest from outside Oneida County. No firewood may be removed from County Forest property without first obtaining a firewood permit.
(n) 
Fires must be completely out and cold to the touch when not attended. Permittee will be held responsible for any fire started by them that becomes uncontrollable or causes any damage. Fires may be prohibited during elevated fire danger. Contact the Forestry Department or Wisconsin DNR for current fire danger.
(o) 
The use of fireworks is prohibited on County Forest land.
(p) 
Campsite must be clear of all debris/litter upon vacating the site. All material brought in must be carried out and properly disposed of.
(q) 
All human waste must be buried a minimum of six inches to eight inches deep and a minimum of 50 feet from any road or trail and 200 feet from any water body. Please pack out all toilet paper and feminine hygiene products.
(r) 
Any camping unit that has a septic holding tank must empty septic at an approved dumping facility. No holding tank contents may be dumped on the ground or in any water body.
(s) 
Campsite must be returned to as near a natural condition as possible upon vacating site.
This permit may be revoked by verbal or written notice for any violation of the terms of the permit or any County, state or federal law or regulation. No refund will be given.
[1]
Editor's Note: This resolution also redesignated former Subsection (5) as Subsection (6).
(6) 
Evictions. Any person or persons may be evicted from the campground or from a dispersed campsite for violation of any State Law, Federal Law, Oneida County Ordinance or Campground Regulation. The period of time for which a person may be expelled is 48 hours, or for the period of their camping permit, whichever is longer. No evicted person may return to the property before the eviction period has elapsed. Persons evicted are not eligible for refund of any unused camping fees.
[Amended 5-18-2021 by Res. No. 57-2021, effective 6-4-2021]