EAU CLAIRE COUNTY (WQOW) – The Eau Claire County Parks and Forest Committee is rethinking its dispersed camping program, following recent issues with damage and littering.
A ban on dispersed camping in the Eau Claire County Forest, initially set until October 15, was lifted after a committee vote on Monday afternoon. This decision followed reports of problematic behavior by some campers. Josh Pederson, Director of Parks and Forest for the county, noted that more than half of the dispersed camping groups this summer caused damage, trespassed, or left excessive litter. The committee met to explore possible policy changes aimed at preventing similar problems in the future.
For local resident Dylan Goss, a long-time user of the Eau Claire County Forest, the temporary ban disrupted his family’s annual tradition. He expressed frustration that law-abiding campers were being penalized.
“Even though the ban is temporary, it’s frustrating. Bow season starts this Sunday, and now we can’t camp like we usually do,” Goss shared before the meeting.
During the meeting, several people spoke out against the ban during public comment. There was also criticism of an earlier decision to raise the camping fee from $10 for 14 nights to $12 per night.
After hearing from the public, committee members decided to delay any immediate changes to the rules. Some members hope to revert to the previous policy, which only allowed camping during the fall and spring hunting seasons.
The Eau Claire County Parks and Forest Committee plans to meet again in October to continue discussions.