From staff reports
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced Friday the department has canceled all in-person events and programs organized by its staff and volunteers in all state parks and forests, beginning Sunday.
“Safety of all our state park and forest visitors always has been paramount with DCNR and we are taking this temporary but necessary action in response to the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases across the state,” Dunn said. “Throughout the pandemic we have kept our lands open to all so they enjoy outdoor recreation and the positive physical and mental health it provides. That will not change but we must limit social interaction at this time,” Dunn added.
This action also includes a move away from DCNR’s normally organized group First Day Hikes that were planned for New Year’s Day 2021. Instead, many alternatives for individual hiking that day in state parks and forests will be made available later by DCNR.
State parks and forests will remain open for use by the public. DCNR staff will take additional steps to offer self-guided programming only or virtual events.