Wisconsin Gov Tony Evers closes 40 state parks, recreation areas due to COVID-19

geez!! There is no need to crowd together like I see in this pic at a huge state Park!

I do not blame Evers for closing down the parks when I see pics like those. His job is to keep folks safe and that is what he is trying desperately to do. [but as you can see, a Repug Rep is whining and complaining]




Tony Evers closes 40 state parks, recreation areas due to COVID-19

https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/tony-evers-closes-40-state-parks-recreation-areas-due-to-covid-19/article_e9d695a8-e01a-57a2-ac29-1fb933835cc9.html


Wisconsin State Journal 2 hrs ago


Visitors to Governor Dodge State Park near Dodgeville gather at the entrance to a hiking trail at the park Thursday. Gov. Tony Evers has closed 40 state parks, forests and recreational areas to address public health concerns during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.


Gov. Tony Evers has closed 40 state parks, forests and recreational areas to address public health concerns during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, further limiting outdoor options in the state.
Devil's Lake State Park



On Thursday, Evers directed the Department of Natural Resources to close the parks due to “unprecedented crowds, litter, vandalism and out of an abundance of caution to protect public health and safety and help flatten the curve,” according to a statement. Closures are indefinite and began at the end of the day Thursday.

Evers had originally left such parks open to allow residents places for outdoor recreation, as many other options are limited due to his order to close down essential businesses and ban mass gatherings.
Devil's Lake State Park crowds
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“Unfortunately, growing difficulty with ensuring social distancing compliance, dwindling cleaning supplies and mounting trash are some of the challenges faced by our state parks staff,” Evers said in the statement. “We have to address the growing public health and safety concern and protect Wisconsinites.”




However, Rep. Scott Allen, R-Waukesha, criticized Evers’ latest order, which he described as an attempt to create “a nanny state.”

“We have done a good job of social distancing for the last couple of weeks,” Allen said in a Thursday statement. “We are seeing evidence that would suggest that the curve is being flattened. The last thing we need to do now is punish people by not allowing them to enjoy the great outdoors.”.....................




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Social distancing was a challenge last weekend at Devil's Lake State Park. The crowds have led Gov. Tony Evers to close 40 state parks, forests and recreational areas.
DERRICK A. MAYOLET, SKILLET CREEK MEDIA





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Crowds were robust last weekend at Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo. The state's busiest state park, along with several other state parks and several natural areas near well-populated communities were ordered by Gov. Tony Evers closed beginning Friday.
DERRICK A. MAYOLET, SKILLET CREEK MEDIA