U.S. Forest Service - Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

10/30/2026

Help shape the visitor experience at one of Wisconsin’s most treasured forest recreation sites!

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest seeks concession operator at Mondeaux Dam Lodge

The Forest Service is inviting applications for a concession restaurant and commercial recreation rental service at the historic Mondeaux Dam Lodge, a beloved recreation destination located deep within Taylor County near Medford, Wisconsin. Nestled along the shoreline of the 411-acre Mondeaux Flowage, the lodge typically operates from mid-May through early September and serves as the centerpiece of the Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area.

Applicants selected for the concession permit will play a vital role in welcoming visitors, maintaining cherished recreation sites, and continuing a decades‑long tradition of public service. The permit includes several major components:

✓ Concession restaurant service at Mondeaux Dam Lodge
✓ Operations and maintenance of Mondeaux Day Use Area, including a swimming beach and picnic grounds
✓ Commercial Recreation Rental Services, such as boat rentals

An open house at the lodge is scheduled for November 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. Prospective applicants are encouraged to tour the recreation area, explore the lodge, and meet with Forest Service staff who will be available to answer questions and provide additional information.

Applications are now being accepted and must be received by close of business on December 11, 2026. Application requirements are posted on https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/c5fd0a3e86104e878d60a19a66150542/view . For details about becoming a concession operator, contact recreation manager Karen Katz at (715)362-1381 or [email protected].

The Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area has been a cornerstone of outdoor enjoyment since the late 1930s, when the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the dam to create a scenic flowage and encourage public recreation on the Chequamegon‑Nicolet National Forest. Today, visitors come for fishing, hiking, camping, paddling, winter sports, nature viewing and special events. The lodge remains the hub of activity—offering lakeside views, direct access to trails, and a welcoming atmosphere that has made it a favorite stop for generations.

Learn more about the recreation area or Chequamegon‑Nicolet National Forest on our website. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chequamegon-nicolet/recreation/mondeaux-dam-lodge

10/30/2026

Collect the badge. Experience the fall colors.

Explore the National Forests and Grasslands Passport — a free digital stamp experience where you can check in at all 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands, share your adventures, and collect virtual badges along the way.

Start your journey by downloading the free OuterSpatial app: http://www.nationalforests.org/passport

10/29/2026

10/27/2026

Updated winter hours for the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center

Starting next week, we will be returning to our winter operating hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thank you to our seasonal employees who helped staff our Visitor Services Front Desk this summer and facilitated educational programs and school field trips.

We are excited to remain open Tuesday through Saturday this winter and will continue offering visitor services, educational programs, and community events!

10/23/2026

Fire danger is HIGH in many counties across Wisconsin today and most of northern Wisconsin is still in a severe to exceptional drought status. Stay alert with changing weather conditions and if you have a campfire, make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. If you see or smell smoke, call 911.

Find more information about current drought status here: https://www.drought.gov/states/wisconsin

Find more information on fire danger here:
https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn/ #/

10/19/2026

Wildfire prevention starts with each of us. Even as we move into fall and temperatures begin to cool across the state, wildfire risk remains. Follow local fire restrictions and never leave a campfire unattended. Recreate responsibly by making sure fires are completely extinguished before leaving. Your actions help protect our forest, firefighters, and communities.

10/16/2026

The DNR reminds trappers to prepare for the opening of many furbearer trapping seasons across the state. The first seasons open on Oct. 17, 2026.

Additional seasons for other species and zones will continue to open throughout the fall. Trappers are encouraged to double-check season dates, online trapping regulations and ensure they have all required licenses before heading out.

During these periods, other outdoor recreators should be aware that traps may be present on public lands. Check with the state properties you visit for any special trapping limitations/requirements that may be in place. State parks, for example, have limits which traps are allowed and where they can be placed.

All first-time trappers must complete an approved trapper education course unless trapping under the youth supervised option, mentored trapping program or other exemptions. These courses, taught by experienced trappers, cover basic trapping skills, regulations, safety and trapper ethics.

Trapping seasons in a particular zone may close before the listed closing date if the harvest quota for a specific species is reached.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, visit the DNR’s Trapping webpage: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Trap

10/12/2026

All Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offices, excluding the David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, for the federal holiday. All offices will return to their usual posted hours on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest office locations, hours, and contact information can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chequamegon-nicolet/offices.

Information about obtaining passes and permits online can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chequamegon-nicolet/passes.

10/09/2026

There are less than two weeks left before Wisconsin’s 2026 Youth Deer Hunt. Who’s excited?

The youth hunt is a great opportunity for new hunters (age 15 and younger) to learn hunting techniques, bond with family and friends and develop a connection to nature. This year’s youth hunt will be held Oct. 10-11. This timing provides youth hunters a chance to learn before deer are pressured by the traditional 9-day gun season. Both Wisconsin residents and nonresidents may participate in the youth hunt.

Reminder: The youth hunt is an open fi***rm season, so all hunters (except waterfowl hunters) are required to wear blaze orange during the youth hunt, even if you aren’t using a fi***rm or are hunting other species.

If you are a hunter, consider mentoring a youth in your life and share the experience and tradition of deer hunting. Learn more about mentoring and the youth hunt itself on the DNR Youth Hunt webpage: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/youth

10/07/2026

Prescribed burning is planned today on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Burning operations will take place on the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District near Forest Road 2152 and the Brule River along the Wisconsin/Michigan border.

You may see smoke and fire personnel in the area throughout the day. Watch for warning signs along roads and when driving, slow down and turn on your headlights if you encounter smoke on the road.

Find more information on prescribed burning on our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chequamegon-nicolet/fire/prescribed-burning-planned-fall-2026