ELLSWORTH – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Ellsworth Public Library announced a library program to make state park and forest vehicle admission day passes available to library cardholders at Ellsworth Public Library.

Starting after May 1, library cardholders at over 200 libraries across Wisconsin can check out a pass for free admission for one vehicle at any state park, forest, or recreation area where admission is required. The program ends Dec. 31, 2023.

“The DNR is continually looking for innovative opportunities to bring more people to state parks and forests, and to ensure everyone in Wisconsin has access to our incredible natural resources,” said Steve Schmelzer, Director of the DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation. “By partnering with Wisconsin’s library system, we can reach households who may not be as familiar with the wide array of opportunities Wisconsin’s state parks and forests have to offer.”

The program, Check Out Wisconsin’s State Parks At Your Library, is a collaborative effort between the DNR, Wisconsin Library Association’s Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund from the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.  

“The mission of our library includes providing resources which fulfill the recreational needs of the community, so adding access to our state park system is a natural fit. We are excited to participate, and we hope to see this program well-used in our community. Anyone with questions about the program should stop by the library,” said Library Director Tiffany Meyer.

Along with the day pass, the cardholder will receive informational resources including state park system materials, a Wisconsin Explorer Activity Sheet, stickers, accessibility information and more. The goal of the program is to expand access to the Wisconsin state park system to new park visitors. Ellsworth Public Library received 30 passes, each with a one-time use.

The DNR plans to continue the program in 2024, based on participant feedback and funding. Each pass includes a welcome letter with a survey link so the DNR can gather information about who used the passes and how they enjoyed their park experience. Participants who complete the survey after using the pass will be eligible to win one of ten 2024 annual state park and forest vehicle admission stickers paid for by the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

Learn more about Ellsworth Public Library and how to get a library card here. For more information about the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program, read more here.

Submitted by Ellsworth Public Library