Paddlers,
Thank you for your enthusiasm and patience as we navigate this unusual summer. We have received several requests from passholders wishing to launch canoes and kayaks from Upham Woods in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, we are unable to grant access to the camp for any program participants at this time.
Under the guidance of University of Wisconsin-Madison leadership in response to to the spread of COVID-19, Upham Woods has canceled our residential camp programs through August 2020. Day programs, including Paddle Pass, Conservation Challenge Days, and other community events, are also canceled until further notice. The majority of our program and administrative staff are still telecommuting, and access to the site is limited to essential employees, resident staff, and construction tradespeople.
We were anticipating a banner year for Paddle Pass in 2020, and we still might open for paddler access later this summer. We are continuously evaluating the situation with regards to COVID-19, UW-Madison Division of Extension policy, and our own staff availability. We are also extending the expiration for all current paddle pass holders to 2021.
Some public launch sites upriver and downriver from Upham Woods are open, but Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area remains closed (as of 5/26). Please check with the applicable managing agency to ensure any launch you intend to use is open.
We are still looking forward to seeing you on the water here in the Upper Dells. We will provide an update for passholders when more information is available. Until then, we hope you get out and enjoy some other local paddling destinations. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding your Paddle Pass.
John Celley, Facility & Operations Director
Jennifer Loveland, Office Operations
