Science & Outdoors
Schmeeckle Reserve cracks the whip on regulations
The Pointer
nmeye177@uwsp.edu
Schmeeckle Reserve at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point was created in 1977 to protect and restore native ecological communities, serve as an outdoor classroom for students and teachers and provide recreational opportunities to all visitors, according to the reserve’s Web site. It was not created to have a late night drink with your friends under the moonlight or to test out the durability of your heavy duty ATV. Schmeeckle Reserve has provided students with a natural escape for over 40 years, and in order to preserve this beacon of conservation in our community, the rules of Schmeekle should be followed.
Schmeeckle Reserve, which makes up two-thirds of the UW-SP campus and covers 275 acres is visited by nearly 94 percent of the student population during their time in Stevens Point, according to a survey in 2006. Of the nearly 1,000 students who responded to the survey, 699 felt that Schmeeckle Reserve is a valuable part of their experience in Stevens Point. The rules and regulations of the reserve are to ensure this valuable experience for years to come. There are things to remember when heading to Schmeeckle.
The reserve is closed from sunset to sunrise. This ensures the safety of visitors and provides a resting period without human disturbance for wildlife. So if you’re thinking of taking your prospective significant other out for a moonlight stroll for a chance at some extreme hand-holding while you confess your love via a rendition of your favorite Rick Astley song, you may want to re-think your walk around Lake Joanis.
The next regulation should be a common sense act that all inhabitants of the world practice, but somehow the concept still escapes people. Take whatever trash you bring in with you when you leave. There is no garbage receptacle located in the natural area. Not leaving behind your empty Starbucks cup from your morning walk goes without saying.
When taking in the majesty of the reserve’s white pine trees, leave your canine companion at home. Pets disrupt wildlife behavior and movements in the reserve, which can negatively impact University research studies. All Stevens Point City parks and Portage County parks in the area allow pets on leashes.
For the safety ofall who visit alcohol of any kind is not allowed in the reserve. The late night beersand bonfire event you’ve been planning for weeks will have to be held elsewhere; bonfires are also against the rules.
See a morel you just can’t resist and feel the need to take home? Leave it behind. It’s against regulations to collect any natural materials, including plants, flowers, insects or mushrooms. Collecting is permitted for research when the proper education and research form has been completed.
When coming to participate in some recreational activities, go ahead and leave your swimsuit at home. Leave behind your ATV and forget about your bike racing ambitions. Swimming is not permitted in Lake Joanis as it disturbs waterfowl that call the lake home. Motorized vehicles, such as ATVs, mo-peds, motorboats and snowmobiles, disturb wildlife and trail users.
Bicycling at excessive speeds is also not allowed. Most of the reserve’s trails are surfaced with woodchips designed for quiet leisurely walking. Bikes should be ridden slowly and walked over boardwalks.
Last, but certainly not least, keep your guns, arrows and everything else to do with hunting at home. Hunting is obviously unsafe in the reserve and is illegal within the limits of Stevens Point.
Over the years, Schmeeckle Reserve has served students at UW,SP providing a place of leisure and natural tranquility, an escape from the cement structures and the buzz of the city. As much as the reserve has served students, students have served the reserve as well.
Currently, $4 of your $164 student activity fee helps to fund the reserve annually. Don’t let all that hard work and money go to waste; get out there and enjoy this gift we’ve been given. Remember to follow the rules and regulations and Schmeekle Reserve will continue to be a valuable place we all enjoy.
