MAZOMANIE – In a renewed effort to curb illicit sex in public, drug use and cruising on Mazomanie Beach, the Department of Natural Resources announced last week that it is closing the entire property including the beach, islands immediately off the beach, and wooded areas to all public access either from the water or land Monday through Friday from today through September 15. In subsequent years the closure will be in effect March 1 through Sept. 15.

The beach will be open for public recreation Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the year. New signage is being prepared and will be installed as quickly as possible, according to property managers.

“The goal of this closure is to make Mazomanie Beach a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone who visits or floats past the area,” said DNR Conservation Warden Nate Kroeplin. “It is clear from our records that the majority of illicit activity is taking place on weekdays. Along with the closure we will add extra law enforcement presence.”

This closure expands upon an existing closure of wooded areas of the property that left the beach area open and is the latest in a series of access policies the department has implemented over several seasons in an attempt to curb sexual activity, drug use, cruising for sex and complaints.

The beach along the Lower Wisconsin River located in the northwest corner of Dane County in the Town of Mazomanie has attracted people to its open and expansive shoreline for decades. Property along the river was acquired in parcels by the State of Wisconsin since the 1950s to provide a full range of nature based activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing and wildlife habitat.

National websites have portrayed Mazomanie Beach as a destination spot for naturist activity. Some individuals from states as far away as Florida have traveled to the beach for this and to look for a sexual encounter. Illegal drug use has also been documented.