Sparse use of Nicolet Trail Campground is motivating Gillett officials to pursue tent camping at the campground that opened a year ago for self-contained campers.
As of Aug. 8, four campsites have been used this summer, and four more sites are reserved for later this year.
Nanette Mohr, of the Gillett Community Development Authority, said the CDA on Aug. 26 will discuss the potential for tenting. Before tents are allowed, the state will need to grant a variance, and two sets of portable toilets, one for men and another for women, would be installed. The campground has one portable toilet now.
Mohr was hopeful the campground could accept tent reservations beginning in the spring. She said some people, such as those attending a bluegrass festival this summer in Gillett, have been turned away because they wanted to camp in tents, not campers.
The 20-site Nicolet Trail Campground was developed in 2013 by the CDA on Washington Street, across the street from Zippel Park and at the start of the Nicolet State Trail. The CDA developed the campground to cater to ATV enthusiasts and others who use the Nicolet State Trail.
Mohr said a site investigation plan for environmental cleanup at the campground has been forwarded to the Department of Natural Resources for approval. The cleanup was required after underground storage tanks were discovered last summer when the campground was being developed.
The city purchased the property in spring 2012 from Westerfield Oil.
METCO, a La Crosse engineering firm, is overseeing the environmental work. The firm is seeking $21,852 in state funding for the cleanup process, which is scheduled to start in 60 to 90 days and take over a year to complete.
The city will be responsible for a $2,500 deductible, which will be placed as a lien on the property.
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