Policies and Guidelines

Teaching and Research Policy

The Preserve Committee welcomes teaching and research projects in the Preserve. Visit the Teaching and Research page to learn how to submit a teaching and research permit application.

Teaching and Research Policy

Geocache Placement Policy

Geocache placement is governed by policy and requires a permit.

Geocache Placement Policy

Organized Run/Walk Guidelines

The Howard Temin Path may be used for running and walking events–however all events must be permitted and adhere to our guidelines. Visit the Organized Runs and Walks page to learn how to apply for a permit.

Organized Run/Walk Guidelines

Invasive Plant Control Guidance and Handbook

The Preserve Committee approved a general guidance document on invasive plant control and a separate control handbook which documents the processes and procedures utilized by staff and contractors engaged in invasive plant control in the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. The handbook is meant to be a fluid document that will be updated and informed by continuing research, education and applied field experience.

Indian Burial Sites Management Policy

The UW Campus Planning Committee passed a general policy to guide management of the university’s ancient Indian burial sites. Burial mounds/earthworks are located on the main campus as well as within the Preserve and Arboretum. The policy was crafted with input from the Lakeshore Preserve Committee, the Arboretum Committee, and members of the Native American, ecological, archaeological and regulatory communities.

UW-Madison Indian Burial Sites Management Policy (Approved 5-26-11)

UW-Madison Archaeological Sites: Land Management Guidelines

The burial sites policy provides broad goals for managing mound sites. The land management guidelines provide general direction for implementing the policy.

UW-Madison Archaeological Sites: Land Management Guidelines

Bicycle Policy

Biking is allowed on designated paths only–the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path from the Limnology Building on the east to Oxford Drive on the west in Shorewood Hills, and on the paved path that passes through the woods from the Temin Lakeshore Path to the intersection of Lake Mendota Drive and Eagle Heights Drive.

Bicycle Policy (Approved 5-26-11)

Policy on the Prohibition of Slacklines, Hammocks, and other Recreational Devices

In accordance with the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve’s mission statement, and in order to maintain the health and vitality of the trees and vegetation in the Preserve while minimizing personal safety risks for all users, the Preserve prohibits the use and attachment of weight bearing ropes, slings, belts, bands, and assorted other attachments to trees and/or posts within the Lakeshore Nature Preserve for recreation or leisure purposes. This specifically includes slacklines, hammocks and rope swings.

Slackline, Hammock, and Rope Swing Policy (Approved 5-12-16)

Photography Guidelines

The Lakeshore Nature Preserve is a popular location for photographers. Photography for personal noncommercial use is allowed. Photographers taking posed or formal pictures are also allowed as long as they follow all photography guidelines and visitor etiquette.

Photography Guidelines