Kemp Natural Resources Station Policy Statement

Mission

Kemp Natural Resources Station is a University of Wisconsin-Madison facility managed by the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences and dedicated to programs of research, instruction, and outreach concerning the management, conservation, and the sustainable use of northern Wisconsin’s natural resources.

Goals

Conduct research on the ecology, management, conservation, and sustainable use of northern Wisconsin’s natural resources. Transfer information on natural resources management, conservation, and sustainable use to students of all ages. Enhance public awareness of current natural resources issues.

I. Uses of Kemp Natural Resources Station

The University of Wisconsin has implemented a Closed Campus policy for all remote field stations, including Kemp Natural Resources Station. This means that users must have written permission to be on Kemp Station properties.

Eligible users of Kemp Natural Resources Station include:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty, staff, and students,
• Representatives of research or educational institutions, and
• Resource managers from public and private agencies

who are conducting official business that relates to the spirit and mission of Kemp Station. Reservation priority will be given to students, faculty, and staff in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, other UW-Madison units, and other UW System units.

Specific uses include:

Research and Demonstration
Researchers wishing to use Kemp Station for scientific purposes must complete a Project Information Request Form. Be certain to select KEMP for the Project Location.

Undergraduate and Graduate Instruction
Kemp Station is used extensively during the spring and fall for undergraduate and graduate instruction. Only official university or college courses listed in the timetable are considered Instructional use.

Outreach
Kemp Station is available to persons or groups conducting public education workshops or classes that are consistent with the mission of the Station.

Conference & Meeting
Kemp Station is available to persons and groups conducting conferences that are consistent with the mission of the Station. Such use, however, receives a lower priority than research, instructional, and outreach activities. Consequently, conference and meeting uses are accommodated as space allows.

Competing or conflicting requests are addressed on a case-by-case basis by the Station superintendent and the parties involved. In the event that a compromise cannot be negotiated, the matter is referred to the CALS Agricultural Research Stations Committee for resolution. This committee has ultimate authority on resource/facility allocation.

Questions about the use of Kemp Station should be directed to:

Karla Ortman, 715-358-5667
OR
Scott Bowe, 715-892-0391

II. Lodging

Kemp Station provides short-term, temporary lodging not to exceed 5 months in a calendar year. Kemp Station does not provide users with permanent housing. Stays greater than 150 days require written approval from the Station Superintendent. Appendix A contains an overview of guest responsibilities.

 

III. Reservations

Station lodging capacity is 66 persons; 30 in the Lodge, 6 in the Cabin, and 30 in the Mead Residence Hall. The Lodge, Cabin, and Kitchen & Dining Hall facilities are generally available from April 15 to November 1 each year. Connor Forestry Center, Mead Residence Hall, Laboratory and Office facilities are available year-round.

Reservation requests for the next calendar year are accepted after October 1. Requests received by October 31 will be booked beginning November 1 and confirmed by November 15. Requests received after October 31 will be booked as space allows, on a first come, first served basis. Research, instructional, and outreach uses receive priority over conference/meeting use.

Reservation requests can be made online at www.kemp.wisc.edu.

Space is assigned based on use, group size and space availability. The Mead Residence Hall is used primarily by researchers with housing needs greater than 30 days from May through August.

Groups using the Lodge are assigned to specific rooms. Each group is expected to utilize only the rooms reserved for them unless a) they are the only group using the Lodge, or b) arrangements are made and accepted by the other party sharing the Lodge. Common facilities such as the Lodge living room, bath and shower areas, and Kitchen & Dining Hall are available to all Lodge users.

IV. Fee Schedule for Lodging (Effective January 1, 2024)

Fees are assessed according to the type of use:

UW-Madison, Research, Instruction or Outreach: $21.00 per person per night

UW System, Research, Instruction or Outreach: $23.00 per person per night

Non-UW System, Research, Instruction or Outreach: $25.00 per person per night

Conference or Meeting: $50.00 per person per night

The Cabin is subject to a minimum fee equivalent to that of three person nights.

Groups or individuals who request exclusive use of Kemp facilities will be required to pay for the entire lodging space requested, not just the beds used.

Please inform Karla Ortman or Scott Bowe of all family members and friends staying on-site. These users are subject to the same fee structures and rules as bona fide Station users. Lodging fees apply to all individuals aged 3 or older.

 

Extended Stay Lodging Discount

The Station offers 25% lodging discount for UW System research, instruction, or outreach associated with a particular research project or educational event for which there are 28 calendar nights* of lodging in 3 consecutive months. Once qualifying for the discount, it applies to all use associated with same project or event for the entire calendar year, including nights stayed prior to qualification (discount will be calculated for paid invoices and applied to future invoice/s). *Calendar nights are just that and should not be confused with person-nights.

 

Classroom Fees

Groups using only a Kemp classroom, without any overnight lodging will be charged as follows:

Partial day use (up to 4 hours): $2/person, $25 minimum

Full day use: $4/person, $40 minimum

The classroom fee will be waived if at least 10% of the group pays for overnight lodging.

V. Lodging Deposit, Cancellations, & Changes to Reservations

If requested, a deposit equal to one-half of the anticipated lodging bill is required. This deposit is due 31 days prior to your arrival and will be applied toward the final bill.

Please notify Karla Ortman (715-358-5667) of any changes in dates or group size. This notification helps Station staff plan cleaning and maintenance and may free space for other users.

Cancellations or adjustment to your arrival or departure dates are sometimes unavoidable and will be accommodated without penalty if notification is received prior to the scheduled arrival. Failure to give 10 days’ notice of your cancellation or changes may result in a charge equal to 100% of your anticipated lodging bill.

We are sensitive to the difficulty in predicting attendance months in advance of an event; however, groups which arrive with less than 50% of the reserved numbers will be subject to a similar 50% penalty on the difference between actual and reserved attendance if notification is not received at least 10 days prior to your group’s arrival.

VI. Payment Information

You will receive an invoice by email from the UW-Madison billing system following your stay. Payment can be made by credit or debit card at the URL provided on the invoice; or a check can be mailed to the remittance address indicated on the invoice. Checks should NOT be mailed to Kemp Station. Payments are due within 30 days.

Non-UW Madison users with stays beyond 30 days will be billed monthly.

 

VII. Firearms and Weapons

As a UW-Madison facility, Kemp Station adheres to the University’s provisions as they apply to Wisconsin’s concealed carry law:

Signs have been posted on all building entrances informing individuals that firearms and weapons continue to be prohibited in station buildings.

No employee shall carry a firearm or other weapon at any time while in the course and scope of employment unless it is necessary as determined or approved by the chancellor or the chief of the UW Police Department.

The law allows the university to ban concealed weapons at outdoor events.

The university will continue to ban the open carry of firearms and other weapons at all times and in all places on station property.

If you see a person who is not a police officer in uniform carrying a weapon in a Kemp Station building, notify Kemp Superintendent, Scott Bowe. Do not assume a person has a license. Think “safety first” and if you err, please err on the side of caution.

 

VIII. Trespass Policy

The University of Wisconsin has implemented a Closed Campus policy for all remote field stations, including Kemp Natural Resources Station. This means that you must have written permission to be on Kemp Station or other UW field station properties. Kemp Station property begins at the intersection of State Highway 47 and Kemp Road, continues down blacktop areas of Kemp Road, and continues throughout the gravel roads and wooded areas of the station proper.

Trespassers will be reported to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department for immediate removal as necessary. Any property or vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense.

UWS 18.07(3) Wisconsin Administrative Code

IX. Admission Policy

At any time, Kemp Station staff reserve the right to refuse service to anyone and may revoke permission to be onsite. As a condition of being on Kemp Station grounds or using its facilities, users acknowledge that Kemp Station and its staff can refuse service or revoke access at their discretion.

X. Station Security and Security Cameras Policy

Security cameras may be employed on station grounds and common spaces within Kemp Station buildings.

XI. Signage Policy

Kemp Natural Resources Station was originally designed and built to resemble the Northern Wisconsin logging camps of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Its current furnishings, artwork, and signage reflect this early design goal by the Minnie and Frances Kemp family. Kemp Natural Resources Station policy does not allow the posting of artwork or signage (pictures, posters, refrigerator magnets, etc.) in the building common areas. If such artwork or signage is found, it will be removed.

Appendix A: Guest Responsibilities

Check-in and Departure

There is no formal check-in process for users with reservations. Users of Kemp Natural Resources Station are asked to check in with Station staff upon arrival if staff is in the Office. This will inform Station staff of one’s safe arrival and provide the opportunity for orientation to Station facilities, as needed. Users are expected to leave all facilities in the same condition as they found them.

Alcohol Beverages

Wisconsin Administrative Code prohibits possession of open containers of alcohol beverages and consumption of any alcohol beverage on University properties unless specifically permitted. Individuals and groups of legal drinking age who wish to have alcohol beverages on Kemp Station property must submit a signed Alcohol Beverage Policy and User Agreement.

Smoking & Open Flames

Kemp Station is a smoke-free campus. Use of tobacco, smoking, and vaping (e-cigarettes) is prohibited on Kemp Natural Resources Station property which includes all indoor and outdoor spaces and University owned vehicles. An exception to this policy may be requested of the Station Superintendent in the case of a cultural or religious ceremony or event held at Kemp Station. Open flames, such as from the burning of candles and incense, are not permitted in Station buildings.

Speed Limits

Speed limits are 15 miles per hour on all Station roads. The Station is home to an abundant variety of wildlife, including many deer, making speeding hazardous. Also, our neighbors are sensitive to traffic activity. Please SLOW down and enjoy the scenery. Park vehicles only in designated parking areas.

What to Bring

Blankets, pillows and bed linens are available for users without sleeping bags. Users must provide their own towels, washcloths, and soap. Food service, if required, is the responsibility of the requesting person or group.

Telephone

Buildings are not equipped with telephones. In case of emergency, call 911. Non-emergency requests can be directed to Scott Bowe, (715) 892-0391, or the Main Office, (715) 358-5667.

Recycling

Users of the Kemp Natural Resources Station are expected to separate recyclable items from their trash. Collection bins are located in all buildings.

Housekeeping

Users of the Kemp Natural Resources Station are responsible for their own housekeeping. Visitors must keep clean all areas they are using. Those using Station linens should place their used bedding in the appropriate laundry collection site for their building. Users who do not leave spaces as they found them may be charged an additional cleaning fee.

Children

Kemp Station welcomes the children of visiting researchers, instructors, and conference participants. Agricultural Research Station policy states that: “children should not be put in a situation where their or other’s safety becomes an issue; that they shall not be disruptive to general station activities; and that parental supervision should be maintained while on the station. It is within the authority of station management to see that these guidelines are being followed.” Users traveling with children must complete a Release of Liability form. The parent/guardian is responsible for any injury incurred to or damage caused by children under their care.

Adults leading youth groups in organized activities while on Kemp Station are responsible for the safety and supervision of their participants and do not need to complete Release of Liability forms.

Pets

Pets are allowed only in the following pet-friendly buildings with advance permission:

• Cabin
• Office/Lab building
• lower level bedrooms and hallway of Mead Residence Hall

Pets are NOT allowed in the following buildings/spaces:

• Lodge
• Kitchen & Dining Hall
• Upper level of Mead Residence Hall
• Mead Lounge/Library
• Connor Forestry Center

Other expectations related to pets are as follows:

• Pets will be under the immediate control of their owners at all times. This means on leash or under voice command (pet comes when called).
• Owners will clean up after pets and will be charged for damage caused by pets. Indoor accidents made by your pet will be reported to Kemp staff immediate to allow for timely cleaning.
• All pet related supplies will be kept in your assigned room (food and water bowls, toys, leashes, litter box, etc.)
• Access for pets to the Mead Residence Hall is through the upper North entry (by stair well) or in the rear, lower level single door which enters into the hall way.
• Owners will provide pets with bed/bedding from home. Kemp linens and blankets are not to be used as pet bedding.
• Pets may be stressed when left alone in an unfamiliar place. Owners are expected to be familiar with their pets needs and behaviors. If you must leave your pet in the Cabin or Mead room, crating your pet may be in its best interest, both for their comfort and to prevent unwanted behaviors (i.e., scratching the door to get out, barking, etc.).

Guests

Kemp users wishing to have a guest visit must obtain explicit and prior approval from the station superintendent or office manager. Overnight lodging for a guest may be available but it is dependent upon space availability. Guest lodging is limited in duration and MUST be arranged 48 hours in advance of guest’s arrival. Kemp users are responsible for their guest’s behavior while on the property.

Camping

Camping is not permitted on Station property. Persons wishing to camp may do so at nearby state and private campgrounds.

Internet Access

Internet access is available to Kemp users via a wireless network (with password) and data jacks. Wireless network password is provided to users when reservations are confirmed and is available on site. Devices connected to the Kemp Station network by any means must:

• run up-to-date anti-virus software, and
• keep all operating system software, device firmware, application software and other software current with the latest security-related patches from the vendor.

In cases where it is not possible to update software or firmware, the device must be protected by other means, such as, but not limited to, a dedicated firewall or limited network access. Kemp Station reserves the right to suspend access to preserve the integrity of the network.

Room Entry

Kemp Station staff will not enter your room without your permission except when:

• responding to what they consider a serious life and/or health threatening emergency;
• accompanied by police officers under their authority and responsibility for the purpose of investigation;
• performing requested, preventive, prescheduled and/or emergency maintenance;
• retrieving property belonging to the Kemp Natural Resources Station;
• removing an illegal pet;
• in the absence of residents, there is a disruptive noise such as the alarm of a clock or a stereo playing at a disturbing level; or
• conducting non-emergency inspection, repairs and/or custodial tasks.

Staff are required to report any station policy violations or legal violations they observe in a room. No room will be searched except where staff has reasonable evidence to believe an immediate search is necessary to resolve a serious life or health threatening situation. Appropriate legal authorities may search rooms.