Much to the disappointment of local residents, the state Department of Natural Resources has cut down willow trees lining the Mazomanie nude beach on the Wisconsin River, a step that will put an end to ongoing sexual activity and provide more sunlight for nesting turtles.

Officials say the wooded area was used for sexual recreation. Even the nudists like the idea of a little more openness. Naturist Action Committee executive director Bob Morton says overt sexual activity jeopardizes access to the beach.

The Capital Times of Madison quotes Steve Colden, the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway's property manager as saying, "These willows just became a cruising area for people looking for sexual activity out there." Additionally, a densely wooded area next to the beach will also be closed to the public from April 1 to Sept. 15 to prevent any illicit activity.

The nude beach has been used by naturists for more than 50 years. The reduction in willow trees would also be beneficial for soft-shell and hard-shell turtles that reside on the beach.