Author Topic: Complete WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 1, 2012  (Read 1472 times)

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Complete WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 1, 2012
« on: March 09, 2012, 10:51:19 AM »
Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI  53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/or/


Complete WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 1, 2012
Snow blanketed much of northern Wisconsin this week ranging from eight inches along the St. Croix River in Interstate Park to 16 inches in Spooner and 18 inches in Rhinelander. The Leap Year snowfall brought renewed enthusiasm for outdoor enthusiasts, including snowmobilers and skiers. Snowmobile trail groomers were busy on many northern counties, including Burnett, Forest, Iron, Marinette, Oneida and Vilas.
Trails listed on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism?s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR) range from excellent in many northern counties to poor in most central counties and closed in southern counties.
While snow fell in the north, rain fell across much of the rest of the state, which, combined with warm weather, washed away the little remaining snow and ice from southern lakes and rivers.
Ice remains solid in much of the north, but river systems are opening and snow could cover thin ice, so caution is urged in some areas of the north, along with the south. Some anglers, including Lake Winnebago in Outagamie County, were removing ice fishing houses before Sunday?s deadline.
Late season ice fishing success on northern lakes continued to be limited, with the action for all species erratic. Some fair action has been reported with walleyes, but only during the day and for short periods, usually dawn and dusk. Fishing for northern pike and perch has also been variable. Panfish action continues to be slow, with anglers really having move around and search for the active fish.
Anglers are reminded that the game fish season ends Sunday, but the early catch and release trout season opens on Saturday, with state fisheries biologists saying trout populations are very strong across the state and with the mild weather in the south this winter, fish in southern streams should be active and access should be excellent.
Rivers ? including the Oconto and Wisconsin ? continue to open up, along with bays and harbors. Fox Point in Brown County has open water and fishing boats are out jigging for walleye and anglers continue to report good success for whitefish off Bay Shore.
Migratory birds continue to take advantage of mild weather. Bluebirds and robins are increasingly being spotted, along with trumpeter, tundra swans and sandhill cranes. Bald eagles and other raptors are also are being seen in good numbers. A peregrine falcon was spotted this week in Madison. Snowy owls were headed north to their arctic summer home. Warm temperatures over the next week should bring another large influx of blackbirds, robins, killdeer, woodcock and other early migrants into southern Wisconsin.
A badger was ?captured? on a trail camera near Cassville and there was a report of two timber rattlesnakes out basking on a 50 degree day south of Boscobel. Maple sap has started to flow in southern Wisconsin and the unusually warm weather and lack of snow cover in the south resulted in the skunk cabbage popping up last weekend in the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
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A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.












Statewide Birding Report
Recent warm temperatures across the southern half of the state has pushed waterfowl and bird migration into full swing. Adult sandhill cranes have now returned to breeding wetlands across the southern tier of counties and up into east-central Wisconsin. Many species of waterfowl including some later migrants like wood ducks have also returned to marshes and open lakes/rivers in southern Wisconsin. Good numbers of geese, including white-fronted geese, are using agricultural fields and associated rivers and lakes with open water across south-central Wisconsin. Eagles and other early-returning raptors are beginning to push north. Birders are reporting eagle movements well into northern Wisconsin and a recently captured golden eagle in Waupaca has now already moved into central Manitoba. Snowy owls that remain in Wisconsin will likely begin to move north over the next few weeks as they return to the arctic. Birders in northern Wisconsin are still reporting large numbers of siskins and redpolls at feeders but only scattered reports of evening and pine grosbeaks and bohemian waxwings. Forecasted warm temperatures over the next week should bring another large influx of blackbirds, robins, killdeer, woodcock and other early March migrants into southern Wisconsin. Birders in northern Wisconsin may have to wait a little longer but should expect returning eagles, trumpeter swans and possibly some early drumming ruffed grouse. As always, please report your bird sightings to Wisconsin eBird (www.ebird.org/WI) to help track migratory bird populations.


DNR Northern Region

Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Wet and heavy snow fell across the area Wednesday leaving a winter wonderland with the snow covered trees. The blowing snow in Brule has made the snow depth range between ankle deep to thigh deep, the average being knee deep. This would be the perfect time to break out the snowshoes or snowmobiles and hit the trails. The Afterhours ski trail groomers are busy trying to get the trail system back in shape and ready for the River View Loppet Ski Race this weekend. The classic 12-K and freestyle 12- and 24-K races have interval starts. A mass start for adult freestyle 24-K skiers who want to start with a group of friends will also be held, along with a 5-K Family Fun Tour event, which is free for kids 13 and under as well as for accompanying parents or guardians. Fees are $15 for students aged 18 and under to compete 12-K classic and freestyle races. All other races, fees are $35 for youths and adults. Participants need not purchase trail passes. Registration is Saturday from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Brule Town Hall two blocks north of Highway 2 on Maple St. Starts begin at 10 a.m. and skiers need to be at the trailhead and ready to race by 9:40 a.m. The Brule ski trail will be closed to non-racers until about 1:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information call Bob Cragin, 715-392-6988, or Greg St. Onge, 715-372-5995.

Spooner DNR Service Center area
Burnett County - Snowmobile trails opened for the first time this winter thanks to the heavy snowfall and groomers were working to get them all open as this report was written.

Polk County - Despite the late season snowfall, snowmobile trails, which have remained closed all winter, will remain closed.

Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - A 12-inch bounty of new snow on the grounds has markedly improved cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, along with wildlife tracking opportunities. For more information, call Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center at 715-463-2739.

Interstate Park - Trail conditions are much improved with 8 inches of new snow. The Skyline Ski Trail is open, has a 4-inch base and was groomed Wednesday. Winter wildlife can be observed from the comfort of your vehicle or on an easy walk on one of six winter recreation trails. Bird feeders at the Ice Age Center attract woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, squirrels, wild turkeys and deer.

Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice depths have ranged from 15-20 inches on most lake, but up to 17 inches of new snow has created some difficult traveling conditions. Prior to this latest snowstorm, many lakes already had areas of deep snow and some slush, and the current heavy snows will likely curtail any motorized access to the lakes for the next few weeks. Variable weather conditions made for another erratic week of fishing. The best success came from tip-up anglers using suckers in 6 -10 feet of water. Most of the fish have been in the 10-14-inch range, but a few up to 23 inches have also been reported. Panfish success has been especially slow lately, with anglers really having to work to find fish. A few nice crappie and perch have been caught, but anglers have also had to move to find them. Northern pike action is fair at best. On many pike lakes in the north, anglers have had to move their baits up a couple feet off the bottom. This is to get above the low oxygen levels that are starting to show up on these generally shallow and weedy lakes.

Taylor County - Snows have arrived and groomers are preparing the snowmobile trails that are scheduled to open on Friday March 2. Adequate snow has fallen and snowmobilers are reminded to follow the rules and regulation and be safe as they venture onto Taylor County trails for the first time this year. The trail system should be in very good shape and will remain open until conditions require closure. Be safe, travel with a buddy, and remember to follow the rules so everyone using the trail system returns home in a safe manner. This snow will probably put a lot of water on the ice so access to area fishing spots may be restricted and limited for the final ice fishing efforts of the season. Remember to remove your ice shacks at the appropriate time depending on where you have placed it for the season.

Flambeau River State Forest - Wednesday?s winter storm brought about 16-plus inches of wet packy snow. Ski trails were being packed Thursday and hopefully groomed by the weekend and should be in excellent condition. Snowmobile trails will be groomed today and likely into tomorrow.

Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Wet, heavy snow has blanketed the north woods, bringing back the memories of the good ole' fashioned snow storms most of us remember as children. With 12-18 inches of snow on covering most of the forest, ski trails will be fantastic once all of the grooming gets done and access into the trails plowed. Great snowman building!

Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area - Skiing and snowshoeing conditions are excellent after 12-inches of snow fell. Snowmobile trails are excellent and a snowmobile will likely be needed to travel around, which still has 16-18 inches of ice. The deep snow may also send deer to yards and makes for improved wildlife tracking.

Antigo DNR Service Center area
Langlade County - Leap year brought mink and muskrat trappers an extra day, but the season ended Wednesday and all traps should have been pulled. Weasel trappers are finding success on ermine under bridges and near beaver dams.

Lincoln County - There has been considerable wet heavy snow over the area this week, which will likely make it difficult to get around on the lakes for ice fishing. There is no word yet on when of if the Lincoln County snowmobile trails will open, but you can check the Lincoln County Forestry website or their facebook page to check on the trails status.

Council Grounds State Park - On Feb. 29 the park received 10 inches of snow. Ski trails are in excellent condition. The Friends of Council Grounds State Park is looking for members. If you are interested please call the park at (715) 536-8773.


DNR Northeastern Region

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - There is 14 inches of snow in the northern part of the county. Snowmobile trails are open and groomers are out in full force. Ice fishing travel will be very difficult at best with heavy snow on area lakes? lots of slush on lakes as of this morning. Fishing pressure is low and most people are trying to get their shacks off the ice. The landscape at the Peshtigo Harbor has been dominated by pike anglers with some very nice fish being caught north of the Peshtigo River mouth. Activity at the Menominee River has been slow with most of the action for walleye taking place from the anglers' walkway on the Hattie Street Bridge. Stick baits and twisters cast into the current were producing fish. There is some activity at Sixth Street slip with anglers jigging for walleye and panfish.

Oconto County - County snowmobile trails are open with a fresh dusting of 12-14 inches of new snow. Trail will be in excellent condition. Travel on lakes by vehicle will be very difficult or impossible without a snowplow. The Oconto River has opened up from the last bridge to the Municipal landing; extreme care should be taken if fishing the mouth of the Oconto River. Pike Anglers have been enjoying good success from Geano Beach to Oconto Park I, tip-ups with large shiners have been the bait of choice. Warm weather and high winds have been raising havoc on the ice on Green Bay. There are 4 inches or less of ice being reported close to shore in the Oconto area where on Saturday two trucks and a four-wheeler broke through. Use caution when venturing out on the ice.

Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - The boat launch at Fox Point is open and boaters are taking advantage of the open water to jig for walleye. Fishing is slow but anglers expect the walleye bite to begin soon. Perch and pike are being caught off the Sunset Beach access. The perch have been hit or miss but the fish being caught are of a nice size.

Manitowoc County - Ice on Lake Michigan tributaries in Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties is beginning to break up. Open water anglers are beginning to fish trout with some browns and steelhead being caught below the dam in Shoto. Good numbers of northern pike were being caught through the ice on Silver Lake in Manitowoc County. Snow cover is minimal.

Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - With the winds and warm temperatures the past few days, Sturgeon Bay anglers were seeing open water from Bullhead Point past the yacht club through to Lake Michigan. Anglers have been fishing Sawyer Harbor with some success with perch, northern pike, and whitefish. Anglers have been targeting perch and whitefish in 10-15 feet of water. Perch have been biting small minnows on an ice jig. Anglers are taking whitefish with the usual Swedish pimple tipped with a wax worm or Gulp. Sand Bay anglers have been fishing whitefish with good success in 20-60 feet of water. Anglers have also been targeting walleye along Larsen?s Reef and having some success at dusk and dawn. Most anglers are using oddball jigs tipped with a minnow. Inside the bay of Little Sturgeon, anglers have been targeting perch with fair success. Most have been finding the fish in 15-20 feet of water. Whitefish have also been biting well with anglers targeting fish in 10-25 feet of water. Caution is advised due to the high winds. Ice has begun to break up and water can be seen from Lime Kiln Road all the way to Sturgeon Bay. Whitefish action has been good the last week at Bayshore Park with anglers catching them in anywhere from 10-35 feet of water. Fishing pressure has been high off Bay Shore so early mornings and evenings have been the best time. Open water can be seen here as well so use caution. Anglers have been catching decent amount of whitefish along Volk?s Reef. Anglers have been targeting them in anywhere from 3-15 feet of water. A few walleyes are being caught as well, along with the occasional perch. Open water was observed off Volk?s Reef as well.

Peninsula State Park - Peninsula received approximately 4 inches of heavy wet slushy snow mixed with rain over night and morning Wednesday. Ski trails are not groomed; snowmobile trails and the sledding hill remain closed. Snowshoe trails are in poor condition due to lack of snow. Some trails are very icy and may have limbs and trees down (please report to park staff). Bike trails are closed. Viewing blue ice shoves along the shoreline is best at Lot 3.

Potawatomi State Park - The park received about 4 inches of new snow from Feb. 28-29. A winter storm brought in wet snow, sleet, and rain. As of noon on Feb. 29, the ski trails have not been groomed. Only a couple of ice anglers have gone out on Sawyer Harbor today, and it looks like they are staying close to the shoreline. Most anglers have moved their shanties adjacent to the shoreline or onto the parking lot.

Kewaunee County - The ground remains bare and rabbit, coyote and fox hunters continue to struggle locating their game. Snowmobilers were making use of the plowed snow in some road side ditches, but were getting a very rough ride. Snowmobile trails remain closed. Ice fishing on the inland lakes has also slowed down. The ice conditions are still sketchy and the fish, other than small bluegills, aren't cooperating. Those venturing out onto the Bay of Green Bay continue to catch whitefish off Bayshore Park up to Red River Park along the east shore. Anyone venturing out onto the Bay of Green Bay needs to exercise extreme caution. The past weekend?s high winds opened a crack that is about 20 miles long and about 3 miles wide. Historically, March brings a big break up in Bay ice. Be very careful!

Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Outagamie County - Due to the recent rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, large portions of the already poor ice on Little Lake Butte des Morts has disappeared. Anglers will struggle to continue catching perch around the Menasha lock with the changes in ice conditions. However, anglers have been catching nice size walleye over the past two weeks by the Menasha dam. For the anglers looking to venture onto Lake Winnebago, please take caution as many of the landings are very weak, if not already opened up, and there are numerous cracks on the lake with expanses of open water or a very thin layer of ice. As a reminder, shanties need to be removed from the lake by Sunday, March 4. Anglers continue to fish on local river bayous but are cautious as the warm weather has deteriorated some of the ice. Sand hill cranes have been sighted and are returning. Skunks are becoming active after a long winters nap. Muskrat trappers are getting in the last chance in the Winnebago zone which is open till March 15.


DNR Southeast Region

Milwaukee DNR Service Center area
Milwaukee County - Snow was a no show in Milwaukee County, but anglers are still reeling in browns and steelhead on Lake Michigan. The landing near Harbor Side on the Milwaukee River and the landing at South Shore Marina are both open. Fishing along harbor wall and river has been slow, but some fish are being caught. Some ice remains near Lake Shore State Park and some good steelheads are being caught. Caution is advised since the remaining ice is poor quality. Birdwatchers have seeing red-winged blackbirds in the area, the willows have turned yellow, the maple sap is flowing, and the wild turkeys are gobbling.

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lapham Peak Unit - Rain, warm temps, all those spring like weather things, pretty much what has been happening all winter, are really taking their toll on the manmade snow loop. As of Wednesday morning the manmade loop still had 100 percent coverage of some sort - but there is standing water on the majority of it. The melting will continue for the next few days as the temps are not going to drop below freezing. The trails are not skiable and the lights will not be on until there is a change in conditions. Thank you to all that visited Lapham Peak this winter and to the Friends of Lapham that made the snowmaking possible. Without the man made snow this year there would have been less than 20 days of skiing. On the man made loop there were more than 60 days of skiing.

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Pike Lake Unit - All trails have icy areas and muddy areas.

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit - The unusually warm weather and lack of snowcover has resulted in the skunk cabbage popping up over the weekend in some areas. We are blessed with many natural springs in the Forest. Stop by Stute Springs or Scuppernong Springs to get a first look at these early spring plants. Sandhill cranes have been spotted flying above and in the fields through the Forest for the past 2 weeks. Make plans to attend one of the Weekly Wildflower walks that begin Saturday, April 21. They will happen every Saturday at 10 a.m., starting at the Forest Headquarters, through the first Saturday in June.

Waukesha DNR Service Center area
Waukesha County - Recent warm temperatures are causing unsafe ice conditions on many local lakes. Shoreline ice on local lakes has deteriorated considerably in the past week and access is becoming limited. Anglers are reminded to always check current ice conditions before attempting access. Anglers are also reminded that permanent ice shanties must be removed by Sunday March 4, but are strongly encouraged to remove them earlier due to deteriorating ice conditions. The southern game fish season also closes on Sunday March 4.

Sturtevant DNR Service Center area
Kenosha County - The ice is gone from both Kenosha harbors. Trout are slow to bite, but anglers in search of northern pike report good success using live minnows in the small harbor. Anglers have already started trolling in the main Kenosha harbor with mixed success

Walworth County - With open water on several lakes, including Lauderdale and Whitewater, anglers are urged to use extreme caution. Several locations had 8-inches of ice, but open water just feet away.


DNR South Central Region

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County - The area received about 3 inches of snow on February 24, but that melted quickly. Mostly rain came from the storm on the Feb. 28. The thin layer of snow on Saturday made for excellent coyote hunting with dozens of hound hunters out over the weekend. Ice fishing was fair over the weekend with just a few small panfish being caught, but the ice is getting too thin to be safely walked on. The Wisconsin River is running high, and there is currently high discharge from Prairie du Sac. Muskrats trapped near the end of the season generally were in declining condition, with low body fat reserves. Beaver are still in good condition with prime pelts, and starting to work on castor mounds. Deer are dropping their antlers, with about half the bucks having already lost at least one antler. Some unusual and early wildlife reports have come in the last week. Male harriers in the marsh behind Boscobel and at least two pairs of adult trumpeter swans have been spotted. One pair at Boscobel and one pair below Wauzeka. A pair of sandhill cranes was seen behind the Wilson State Nursery in Boscobel. A badger was ?captured? on a trail camera near Cassville and there was a credible report of two timber rattlesnakes out basking on a 50 degree day south of Boscobel.

Green County - The coyote hunters in the Green County area, have been doing surprisingly well despite the lack of snow for tracking or sighting. The ice continues to degrade and the number of areas ?safe? to access on the ice has greatly decreased.

Iowa County - Ice conditions are getting worse with all the rain recently causing soft spots along shore and scouring of existing holes. The forecast for warm temperatures might signal the end of ice fishing is very near. Use extreme caution on any ice. Anglers have reported that the bluegill and crappie fishing have slowed down at Birch Lake The fishing has slowed down at Helen Lake off of Hwy. 14 as well The northern have been biting at Helen Lake off of Hwy. 14, but the ice is quickly leaving Helen Lake and is not safe to walk on. Anglers have been reporting that they are catching some nice bluegill, perch and crappie on Twin Valley Lake at Governor Dodge State Park. River anglers are also reporting that they are catching some nice walleyes on the river near the Hwy. 23 and Hwy. 14 bridges near Spring Green. A few deer still carry their antlers, but many have shed already. Turkeys can be seen strutting already on warmer mornings. Twelve trumpeter swans were spotted over the weekend in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway near Spring Green. Snow cover is pretty much gone except in some north facing slopes in the woods. Unseasonably warm weather continues and many birds can be heard as they migrate back for the summer.

Richland County - The snowy owls have migrated out of the area on their long journey back to the arctic. Birders throughout the area were amazed to have observed such a magnificent creature for an extended period of time.

Wyalusing State Park - Ice anglers are still trying their luck at the park boat landing.  They know that their days of ice fishing are numbered and are trying to get as many hours on the ice as they can. Mississippi River level at Prairie du Chien was 7.6 Thursday, same as Wednesday.  There is open water just out from the boat landing.   The Wisconsin River is open. Due to lack of snow, cross country ski trails are now open to hiking.  Some trails may still be snow covered.   We are now at the ?in-between? season where some trails still have snow and other trails are free or almost free of snow, but may be muddy.   Bird sightings at the park office feeders include: blue jays, cardinals, gold finches, mourning doves, red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, tree sparrows and purple finches. Bald eagles can sometimes be seen near the park entrance as well as from the bluffs.  Bluebirds have returned and have been seen throughout the park.  Gold finches are beginning to show a hint of their spring and summer plumage of bright yellow. Sightings of bald eagles have been reported in the area, especially in the Prairie du Chien area.  The Decorah Fish Hatchery eagles have now 3 eggs in the nest.  A pair of robins was spotted across the road from the park office on Friday of last week.  Eastern  towhees have been seen at LaRiviere Park in Prairie du Chien. 

Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Spring is returning early to the Horicon Marsh and surrounding areas. Local observations include large numbers of Canada geese are returning to the area and have already been seen pairing up. Sandhill cranes are arriving daily. We have also heard of several reports of greater white-fronted geese around the Beaver Dam River north of Lowell area. Area birders are still seeing common redpolls at their feeders. Redpolls are small sparrow sized bird with red crowns from the Canadian arctic. Cardinals have been heard singing their courtship songs to one another. Eagles have been observed nesting and we are watching for red-winged blackbirds to arrive any day now.

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Columbia County - The ice conditions on Lake Wisconsin are poor and many open areas of water can be found. This past weekend an ATV broke through the ice with the operator narrowly escaping serious injury. Anyone who ventures out onto area lake please use extreme caution. Catching a fish is not worth a life. If you venture out onto the ice please make sure that you let someone know where you are going and when you will be back, carry a cell phone, a life jacket, and don't venture out into unexplored areas as the ice may be unsafe. Many of our migrant birds are back and are eagerly awaiting the spring season. The sap is running at the Mackenzie Center, the 20 degree nights with 40 degree days have caused optimum flow. According to the forester in Poynette, these early sap runs provide the highest quality sap that will be boiled into syrup.

Dane County - Despite the recent snow, conditions quickly deteriorated due to generally mild weather conditions. Snowmobile trails remained closed in Dane County and trail conditions remained generally poor for cross country skiers and hikers. Ice fishers had been having sporadic action on area lakes catching perch in deep waters on Lake Mendota and some bluegill action in Lake Monona Bay. Tip-up fishers have recently found some action on northern pike in areas where water temperatures have already begun rising such as near channels and springs. Ice conditions vary and caution should be used. A peregrine falcon was observed hunting in the downtown Madison area. Robins, bluebirds, and sandhill cranes, along with great blue herons have been observed throughout the area.

Jefferson County - The ice on area lakes is not safe. All anglers are asked to be patient, there will be open water to fish soon. Looking for shed antlers is a great activity for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Be sure to respect landowner rights and ask permission to access private lands.

Janesville DNR Service Center area
Rock County - Walleyes are staging below the dams with water warming during the days. Forecasted cold temperatures should slow their migration. Open water is where fish are in the Rock County area. Eagles are being seen in good numbers in Beloit from the Shirland Avenue Bridge to the area behind the Beloit Post Office.


DNR West Central Region

La Crosse DNR Service Center area
La Crosse County - Eagle watching along the Mississippi River is excellent. A golden eagle was sighted near Genoa, where the Bad Ax River flows into the Mississippi. Canada geese, mergansers, goldeneye and bufflehead ducks are moving through the area. Snowy Owls are still being spotted near Readtown in Vernon County. Rain further eroded already poor ice conditions, but anglers may still be able access some backwaters with little current.

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Adams County - The recent snow storm missed the county. Anyone venturing out on the ice should use extreme caution. A snowmobiler drove into open water on the weekend and an ATV broke through the ice. The ice conditions are deteriorating fast and are poor at best. Mallards are returning to the open water areas and numerous bald eagles are around the Wisconsin River flowages.

Black River State Forest - Jackson County ATV trials closed March 1. There are several areas under water and conditions are no longer safe for riding. Snowmobile trails remain closed.

Trempealeau County - Snowmobile trails in both Trempealeau and Jackson counties remain closed due to unseasonably warm temperatures and a lack of snow cover. For trail conditions in Trempealeau County, call 715-538-2311, extension 205 and listen to the prerecorded message. For trail conditions in Jackson County, go to the website at: http://www.co.jackson.wi.us/ . Ice fishing action was generally good in the area. Anglers were successful using tip-ups for northern pike on Lake Henry in Blair. Anglers may not be aware that Lake Henry does not have a minimum size limit on northern pike, and the daily bag limit is five northern pike. Ice anglers were also having success in catching trout on tip-ups on Lake Wazee near Black River Falls, using small crappie minnows. Anglers should be aware that Lake Wazee has a 12-inch minimum size limit for trout, with a two fish daily bag. The season for many game fish species closes on March 4. Fishing for game fish, including catch and release fishing, is prohibited during the closed season. The game fish season on the Mississippi River waters remains open. The Mississippi River waters are located between the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe railroad tracks on the Wisconsin side of the river and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific railroad tracks on the Minnesota side. Both the Black River and Buffalo River upstream of the railroad tracks are closed to game fish fishing until the general fishing opener in May, including the areas below the dams in Black River Falls and Strum.

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Chippewa County - Cross country ski trails are in poor condition. Fishing on Lake Wissota has been inconsistent, with the best walleye bite form 4-5 p.m. Ice conditions are widely variable. Anglers report two feet of ice on some lakes while others are finding as little as 6 inches in areas of other lakes. Areas of current and wildlife activity are still extremely hazardous.

Clark County - Fresh snow has provided opportunities for otter trappers and coyote hunters to observe animal movement, and has provided some cushion for snowmobilers to run their sleds on the lakes. Ice anglers continue to do well on the bigger lakes in the area, although small ponds and canals have been slow. Winter ATV trails are open in the Clark County Forest and will remain open through March 15.

Eau Claire County - Ice is in poor condition on many lakes and fishing has been slow. It takes about six hours, but anglers were catching some limits of perch and large crappies (10 Total) on Lake Altoona. Ice conditions continue to deteriorate - please use caution when traveling on the ice. No fishing is allowed March 1 until the first Saturday of May from the Lake Altoona Dam downstream 500 feet (to the first island). Downstream of the fish refuge, the Eau Claire River remains open all year for most fish species except muskellunge. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing conditions are currently good.

Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - The park received over 6 inches of snow this week. However, the heavy snow caused a lot of downed branches and trees. This is going to take time to clean up and some trails maybe closed. The trails will not be groomed until the clean up is complete. Please use caution if you plan to ski the trails. Snowshoeing and hiking are allowed west of the park road and a trail that runs from the overflow parking lot to the tower. Please don't snowshoe or hike on the ski trails as it causes damage and makes the trails unsafe for skiers. The observation tower is not maintained in the winter time so use caution if you plan to walk up the stairs to any of the three platforms.

Red Cedar State Trail - The trail received seven inches of snow, but the trails have not yet been groomed.

Lake Wissota State Park - The cross country ski trails were groomed on February 29 and are in fair condition. There is not enough snow to set a track and temperatures have been warm so we expect ski trail conditions to deteriorate quickly in the next week or so. The ice fishing season is beginning to wind down but there are still a few venturing out. The best bite has been during the low level light periods of dusk and dawn. Remember, park staff does not monitor ice conditions.

Wausau DNR Service Center area
Marathon County - The Wisconsin River has really opened up in the past week, with the main river channel being wide open in places where it has been frozen over all winter. As of Wednesday night, the area received wet heavy snow which may push the ice down and/or cover up spots of thin ice making ice travel treacherous.

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Portage County - River ice is getting unsafe the closer you get to any channel. The main channel of the Wisconsin River is mostly opened and anglers are fishing open water below the Dubay Dam with limited success. Jigs and minnows fished slowly seem to be working the best. Lake ice is still holding its own but fishing has not been very consistent. The snowfall received is not enough to open snowmobile trail and next week the forecast is for upper 40s, which means ice conditions will really begin to deteriorate.

Buckhorn State Park - Rain fell Tuesday into Wednesday, so no snow for skiing. Trails are icy from the freezing rain but will improve with the forecasted warmer weather. The lake is opening up near the bridge with the warmer weather and with all the recent rain there is water on top of the ice.






UPCOMING EVENTS AT STATE PARKS, FORESTS, AND TRAILS
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS

Check with the park or forest of your choice for additional activities and special events not listed. Most events are free of charge; park admission sticker required unless otherwise noted. Events and times subject to change.
Friday, March 2, 2012
?   Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email - Blowing Winds Nature Storytime. Spring winds blow away the last of winter's cold and snow. have some fun as we learn why the wind blows and what's blown by the wind. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 year-olds with accompanying adults. Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor's Center. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
?   Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, 608-356-8301 ext 140 or email - Play - Naturally. Come and play at the nature center - naturally! We?ll have nature art you can create, build structures using tree cookies, make bubble art, and more! Nature Center.
?   Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, 414-527-0232 or email - Kid vs. Wild. What would you do if you were in a fight-for-survival situation? Knowing something about shelters, fires, orienteering, and weather could save your life! We?ll get you started thinking about what it takes to make it in the wild. This activity is for families with children ages 5 ? 12 years old. 10:30 ? 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
?   Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, 414-527-0232 or email - Pink-toed Opossums. Opossums are hiding out in our neighborhoods. Learn what's special about these pink-toed mammals. Preschool storytimes are for children ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult. 9:30 ? 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
?   Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, 715-483-3747 or email - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
?   Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, 920-533-8322 or email - An Evening with Nature: Black Bears in Wisconsin. Black bears are thriving in Wisconsin. Join Linda as she shares facts about black bear natural history and ecology, and ways that humans can better co-exist with them. This program is most appropriate for ages 10 years and older. Presenter is Linda Olver, DNR Assistant Bear and Deer Ecologist. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
?   Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, 262-878-5600 - Knee-High Naturalist. Bring your 3-5 year old to this fun and involving nature program. This month listen to an old-fashioned story time! Dress to go outside. Please pre-register by calling 262-878-5600. Meet at the Visitor Center. Program will go on regardless of weather, but topic may change. 10-11:30 a.m.

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