WDNR Outdoor Report as of February 4, 2010Many parts of Wisconsin received some much needed snowfall in the last week, with the possibility of more snow in the forecast for later this week. Snow depths now range from a low of 2 inches or less in far southeastern Wisconsin and Door County to 16 to 20 inches in the far north.
The new snow was enough to allow a few counties to reopen snowmobile trails, but trails throughout much of southern and southeastern Wisconsin remain closed or in just poor to fair condition. Snowmobile trails in the northern third of the state are in good to excellent condition.
The new snow improved cross-country ski trails at most state parks and forests, except for the Door County area, where trails were in poor condition or closed to skiing. The new snow is timely, as nine state parks and forests have candlelight ski and hike events planned this Saturday, Feb. 6. As of Thursday, all were scheduled to go on, though Peninsula State Park in Door County will only hold a candlelight hike as there is not enough snow there for skiing.
Ice conditions continue to be very good on most lakes. The relatively stable and more moderate weather of the past few days has been a pleasant change for ice anglers, but fishing success continues to be very inconsistent. Most species still appear to be in a mid-winter period of inactivity, with northern pike providing the best action in the past week. Walleye anglers report generally slow action. Panfish action has also been very spotty and these anglers have been moving around quite a bit, with a few catches of crappie and perch reported.
On Green Bay, anglers continue to report some whitefish action, and perch fishing has been good. Permanent shacks are now seen south of Geano Beach fishing the flats for northern pike. Along Lake Michigan, open water anglers have been catching a few brown trout at Port Washington and some browns and rainbows in Milwaukee. Milwaukee and Racine harbors have ice cover, but both also have areas of open water. Both browns and rainbows have been taken through the ice but fishing has been relatively slow.
The Mississippi River is starting to slowly settle again. The river stage dropped a couple inches and was at 7.8 feet on Feb. 1. Ice conditions in most areas improved with most of the popular ice fishing spots having between 10 to 24 inches of ice. Ice is now very slippery on the frozen waters now that most of the snow melted. Ice fishing action slowed down late in the week.
The 19th Annual Kids? Ice Fishing Clinics are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 6, at six park ponds and lagoons in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties: The clinics begin at 9 a.m. Anglers 15 years and younger will receive instruction on ice safety and the proper use of equipment and techniques such as knot tying. All equipment will be provided for these free events.
Cottontail rabbit hunting season remains open through Feb. 28. With the continuation of a snowy landscape, rabbit hunting conditions have been ideal. Watch for a network of rabbit trails in sparse wooded areas with numerous brush thickets, in grassy wetland edges, and shrubby fencerows. Cottontails often rest in a "form," a shallow depression in the ground hidden beneath a pile of brush or grassy clump that offers protection from predators and weather extremes.
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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.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest ? The After Hours Ski Trail was in excellent condition as of Feb. 3. Trails were newly groomed on Monday. More snow fell Tuesday and Wednesday. Conditions are the best of the year. 185 people came to the candlelight ski last Saturday night and had a great time.
Pattison State Park - Cross country ski trail were groomed on Jan. 29 after 15 inches of new snow and several days of cleanup. The trail is in excellent condition with a 12-inch base and 28 inches of snow cover in the woods.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice conditions continue to be very good. Most lakes have between 14 and 16 inches of solid ice, with about 4 to 5 inches of snow cover on top of that. Packed trails have developed on many waters and this has allowed anglers to access most of their favorite fishing spots. However, there are still quite a few rough areas with frozen ruts and ridges, so snowmobilers and anglers should be careful when traveling on the lakes. The relatively stable and more moderate weather of the past few days has been a pleasant change for ice anglers, but fishing success continues to be very inconsistent. Most species still appear to be in a mid-winter period of inactivity, with northern pike providing the best action in the past week. Some decent action has been occurring during the mid-day hours, with large golden shiners fished over the top or along the edges of any old weed beds. A few trophy pike have been reported, with nicest one being a 42-incher caught on a Price County lake this past Saturday. Most of the regular walleye anglers have reported generally slow action. No one tactic has been better than the other -- as shallow flats, gravel drop-offs, rock bars and weed edges have all been experiencing some activity. Panfish action has also been very spotty and these anglers have been moving around quite a bit. The most successful anglers have been moving from spot to spot on a lake, catching one here and one there while continually searching for the active fish. Success has been generally low but a few fair catches of crappie and perch have been reported.
Flambeau River State Forest ? The Flambeau Hills cross-country ski trail is in very good condition with 2 inches of new snow. The trail was scheduled to be groomed Feb. 4. There will be a 1.8 km Candlelight Ski event Saturday, Feb. 6, from 6 - 9 p.m. beginning at the Flambeau Hills parking lot on County Hwy W. Trail passes are waived during event. Campfires, food, and cooking grill will be available. Trail will be open to skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. Approximately 900 candles will be placed on trail.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest ? Cross-country ski trails in the forest are in very good condition. McNaughton Trail was groomed Jan. 30. Escanaba Trail was groomed Jan. 31. Madeline and Raven trails were groomed Feb. 1. The Raven Trail has some thin spots under the conifers on the Red loop, but overall is in very good condition.
DNR Northeastern Region
Colder temperatures this past week has made ice travel a little easier. Caution should still be exercised in and around river and stream mouths. Fishing pressure was light during the week with the cold and wind, but picked up considerably on the weekend.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Fishing has slowed some for walleye at the Hatie Street Dam. Spoons and jigs tipped with minnows fished close to the dam has still been the main technique, with blue/silver being the hot color. Panfish anglers at the Hometown Marina were catching panfish, but there were a lot of smaller fish. The 6th Street Slip has grown into a small community with walleye and whitefish on the agenda, and anglers jigging in 15 to 25 feet of water.
Oconto County - Permanent shacks can be seen south of Geano Beach fishing the flats for northern pike; large shiner minnows suspended a foot off the bottom have been producing some action. Four-wheelers have been traveling out the mouth of the Pensaukee River in search of perch and pike. Oconto Breakwater Park anglers have been concentrating on pike in the flats north of the break, whitefish and perch by the mouth of the Oconto River, and across the shove for perch in deeper water.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Voyageur Park saw only a few walleye anglers late in the afternoon; spoons and jigs tipped with minnows fished in 10 to 12 feet of water has been the preferred method. Sunset Beach had a few anglers fishing in the 15 to 20 foot range looking for perch. Buckshot spoons tipped with minnows have been working well.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Fishing was good earlier in the week at Dykesville, with anglers fishing perch in 15 to 30 feet of water. Most anglers have been using minnows and waxworms for bait. The best bite seemed to be in the mornings for most anglers. The whitefish have also been targeted over the last week with some good catches of fish. A small jig or jigging spoon tipped with a waxworm produced the most fish. With the warm spell at the end of last week, the ice conditions have not been favorable at Little Sturgeon Bay. People have still been driving on the ice inside the bay. Many soft spots have opened up outside the bay and in and around Sand Bay as well. Anglers were getting good numbers of perch inside the bay. The best catches have come in 10 to 12 feet of water. Minnows were the bait of choice for most anglers. Whitefish action slowed a bit around Henderson point to Lime Kiln Road, but anglers that were willing to put in some time have found success. Sturgeon Bay anglers have been fishing northern pike out of the yacht club over the last week, with a few pike being caught. Large golden shiners have been the bait of choice. Bullhead Point has had some activity with walleyes and a few large perch being caught. Anglers that have been fishing around the state park have found some success on perch. The perch have been hanging in the deeper weeds due to very clear ice conditions. Also the pike fishing has been slow around the park. There was some open water around Stone Quarry and Cabot?s Point; use caution when fishing in these areas.
Peninsula State Park ? Due to the total lack of snow cover on ski trails, the park will be holding only a candlelight HIKE event on Saturday, Feb. 6 on the Yellow cross-country ski trail from 5:30-8 p.m.
Potawatomi State Park ? Cross-country ski trails are still skiable at, but they are hard and icy after the rain on Jan. 24 followed by cold temperatures. Groomers attempted to work with the trails earlier this week, but did not have much success. The snowmobile trails in the park are closed.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Following approximately 2 inches of new snow on Feb. 2, trails are in fair condition. There is not enough new snow to lay a new track, so skiers are skiing in the new snow over what is left of the old base. When there is more snow the trails will be re-groomed and a new track will be set. For latest trail conditions call the park at 823-2400.
DNR Southeast Region
Havenwoods State Forest - Following recent snowfalls, there are now 2 to 4 inches of snow on the ground, with some icy spots on trails. Deer, squirrels, raccoon, turkeys, red-tailed hawks, Cooper?s hawks, owls, mourning doves, chickadees, juncos, nuthatch, downy woodpeckers, and sparrows are being seen. Havenwoods Winter Festival will be Saturday, Feb. 20.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit - The forest received about 2 inches of new snow, which fortunately seems to have some body to it. Crews groomed the trails and set a new track. Conditions should be much improved as there is some adhesion of the new snow to some of the previous icy spots. Conditions are likely to be a bit soft as temps near freezing. Conditions should be good for the weekend. The man-made snow loop is in very good to excellent condition. Crews largely completed snow making last week with new snow made on the Nordic playground area, and also on a new section of trail, which includes a good climbing hill. In case of a meltdown, crews will have a good base of man-made snow with a downhill section and also a decent climbing hill for those training for the Birkie, or just skiing for fun. This new section increases the man-made snow trail to 1.5K.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit - Cross country ski trails were groomed and tracked on Wednesday, Feb. 3. The skating lane is in excellent condition and the classical track is in good to very good condition. Call (262) 670-3400 for the most current trail conditions. The only groomed trail that hikers, snowshoers, and dog walkers are allowed on is the red trail to the south of the beach/picnic area. There will be a candlelight ski/hike on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Start from the south shelter at the beach area and ski or hike the two three-quarter mile candlelit trail loops. Skiers and hikers will share the trails. If there is no snow, a candlelight hike will still be held. Warmth and refreshments in the shelter, bonfire outside. Sponsored by Friends of Pike Lake, Inc.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Northern Unit - The Northern Unit received approximately 2 inches of snow on Feb. 2. This amount of snow has once again placed the Zillmer Trails in very good to excellent condition. The trail was groomed Feb. 2-3. Tracks were set and skate lanes groomed; skate lanes will be a bit soft.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Southern Unit - As of Tuesday not quite 2 inches of new snow had fallen on the Southern Unit. All three cross-country ski trail systems were groomed. Scuppernong has two new classical tracks set that are in very good to excellent condition. Nordic Skate lanes were groomed and are in very good condition, although a bit soft. The classical track is in very good condition. McMiller skate lanes are in very good condition and the classical track is in good or better condition. Parts of the track made in down into the old transformed snow. It is a Quiet Weekend at McMiller this weekend Feb. 6-7. All ranges will be closed (except the biathlon range) so that skiers can enjoy the trails without the background sounds of the shooting ranges. The warming building will be open both Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday Feb 6, The Wisconsin Biathlon Association will host a biathlon fun day. The Olympic winter sport combines cross country skiing and rifle marksmanship. No experience is needed and all abilities welcome! A 6km open race is offered for individuals with previous biathlon experience or those who are safety certified. The novice event is open to those with limited practice time or no previous biathlon experience. This event is an excellent opportunity to try biathlon in a safe, non-intimidating way. Distance will be 4km with one shooting stage. Entrants will ski without carrying a rifle and will be assisted at the range by an experienced club member. A safety demonstration, instruction, and practice time will take place prior to the event. Scheduled from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Milwaukee and Waukesha counties - The 19th Annual Kids? Ice Fishing Clinics are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 6, beginning at 9 a.m. Anglers 15 years and younger will receive instruction on ice safety and the proper use of equipment and techniques such as knot tying. All equipment will be provided for these free events. Clinics will be held at the following park ponds and lagoons in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties:
? Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Avenue, hosted by Great Lakes Sport Fishermen and Milwaukee Casting Club.
? McCarty Park, 8214 W. Cleveland Avenue, a wheelchair accessible site, with clinic hosted by Southside Sportsmen.
? McGovern Park, 5400 N. 51st Street, a wheelchair accessible site, with clinic hosted by Okauchee Fishing Club.
? Scout Lake, 5902 W. Loomis Road, a wheelchair accessible site, hosted by Walleyes Unlimited.
? Wilson Park, 1601 W. Howard Avenue, hosted by Wisconsin Fishing Clubs
? Menomonee Park/Lannon Quarry, Townline Road, hosted by Badger Fishermen?s League (One-half mile north or Good Hope Rd, Menomonee Falls)
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington open water anglers have been catching a few browns near the power plant discharge. Both spawn and plastics have produced fish. The west slip is open, but the north slip is not fishable. The ramp in Port is still closed off for construction.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee open water anglers fishing the Menomonee River at the MMSD offices have been catching a few browns, rainbows, and northern pike. The river under the Hoan bridge is currently iced up and unfishable, and the boat launch at Riverfront is unusable. McKinley Marina has approximately 8-9 inches of ice, but aerators are keeping some areas open. Both browns and rainbows have been taken through the ice at McKinley, but fishing has been relatively slow.
Racine County - Reefpoint Marina in Racine generally has 6-12 inches of ice, but use caution as there are some open areas. Anglers in the marina have been catching a few browns, rainbows, and northerns either on spawn or shiners under tip-ups or jigging. Ice is not safe in the small boat basin near the launch. The Root River is open from the Horlick dam through Colonial Park, but flows are fairly low.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Blue Mound State Park ? Cross-country ski conditions are very good for classical skiing. New track was set Feb. 3. There is 100 percent coverage with fresh snow and no ice. A candlelight ski, hike, and snowshoe event will be held this Saturday, Feb 6, from 6-9 p.m.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Lake Kegonsa State Park - The park received approximately 2.5 inches of snow on Feb. 1. The cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked on Tuesday, Feb. 2, and were in fair condition. There is a light cover of snow over ice, so many areas are slippery. Please use caution when on the trails.
Mirror Lake State Park - As of Feb. 3, cross-country skid trails remain in good condition. The park received 1 to 2 inches of new snow on Tuesday improving conditions especially for classical skiing. Trails were being groomed Thursday and the base is holding at 4 to 8 inches. Trails are groomed for classical and skate skiing. The Friends of Mirror Lake State Park will be hosting a candle light ski/snowshoe/hike on Feb. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Cottontail rabbit hunting season remains open through Feb. 28. With the continuation of a snowy landscape, rabbit hunting conditions are ideal. Rabbits remain numerous throughout the area, and the daily bag limit is three rabbits. Watch for a network of rabbit trails in cottontail rabbit habitat, including sparse wooded areas with numerous brush thickets, grassy wetland edges, hayfields, weedy corn fields, and shrubby fencerows. Cottontails often rest in a "form," a shallow depression in the ground hidden beneath a pile of brush or grassy clump. Due to their locations, forms offer protection from predators and weather extremes.
Wildcat Mountain State Park ? The park currently has great conditions for cross-country skiing. The area received 3 inches of new snow this week. Trails were re-groomed Tuesday. The main loop is groomed for both skate skiing and classic. The overlook loop is groomed for classic.
Crawford County - Cold weather settled in this week which froze up much of the standing water from last week?s rain. Some ridge tops and south facing exposures are starting to open up, somewhat. Plenty of snow still exists in the woods and in areas where drifting had occurred. Snowmobile trails in Crawford County are still closed. For updated information regarding snowmobile trails go to TravelWisconsin.com and click on snow condition reports. The Mississippi River is starting to slowly settle again. The river stage dropped a couple inches and was at 7.8 feet on Feb. 1. Ice conditions in most areas improved after the warm weather and rain. Most of the popular ice fishing spots have anywhere between 10 to 24 inches of ice. Even so, ice fishers are urged to use caution when traveling out onto the frozen waters. The main channel of the Mississippi River is frozen over, but travel on it is not recommended. Another dangerous spot is on the Ambro Slough just upstream from the USFWS boat landing. There, Mill Coulee Creek enters the Ambro Slough and open water/very thin ice exists. Ice fishers must now make sure they wear ice cleats on their boots as very slippery conditions exist on the frozen waters now that most of the snow melted. Ice fishing action slowed down late in the week. Fishing activity and ice conditions are as follows: Prairie du Chien Area and Lower bottoms: Garnet Lake has decent ice but access is very dangerous. Fishing activity there has been spotty. Dilman?s pit was producing some very nice white bass (stripers) near the bottom of 40 feet of water, but that has slowed recently. Ice conditions are pretty good except for Rotten Slough, St. Feriole Slough and Hunter?s Slough which are located near the sewer treatment plant. Caution in these areas is advised. Anglers have been fishing between the Blackhawk and Washington Street bridges. Bluegill activity was slow. Prairie du Chien Ambro Slough Complex: The lower end of Gremore Lake really slowed down. Even so a few crappie, bluegill and perch were taken. Tilmont Lake was producing perch and bluegills, but that area really slowed. There is about 20 inches of ice on Tilmont Lake. Anglers are urged to use caution crossing over the Black Slough. Mud Slough, the Lower Doubles and Fish Lake have been very slow. Ice conditions there are good with around 20 inches of ice. Little Missouri was hot last week for a few days but really slowed by the end of the week. Good catches of perch, crappie and bluegill were reported. Big Missouri and the Upper Double are starting to produce bluegill and crappie, but action remains spotty. The Fennimore Cut and Spring Lake have been spotty also, but a few decent crappie and bluegill along with a perch here and there have been reported. Access to the Doubles, Big and Little Missouri, the Fenimore Cut, and Spring lake can be tricky. Poor ice conditions exist where Mill Coulee Creek enters the Ambro Slough. Largemouth bass have been active throughout the Ambro Slough complex. Panfish anglers report catching many undersized bass and few keeper size. Sturgeon Slough Area: Sturgeon Slough remains very quiet. Some anglers have ventured down to Sturgeon (aka McGregor or Horseshoe) Lake but success there has been slow. Sturgeon Slough and Sturgeon Lake have good ice, however travel to Sturgeon Lake can be tricky. Stay on established paths. Cold Spring: Fishing has been very slow. Reports of a few bluegill and crappie have been reported, but overall very slow. Ice conditions on the southern lobe are still good except when you get near the boat landing/stream where open water and very thin ice exists. Mississippi River: Walleye and sauger anglers have been venturing out onto the ice below the Lynxville dam. Ice conditions there vary greatly and day to day. Travel in this area is not advisable. Even so, some anglers have been vertical jigging or dead lining through the ice with a few sauger and an occasional walleye being taken. Ice conditions have been reported as ranging from an inch or two to 6 or more inches. Those who hunt coyotes are finding the breeding season is beginning and there are ample opportunities out there. Some hunters find that wearing snowshoes really helps getting around. Bald Eagles can be seen along the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers near open water. Many bald eagles can be seen north of Prairie du Chien along STH 27 near CTH N.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest ? Cross-country ski trails received 2 inches of fresh powdery snow on Tuesday night with a chance for more Thursday and Friday. Trails will be groomed once the snow stops - this will be Friday at the earliest and Saturday morning at the latest. This weekend will feature the annual Candlelight Ski on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., starting at the Smrekar warming shelter. This event is sponsored annually by the Black River Forest Trail Foundation. A 1.5-mile trail will be lit with candles, and food, refreshments, and a raffle will all be available. Besides enjoying a rare chance for a night time ski this will be a great opportunity to enjoy the Smrekar Warming shelter newest feature -- in-floor heat. This will greatly improve the comfort of this building. This project was made possible by the generous donation of the Black River Forest Trail Foundation. All snowmobile and ATV trails were groomed on Wednesday Feb. 3 and are in fair condition with a few places being icy. One section of the trail, heading north from the Wildcat loop towards Battlepoint Road, is closed due to overly icy conditions and a logging job. This is the snowmobile-only section of the trail. Castle Mound and Pigeon Creek have a limited number of sites open for winter camping. Pigeon Creek campground is not plowed in the winter, but visitors are welcome to hike to sites. East Fork is closed for the season.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Park visitors have been ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even winter camping. Cross-country ski trails were packed and tracked on Thursday, Feb 4, and are in excellent condition.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate and campground are closed for the season. This is a seasonal park so the winter parking lot will not be maintained this winter and ski trails will not be groomed.
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, February 5, 2010
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Wake Up, Groundhog! Groundhog Day has just passed! Learn if groundhogs can really predict the coming of spring and other tidbits about their lives. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
? Black River State Forest, Black River Falls, (715) 284-4103 - Candlelight Ski. The Black River Forest Trail Foundation will be holding their annual candlelight ski event. A 1.5-mile trail will be lit with candles. Food, refreshments, and a raffle will be available. Meet at the Smrekar warming shelter. 6-9 p.m.
? Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - Candlelight Ski, Hike, and Snowshoe. One- and two-mile trails lit for skiing. Separate lit trail for hikers, snowshoers, and leashed pets. Guided interpretive hikes at 7 and 8 p.m. If insufficient snow, all trails will be lit for hikers. Friends of Blue Mound State Park will provide a bonfire, free hot drinks and marshmallows for roasting. Chili, vegetarian chili, brats, hotdogs, and baked goods available for purchase. Plans for the new warming house will be on display.
? Brunet Island State Park, Cornell, (715) 239-6888 - Community Candlelight Ski and Sledding. Enjoy sledding down the beach hill or strap on the skis for a beautiful candlelight ski. The trail will also be groomed for hiking or snow shoeing alongside the cross-country trail. The fireplaces will be stoked and hot refreshments will be waiting to warm you! Cross-country skis are available for loan from Community Ed and snow shoes from the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Center will also be free to use. Sponsored by Brunet Island State Park, the Cornell Lions, and Cornell/Lake Holcombe Community Ed No vehicle admission sticker will be needed for this event. This event is weather permitting. Pavillion. 3-5 p.m. sledding, 5-7 p.m. ski, snowshoe.
? Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715) 332-5271 - Annual Candlelight Ski. A 1.8 kilometer loop will be groomed, tracked and lit with over 600 candles. The trail is for skiers or hikers and winds through the heart of the forest. The trail is wide enough for diagonal striders and skate skiers. Picnic tables and a large barbecue grill will be available near the trailhead for persons who wish to cook their food. Large warming fires will also be built and maintained throughout the night. Starting at 5 p.m. for the event, all day-use fees at the trailhead will be waived. Meet at the Flambeau Hills trailhead, located on County Highway W, about 20 miles west of Phillips and 15 miles east of Winter. This event will take place regardless of snow conditions. If there is no snow, there will be a candlelight walk. 6-9 p.m.
? Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. A candlelight ski/hike through the woods and around Quarry Lake. Refreshments served by the Friends of Harrington Beach State Park. Please, no pets. Trailhead at Adolph and Marie Ansay Welcome Center. 6-9 p.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Family Hike: Let's Go Snowshoeing. Join the staff for a morning of outdoor fun! We'll take a hike on snowshoes to enjoy the park in winter. Make sure to dress warmly; most of the time will be spent outside. If there is no snow, we will take a hike instead. All equipment will be provided. 10:30-11:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106; - Candlelight Ski/Hike. The Forest Management trail is torch-lit for skiers and hikers. Stop by the bonfire to warm up along the trail and visit the Friends of High Cliff concessions booth for some hot beverages and snacks. Forest Management Trail. 5-8 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Cross-country ski or hike by candlelight. At the bonfire join fellow hikers and skiers for hot drinks and snacks provided by the Friends of the Kettle Moraine. The trail, with no steep hills or sharp turns, is perfect for novice skiers. Zillmer Trail Area. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
? Mirror Lake State Park, Lake Delton, (608) 254-2333 - Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe. There will be two 1-mile loop trails lit for the evening. Both trails are open to skiers and one of the trails will also be open to hiking and snowshoeing. Sponsored by the Friends of Mirror Lake State Park [exit DNR]. The Friends will have brats, hotdogs, goodies, hot chocolate and more available for sale. There will be two roaring bonfires to keep you toasty warm. The event is free but a Wisconsin State Park sticker is required on all vehicles. Meet at the beach/picnic area. 6-8 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Fish Creek Winter Games. Peninsula staff and friends will host a children's game at this annual town event. Clark Park, Fish Creek. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Candlelight Hike. Walk an easy 1-mile candlelit trail through the woods. Bonfire and refreshments at the warming shelter. Meet at Lot 5 on Highland Road. Buy your vehicle admission sticker at park headquarters before 5 p.m. 5:30-8 p.m. Note: Due to lack of snow, this will be a hike on the Yellow cross-country ski trail. Please call ahead to confim the event is still taking place before traveling any long distances to attend.
? Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - Winter Fest Activities will vary according to the weather and snow conditions: Horse-drawn rides, Dogsled Demonstrations, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Winter tree ID, Crafts, Storytime, and Nature bingo. Sponsored by Friends of Perrot. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Cabin Fever Reliever. Join us for outdoor fun! If there's snow, bring your sled for tobogganing. We'll also have a fire, hot cocoa and play fun and active winter games. Bring your friends and family! Meet at Group Campsite A. 1-2:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 7, 2009
? Peninsula State Park, (920) 868-3258 - Cross-country Ski Clinic. Cancelled due to lack of snow.
Monday, February 8, 2010
? Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, (920) 854-2500 - Snowshoe Clinic. Join us at the Nature Center for an introduction to snowshoeing and a guided walk along the Upland Trail. Bring your own snowshoes. A limited number of snowshoes will be available free of charge. Sponsored by the Newport Wilderness Society and Bayshore Outdoor Store. Meet at the Nature Center in the Park Entrance Building. 10 a..m. - Noon.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
? Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Turtle Time. Can you imagine carrying your house everywhere you go? Meet some turtles and watch them eat and move. This program is for preschoolers ages 3 - 5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult. It is not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents. Then a short activity will reinforce the story's nature-related theme. Nature Storytime generally lasts between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. We'll spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so dress accordingly. Ice Age Center. 10 a.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - An Evening with Nature: Wind Energy - Wildlife Interactions ? What We Know and Don't Know. How many birds and bats does a modern wind turbine kill in a year? Noel Cutright of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology will answer this question and more, plus he will examine what goes into constructing a wind farm in Wisconsin. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over the age of 10 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Knee-high Naturalist. Bring your 3- to 5-year old to this fun and involving program. A new topic every month! Dress to be outside. Please call to pre-register. Program will go on regardless of weather but topic may change. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Meet at the visitor center and be prepared to drive. 10-11:30 a.m.
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/
