Author Topic: WDNR Outdoor Report as of January 24, 2008  (Read 1051 times)

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WDNR Outdoor Report as of January 24, 2008
« on: January 24, 2008, 12:38:55 PM »
DNR Outdoor Report as of January 24, 2008

Anywhere from several inches to more than a foot of snow fell across Wisconsin in the last week, and snow depths now range from a low of 4 to 5 inches areas of southeaster, central and far northwestern Wisconsin, to more than 2 feet in far north central Wisconsin.  Snowmobile trails were currently open in most counties and were being reported as fair to excellent on the Department of Tourism snow conditions report.  Cross-country ski trails are generally being reported as good to mostly excellent in many areas, with a few areas of the northwest reporting conditions as only fair.  Frigid temperatures with lows reaching minus 20 at night in many locations in the last week have kept many people indoors, but temperatures are expected to moderate this weekend, which combined with good snow cover and good lake ice is shaping up to be one of the best weekends of the winter for outdoor recreation.
With mild weather in the forecast, this may be a great weekend to attend one of the seven candlelight skis events scheduled for this weekend at Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Trails.
Ice thickness on most lakes across the state varies from 12 to 17 inches and recent snows have added about 3 to 4 inches of light snow to the surface.  The frigid weather firmed up most of the slushy spots on the lakes and access has been good to most fishing areas.  The cold did put a damper on fishing pressure and the high pressure associated with the cold typically slows fish activity.  Panfish have been providing the best action for those few anglers venturing out, with a few fair catches of crappie and perch being reported.   Walleye fishing continued to be on the slow side.
Fishing pressure has also been very low on Green Bay. There were a few fish being caught out of Dikesville, but with ice conditions just starting to improve the fishing should pick up. The Little Sturgeon Bay area has had the most fishing pressure as of late with a few perch being caught.  There were also some descent numbers of whitefish being caught in the deeper water north of Little Sturgeon. The cold and snow also hampered Lake Michigan and tributary river fishing.  Tributaries are slushy or iced over and most harbor areas have some ice cover. Shore anglers in Milwaukee and Racine were catching a few brown trout. 
The Mississippi River has been dropping slowly this week.  Last week the river was up to 8.5 feet but slowly dropped to 7.5 feet at Prairie du Chien, about a foot lower than last week. Most of the main channels of the Mississippi and lower Wisconsin rivers are frozen over.  Fishing activity was slow due to the bitterly cold weather. 
Because of the cold, animal activity has been limited.  During cold stretches it would take more energy to forage and keep warm so some wildlife will "lay low" and rely on their fat reserves to conserve energy.  As temperatures moderate, look for deer and turkeys to begin actively feeding in agricultural fields.  The recent snow will provide excellent opportunities for winter tracking as mammals become more active during the warm-up. Mid-January is generally the onset of coyote and red fox breeding cycles.  Cold, crisp winter nights afford opportunities to listen for the raspy barks of red fox or the high pitched yipping of coyotes.  Red foxes generally avoid raising pups in areas where coyotes have established territories.
The deep snow cover has reduced feeding opportunities for migratory birds, and as a result, Canada geese have moved out of many areas, including around Horicon Marsh.  It also appears that many of the wintering hawks may have been forced farther south due to the lack of access to food.  Flocks of snow buntings have been seen in the surrounding uplands as wells as Lapland longspurs and horned larks. 
#   #   #
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 past week has thrown some frigid temperatures at the northland.  Because of this, animal activity (and some people's activity) have been limited.  During cold stretches it would take more energy to forage and keep warm so some wildlife will "lay low" and rely on their fat reserves to conserve energy.  Temperatures are forecasted to warm up so the wildlife will be out and about once again. The winter severity index (WSI) in Brule is at 20-25 which is average at this point this winter.  The average WSI for Brule is 75 points at winter's end.  The WSI was developed in the early 1970s.  It is calculated by adding the number of days with 18 inches or more of snow on the ground to the number of days when minimum temperatures were 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below between Dec. 1 and April 30. If you think of it as adding up points, a day when both conditions occurred would get two points. At the end of the winter all the points are added up, resulting in the WSI number for the whole winter. A winter with an index of less than 50 is considered mild, 50 to 80 is moderate and over 80 is severe."  The average WSI for Brule is 75 points.

Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice thickness on most lakes across the Northwoods varies from 12 to 17 inches and recent snows have added about 3 to 4 inches of light snow to the surface.  The frigid weather of the past week has firmed up most of the slushy spots on the lakes and access has been pretty good to most fishing areas.  However, the recent cold temperatures have put a damper on fishing pressure - and fish activity does seem to be at it's mid-winter low point.  Panfish have been providing the best action with a few fair catches of crappie and perch being reported.  Crappie have been found in the deeper water areas and suspended off the bottom - and anglers have had to move around a bit to catch 8 to 10 keeper-size fish in a trip.  Walleye fishing in the area continues to be on the slow side - and most anglers seem to have taken a break from fishing with the frigid weather. The walleye anglers that have been out have reported generally low success with an average trip consisting of 2 or 3 flags and a single fish caught.  The action that has been reported has come in the late afternoon hours, on suckers being fished near break lines in 10 to 16 feet of water.  Northern pike action has also been slow, with fishermen catching just a few small and medium-size fish. 

Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Extremely cold weather has scared off all but a few die-hard anglers from area lakes.  With high temperatures not even reaching the zero mark this past weekend, only those with vehicles to stay warm in or shacks, ventured out.  It was a very quiet week on the lakes.  This weather generally means high pressure is in force and fishing can be very slow during these times.  There is a nice warm up expected for the coming weekend so fishing should improve.  Northern pike and panfish have been providing action for those wishing to head out.  Tip-ups baited with large golden shiners are still the key for catching pike.  Don't be afraid to fish well into the weedy bays now, with your shiner only way up over the tops of the weeds.  In some cases, anglers are putting the shiner just a foot or two beneath the hole and coaxing pike into a bite.  Bluegills are hitting along the weed edges and just into the thicker weeds.  Wax worms and spikes work best with a very small jig and light line.  Walleye action should pick up a bit this week as warmer weather moves in.  Typically during the 'dog days' of January and February, walleye move deeper.  Fish can still be caught on occasion off points and bars, but many anglers move out over deep flats and rock humps for the best action.  Jigging with Rapala's will work well, along with tip-ups baited with small shiners.

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – Cross-country ski conditions are very good. McNaughton, Raven (Red loop closed), and Madeline trails have all been re-groomed.  Escanaba has been mostly re-groomed.

Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Cross-country ski trails are groomed and in good condition.  Please be aware that the ski trail is no longer on the road.  Maps of the new Ski Trails are available at the contact station. The campground is closed for the season.


DNR Northeastern Region

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Frigid temperatures have slowed fishing a bit. Although snowmobilers are still toughing the cold to ride. Trails are in excellent condition. Keep your bird feeders stocked with suet and mixed seeds as the birds really can use the extra energy right now. More snow is in the forecast with warming temperatures. Ice is thick on most lakes but caution is required anytime on frozen waters.

Shawano County - Snow buntings and horned larks are being seen. There is snow to cross-country ski and snowshoe at Navarino Wildlife Area.  Many deer and turkeys are feeding in agricultural fields.  Ice conditions and trails are in good shape around the county.  Temperatures are keeping most people indoors though as fishing has slowed down.

Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - With the cold weather this past week fishing pressure has been very low. There were a few fish being caught out of Dikesville, but with ice conditions just starting to improve the fishing should pick up. The Little Sturgeon Bay area has had the most fishing pressure as of late with a few perch being caught.  There were also some descent numbers of whitefish being caught in the deeper water north of Little Sturgeon.

Peninsula State Park – As of Jan. 22, snow cover was approximately 8 inches. Most sections of the park's 16 mile cross-country ski trail system are in good to very good condition.   Snowmobile trails are open and in fair condition.  The sledding hill is open. The road through the Park is plowed and open.  Waterfowl sightings are abundant along the shore of Peninsula State Park.  The Bay has extensive ice, but is not safe.

Potawatomi State Park - Mild temperatures in early January were followed by several heavy snowfalls and recent cold temperatures.  Ski trails were groomed and in good condition.  Snowmobile trails are open.  Please remember that the old ski hill is closed to all motorized vehicles.  As of Jan. 20, boats were still traveling through the bay of Sturgeon Bay en route to Bay Shipbuilding for winter repairs, so caution by all ice anglers is encouraged.  The shoreline of Potawatomi offers an excellent view of the large boats as they maneuver through the ice.

Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Hartman Creek State Park – The park received about 6 inches of new snow Monday evening. Cross-country ski trails are in very good to excellent condition, with a base of about 12 inches. Pope Lake Trail was groomed and tracked today. Hillview was packed last Friday, and the Oak Ridge was packed and tracked last Friday. More grooming and tracking will take place on Wednesday on Oak Ridge and Hillview systems. Snow is predicted to fall again on Friday.  The park will not be having a candlelight ski this January. Waupaca County snowmobile trails are open.

Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
High Cliff State Park - As of Jan. 22, cross-country ski trails were in excellent condition Trails are tracked and groomed. Winter birds can be viewed at the feeders near the park office. Park personnel do not monitor ice conditions on Lake Winnebago.

DNR Southeast Region

Ozaukee County
Harrington Beach State Park - One quarter of Quarry Lake was open water as of Jan. 20.  Please take extra safety precautions if you attempt to ice fish.

Sheboygan County – The area received 8 to 12 inches of snow in Monday's storm.  All snowmobile trails were open as of Jan. 22.

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit – As of Jan. 22, the park received about 6 inches or more of light fluffy snow overnight. Cross-country ski trails were rolled several times during the night and again this morning and a classic track was being set. Conditions will be soft. The ski lights are lit until 10 pm, except Sundays.

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit –The state forest received 10 inches of very light snow during the evening of Jan. 21. All trails at Zillmer were packed during the snowfall and once again early the next morning. Tracks and skating lanes were scheduled to bill be groomed overnight. Overall the conditions are excellent. The skate lanes will be a bit soft for the next day or two.

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit – Cross-country ski trails are in very good condition as of Jan. 23.  The area received more than 8 inches of light fluffy snow on Monday night. Scuppernong trail is for classical track skiing only.  The trails have been groomed with a double classical track set around the entire system.  The Nordic Trail was packed on Monday night and Tuesday but has not yet firmed up. The trails are well snow covered and skiing is good. It will improve as the snow ages and firms up. A classical track was scheduled to be set at Nordic on Wednesday afternoon and should be in good condition with a few thin spots.  McMiller Trail has been groomed and is in excellent condition for skate skiers with a smooth even firm skating surface on top of a 2-plus inch layer of new snow. The classical track is generally very good, firm and full depth; however, there are some thin spots where the track has exposed ground or other debris in the bottom of it. On the inner loops of McMiller there are just a few thin spots in the track. On the outer blue loop there are more areas where the track is in tough shape, particularly near the 8K marker. However the vast majority of the blue loop has a good track. The biathlon course is open for use every day at this time. 

Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Extremely cold weekend temperatures and heavy snowfall on Monday has, in general, hampered Lake Michigan and tributary river fishing.  Most local boat launches are not in good shape, and tributaries are slushy or iced over.  Most harbor areas have some ice cover, and as always, use extreme caution when venturing out on the ice.

Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, some open water can still be found in the inner harbor near the mouth of the Menomonee River.  Shore anglers there have been catching a few browns on shiners and spoons.  Some anglers have been ice fishing in McKinley Marina and a few browns have been reported.

Racine County - In the Racine harbor anglers have been catching some browns and steelhead through the ice, but ice thickness varies so use extra caution.

Inland fisheries team report
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Fishing for bluegills and crappies has been good at times on several of the small inland lakes lately.  Crappie action has been best at dusk.  Some nice bluegills were taken on Crystal Lake and occasionally on Big Cedar Lake.  Northern pike have been biting fairly well but, legal size fish have been difficult to come by. 


DNR South Central Region

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Iowa County
Blue Mound State Park - Cross-country ski trail conditions are excellent for classic skiing. The 6 plus inches of new powder snow was groomed and a new track set Wednesday evening. Cold temps are allowing the deep, smooth track to set up very solid.

Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The Dodge County snowmobile trail system opened again Jan. 22.  The recent snowfall improved trail conditions enough to allow opening of the system.  However, cautions are issued throughout much of the system where many marshes, ditches and low areas were flooded only a week ago.  These areas have frozen over, although there may be areas of thin ice to watch for.  There may also be some sections closed because of identified hazardous conditions.  Also beware that some sections of the County may not be groomed due to the ice situations and/or ineffective grooming with the fluffy snow.   The ATV trail on the Wild Goose State Trail remains open. For current conditions call the 24 Hour Trail Status Hotline at (920) 386-3705 or check the Dodge County parks Web site: [www.dodgeparks.com].

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Due to the relatively severe winter conditions things are rather quite on Horicon Marsh.  The deep snow cover has reduced feeding opportunities for several migratory birds, and as a result, Canada geese are nearly absent from the area as are horned larks, and it appears that many of the wintering hawks may have been forced farther south due to the lack of access to food.  Rough-legged and red-tailed hawks can be seen in the area, but they appear to be widespread.  This is not an invasion year for snowy owls and none have been reported in the area this year. However, that does not mean that there is nothing to see in the area.  Flocks of snow buntings have been seen in the surrounding uplands as wells as lapland longspurs.  Other winter birds are also present in the area and the occasional fresh snow has provided excellent opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing and winter tracking of mammals in the area.

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil’s Lake State Park - Cross-country ski trails are in very good condition, having been groomed and tracked on Jan. 22. Another 4 to 6 inches of snow fell on both Jan. 17 and 21.  When trail conditions are adequate and staffing is available, ski trails will be groomed before each weekend and after any significant snowfall.

Dane County
Governor Nelson State Park - All cross-country ski trails have been groomed and tracked Jan. 22 and are in great shape for skiing with a snow base of 6 to 8 inches.  If enjoy skiing at night with luminaries along the trail, come out to the park’s candlelight ski on Jan. 26 from 6-9 p.m.


DNR West Central Region

Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Candlelight Ski and Hike for Friday, Jan. 25 is cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Ski trail conditions are not suitable for the majority of skiers that attend candlelight events. There is a one inch cover over a rock hard base that does not cushion a fall. The classic track varies from good to gone, plus there is scattered ice on the trails used for the Candlelight event. Yes, we have skiing but with the qualifier of intermediate or higher skills are suggested. There is good track on the campground loop and parts of the Purple Trail. Skaters have a good lane to ski on for a short time. With the anticipated warm up for the weekend, the skate lane will probably be flattened out by Sunday afternoon.  With the cold weather of late, all ski trails are generally keeping the skiers at a slow pace. Skier traffic has been light. Look for ski trail reports on www.skinnyski.com. Sunday skiers may encounter the kid’s ski class from 2-4 p.m. The adult ski lesson scheduled for the 19th has been rescheduled for Saturday, Jan. 26. Call the park office to register and get more information (715) 386-5931. Multiple use trails are in good condition with the new snow.   

La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Mid-January generally announces the onset of coyote and red fox breeding cycles.  These two members of the dog family have one annual estrus cycle and breed between January and March.  Cold, crisp winter nights afford opportunities to listen for the raspy barks of red fox or the high pitched yipping of coyotes.  Red foxes generally avoid raising pups in areas where coyotes have established territories.

Wildcat Mountain State Park - As of Wednesday, all cross-country ski trails have been packed, groomed for skate skiing and tracked for classical skiing and are in excellent condition.

Crawford County - All the snowmobile trails in the county have re-opened.  Almost 8 inches of snow fell.  Most of the trails are groomed and in good shape.  The Mississippi River has been dropping slowly this week.  Last week the river was up to 8.5 feet but and slowly dropped to 7.55 feet, about a foot lower than last week. Both the Wisconsin and Kickapoo Rivers are steady.  Ice conditions vary greatly throughout the area.  Travel upon the ice is dangerous this time of year especially on the Mississippi River.  Ice thickness ranges from less than an inch to over a foot of ice. Most of the Main Channel of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers is frozen over.  Most of the back water areas are frozen over and are in pretty good shape.  Additional snow fall has created problems traveling on the ice. Those unfamiliar with ice fishing in the Crawford County area should not venture out alone or travel in areas where others have not been.  Bluegill, perch, and crappie action this past week was spotty, due in part to the bitterly cold weather.  Cold Spring was day to day but did produce some decent bluegill and a few crappie.  Shoreline fishing was poor as the cold weather caused ice to close in and the fish were not as active. Those fishing through the ice have had some success using a variety of jig colors.  Many used bait to include wax worms and spikes. Anglers were still crossing over the Ambro Slough to fish Mud Slough and Tilmont Lake. Fishing really shut down last weekend for the most part.  Cold weather was blamed.  Otherwise earlier last week some pretty good catches of perch, crappie and bluegill have been taken there.  Anglers are using a variety of baits and on some days need to change colors frequently to find what is working best.  Some anglers have ventured up to Fish Lake and the Lower Doubles where bluegill fishing was spotty.  Action further up at Little and Big Missouri and the Upper Doubles has been spotty also. Ice conditions on the Ambro Slough upstream from the USFWS landing is a bit dangerous because of the feeder stream that enters the slough.  Caution is advised in that area. Ice fishing on Sturgeon Slough slowed down last week because of the higher water.  Once the water settles down fish activity might pick up.  Some anglers ventured out to McGregor Lake.  Fishing there was generally slow. The lower bottoms outside Prairie du Chien have not seen much fishing activity due to access problems.  Airboats or hoover craft is the best and safest way to access this area.  Some anglers have been fishing through the ice below the Lynxville dam for walleye and sauger.  The weather became colder creating some ice near the long wall of the dam. Fishing has been spotty. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is frozen in. Squirrel, rabbit, and coyote hunters are having pretty good success with the snow cover.

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - With the fresh snow received last week, the Brunet Island cross-country ski trails are freshly groomed and in very good to excellent condition. Snowshoeing in other areas of the park is much improved with the new snow covering the older crusted layer. Panfish and game fish action has been fair on Perch Lake and in the north campground bays. Anglers were reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Vehicle passes are required year round. Species of birds seen or heard include: hairy and downy flickers, ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.

Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - Snow conditions are still good even with the warm weather melting much of it last week. Accumulation totals are about 5 to 8 inches.  Many of winter visitors’ are coming to snowshoe and if you plan on visiting this weekend, you may want to call ahead to reserve snowshoes. The Visitor Center has over 40 pairs of snowshoes, and can outfit all ages. If cross-country skiing is your preference, we recommend the picturesque and groomed trails at nearby Brunet Island and Lake Wissota State Parks. Bird feeders have been busy with colorful and plentiful blue-jays, red-breasted nuthatches, dark eyed junco’s, and red-bellied, downy, and hairy woodpeckers. Ruffed grouse seem to be on the rise within the Reserve and many have been spotted recently. Great horned are barred owls are busy with nest building and will soon have young to take care of. Heavy snowfalls may impact the growing wild turkey populations as food supplies will be harder to obtain. Bald eagles can be seen as they fly low looking for carrion or occasionally, sitting on the frozen lake.  There have been otters seen within the Reserve lately, which sometimes provide the viewer with lots of entertainment.

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Cross-country ski trails were groomed Jan. 22 and were in excellent condition with a base of 10-12 inches. Be sure to check out our new warming shelter at the Smrekar parking lot. This is a full log building with a wood-burning stove and tables and chairs. The building was a result of a generous donation to the state forest from the Black River State Forest Trail Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to improve the quality of the ski, hike, and bike trails. The annual candlelight ski will be held on Saturday, February 2, from 6-9 p.m. at the warming shelter. Trail passes will be waived that day and food will be available for purchase. The event is a fundraiser for the Black River Forest Trail Foundation.  ATV and Snowmobile trails were groomed today also and are in great shape with a similar base. Ride safe!

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Cross country ski trails should be groomed by the weekend. Hiking is not allowed on the groomed trails.  Some roads are now closed to vehicles due to snow and the snowmobile trail. Many people have been out ice fishing on the lake. Remember - we do not monitor ice conditions - be safe out on the lake!  Campsites 8, 9, 16 are open year-round, sites are first come, and drinking water is available at the park office. Site 8 is plowed and has electric! The park is taking 2008 applications for the accessible cabin.

Roche-A-Cri State Park - Cross-country ski trails are snow covered, skiable, and in great condition.  A dense ice base is present, with 3-7 inches of powder groomed and tracked over the top.  The campground and facilities are currently closed for the season, but the park remains open for day use.  Roche-A-Cri is accessible through the winter parking lot on Czech Avenue, the southern border of the park.  The stairway up the Roche-A-Cri Mound is open, but not maintained for winter use.  The 2008 photo contest is now underway.  Take advantage of winter photo opportunities!  The Roche-A-Cri Woods state natural area east of Highway 13 is open for hunting and trapping.







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, January 25, 2008
•   Red Cedar State Trail, Menomonie, (800) 283-1862, (715) 235-9087, or (715) 232-1242 - Candlelight Ski. Ski by candlelight alongs the beautiful Red Cedar River. Free hot chocolate to skiers/hikers near the warming fire at the trailhead. Drawing for prizes including a 2008 Wisconsin State Trail annual pass, friends group membership, and Swiss Miss gift packs. Interpretive and outdoor education exhibits will be open throughout the evening at the Depot Visitor Center. Trail pass fees are waived for this event. Sponsored by Friends of the Red Cedar State Trail and Swiss Miss Corporation. Depot Visitor Center, Menomonie. 6-9 p.m.
•   Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Candlelight Ski and Hike is cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Ski trail conditions are not suitable for the majority of skiers that attend candlelight events.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
•   Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, (608) 935-2315 - Candlelight Hike/Ski. Walk or ski a trail lit with glowing candlelight. Warm up by the bonfire after enjoying the trail. Limited hot drinks and snacks will be available for sale. Weather and snow conditions will determine trail location. Sponsored by Friends of Governor Dodge State Park. Sorry, no pets on the ski trail. Meet at the Cox Hollow Beach area. 6-9 p.m.
•   Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 - Candlelight Ski. Conditions permitting, glide through the night along torch lit, groomed ski trails. Warm by a bonfire and enjoy some tasty snacks. Sorry, Pets are not permitted. 6-9 p.m.
•   Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. The flames of 450 candles will light 1.4 miles of the Purple Loop of the Nordic Trail. Hot beverages, food, heated shelter, bonfire, charcoal. Bring your own marshmallows to roast. Dogs on leash will be allowed on the trail this evening only. Rental equipment is available at the LaGrange General Store. Nordic Trailhead, 3 miles South of Palmyra and 1.5 miles north of La Grange. 6-9 p.m.
•   Nelson Dewey State Park, Cassville, (608) 725-5374 - Candlelight Hike. One of the many events during Cassville's annual Bald Eagle Days celebration. 6-8 p.m.
•   Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 - Candlelight Snowshoe Hike. Meet at the concession stand area. 6 - 8 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Rib Mountain State Park.
•   Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Candlelight Ski. Enjoy snow-covered trails, the soft swish of skis, and candles. The picnic shelter will be open and the fireplace lit. Hot beverages and cookies will be provided. A candlelight hike will replace the ski if there's not enough snow for skiing. Sponsored by Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park. Whitefish Dunes Shelter Bulding. 6:-9 p.m.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
•   Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Owls--Nighttime Hunters. While you are sleeping, the owls are flying about. Find out what these nighttime birds are doing. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
•   Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime generally last 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.

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/
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