WDNR Outdoor Report as of January 28, 2010Last weekend?s warm temperatures and rain took a major toll on snow cover in the southern half of Wisconsin. Snow depths now range from an inch or less in the far south, to 4 to 8 inches through central Wisconsin, and 8 to 20 inches in the north. Snowmobile trails are now closed in most counties south of Highway 64, except for a few counties reporting poor to fair conditions on the Department of Tourism snow conditions report. Snowmobile trails in the northern third of the state are still being reported as generally good to excellent condition, with the best conditions in the Lake Superior snowbelt.
Cross-country ski trails faired somewhat better, except for the far southeast and areas along the Door County peninsula, where trails at some parks are now closed. Trail at all units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest remained mostly open, with conditions from poor to good. Ski trails through northern Wisconsin remain in good to excellent condition.
The mild weather and rain also combined to make for some very sloppy ice conditions on lakes and flowages. Northern lakes still have 12 to 16 inches of ice, but there was 4 to 8 inches of slush and snow on top of some waters. Ice fishing action seemed to move into the mid-winter doldrums in some areas, with success tapering off. Walleye action was fair, with small sucker minnows, fished in 8 to 12 feet of water at dusk providing the best action. Northern pike activity also slowed. Panfish action has been inconsistent, with anglers moving around quite a bit searching for the active fish.
On Green Bay, anglers were catching whitefish and perch, with most fishing in 10 to 30 feet of water at Little Sturgeon Bay, Henderson Point, and Sturgeon Bay. Perch up to 10 inches were being caught. There has not been much fishing activity going on farther south along Lake Michigan, as snowmelt and rain muddied tributaries and left the ice in most harbor ice is in rough shape. Open water anglers have been catching brown and occasional rainbow trout at Port Washington and browns and some northern pike at Milwaukee.
The Mississippi River rose after last weekend?s rain to 8.05 feet at Prairie du Chien, up about 4 inches from last week. Ice conditions deteriorated in some areas. The main channel remained frozen over, but travel is not recommended. After all the rain, there were large areas of standing water on the ice. Ice fishing was very good on some days during the warm stretch of weather, with nice catches of crappie, bluegill and perch reported.
With news earlier this week that traces of VHS fish disease have been found in low levels in fish from some parts of Lake Superior underscores the need, according to state fisheries officials, for anglers, boaters and bait harvesters to follow rules in place to prevent the spread of this disease.
Whitetail bucks have begun to shed their antlers, although some bucks could retain their antlers into March.
Increased winter activity around bird feeders has been attracting some northern shrikes to feeders. Because they lack talons, shrikes use their powerful bills to stun or kill small birds while in flight. They also have the unique habit of impaling their prey on sharp objects such as thorns or barbed wire fences, a predatory habit that earned this winter visitor the nickname "butcher bird."
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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 Cross-Country Ski Trail have greatly improved, recovering from storm and were in excellent condition as of Jan. 27. Forest staff were out cleaning up downed debris and pruning sapplings weighted down by heavy snow. Entry, exit, Maple, Aspen, Oak, River, White Pine, and Spruce were finish groomed and classic track set. Classic Trail, Loop, and Little Joe will be groomed Thursday. There is a candlelight free ski on Saturday, Jan. 30, starting at 6 p.m.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail - Rain and some snow over the weekend made for varied riding conditions. Regular grooming is taking place.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The mild weather of last week, coupled with the rain and snow storms in the last several days, have combined to make for some very sloppy ice conditions on lakes and flowages across the Northwoods. Most lakes still have 12 to 16 inches of ice, but there is a 4 to 8 inch layer of slush and snow on top of that. In addition, vehicle and ATV traffic have caused some large ruts and rough conditions, and this has resulted in some difficult travel conditions on the lakes. The upcoming cold weather should help firm up the sloppy conditions, but travel may still be troublesome on most waters. For fishing action, it seems that the mid-winter winter doldrums have set in and success has tapered off for most species in the area. Walleye action could be considered fair for this mid-winter time and most anglers are experiencing just enough action to keep them interested. Success has been erratic but the best catches have come on the cloudy and mild days, when temperatures reached up into the 20s and low 30s. The favorite bait continues to be small sucker minnows, fished 6 inches off the bottom in 8 to 12 feet of water and in the hour before dark. Northern pike activity has also slowed up in the last week as the increased snow cover seems to have moved the fish to a little deeper water. Panfish action has been inconsistent and these anglers have been moving around quite a bit. Anglers have been moving from lake to lake, and from spot to spot on a lakes - searching for the active fish. Success has been quite variable, with perch providing most of the action for the panfish anglers.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Walleye action is reported as fair with northerns being caught in fairly good numbers over heavy green weeds. The crappies are hanging in about 6 to 8 feet of water and associated with cabbage weeds. Bluegill action is reported to be on the rise and these fish are also being caught in the deep weed edges or associated with some structure. The more remote lakes are said to be the best sources for more abundant catches. Perch action is fair right now. Snow conditions for both skiing and snowmobiling are fair with the little snowfall this past weekend. Colder temperatures this week will help preserve the trails conditions. Please remember to stop and obtain snowmobile trail passes as necessary. Also remember the statewide night time speed limit of 55 for snowmobiles. Of special interest, the whitetail bucks have begun to shed their antlers. Some of these bucks could retain their antlers until into March.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest ? The recent above average temperatures and rain/snow mix did not do much damage to the cross-country ski trails. The snow pack condensed but 2 inches of new snow helped. The snow outside the trail has a crust now but the tracks are firm. McNaughton, Raven, Escanaba and Madeline ski trails were all groomed and tracked Jan. 26 and were in very good condition. Otter tracks and wolf tracks were seen along the Escanaba Trail. Deer seem to have switched to browsing as there are no longer any holes dug to reach acorns.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Cross-country ski trails are groomed, but not tracked, and are in poor condition.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Due to the extensive rain in recent days ice conditions need to be checked before venturing out. Ice cleats are a must in most areas. Fishing pressure over the past week has been light to moderate in most areas.
Marinette County ? Walleye and white fish are being sought by the Turn Basin on the Menominee River. Moonshines and Rattlin Raps tipped with minnows on the treble hook for walleye and jigging spoons tipped with wax worms or minnow heads for white fish. Colors that are working well are the Fire Tiger and blue/silver. Walleye are still being caught by the Hattie Street Dam although the bite has slowed some. Panfish are being caught in the slough behind K-Mart and at the Hometown Marina.
Oconto County - Geano Beach had a few temporary ice shacks to the south of the landing fishing for pike and perch. Oconto Breakwater had the most number of anglers with catches of perch, white fish, and pike. Perch are being caught in mouth area of the Breakwater as well as father out on the bay. White fish are being caught on jigs by the mouth of the Oconto and 50 or so yards out in the bay. Pike anglers are concentrating on the north side of the breakwater. Oconto Park I and II are seeing pike anglers plying the waters close to shore and in conjunction to areas where small creeks run into the Green Bay.
Governor Thompson State Park - Cross-country ski trails are open and groomed for both classic and skate skiers. Snowshoe tracks cover the width of the packed snowshoe trail. The 2.5-mile packed trail has been seeing some heavy use! Quite a few ice fishers have been spotted on Woods Lake and Caldron Falls Flowage. Please remember that ice conditions can vary and that the ice is never completely safe. Construction has begun on the new visitor center for the state park and Peshtigo River State Forest. The new building will should take about a year to be built. This is the first building to be built as part of a $3.5 million construction project at the park. Construction also has begun on the new 50-site campground. Throughout the winter months construction crews are hauling out brush and stumps, and grading in the new campsites and roads. The campground is expected to open for the 2011 camping season. The new enclosed shelter building at Woods Lake is available as a warming area for cross-country skiers, ice anglers and kids using the sledding hill in the winter.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Volk?s reef has had some activity over the last week with anglers fishing for perch and whitefish. Most perch are being caught in 15-20 feet of water with a few anglers finding some very nice sized fish. The best action has been on waxworms or minnows. Bayshore Park anglers have put in a lot of time on the ice in the areas between Bayshore and Red river. Anglers are seeing whitefish and some nice catches of perch. Most anglers have been fishing in 10-30 feet of water. Anglers that are having the best luck on whitefish are jigging a Hali or Swedish pimple tipped with either a minnow or waxworm. There has been a lot of pressure for perch over the last week at Little Sturgeon Bay. Anglers have reported that fishing slowed a bit but there are still some nice perch being caught. Most anglers have been jigging or setting tip-ups for perch. Whitefish action continues to be good from Henderson point to Limekiln road with the best action in 10-30 feet of water. Jigging continues to be the most successful approach for whitefish. Sturgeon Bay anglers have been fishing in front of the state park. Perch have made up most of the catches with some nice fish around 10 inches being caught. Anglers have been jigging minnows for the best results.
Potawatomi State Park ? Cross-country ski trails are still skiable, but they are hard and icy after the rain on January 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 - The recent warm spell with this past weekend's rain has all but melted the snow cover. There are some bare spots with layers of ice in-between the bare spots. The Brachiopod Trail next to the Lake is void of all snow and ice. The candlelight ski and hike scheduled for Jan. 30 is cancelled. The candle light hike is also in jeopardy due to the icy conditions and the bitter forecast for this Saturday evening. There is no snow in the immediate forecast.
DNR Southeast Region
Harrington Beach State Park - Cross-country ski trails are in poor condition to unskiable. The Shuttle Trail is plowed for hiking. The remainder of the trails are soft and wet. People have been ice fishing on Quarry Lake. For those who do not know, ice fishing is allowed, but please remember, that it is a quarry. It is usually the last lake to freeze in the county and ice conditions are uncertain. They are catching a few rainbow trout. Please remember that an Inland Trout Stamp is required to fish for and keep trout.
Havenwoods State Forest - Trails are very icy, especially on the service road. Snow depth ranges from 0-4 inches in wooded areas. Deer, squirrels, raccoon, turkeys, red-tailed hawk, cooper's hawk, owls, mourning doves, chickadees, juncos, nuthatch, downy woodpeckers, sparrows are being seen.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit - The cross-country ski trails were groomed on Monday, Jan. 25, including a classic track, following the warm temps and rain of last weekend. The man-made snow section is in excellent condition. The rest of the trails are generally in good to fair condition, with some sections in poor condition. The first section just above the man-made loop along the pines to South Field is icy but passable. South Field, on the lighted loop, is passable, but has some bare spots and is icy. Fortunately, most of the downhills are in fair condition with some small icy spots. The upper trails are generally in better condition that the lighted loop. Though the section just uphill from Asthma Hill before the purple--blue/black split is icy but passable. Skiers should exercise extra caution on the down hills. Skiers concerned about icy conditions may want to restrict their skiing to the man-made snow loop near the Evergreen trail head. There was a very good turnout for last Saturdays Lapham Loppet Ski Race with 140 adult racers and 90 middle and high school racers.
Kettle Moraine State Forest ? Northern Unit - Cross-country ski trails survived the rains! Trails were groomed Jan. 25-26. New track was set where possible. Overall the trails are in very good shape and should hold up well into the weekend.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit - Cross-country ski trails are open and being groomed. All of the trails at the Southern Unit remain well snow covered with a high water content icy snow. Skiing is best the same day the trail is groomed, hard and crunchy on the other days. All classical tracks are generally well moulded (McMiller track has some shallow stretches) but with the type of snow skiers report klister is needed to get good kick. McMiller skate lanes were scheduled to be groomed Jan. 28. Nordic skate lanes were groomed on Wednesday and will be done again on Friday. Both trails will be groomed each morning on the weekend. On all trails it is fast conditions and there are scattered ice patches. Call the Trail Information Line, (262) 594-6202, for the most current trail conditions. Please remember no walking or dogs allowed on the groomed trails. Snowmobile trails are closed.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
There has not been much fishing activity going on. The snowmelt and rain muddied up tributaries, and most harbor ice is in rough shape.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington open water anglers have been catching browns and occasional rainbows near the power plant discharge. Both spawn and crankbaits have produced fish.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee open water anglers fishing the Menomonee River at the MMSD offices have been catching a few northern pike, and brown trout have been taken on spawn by anglers fishing the river under the Hoan bridge. Most of Oak Creek is ice-free, but the water is high and muddy after the rain this past weekend.
Racine County - The Racine harbor is still iced over, with reports of 6 inches in Reefpoint Marina. There are some large open areas near the docks, though, so please use extra caution if you venture out. Anglers in the marina have been catching brown trout on spawn. The Root River is open from the Horlick dam through Colonial Park, but flows are very high.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Blue Mound State Park - All cross-country trails groomed and tracked Jan. 26 and were in good condition for classical skiing. There is 100 percent coverage, not icy with the exception of a 25-foot icy strip on a level section of the Pleasure Valley trail (marked with orange traffic cones). Remainder of the system, including all down hills are in good shape.
Wyalusing State Park - Ice fishing remains the most popular activity in the winter. Ice anglers try their luck on the frozen waters of the mighty Mississippi every day. With the recent plummeting temperatures, ice fishing activity has dropped substantially. All trails are snow covered. Forecast for the upcoming weekend is sunny and cold, with no precipitation expected. Highs are expected to reach the mid teens on Saturday and Sunday. Night time temps today through Saturday will reach lows between 0 and -7 degrees below zero. As of Jan. 27, both the Whitetail Meadows and Turkey Hollow cross country ski trails were in fair condition. Both trails were groomed on Tuesday of this week. Track was set on all but the south section of Turkey Hollow. Ron Falch, volunteer groomer, describes the trails as ?definitely skiable?. Skiers are welcome to call the park office at 608-996-2261 for updated weekend conditions. Beginners may want to use Whitetail Meadows Trail. Please remember that dogs are not allowed on cross country ski trails. The newly renovated Sand Cave Trail makes an excellent trail for snowshoeing. Park office bird feeders remain a popular spot for winter residents. Dozens of cardinals brighten the wintery landscape, providing an excellent photo opportunity. Approximately 6-8 red-bellied woodpeckers can be sighted at a time, preferring to feed on the suet blocks. Recent bird sightings this week include: gold finches, purple finches, chickadees, red breasted nuthatch, white breasted nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. A resident Sharp-shinned hawk has been frequenting the area by the bird feeders, taking advantage of the song birds and making the feeders a bird feeder in the true sense of the word. Eagles can be found in the area, especially anywhere there is open water. A good spot to look for bald eagles this time of year is between Prairie du Chien and La Crosse on Highway 35, south of Wyalusing State Park, near Cassville and Nelson Dewey State Park. Another popular spot for bald eagles is north of Prairie du Chien on Highway 27 where it intersects with County Highway N to the west.
Dodge County - The Dodge County ATV trail along the Wild Goose Trail from Hwy 60 to Hwy 49 was open as of Jan. 27. The Wild Goose Trail is sufficiently frozen to allow ATVs to ride. Riders are cautioned to watch for icy patches and rough trail surfaces due to the recent melting and re-freezing. The Dodge County Snowmobile Trail system remains closed.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Mirror Lake State Park - Despite last weeks warm temps and rain, as of Jan. 27 all cross-country ski trails were groomed, tracked and in good condition with a 6 to 8 inch base. Trails are groomed for classical and skate skiing. Last grooming was done on Jan. 27. Campsites 58 through 76 in Sandstone Campground remain open for winter camping.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Tree sparrows, juncos, cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, horned larks, nuthatches, blue jays, and tufted titmice are the majority of songbirds currently active in the area. A few northern shrikes have been showing up at local bird feeders. The increased winter activity around bird feeders is very attractive to shrikes. Because they lack talons, shrikes use their powerful bills to stun or kill small birds while in flight. They also have the unique habit of impaling their prey on sharp objects such as thorns or barbed wire fences. Their predatory habits have earned this winter visitor the nickname "butcher bird."
Wildcat Mountain State Park - The recent rains degraded conditions for cross-country skiing. As of Jan. 28, trails were in fair condition. Classical tracks have fresh snow from Monday?s snow fall. There are some icy spots. The skating lane was regroomed Tuesday with a Tidd Tech trail tenderizer. The skating lane was fast but with edge control. The skating lanes will be regroomed Friday or Saturday morning.
Crawford County - A stretch of warm weather and about one inch of rain over the weekend knocked back some of the snow depth. Some ridge tops now have exposed fields. However plenty of snow still exists in the woods. Snowmobile trails in Crawford County are now closed. For updated information regarding snowmobile trails go to TravelWisconsin.com and click on snow condition reports. The Mississippi River rose after this weekend?s rain. The river stage rose to 8.05 feet, which is up about 4 inches from last week. Ice conditions in some areas took a beating. Even so most of the popular ice fishing spots have upwards of 8 to 12 inches of ice. Ice conditions vary greatly and are considered unsafe. 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 all the snow melted. After all the rain, large areas of standing water existed on the ice. Colder weather is expected so those areas should freeze up. Ice fishing was very good on some days during the warm stretch of weather. 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 good, but a lot of small fish were being taken. Prairie du Chien Ambro Slough Complex: The lower end of Gremore Lake really slowed down. Even so, some days a few crappie, bluegill and perch were taken. Tilmont Lake is still producing, at times, some very nice crappie and perch primarily in the morning or late in the day. Mud Slough, the Lower Doubles and Fish Lake have been very slow. Little Missouri was hot last week for a few days. 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. Largemouth bass have been active throughout the Ambro Slough complex. Panfish anglers report catching many undersized bass and few keeper size. Ice conditions are generally good with the exception of the area around the confluence of Mill Coulee Creek and Ambro Slough. Open water exists there. Sturgeon Slough Area: Sturgeon Slough has been very quiet recently. 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. If water levels rise much more, Sturgeon Slough will begin to have water move through it thus causing fishing activity to drop off. 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 inches. Small game hunters found squirrel activity very good during last week?s warmer weather. Squirrel season will close a the end of the month. Rabbit hunters are reporting average to poor success. 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.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest ? Cross-country ski trails were groomed for skating on Wednesday and are in fair to good condition. A track was set only on the south trail which is fair for classical skiing. Trail base is 4-5 inches in most parts. The annual Candlelight Ski will be held on 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. All snowmobile and ATV trails are closed due to the weekend's rain. This includes not only the state forest trails but all Jackson County trails including the club trails. Trails will need at least 4-5 inches of good snow before they can be reopened.
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 29, 2010
? Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area, New Auburn, (715) 967-2800 - Snowshoeing by Moonlight. Join naturalists Rod Gont and Frank Lowly as they lead one or two-hour snowshoe hikes by moonlight. All ages are invited. More than 40 pairs of snowshoes are available for those without them. Please call ahead to reserve snowshoes. There's no charge, but donations are accepted. Warming fires will be going and hot chocolate and hot water are available. Meet at the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Reserve Unit Visitor Center. 6:30 p.m.
? Red Cedar State Trail, Menomonie, (715) 232-2652 - Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe. Enjoy a lighted trail, hot chocolate and a warming fire at the Menomonie Depot Visitor Center. Limited ski rentals will be available through Stout Adventures; contact Tim Mertz (715) 232-5190 for availability. Snowshoes will be provided by the Menomonie School District at no cost. 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
? Governor Nelson State Park, Madison, (608) 831-3005 - Park Bonfire. There will be a bonfire for visitors at the park. Hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting will be available while supplies last. If the weather is severe, the event will be cancelled. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
? Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Candlelight Ski and Hike. As dusk descends hundreds of candles will illuminate two separate trails for hikers and skiers. A warm and welcoming bonfire will greet skiers and hikers back at the shelter. Willow sticks will be provided for toasting snacks and charcoal grills will be available for the more serious cook. A concession stand, with free refreshments including bars, cookies, cider and hot chocolate, will be graciously provided by the Friends of Hartman Creek. Soda pop will be for sale. There is no fee for this event, but an admission sticker is required on vehicles. 5-8 p.m. Alternate date: Saturday, February 6.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Eco-Scavenger Hunt - Winter Birds. Are you up for a challenging Eco-Scavenger Hunt? This one focuses on birds of winter. Stop in the building to pick up your scavenger hunt card and map. Then, find the spots listed on the scavenger hunt map. (They are marked with yellow flags.) Stamp your card with the rubber stamps; found at the base of each flag. Once your card is stamped, bring your card back to the front desk to claim your prize. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. No admission sticker required.
? Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls, (715) 382-4574 - Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe. Lighted ski, snowshoe and walking trails will be available as well as refreshments.Call (715) 967-2800 to reserve a pair of snowshoes. Sponsored by Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. 5-8 p.m. Snowshoe Fun Obstacle Race for all ages and skill levels, 5:30-6:15 p.m. Naturalist-led snowshoe hike 6:30-7:30 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park , Fish Creek, (920)868-3258 - Snug in the Snow. Join the naturalist for a short trail hike to increase your understanding of ways Peninsula plants and animals survive winter. Optional: bring your own snowshoes. Meet at the Nature Center. 11-11:45 a.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5607 - Cross-country Ski Clinic. Bring your skis and join instructor John Meyer to learn about waxing and other skiing tips. The diagonal stride technique will be taught and practiced. Please call to preregister. Event is weather dependent. Meet at Shelter 1. 9-11 a.m. Workday. Need a service project or service hours? Want to help the environment and the park? Help at our workday! You may come for the whole time, for several hours, for one workday or for all of them. Most suitable for ages 10 and up. Please stop at the office when you arrive and you will get a free daily pass for your vehicle. Make sure you dress to be outside working. 1-3 p.m.
? Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - The candlelight ski and hike are both cancelled due to the icy conditions and the bitter forecast. The Friends' have decided not to reschedule for this winter.
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/
