DNR Outdoor Report as of January 3, 2008
Outdoor enthusiasts have been enjoying some of the best early season snow cover that Wisconsin has received in several years, with snow depths ranging from a foot to a foot and a half or more in parts of northern and southern Wisconsin, with lesser amounts through central and northeastern Wisconsin. Cross-country ski conditions are being reported as good to excellent in most locations, though only fair in areas with less snow. Snowmobile trails are open in most counties across the state, though there are some local trail closures, so check the Wisconsin Department of Tourism snow conditions report or contact county coordinators directly for trail conditions. A warm-up is in the forecast for this weekend, so snow conditions could change quickly. It’s always best to call ahead to destinations for current conditions.
The first of more than 20 candlelight events are scheduled at Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Trails this Saturday, with Blue Mound, Harrington Beach, Mirror Lake and Wildcat Mountain state parks hosting events. The trails are generally 1 to 2 miles in length and are lit by hundreds of candles per mile. Some parks offer separate candle-lit hiking trails for those who do not ski. Most parks have bonfires and many state park friends groups also offer refreshments.
Most Northwoods lakes now have 12 to 13 inches of ice, with about 10 inches of snow on top. This heavy snow cover has caused some thick slush conditions on the lakes and makes for some difficult travel. The snowy, cold and windy weather of the last two weeks have made for some erratic fishing. Walleye anglers report sporadic action with the best fishing on the cloudy and milder days, when temperatures reach into the 20s. Northern pike action has also been generally slow. The thick snow cover has cut down on light penetration and this seems to have cut down on pike activity. Panfish anglers have seen some fair action, with a few nice crappie and perch being caught.
Perch fishing has been good on Lake Winnebago. There's about 8 to 12 inches of ice; the snow insulated it in some areas and therefore ice thickness varies. There were reports of good numbers of white bass being caught on Lake Poygan last week. The northern portion of Green Bay remains basically ice-free. Many Lake Michigan tributaries and harbor areas have some ice cover. With forecasts calling for rain and high temperatures in the mid-40s by this weekend, conditions could change rapidly. The Milwaukee River remains open near the harbor and shore anglers have been catching a few brown trout. In Racine water levels on the Root River have dropped considerably since last week, and flows are now good for drift fishing. There are fair numbers of brown trout and a few steelhead in the river.
Snow conditions have been excellent for hunters pursuing a very abundant cottontail rabbit population. Brushy woodlots, field edges, creek bottoms, and even pine plantations with a good shrub understory all are providing opportunity for late season rabbit hunters. The ruffed grouse season has been extended through Jan. 31 in the north so northern hunters have a late season opportunity. Ruffed grouse are also snow roosting in the 12 inches of snow that is on the ground and can provide a BIG surprise when they burst out of their roost.
Bears should be giving birth to their cubs in their dens now. Bears are not true hibernators, they slow down their metabolism and sleep heavily, waking up periodically to care for their cubs. The deep snow is not hindering deer movements but could be a concern for wild turkeys if it continues though out the winter. Hungry turkeys are being found at corn storage piles, bird feeders, picked corn fields, and even were pecking on the wood siding of a house in a small rural community in search of what must have been insects beneath the siding.
Waterfowl numbers are way down due to the early ice cover and many counts report fewer total numbers of birds due to the deeper snows and colder temps from years past. This winter appears to be a banner winter for northern shrikes in most areas of the state. Winter finches have been spotty but most observers are seeing good numbers of pine grosbeaks and bohemian waxwings across the north. Townsend’s solitaires and varied thrushes, rare visitors to Wisconsin, have been reported at a handful of locations across the state. Evening grosbeaks, several woodpecker species, cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, juncos, and mourning doves are plentiful at feeders.
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A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
Statewide Birding Report
2007 was a great birding year in Wisconsin and birders can only hope 2008 will be better. Most of the Christmas Bird Counts are in and predictably the snow and ice have led to some drastic changes from the past two "snowless" winters. Waterfowl numbers are way down due to the early ice cover and many counts report fewer total numbers of birds due to the deeper snows and colder temps from years past. This winter appears to be a banner winter for northern shrikes in most areas of the state and blue jay numbers are very high across central Wisconsin and other areas with strong acorn crops. Winter finches have been spotty but most observers are seeing good numbers of pine grosbeaks and bohemian waxwings across the north including as far south as Jackson and Kewaunee counties. Redpolls have been turning up statewide but crossbills have been very difficult to find. Rare birds seen in the last two weeks include a western grebe on Lake Geneva, Townsend’s solitaires and varied thrushes in a handful of locations across the state, Harlequin ducks and a Barrow's goldeneye in Point Douglas, purple sandpiper in Racine, and harlequin ducks in Sheboygan and Kewaunee. Birders looking for rare gulls have been doing well at Wisconsin Point, the Lake Michigan shoreline, and below the dam in Sauk City. Rare gulls reported include Thayer's, Iceland, slaty-backed, and lesser black-backed. Good luck to all the birders starting their 2008 lists and as always please use eBird (
www.ebird.org/WI) to report bird sightings not only to keep personal lists but to contribute information to the larger conservation community.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest – For those people who made a New Years resolution to get in shape, lose a few pounds, or just get out and enjoy the outdoors a little more for 2008, the Brule River State Forest offers scenic hikes, snowshoe treks and cross-country skiing on the Afterhours Ski Trails. The Afterhours trails are in beautiful shape and are considered to be in it's best shape in two years. The trail base is about 7 inches of packed snow. The Wisconsin annual trail passes have gone up as of Jan. 1 to $20. The Bois Brule Campground and the Copper Range Campgrounds are open throughout the winter for the hardy winter camping lovers (the campground loops are plowed but the campsites are not). Bears should be giving birth to their cubs in their dens now. Bears are not true hibernators, they slow down their metabolism and sleep heavily, waking up periodically to care for their cubs. For more information on Black bears check out the Wisconsin DNR EEK site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/mammal/bears.htm]. People venturing through wetlands, small ponds, or creeks (anything with a lot of organic matter) are asked to use extra caution. The layer of snow that has been insulating a thin layer of ice and the heat created from the decaying vegetation has created poor quality, punky ice. Archery deer season closes Jan. 6. There will be a Learn to Ski program at the Afterhours Ski Trail on Jan. 12 at 12:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required for those wishing to rent ski equipment.
Cumberland DNR Service Center area
With the snowiest December in recent times, outdoor enthusiasts are enjoying a variety of activities they have been unable to do the last few years. Snowmobile trails are open and, based on the number of new and renewal registrations, are being used very extensively. Local cross-country ski trails have fair to good conditions and are also being well used. Snow conditions are excellent for pursuing a very abundant cottontail rabbit population. Brushy woodlots, field edges, creek bottoms, and even pine plantations with a good shrub understory all are providing opportunity for late season rabbit hunters. Most hunters do not have dogs so a group of hunters doing drives is often the technique used to chase wily cottontails. Hunters jumping on brush piles or pushing through small brushy areas is also a technique that is being used successfully. The ruffed grouse season has been extended through Jan. 31 in the north so northern hunters have a late season opportunity that had been limited to hunters south of Hwy. 64. Late season grouse are often concentrated in thick, brushy cover or creek bottoms and are very challenging to even get a shot at much less bag a few. Ruffed grouse are also snow roosting in the 12 inches of snow that is on the ground and can provide a BIG surprise when they burst out of their roost. Grouse numbers are similar to last year and will provide some good action when they are found but it can involve a lot of walking to find the birds. Squirrel numbers are always high and gray squirrels can be found in virtually any woodlot. Woods near cornfields, either picked or unpicked, are good bets this time of year. Oak forests, because of the good mast crop this year, will also provide opportunity. With cold temperatures the squirrels seem to be most active in mid morning and squirrel hunters will have their best chance of success then. An hour before sunset can also be a good time. The foot of snow on the ground is not hindering deer movements but could be a concern for wild turkeys if it continues though out the winter. Hungry turkeys are being found at corn storage piles, bird feeders, picked corn fields, and even were pecking on the wood siding of a house in a small rural community in search of what must have been insects beneath the siding.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice conditions have been fairly stable in the Northwoods with most lakes now having about 12 to 13 inches of ice--with about 10 inches of snow on top. This heavy snow cover has caused some thick slush conditions on the lakes and makes for some difficult travel. Some anglers have begun to drive on the lakes, but caution is still urged as ice thickness is variable and the slush conditions make for treacherous travel. Below zero temperatures of the last several nights have firmed up the slush in well-traveled parts of the lakes but undisturbed areas still will present problems with travel. The snowy, cold and windy weather of the last two weeks have made for some erratic fishing. Walleye have been the main species of interest and most anglers report sporadic action--some waters have had decent fishing and others have been very slow. The good lakes have been yielding two or three walleye per trip and the slow lakes have been lucky to produce one fish per trip. The best action has been on the cloudy and milder days, when temperatures reach into the 20s. Golden shiners and sucker minnows have been the preferred baits, and fished in 8 to 14 feet of water in the hour before dark. With many of the lakes in the area having stained water, after-dark fishing has been very slow. Northern pike action has also been generally slow, with only a few anglers reporting any kind of action. The thick snow cover has cut down on light penetration and this seems to have cut down on pike activity. The best success on come on large shiners fished near any green weeds, though most fish have been on the small side. Panfish anglers have seen some fair action, with a few nice crappie and perch being caught.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – Snow depths in the area range from 15 to 18 or more inches. Cross-country ski trails are in very good condition. Madeline loops were leveled and tracked Dec. 24 and were in very good condition. The Raven Red loop is closed but all other loops were leveled and tracked Dec.24 and were in very good condition. The McNaughton - Red (skate) loop was leveled and rolled - all other loops were leveled and tracked on Dec. 26 and were in very good condition. Escanaba loops were leveled and tracked on Dec. 28 and were in very good condition. Snowmobile trails through the forest have been receiving very heavy use and are generally in good condition, though some trails are beginning to show wear.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Heavy snows have made for difficult conditions out on the area lakes. Travel by vehicle is limited on the majority of waters due to heavy slush, and the fact that ice thickness didn't get a chance to build prior to receiving the heavy snow. Some folks that choose to walk out to their favorite spots have been nick-naming the trek a “death march” because every time you take a step, you break through a foot or more of snow and slush, making for a very exerting hike. Only several days of extremely cold weather will improve things by freezing down the slush layer. Anglers who have been out are catching fish, however. Northern pike, bluegill, and crappie have been hitting in weedy bays. Fish over the top of weeds or out near the weed fringe to deep water. Tip-ups baited with large shiners or suckers have been working fine for northerns. Anglers who plan to use a jigging rod for panfish, should scale down the size of the line and hook. Plan on using 1- to 2-pound test line with a very small “tear drop” jig or “Rat Finkie” jig tipped with a spike or wax worm. Walleye action has been slow in general with the best fishing coming off deeper flats and rock bars. Some anglers have been fishing all night long with few flags, and they report the best action has been from 3:30 to 7 p.m. or so.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The ice is covered with snow and slush on some lakes. Ice thicknesses vary also. The Kirby Hills cross-country ski trails have been groomed and are in excellent shape. They are located on the Peshtigo River State Forest land west of Crivitz approximately 6 miles. Warm weather is expected this weekend which may make the snow stick. Snowmobilers are enjoying the open trails and registering sleds. Evening grosbeaks, several woodpecker species, cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, juncos, and mourning doves are plentiful at the feeders this week. Ruffed grouse have even taken advantage of some ground feeding under the hung feeder.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County
Peninsula State Park – As of Jan. 2, snow cover was 5 inches. Most sections of the park's 16 mile cross-country ski trail system are groomed and in good to fair condition. Snowmobile trails remain closed. The sledding hill is open. The road through the Park is plowed and open. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is not accessible to motor vehicles. Eagle Tower is open and accessible. Waterfowl sightings are abundant along the shore of Peninsula State Park. Green Bay remains basically ice-free. Water levels on the bay and Lake Michigan are still very low.
Whitefish Dunes State Park – The park’s ski trails are groomed and ready for skiers. The Red, Green and Yellow trails are open to traditional skiing while hikers and snowshoers are allowed on the Black Trail and Beach. Dogs are allowed on the Black Trail and Beach but must be on a leash. Winter winds have created small ice bluffs along the shore and winter diving ducks can be seen in the bay. Buffleheads are the most common bird seen. Keep an eye to the sky for the resident bald eagle. The red fox has been seen hunting on the Yellow trail for small rodents.
Manitowoc County
Point Beach State Forest - Cross Country Ski Trails are groomed and were in fair condition as of Jan. 3. With the forecast of warmer temperatures and little precipitation, expect conditions to deteriorate for the weekend of the 5th and 6th of January. Call the forest office for up to date conditions. (920) 794-7480
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Upper Fox-Wolf basin fisheries report - Perch fishing has been good on Lake Winnebago. Reports vary though, with some people doing very well and others only a few fish. Fish have been running in the 9- to 12-inch range with a few reports of some fish over 12 inches. People were concentrating in 6 to 10 feet of water. Anywhere scattered weeds are present seems to be the best. Most fish were being taken on fatheads or medium shiners. There's about 8 to 12 inches of ice; the snow insulated it in some areas and therefore ice thickness varies. Some groups were driving trucks out but it the ice thickness is not a consistent minimum of 12-plus inches, therefore clubs have not been maintaining roads yet. There were reports of good numbers of white bass being caught on Lake Poygan last week but things seem to have slowed down out there. Also those fishing need to remember to get informed on the new VHS rules. Snowmobile trail conditions are the best they have been in years and snowmobilers are getting a lot of use on their sleds. People heading out should consider getting involved with clubs and buy a membership or yearly pass as many of the trails, roads, and bridges are maintained by local clubs.
DNR Southeast Region
Sheboygan County
Kohler-Andrae State Park - The area received about 6 inches of snow on Dec. 28. The trail was groomed Sunday, Dec. 30. The trail is in excellent condition through the open picnic area; however, the more wooded areas are in fair condition with light snow coverage. Nature and hiking trails are snow covered and may have icy areas. A Townsend's solitaire has been seen on the junipers at Sanderling Nature Center.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Many tributaries and harbor areas have some ice cover. As always, use extreme caution when venturing out on the ice. Weather forecasts are calling for rain and high temperatures in the mid-40s by this weekend. Ice conditions will change rapidly.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan there have been a few reports of anglers out on the ice on the north side of the marina. Brown trout and steelhead should be in the area this time of year.
Milwaukee County - The Milwaukee River remains open near the harbor. Shore anglers in the river under the Hoan bridge have been catching a few browns on shiners. Riverfront Ramp is ice and snow free and in relatively good condition. The few boats that have used that launch have also been catching good numbers of browns in the harbor.
Racine County - In Racine water levels on the Root River have dropped considerably since last week, and flows are now good for drift fishing. There are fair numbers of brown trout and a few steelhead in the river. Both spawn sacs and small white tube jigs have been productive in deep holes. Anglers fishing through the ice in the Racine harbor have been reporting a few northerns and browns.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Iowa County
Blue Mound State Park – Cross-country ski conditions were very good as of Jan. 3. The park will host a candlelight ski/hike and snowshoe event this Sat., Jan. 5 from 6-9 p.m. There is plenty of snow.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County
Governor Nelson State Park – Cross-country ski trails were groomed on Dec. 29 and were in excellent condition. For most current and up to day ski conditions call the park office at (608) 831-3005, if we are not in the office the phone greeting will inform you of the skiing conditions. Lake Mendota had open water as of Dec. 28 and it is NOT advisable to attempt to walk, ski and snow shoe on the existing ice.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Perrot State Park - The cross-country ski trails are in good to very good condition. All trails have been groomed and tracked. The 1-mile ski-skate lane has also been groomed. Snow is predicted over the next few days. The Friends of Perrot have snowshoes available for visitors to check out. Donations for their use can be made to the Friends. Snowshoeing and hiking are allowed on trails which are not groomed for skiing. Electrical sites 1, 2, 4, 6 are open for winter camping. Water is available at the maintenance building. Ice fishing has been slow. Some bald eagles have been spotted in the area, especially around open water. Deer are more easily seen with the fresh snowfall.
Merrick State Park - Although the hiking trails are not groomed or track, they can be used for cross country skiing. Panfish have been biting in the backwaters across from the south campground. Ice fishers are reminded to park in plowed areas only. To access ice fishing areas with an ATV or snowmobile, please off load at either boat landing.
Great River State Trail - For snowmobile trail conditions in La Crosse County call (608) 782-450 ext 1083. For trail conditions in Trempealeau County call (715) 538-2311 ext. 205. All snowmobile trails within the city limits of Onalaska are closed from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. The Great River Trail has been groomed and also all adjoining county trails.
Buffalo River State Trail - For Snowmobile trail conditions in Trempealeau County call (715) 538-2311 ext. 205. For conditions in Buffalo County call (608) 685-2410.
Vernon County
Wildcat Mountain State Park – The park received 10 to 12 inches of new snow Dec 23, along with high winds and drifting. However the main ski trail from the park office has been groomed for both classical and skate skiing. The tracts were in good condition the skating lane could be firmer.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The Brunet Island cross-country ski trails were groomed and in very good condition as of Dec. 31. The trails are quite firm, providing moderate to fast conditions. There are a few spots in the flat stretches with a thin base. Panfish action has been good in the north campground bays. Anglers are 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: ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles. An area to the north and east of the main office, including part of the Nordic Trail system, is open to a limited antlerless archery season, with special access permit only through Jan. 6.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - Snow conditions are the best they have been in many years with an accumulation of 12-15 inches so far and more snow scheduled to arrive this week. Many winter visitors are coming to snowshoe and anyone planning to visit this weekend 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. The Interpretive Center is generally open daily from 8:30 - 4:30, depending on staffing availability and can provide hours of entertainment in a fun and educational way and many of our younger visitors enjoy doing one of the nine indoor scavenger hunts. Hands on activities could include holding a snake or turtle, exploring the “touch and guess” boxes, and digging for fossils. There are three backpack campsites that are available on a first-come basis. Ice anglers report some luck, especially with panfish, but extreme caution should be taken before venturing out. Because of the early and heavy snowfall on area lakes, ice conditions are questionable. Migrant birds have left, but our winter mix is busy at the feeders and these include 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. 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. Please note that no motorized vehicle use including snowmobiles or ATVs, bicycle use, or horses are allowed anywhere on the Chippewa Moraine. Local snowmobile trails are open in the area and ATV and snowmobile maps are available at the Visitor Center.
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 4, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: True Story of Wolves. Are wolves really the big bad animals of fairy tales? Join us as we share the true stories of timber wolves. 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, January 5, 2008
• Bluemound State Park, Blue Mounds, (608) 437-5711 - Candlelight ski Trails are provided for hiking or skiing. About 2 miles of skiing and 1 mile of hiking is the usual plan. Very good ski conditions as of Jan. 3. The Friends of Blue Mound State Park provide hot cocoa, hot cider, a warm toasty campfire and marshmallows of course. 6 - 9 p.m.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. A candlelight ski/hike through the woods. Refreshments served by the Friends of Harrington Beach State park Trailhead at Adolph & Marie Ansay Welcome Center. 6-9 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Family Program: Life under the Ice. What happens to aquatic animals during winter? Where do they go when the ice forms? Explore our indoor pond to find out what the animals do under the ice. Environmental Awareness Center. 10:30 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Mirror Lake State Park, Wisconsin Dells, (608) 254-2333 - Torchlight Ski/Hike. The Friends of Mirror Lake State Park will be hosting torchlight ski, hike and snowshoe events. Two 1-mile trails illuminated with torchlight will be available. It looks like we will definitely have enough snow for this year’s event. As in past years, there will be a bonfire to warm up and food sales. The only cost for the event is a daily or annual park sticker that may be purchased upon entrance to the park. For trail conditions or more information on the event. 6-8 p.m.
• Wildcat Mountain State Park, Ontario, (608) 337-4775 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Ski or hike an easy 1.5- mile trail loop lighted by torches. Warming fires at the start and finish. Charcoal grills for grilling. Warming building with hot chocolate and popcorn. Astronomy program beginning at 7 p.m. Office and ski trail head. Dusk to 9 p.m.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 467-2099 - Nordic Heaven Winter Fest. Head out to Greenbush Recreation Area for a day of winter family fun. The cross-country ski trails will be groomed and the shelter heated. The Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club will offer snowshoeing, a ski waxing demonstration, and cross-country ski lessons. If skiing or snowshoeing is not your thing, bring your sleds and give the sledding hill a try. Food, refreshments and live music will also be on hand. No-snow date is January 13, 2008. Sponsored by Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club. Greenbush Recreation Area. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Share a nature-related story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents. 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 - Coping With Winter's Weather. Whether you are skier, snowboarder, ice angler, snowmobiler or winter outdoor enthusiast, the cold, snow and ice of winter can be a challenge. Learn about the cold weather health hazards faced by humans, and how to prevent and treat them. Also, discover what new and not so new technologies in cold weather gear can help you truly enjoy the wonders of a Wisconsin winter. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over age 10. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
• Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 - Owl Prowl. Discover the owls of Governor Nelson State Park. Learn about their habits and habitats. Enjoy a “wintery walk” through the night as we call and listen for resident owls. Dress for the outdoors. Meet at the park office. 5-7 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturday: Borrow Some Snowshoes. Winter is here and what’s better than spending a morning hiking the park on snowshoes. If there isn’t any snow, come anyway and we’ll have winter scavenger hunt. Environmental Awareness Center. Drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring the Wonders of Winter on Snowshoes. Snow permitting, we will begin with an introduction to snowshoeing and then head outside. As we tramp along the trails, we will keep our eyes and ears open for the animals active during winter. Please call by January 10 to register. This program is best for people older than 7 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Winter Candlelight Hike and Ski. Enjoy the winter wonderland at night with family and friends while skiing or hiking the 2-mile cross-country trail. Almost 200 tiki torches will light the way for this annual event. Warm up afterwards by the fireplace. Refreshments will be available in the heated shelter building. Please, no pets or sleds allowed on the trail. Cross-country Ski Trail—stop at park office for map. 6-9 p.m.
• Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Candlelight Ski. Enjoy a beautiful winter evening cross-country skiing along 2 miles of groomed ski trails lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are done, warm up by the bonfire and enjoy refreshments sold by the LKSP Friends Group. Grills will be available for cooking. Sorry, no pets or hikers are allowed on cross-country ski trails. This event is weather and snow conditions permitting. 6-9 p.m.
• Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers, (920) 794-7480 - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Ski or hike our wooded candlelight trails. Warm up by a blazing fire enjoying live music, food and refreshments. Sponsored by Friends of Point Beach. Lodge. 5-9 p.m.
• Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 - Snowshoe Hike. Meet at the concession stand area. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Rib Mountain State Park.
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/
