Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report 2.21.08
Some extremely cold temperatures in the last week have been keeping outdoor activities to a minimum in Wisconsin. After a short warm-up last week that included several inches of rain the southern part of the state, almost the entire state has received additional snowfall this week. Temperatures then plummeted with many areas reporting nighttime lows below minus 20 degrees. Snow depths range from about a foot to more than 30 inches of snow in different locations. Snowmobile and cross-country ski conditions are being reported from good to excellent across almost the entire state. Cross-country skiers interested in skiing at state parks, forests and trails can now check a newly improved cross-country ski page [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/ski/index.html] on the Department of Natural Resources Web site. The page offers links to different parks and forests along with ski maps and current trail conditions.
Officials with the American Birkebeiner are reporting that the Birkie trail has a solid 7 to 8 base with 4 to 5 inches of new snow in the last week and that they expect conditions to be excellent for the 35th running of North America’s largest cross-country ski race this Saturday, which is expected to attract up to 9,000 skiers to the Hayward and Cable area. The weather forecast is also good, with sunny skies and temperatures reaching the mid 20s to low 30s.
The recent snowfalls made travel a bit more difficult on lakes. Ice fishing activity remained fairly strong despite the cold, but success has been slow. The variable and changing weather of the last week has made for some erratic fishing success. In the north, panfish continued to provide the most consistent action with some fair catches of crappie and perch being reported. Fishing has been improving on southern waters. Waukesha County lakes have been producing nice sized walleyes and some northern pike. Along Door County, there was a lot of fishing pressure over the last week in the Sturgeon Bay area and Little Sturgeon Bay, with some perch and a few northern pike caught. On Lake Michigan, open water was found in the inner Milwaukee harbor, with shore anglers catching a few brown trout. Anglers at the Racine and Kenosha harbors have been catching some browns, rainbows, and northern pike through the ice.
The Mississippi River water level at Prairie du Chien was 7.9 feet Feb. 20, up 0.1 from the previous day. No fishing activity to report due to the cold weather and snow of the last few days. Ice fishing action for panfish has been sporadic, but some anglers have been having good action on saugers and walleyes fishing through the ice below Dresbach dam.
Last weekend marked the 11th annual Great Backyard Bird Count and Wisconsinites reported 97,609 individuals of 112 species across the state on over 1,900 checklists. This is the same number of species as 2007 but 20,000 less individuals, which was expected due to high snow cover and cold temperatures. However; participation increased from 2007 by 500 checklists. The 10 most abundant species in Wisconsin were the dark-eyed junco, American goldfinch, mourning dove, black-capped chickadee, hose sparrow, northern cardinal, mallard, house finch, American crow and blue jay.
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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
Last weekend marked the 11th annual Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by National Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Wisconsinites reported 97,609 individuals of 112 species across the state on over 1900 checklists. This is the same number of species as 2007 but 20,000 less individuals, which was expected due to high snow cover and cold temperatures. However; participation increased from 2007 by 500 checklists. The 10 most abundant species in Wisconsin were the dark-eyed junco, American goldfinch, mourning dove, black-capped chickadee, hose sparrow, northern cardinal, mallard, house finch, American crow and blue jay. The lack of open water and high snow amounts resulted in big differences in the abundances of some waterfowl. In 2007 over 20,000 Canada geese were reported compared to only 2,000 in 2008. Blue Jays, common redpolls and pine grosbeaks and bohemian waxwings increased in 2008 and purple finch, white-winged crossbill, cedar waxwings and robins decreased from last year. Rare birds spotted included barrow's goldeneye, surf scoter, white-winged scoter, golden eagle, snowy owl, boreal chickadee, Townsend’s solitaire, brown thrasher, and hoary redpoll. There's still time to enter your checklists from this date at the Great Backyard Bird Count website
http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ or consider entering daily observations at eBird (
www.ebird.org/WI).
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Brule DNR office has recorded 5.5 inches of fresh snow since last weekend bringing up the snow depth to 15 inches. The fresh snow is also nice for the skiers at the Afterhours Ski Trails. The groomers are reporting that the trails are in excellent shape. The occasional warm days in winter not only brings people out of their houses…some wildlife take advantage of these warm days also. Some animals that have been seen recently are chipmunks, skunks, and raccoons. These animals are not true hibernators, they will slow down their metabolism and take long winter rests. Animals such as skunks and raccoons will congregate together (one male and several females) in a communal den. This is beneficial for both warmth and breeding purposes (their breeding season is in February and March). They will awake from their dens during warm spells and venture out to find food or find a potential mate. According to DNR Wildlife Biologist Greg Kessler, chipmunks become largely dormant, living in underground burrows and living off stored food rather than stored "fat" resources like the true hibernators. It is now a perfect time to look for fresh animal tracks. Check out the Wisconsin DNR's EEK site to take a tracks quiz for beginners at
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/cool/trackQuizLVLOne.htm Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park - Winter is in full swing at Copper Falls. Ski and snowshoe trails were in excellent condition, the best so far this year. The trails were last groomed on Friday Feb. 15. Please contact the park at (715) 274-5123 for current trail conditions. Hikers are reminded that hiking is not allowed on ski trails. Winter camping is also an option at Copper Falls this time of year. Sites 2-4 are plowed while site number 1 is unplowed offering a true winter camping experience. All 4 sites have electric. For those willing to brave the elements, winter camping offers peace and solitude.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Extreme cold temperatures have moved into the Park Falls area keeping outdoor activities to a minimum. Weekend temperatures will be above normal and should be great for outdoor activities. Recent snowfalls ensure that trail conditions should remain in excellent condition. Ice fishing activity remains strong but success has been slow. Crappie and perch fishing has been fair but the walleye bite is slow. Anglers are looking forward to this weekend’s warming to trigger a more active bite. Ice conditions on area lakes is good and travel is good despite the recent snowfall. Well traveled trails were in excellent condition for recreational vehicles travel across the lakes. Shanty owners should inspect the ice beneath and around the base of their shanties and consider lifting their shanty off the ice in preparation for removal. The removal date is March 15 for lakes north of Highway 64. Inland trout catch and release season using artificial lures opens March 1, check the regulations for open streams in the area where you fish. Game fish season closes March 2.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The snowfall of the last few days has added 4 to 8 inches of light, fluffy snow to the ice cover. This has made travel a bit more difficult on the lakes and 4-wheel drive is almost a necessity for getting to most fishing spots. Ice depths are still increasing and they now range between 20 and 22 inches on most waters. Slush has not been reported to be a problem on any of the lakes. The variable and changing weather of the last week has made for some erratic fishing success. Panfish continue to provide the most consistent action with some fair catches of crappie and perch being reported. The panfish have been found near the bottom in 16 to 24 feet of water, with crappie minnows and waxworms being the best baits. Walleye success continues to be extremely slow on area lakes and very few reports of catches have come in. Northern pike fishing has also been slow, though a few nice fish in the 28 to 32 inches size have been caught in the last week. Large golden shiners or suckers fished near the deep edge of weed lines has been the most productive technique.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Well, here we go again. Snowfall hits the Lakeland area adding to the base. The area received about 3 inches of new snow. Good news for snowmobilers and skiers! Travel on the ice is a little tougher now with all the snow that has accumulated. This week’s sub zero temperatures are expected to continue with some warmer weather coming this weekend. Two weeks remain for game fish season, ending March 2. Fishing success remains good with walleye, northern and panfish all showing positive results. Fish continue to hold around the green weed flats and edges near the deeper water. Perch are moving into shallow water and are relating to weeds. The eagles have returned to begin their spring mating rituals. REMINDERS: All ice fishing shelters must be completely removed from inland waters north of Highway 64 by March 15. Ice anglers may want to consider beginning their removal process while ice conditions warrant such. These conditions can change rapidly this time of year. Annual fishing and hunting licenses expire March 31. Cross-country ski trails in the NHAL State Forest have been groomed and tracked.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – Cross-country ski trails were groomed Feb. 18 and are in very good condition.
DNR Northeastern Region
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - There was a lot of fishing pressure over the last week in the Sturgeon Bay area. There has been some perch caught out of Potawatomi State Park. Anglers were using minnows and wigglers. Most of the fish were caught in 3 to 6 feet of water. There also have been a few northern pike caught. There also have been some people fishing out of the Sturgeon Bay yacht club. Most of the people have been getting northern pike. At Little Sturgeon Bay, anglers reported some very decent catches of perch, with some nice-sized perch being iced. Anglers were also getting good numbers of white fish of off Lime Kiln road.
Peninsula State Park - The park received around 8 inches of new snow on Sunday and now has approximately 18 inches of snow on the ground. All sections of the 16-mile cross-country ski trail system are in very good condition. Snowmobile trails are open and in good condition . 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. Water levels in Green Bay and Lake Michigan are still very low, The Bay has extensive ice, but is unsafe in many areas.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, open water can be found in the inner harbor. Shore anglers fishing at the MMSD office building have been catching a few browns on shiners and spoons. Ice anglers in McKinley Marina have also been reporting a few brown trout caught on shiners or jigging spoons.
Racine County - In the Racine harbor anglers have been catching some browns, rainbows, and northerns through the ice. Skein, shiners, and jigging rapalas have all been productive. Over 10 inches of ice has been reported recently, but use caution since some areas likely have considerably less.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha ice anglers have been catching a few brown trout in the small boat harbor.
Inland fisheries team report
Fishing this past week has been improving along with ice conditions. Pewaukee, Pine and Little Muskego, and Lower Nemahbin lakes have been producing nice sized walleyes. Pay close attention to scent control with live bait presentations. Northern pike were still biting on Middle Genesee, Nagawicka, Pine and Golden lakes. Live bait presentations with tip ups set on the inside edge of weed beds are producing during morning hours. Panfishing has improved as anglers were finding nice catches of crappies on Nagawicka, Beaver and Golden lakes. Big Muskego, Golden and Lower Genesee lakes continued to produce nice bluegills on “rat finky” or rocker jigs tipped with red spikes.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park - Wyalusing State Park received freezing rain early Sunday morning with approximately 5 inches of fresh snow on top of the ice. Cross country ski trails should be in fair to good skiing condition by this weekend. The roadway portion of the Mississippi Ridge Trail was groomed and tracked and Whitetail Meadow was groomed on Monday of this week. With the recent snowfalls, Turkey Hollow remains an excellent choice for snowshoeing. Temperatures are expected to “soar” into the mid 30’s by this weekend, making Wyalusing a perfect choice for winter activities. Visitors can hike Sugar Maple Nature Trail to Pictured Rock Cave and view the frozen waterfall. Sugar Maple Nature Trail is open to Pictured Rock Cave. The snow laden evergreen trees and snow covered rock outcroppings along Highway C near the park is a beautiful winter drive. The Mississippi River water level at Prairie du Chien was 7.9 feet Feb. 20, up 0.1 from the previous day. No fishing activity to report due to the cold weather and snow of the last few days. With the heavy snow and cold temperatures, park bird feeders are a constant source of activity. The bright red of the male cardinals against the backdrop of falling snow provides a beautiful winter scene from the warmth of the office. At times, especially close to dark, there have been as many as two dozen male cardinals at one time. It is quite common to see 10 or 12 cardinals perched in one tree near the feeders. Sightings at or near the feeders include: red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, purple finches, cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, gold finches, mourning doves, tree sparrows, rooster pheasant, and crows. Bald Eagle Appreciation Day will be held this Saturday, Feb. 23 in Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce. Various activities, including live bald eagle programs, exhibits, and bald eagle presentations, are planned for the day. Birding experts will be on hand to answer questions and locate bald eagles through spotting scopes. For more information, please contact the Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-732-1673 or visit their Web site at [www.prairieduchien.org].
Iowa County - The snowmobile trails in the Iowa and Southern Sauk County area are in good shape as of last weekend. The ice in the area has been in fairly bad shape due to the snow cover on the ice. The fishing has been slow in the Spring Green area lately, with some small bluegills being caught on Bakkens pond. Anglers at Helena Marsh reported over the weekend that the fish were not cooperating as they had been in the past month or two. Many eagles can be seen in the area hunting for fish.
Blue Mound State Park – Cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked on Monday, Feb. 18. There are excellent classical ski conditions. Snowhoeing is allowed everywhere except the groomed ski trails. Single track mountain bike trails provide miles of snowshoe "trail" opportunities.
Lafayette County
Yellowstone Lake State Park - The 4 miles of cross-country ski trails were in poor condition as of Feb. 18. Sunday's rains added about 1/8 of inch of ice to the trails, which was covered by a 4 to 5 inch layer of heavy new snow. The trails will be groomed and tracked for traditional diagonal skiing before Friday, Feb. 22. At that time they should be in good to excellent condition. Due to the amount of snow and slush, access to the ice can be difficult but fishing has been good, for those who venture out, with both bluegill and crappie being taken. Walleye fishing has been good thru the ice. Reminder, Yellowstone Lake has special regulations regarding fishing. Be sure to check the fishing regulations before going out. Campsite with and without electricity are available for those who like to winter camp. For more information regarding Yellowstone Lake State Park contact the Park Office at 608-523-4427.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Mirror Lake State Park - The park received over 20 inches of new snow in the last week. All 19 miles of cross-country ski trails are open and tracked and groomed and in very good condition.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park- Despite the best ski trail conditions in almost two months, skier traffic was only moderate over the past weekend. Ski trails improved with use for the skaters as the weekend progressed. The classic track showed normal wear for a weekend and it was a bit slow Sunday with above freezing temperatures. Wind from the cold front was coming up. Snow came in on Monday with the wind. Good skiing light is available until around 5:45 p.m. Then it gets a bit difficult to see the track on the down hills in canopied areas. Ski trails should be groomed for skating probably on Wednesday. Another source for Willow skiing information is the Willow River Nordic web site
www.pressenter.com~wrnsa. WRN is part of the park’s Friends group. The web master is a trail groomer and a frequent skier. Ice fishing action has been slow. Looking ahead to the opening of the catch and release trout season, it should be another good year for trout anglers at the park. There have not been any prolonged periods of high water in recent years so holdover fish should survive well. Bank ice and anchor ice could pose other challenges for anglers. The river below the dam runs all year without ice in many areas. Some deer are still being seen carrying antlers.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Snow conditions are good to excellent throughout La Crosse County. La Crosse County received some freezing rain before 4-8 inches of new snow over the weekend. The area snowmobile and cross country skiing trails are in good to excellent condition. However, snowmobilers are cautioned as there are icy patches especially on corners and hills. Ice fishing action for panfish has been sporadic, varying from poor to moderate day to day. Some anglers have been having good action on saugers and walleyes fishing through the ice below Dresbach Dam on the Mississippi River, however extreme caution should be used when venturing out on the frozen surface of the main channel. Common redpolls, irregular winter visitor songbirds, have been observed throughout the area recently. These Canadian visitors resemble American goldfinches in size, shape, and behavior. Redpolls have a bright red cap, a black chin, with a gray-brown, streaked body. Weedy fields are their favorite feeding areas, although they do come readily to bird feeders. Flocks, which may number upwards of 1,000 birds, are constantly on the move from one food source to another. If you happen to see these birds, treasure the moment, as they will most likely up and leave for no apparent reason.
Vernon County
Wildcat Mountain State Park - The park received 10 inches of snow Sunday and Monday. Cross-country ski trails were re-groomed Tuesday for both classical skiing (striding) and skate skiing. Conditions are great for striding at this time with the cold snow. With 20 degree temperatures predicted for this weekend it should make for great skiing. With the abundant snow this year it’s been a good year for snowshoeing. The hiking and horse trails are open for snowshoeing along with the entire park. The only restriction is that hikers and snowshoers are asked to stay off the ski trails.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest – Cross-country ski trails were groomed Feb. 15 and were in excellent condition. There was a base of 12-16 inches. Be sure to check out the new warming shelter located at our Smrekar trail head. This attractive log cabin was a generous donation from the Black River Forest Trail Foundation. A non profit group that is dedicated to the improvement of the hike, bike, and ski trail system. Snowmobile/ATV trails were also groomed today and were in great shape with a solid base.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The Brunet Island cross country ski trails were groomed Friday Feb. 15, and will be groomed mid-week when the current snowfall abates. They are in excellent condition. Snowshoeing in other areas of the park is much improved with the new snow covering the older crusted layer. Fishing pressure has been light recently. Pan and game fish action has been fair on Perch Lake and in the north campground bays. Anglers are reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. The park does not monitor ice conditions. 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 is plentiful and is making for some excellent snowshoeing on the Reserve. At least 18 inches of snow is on the ground with more continuing to arrive weekly, if not daily. Many of the area school children are enjoying their winter field trips to the Chippewa Moraine, as the other visitors who are taking advantage of the 45 pairs of snowshoes we have to lend out .Brunet Island and Lake Wissota State Parks, both nearby, offer excellent and scenic cross-country ski trails. Three outpost campsites are available for those more adventurous campers who want to experience the quiet solitude that winter camping brings. People have been driving on most of the area lakes, but please make sure before venturing out. Local anglers report mixed success on Long Lake and Chain Lake. Some of the smaller lakes within the Reserve are prone to winter kill and no reports have been received about fishing luck.
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area – The area received 1 inch of snow on Monday and high winds caused some drifting. The ski trail has been groomed and tracked and is in very good condition.
Red Cedar State Trail - The area received 1 inch of snow on Monday and high winds caused some drifting. RCT has not been groomed since the last snowfall but is in good condition overall.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The snowmobile route has been closed through the park due to numerous downed trees. Cross-country ski trails were currently covered with over 10 inches of new snow as of Feb. 19. Trails might be groomed before the weekend, weather and tree dependant. Check with the park office on conditions. 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. Sites 8, 9, 16 are open year-round, sites are 1st come basisand drinking water is available at the park office. Site 8 is plowed and has electric! The park is taking applications for the accessible cabin. Applications are available for the November Buckhorn Youth Deer Hunt. Contact the park office at 608-565-2789 for questions or to get an application.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The park received more snow Sunday, and cross-country ski trails have been packed and are in good or great condition. Hikers are reminded to stay off of ski routes when trails are snow-covered and skiable. 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.
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.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz, (715) 757-3979 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Paper luminaries will light the night trails. One-mile trail groomed for both skiers and hikers. Hot chocolate and warming fire provided. Woods Lake Picnic Area, Paust Lane. 6-9 p.m.
Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Adult Program: Willow Planter Workshop. Make a willow planter for some of your potted plants. This is a fun and easy project involving dried willow for the structure and flexible fresh-cut willow for design features. Havenwoods will supply hammers, nails, and cut willow. You’ll need to bring a drill and a 1/16-inch bit. Class size is limited. Please register and pay the $10 fee by February 15. Environmental Awareness Center. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. No admission sticker required.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Winter Birding Hike. Put on your boots and bring your binoculars to hike in search of overwintering birds and maybe a few migrants. Meet at the Visitor Center and be prepared to drive. Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a nature-related story and activity with preschoolers and their parents. Nature Storytime will 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.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Saturn Observation. Enjoy the beauty of Saturn and its rings and moons. Telescopes and information provided by Kevin Koski of Rustic Skies Astronomy, Plymouth Stargazers, and Sheboygan Astronomical Society. An interesting experience for those age 10 and up. Parking lot adjacent to amphitheater. 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Brule River State Forest, Brule, (715) 372-5678 - Riverview Loppet Cross-country Ski Race. Races for youths and adults in the skate and classic styles. Sponsored by Brule Valley Ski Club, the Brule River State Forest, and the Brule Lions Club. 9 a.m.
Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Family Program: Incredible Eggs. Lots of animal babies hatch out of eggs. We’ll spend the morning discovering what animals lay eggs and we’ll even dissect a real egg! Environmental Awareness Center. 10:30 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Photography 101. Join us for the third in the "Once a Month 101" series. Learn the basics of composition, lighting and other tips to improve your photographs. We will go outside to practice, so dress for the weather. Bring your camera if you have one. Visitor Center. 10 a.m. - noon.
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/
