WDNR Outdoor Report as of January 22, 2009
With snow depths ranging from about 1 to 2 feet across most of Wisconsin, snowmobile and cross-country ski conditions are being reported as good to excellent across the entire state this week. The state is experiencing a brief respite from the extreme cold weather of last week, with temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s mid week. That is expected to change with another cold snap forecast and high temperatures from 10 above to zero degrees expected over the weekend.
Four candlelight skis and two ski clinics are being offered this weekend at Wisconsin State Parks, Forests and Trails. Check the DNR Web site for a complete list of events.
The cold weather last week firmed up ice conditions on most lakes, and cars, trucks, ATVs and snowmobiles are being driven on many lakes. Recreational safety specialists caution that even following the extreme cold weather, ice should never be considered completely safe. Conditions can vary from location to location and day to day. Springs, lake inlets and outlets, and channels can alter ice thickness, so people should avoid traveling on the ice unless they are familiar with the conditions.
People who do take a vehicle on the ice should be prepared to leave the vehicle in a hurry. Unbuckle the seatbelt, keep doors unlocked, and have a plan of action in mind if the vehicle breaks through the ice.
Ice fishing pressure picked up since the bitter cold snap but success has varied greatly. Permanent ice shacks are showing up along frozen Lake Michigan harbors with most anglers targeting northern pike with tip-ups and jigging for perch. Good numbers of anglers have been out on Sawyer Harbor in Door County, but perch activity has been slow.
Bluegills and crappie have been biting on Wisconsin and Mississippi river backwaters and sloughs. Some ice anglers have been taking walleye and sauger below dams. Northern pike and panfish have been caught on many inland lakes.
Muskrats have reportedly been frightening some ice anglers by suddenly emerging from ice holes. They are merely investigating holes in the ice and perhaps getting a breath of air. When they surface inside a dark shack or tent they may even mistakenly think they have arrived at a lodge or burrow.
Deep snow in open areas is keeping deer yarded up in cedar swamps. Because of the deep snow they are staying close to food sources and using the same trails, including some snowmobile trails, so snowmobilers need to be alert for deer.
Coyote hunters have also been out in force with fresh snow. Mating season is in effect for coyotes so they are being seen in pairs. Red fox and wolves are also now entering their mating seasons.
Winter bird watching in Wisconsin has been excellent. Rafts of goldeneyes have been seen on Green Bay. Bald eagles dispersed from the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers after the extreme cold last week and are now being seen over a wider area searching for carrion. Drivers need to slow down and watch for eagles that may be feeding on road killed deer or other animals. Chickadees, juncos, goldfinches, and several species of wood peckers are actively feeding at bird feeders.
There has been an almost unprecedented invasion of white-winged crossbills statewide this winter. Crossbills are being seen in spruce plantations and native spruce stands throughout the state along with good numbers of goldfinches, redpolls and pine siskins. There are a number of snowy owls being reported around the state with the Brown/Kewaunee county area and the Milwaukee area being the best.
# # #
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
Winter bird watching in Wisconsin has been excellent. The winter of 2008/2009 has resulted in an almost unprecedented invasion of white-winged crossbills statewide. Crossbills are being seen in spruce plantations and native spruce stands throughout the state along with good numbers of goldfinches, redpolls and pine siskins. Recent cold temperatures have started to push redpolls farther south in Wisconsin and birds are now being seen in the southern tier of counties. This is a down year for bohemian waxwings and pine grosbeaks but a few were being reported from traditional northern Wisconsin counties. There are a number of snowy owls being reported around the state with the Brown/Kewaunee county area and the Milwaukee area being the best. Rare birds reported recently include Townsend's solitaire's in Phelps and Devil's Lake State Park, the second state record of gray-crowned rosy finch in Lancaster, harlequin ducks in Prescott and Sheboygan, and a black-legged kittiwake in Sheboygan. As always, please report sightings to Wisconsin eBird (
www.ebird.org/WI) to help track bird populations.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Pattison State Park - The cross-country trail is in excellent condition. It was last groomed Jan. 16. There was a 6-inch base with 16 inches of snow on the ground.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
The state forest trails received some much needed snow this past weekend. However, due to the very cold temperatures there wasn’t much moisture to it. As a result, the trails continue to have ice issues in the corners and heavily used sections – please use caution. Area ice anglers report that the walleye bite has been fair, with good numbers of fish being caught. Bluegill and crappie action has also been picking up and these fish can be found in the deeper weed beds. Ice conditions vary so continue to pay attention and exercise caution before venturing out onto area lakes. Most lakes have slush conditions to deal with; however, with the recent cold snap much of that should have firmed up. The predicted warmer temperatures this week should make for great conditions to snowmobile, ski or fish.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – There is about 20 inches of snow in the woods. All cross-country ski trails have been groomed and are in very good condition. The track set up firm on all trails. Escanaba, Raven and Madeline were groomed and tracked Jan. 20. McNaughton skater loop was groomed and all other loops cut and tracked Jan. 21.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Deep snow in the open areas are keeping deer yarded up in cedar swamps. Keeping birdfeeders stocked has been a daily routine with a variety of birds feeding on a good seed mix that contains black sunflower seeds. Suet is a favorite of several species such as the downy woodpecker, chickadees, and nuthatches. We are looking for a January thaw to clear some packed ice and snow off the roadways. Snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are in excellent shape. For ski trail conditions west of Crivitz you may call the Peshtigo River State Forest at 715-757-3965. Permanent shacks are starting to appear from Thompson Park to Oconto Park II. Northern pike has been the primary quarry. White Potato Lake held a fisheree this month. Lake access should be good for trucks and snowmobiles on area lakes.
Oconto County – Northern pike anglers have been setting up in the vicinity of Oconto City Park, using shiners and tip ups. At the Oconto Breakwater Harbor most anglers have moved into the mouth of the Oconto River and on to the bay proper. Most anglers are setting tip ups for pike and jigging for perch.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Point Beach State Forest - As of Jan. 20, cross-country ski trails were groomed and in excellent condition. Point beach offers 11 miles of diagonal and 3.5 miles of skate skiing. The trails wind through pine and hemlock forest providing a very aesthetic experience. A candlelight ski and hike will take place Jan. 24, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Call 1 (920) 794-7480 for more information. There area always a few sites plowed for winter camping.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park – There is approximately 15 inches of snow on the ground. Cross-country ski trails are groomed and in very good condition. The sledding hill is open. Snowmobile trails are open. Snow shoe trails are available for hiking or snowshoeing.
Potawatomi State Park – Cross-country ski trails were groomed on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The groomer reports trails were in excellent condition, both for stride and skate skiers. Snowmobile trails are in good condition. Ice anglers are out on Sawyer Harbor, but slow perch activity is reported.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - The cross-country ski trails will be rolled and tracked Jan. 20. The ski trails were in excellent condition. Ski trails are for stride skiing only. Snowshoeing has been fabulous due to the large amount of snowfall over the past month. Ice floats have developed along the shoreline. Rafts of goldeneyes have been seen in the bay. The bald eagle flies over daily. A large, 12-point buck has been seen near the pine plantation on the yellow ski trail loop. The shelter building is open. Here will be a candlelight ski on Jan. 31, from 6-9 p.m. The picnic shelter will be open and the fireplace lit. Hot beverages and cookies will be provided to warm the insides and provide energy. A park sticker is required to join in the evening event, but the event is free. Candlelight Hike will replace the Ski if not enough snow for skiing.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
The local snow depth is at or close to 18 inches. All area snowmobile trails are open and in good condition. There are still high numbers of deer being observed, but they are very concentrated in groups because of deeper than normal snow and are staying close to food sources and using the same trails. This may give people an impression of low deer numbers. Calls of concern have been coming in about turkey die offs, but wildlife staff has not seen any evidence. Turkeys are very resilient. Staff have seen them using deer trails for travel and eating what the deer have left after digging up the snow. Red fox and wolves should be mating right about now.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
All Winnebago County snowmobile trails remain open and in good condition. Caution should be used at road crossings where plows have created large banks and in drifted areas where the route is somewhat icy. Fond du Lac County reports fair conditions on snowmobile trails with some rough spots on plowed fields, drifted & heavy traffic areas. Cross-country skiing options are pretty slim in Winnebago County, but the snow has been great this week for setting your own track. Ice on Lake Winnebago is about 20 inches thick. Anglers have been catching white bass, perch and walleye. A transcription error has resulted in a change to the sauger and walleye bag limits for 2009. The resulting bag limit is now 5 walleye and 1 sauger on the Winnebago system. The Winnebago System Sturgeon Spearing season is set to open at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14. Ice holes may be cut anytime within 48 hours of the opening of the season.
DNR Southeast Region
Kohler-Andrae State Park - The ski trail was groomed Saturday Jan. 17. The trail was in good condition, with a 4-6 inch base in most areas. Nature trails and hiking trails contain snow covered and slippery areas. Mourning doves, juncos, bluejays, black-capped chickadees, goldfinches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, and cardinals are all daily visitors to the office feeders. Campsites are available in the northern loop of the campground. Approximately 6 electric sites will be plowed throughout the winter.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit - The upper trails were groomed Tuesday night, Jan. 20. The lighted loop was groomed Wednesday, Jan. 21. The track was left in place. All the trails are still well snow covered, with the only thin spots being on the warm-up loop.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit - Cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked on Saturday, Jan. 17, and were in very good condition. Call (262) 670-3400 for the most current trail conditions. Each skier age 16 and older must have a state trail pass. As a reminder, the only groomed trail that hikers, snowshoers, and dog walkers are allowed on is the red trail, located to the south of the beach area.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit - The Southern Unit received some light snow throughout the day on Saturday, Jan. 17. All of the ski trails at the Southern Unit - Nordic, McMiller and Scuppernong were re-groomed, skate lanes leveled and classical tracks set, on Saturday night and were in very good or better skiing condition. Scuppernong is for classical skiing only. The Biathlon course at McMiller is open for use, there is a Biathlon race scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24. For more info contact Wisconsinbiathlon.com. Nordic ski trails will host a candlelight ski event Saturday Jan. 24 from 6 - 9 pm. Get out and enjoy the snow.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - All trails are covered with approximately 8 to 12 inches of snow. Temperatures warmed into the mid to upper 20s on Wednesday of this week and temperatures Thursday should reach a “balmy” 32 degrees, before falling back into the deep freeze for this weekend. Single digit temperatures are forecast for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with nighttime lows around minus 8 degrees and wind chill factors as low as minus 24. Cross-country ski trails should be in good condition for the weekend. Ice anglers are taking advantage of the more seasonal temperatures. Based on the number of vehicles at the boat landing in the park, even during the week, the fishing must be good. Bird feeders remain a popular spot for winter residents. Dozens of cardinals brighten the wintery landscape, providing an excellent photo opportunity. A small flock of cedar waxwings are occasional visitors to the trees near the feeders. Approximately six to eight red-bellied woodpeckers can be seen at a time feeding on the suet blocks. Other recent bird sightings include: gold finches, purple finches, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, tree sparrows, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. Eagles are still being seen in the area, but the large convocation at the park entrance is gone. A bluebird was recently spotted just a few miles from the park.
Iowa County - The crappies have been biting at Helena marsh especially around dusk. Most anglers refer to this fishing spot as White’s slough, although technically it is called Helen lake. Successful anglers have been using wax worms. The bluegills and crappie have been biting on the slough’s near Pearl Road. They have been using spikes to bag the decent sized bluegills. Birch lake near Barneveld has slowed down, but some anglers have been doing well during the midday. Snowmobile trails are good in Iowa County due to the recent snow received.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The Dodge County Snowmobile Trail System and ATV Trail on the Wild Goose Trail in Dodge County remained opened as of Jan. 21. However, because of the warmer temperatures and sunny conditions expected on Thursday, Jan. 22, an advisory is being issued to stay off the trails from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. on Thursday. By limiting traffic during the warmer and sunny time of the day, it is hoped the trail base will remain in decent shape and will be available for continued riding for the next several days afterwards when temperatures remain below freezing. All riders are reminded to stay on the marked trails and not cut corners. Trail sections are in danger of being lost due to trespassing. Additionally, illegal riding is being reported at Highways 26 and 33 where riders are traveling the road edge and ditches on the north side of Hwy. 33 from the Wild Goose Trail to the gas station. There is a marked trail to the gas station located on the south side of Hwy. 33 that is to be used. To report trail violations, get registration numbers and sled description of violators and report to 1-800-TIP-WDNR or the Dodge County Sheriffs Department at 920-386-3726. The 24 Hour Trail Status Hotline is 920-386-3705. The trail status line should always be checked prior to riding the trail.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Devil’s Lake State Park - Cross-country ski trails are in good condition with 5 to 12 inches of snow. Trails were groomed and tracked Wednesday, Jan. 21. Ski trails are groomed soon after a significant snowfall, and usually before each weekend. The East Bluff Woods Trail is no longer maintained as part of the cross-country ski trail system at Devil’s Lake. Many less-then expert skiers found this hill difficult and beyond their expectations in the skill it required. The trail was also very difficult to maintain with the trail grooming equipment. The surface of the lake is frozen and ice anglers have been out on the lake. Keep in mind that the park does not monitor the thickness or condition of the lake’s ice, and does not vouch for its safety. The sledding hill is in pretty good shape.
Mirror Lake State Park - All cross-country ski trails are in very good to excellent condition with an 8 to 12 inch base. Trails are groomed regularly.
Governor Nelson State Park – Cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked Jan. 21 and were in good condition.
Lake Kegonsa State Park - Cross-country ski trails are in fair to good condition and were groomed and tracked on Saturday, Jan. 17. Some of the open areas are drifting.
Jefferson County - The snowmobile trails in Jefferson County are open and are being groomed. Snow depth ranges from 14 inches down to only 1 inch on the windswept open fields. Some sharp curves in the trails are icy so slower speeds are recommended. Numerous crashes in Jefferson County recently are occurring because of the excess use of alcohol and speed, especially at night. Ice fishing success since the bitter cold snap has slowed activity. A few northern pike were still being caught on Rock Lake mostly on the north end. Ice conditions on the Jefferson County lakes ranges from 12 inches to 1.5 feet. Trucks, ATVs and snowmobiles were being driven on most of the lakes. On Lake Koshkonong there is one ice heave out in the middle of the lake that runs from just northwest of Haights Bay across the lake toward Norms. Rabbit hunting tournaments are being held every weekend at different taverns. Hunters are having good success with the aid of the snow. Coyote hunters have also been out in force with fresh snow. Mating season is in effect for coyotes so they are being seen in pairs.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
La Crosse County snowmobile trails are opened with 2 to 12-inch base on groomed trails. Snowmobilers are cautioned to slow down and watch for ice on corners. To get updated information on La Crosse County snowmobile trails you may phone 608-782-4500 or on line check
www.laxsnowmobile.com. Ice fishing action in the La Crosse area has been spotty. Some ice anglers have been taking a few bluegill, perch, crappie and northern pike in area back waters and walleye and sauger below area dams. It's a great time of year to take a kid fishing and spend some quality time together just fishing. People looking to get some exercise and quality outdoor time should try the free groomed cross-country ski trails in the State Experimental Forest at the Hwy II access. Area skiers have commented on how nice the trails are. With low temperatures and wind chills forecast to be well below zero again this weekend in La Crosse, people should protect themselves by dressing appropriately before going out to enjoy the outdoors. There is specific cold weather terminology used for wildlife. Chion is the Greek word for snow, and ecologist often categorize organisms into one of three categories: chionophile (snow lover), chionophore (snow tolerator), or chionophobe (snow fearer). Chionophiles have adaptations for winter life. A snowshoe hare is a great example. Their coat turns white in the winter, their large, snowshoe-like feet make for easier winter travel, and their geographic distribution is limited to winter dominated areas. Chionophores adjust their lives to survive snow and cold but have not developed special adaptations for survival. Meadow voles, for example, find survivable winter conditions in the microclimate under the snow (subnivean; sub means below or beneath, while nivean refers to snow, therefore subnivean refers to the interface between ground and upper snow surface). Organisms that have not adjusted to winter are chionophobes. Many songbirds that breed in Wisconsin leave the state for warmer climes as winter approaches. Thus, they have adapted to winter by avoiding it and its perils but have not adapted to living in winter surroundings. Muskrats are again being reported for frightening ice anglers. They are merely investigating holes in the ice and perhaps getting a breath of air. When they surface inside a dark shack or tent they may even mistakenly think they have arrived home.
Crawford County - The snowmobile trails in Crawford County are now open. As of Jan. 20, the Mississippi River stage was at 7.6 feet. The big river slowly rose a couple tenths of an inch from last week. Only daily water level readings are available throughout the winter, so no forecast is available. After last week’s deep freeze the majority of the main channel is frozen over as are all the back waters of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. Generally speaking the ice conditions are in pretty good shape with a few exceptions. Most of the back water areas with no current flowing through them have around 12 or more inches of ice. Sloughs with current flowing under the ice vary in thickness and can change daily. Caution must we used while traveling on the ice and safety precautions should be taken. Ice “creepers” or cleats are recommended because after some melting and re-freezing it is very icy and slippery out there. Most of the “slushy” spots that existed last week are frozen solid so travel on the ice is pretty good with the exception of the slippery conditions. Ice fishing in the area varies greatly. There has been a lot of fishing pressure on Sturgeon Slough recently. It has produced some decent bluegill and crappie at times but generally it slowed this week. Ice conditions there are pretty good. McGregor Lake (aka Sturgeon or Horseshoe) has been very quite. Not many anglers have ventured out there and those that do have done poorly. Cold Spring’s ice conditions improved this week but caution is advised around the boat landing. Most anglers are still accessing Cold Spring from the southern lobe at the handicap access site and fishing the southern half because dangerous ice exists on the northern half of the southern lobe. Bluegill and crappie action at Cold Spring has been spotty to very slow. The Ambro Slough complex is starting to see more fishing activity and success has improved on some days. Anglers are crossing over the Ambro Slough from the DNR boat landing. The USFWS boat landing on North Ambro Road is still very dangerous because Mill Coulee Creek enters there and open water or very thin ice exists. This area should be avoided. Mud Slough and Tilmont Lake have been very slow this week. Not many anglers have been fishing there. Gremore Lake has been very slow and few anglers were fishing there. The “bottom end” of Gremore Lake near the Ambro Slough anglers were finding some decent bluegill and crappie action. Fish Lake has produced some decent catches of bluegills on some days. Little Missouri has had some decent days producing keeper crappie and bluegill. Most anglers are venturing up to Big Missouri and the Upper Doubles. Big Missouri has been producing decent sized bluegill and crappie. The Upper Doubles has produces lots of bluegill, but the size of most of the fish caught have been on the small size. Those using ATVs or other vehicles to travel on the ice are reminded that USFWS law prohibits operation on any shoreline, island, or upland area within the Refuge boundary. The Fennimore cut has shown improvement. Some decent crappie and bluegill have been taken there but action was spotty. Spring Lake is producing fish, but a fair amount of small ones. Even so some decent crappie and bluegill and a few perch are being taken there. Generally speaking ice fishing action on the Ambro Slough complex varies day to day. Coyote and rabbit hunters were finding pretty good conditions with the exception of some slippery areas. Hunters will find some deep snow drifts still exist; however, it is better hunting than last week. Avid coyote hunters are finding plenty of hunting opportunities this time of year. Rabbit and squirrel hunters are also doing well on warmer days as those critters are more active. Bald eagles have dispersed from the Mississippi River after the extreme cold from last week. The flock of bald eagles had been hanging around the Tourist Information Center on Highway 18 have moved elsewhere. A few eagles have been hanging around the open water of St. Feriole Slough. Song birds like chickadees, juncos, goldfinches, and several species of wood peckers are actively feeding at bird feeders.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - All trails were groomed on Tuesday Jan. 19 and were in great condition. Cross-country ski trails will be groomed again on Friday Jan. 23 and possibly snowmobile trails also. ATV and snowmobile trails are in great condition with a base of 12 inches. Cross-country ski trails are in great condition -- a warm-up forecast for this week may have some impact but this should be for one day only. The ridge trail and the east half of the north loop are closed for this winter to accommodate a timber sale. The warming cabin is open for the season. A candlelight ski event will be held on Saturday February 7 from 6-9 p.m. The 1.5 mile trail starts and ends at the warming cabin. Food, beverages, a bonfire, and a raffle are all offered for this event. Snowshoeing is allowed anyplace on the property not groomed for other uses. Three recommended trails are the five mile trail running east and west from the Pigeon Creek Campground, the nature trail at Castle Mound, and the trail from Castle Mound south to Hwy 27. Pigeon Creek campground has its first loop plowed for winter camping. Backpack camping is also of course allowed during the winter.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Park trails are snow covered and ungroomed. 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. Fishing action in the north campground bays has been good with crappies being caught. Anglers are reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. Species of birds seen or heard include: bald eagles, goldfinches, ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red headed and piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, and blue jays.
Red Cedar State Trail and Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - As of Jan. 21, the area received approximately 2 inches of new snow in the last week. The Red Cedar Trail is groomed and track set to Downsville, and ski conditions are excellent. Hoffman Hills has been groomed and track set and ski conditions are good.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Cross-country ski trails are in great condition and were groomed/tracked on Saturday, Jan. 17. Remember, snowshoers, pets and hikers must stay off the groomed portion of trails. We have had a few winter campers so far. Launch C and lot D will not be plowed this winter. Many people ice fishing are accessing the lake from the launch in the park. Remember, park staff does not monitor ice conditions. Small game and trapping are allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area and in Buckhorn Wildlife Area only, not in the park.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is now closed. Parking is allowed along Czech Ave. The parking lot will not be plowed this winter and trails will not be groomed. People will still be able to cross-country ski and snow shoe in the park. Camping is now closed for the season. Winter is a great time to take photos for the annual photo contest.
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.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with preschoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story's nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly.10 a.m.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
• Brunet Island State Park, Cornell, (715) 239-6888 - Candlelight Skiing And Snowshoeing. Come enjoy an evening in the winter woods, a candlelit trail, and a warm fireplace with family and friends! Warming fires provided in the historic log shelter. Hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee will be available. Bring your own provisions, hot dogs and marshmallows to roast in the fireplaces. Ski equipment and snowshoes may be checked out free of charge. Beach hill open for sledding until dark. No state park vehicle sticker required at this event, annual passes will be available for purchase. Sponsored by the Cornell Lions Club. Meet at the Brunet Island State Park pavillion. 5 - 8 p.m.
• Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca, (715) 258-2372 - Candlelight Ski. A 1.3-mile cross-country ski trail will be lighted by candles, along with another 1 mile of lighted hiking trail. A great way to get rid of the winter doldrums! No trail pass is required for this event. Sponsored by Friends of Hartman Creek. Hartman Lake Shelter Building. 5-8 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit, Eagle, 262-594-6200. Candlelight Ski /Hike. Ski or hike a 1.4 mile purple loop through the woods that will be illuminated by 450 candles! No hills—no spills! Ski Rental available-LaGrange Store. Hot beverages and food will be for sale in a heated shelter. Bon fire and charcoal grills will be available. Bring your marshmallows and food you would like to cook. Dogs are allowed on trail for this event only. The Nordic Trail is located on County Hwy. H, 3 miles south of Palmyra and 1.5 miles north of LaGrange. 6-9 p.m.
• Navarino Wildlife Area, Shawano, (715) 758-6999 - Snowshoeing Navarino. Snowshoe through the woods, across the bog heading for the beaver lodge on Pike's Peak Flowage. Get a great physical workout by snowshoeing and taking in the sights of the Navarino Wildlife Area. Bring your snowshoes or rent from Navarino Nature Center (NNC). Fee: NNC members $2, nonmembers $5, families $12 . 9 a.m.
• Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers, (920) 794-7480 - Candlelight Ski and Hike.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - 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 pre-register. Program is weather dependent. Shelter #1. 9-11 a.m. Owl Prowl. Join us for this annual event to discover why owls are perfect night hunters. Dress for the weather because we will go outside in search for these predators. Visitor Center. 8:30-10 p.m.
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Adult Ski Lessons. Skate and diagonal stride (classic) will be offered. Join the park's friends group and lessons are free; otherwise, it's $10 per session per person. Provide your own gear. Call to register. Sponsored by Willow River Nordic Skiers. Nature Center. 9-11:30 a.m.
• Yellowstone Lake State Park, Blanchardville, - Radar Run [exit DNR] . A snowmobile event. Sponsored by Fayette Sno-Goers. Register at 10 a.m., race against time beginning at 11 a.m.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Winter Sleepers. Some of the animals at Havenwoods sleep all winter! Find out why they are sleeping and discover their secret resting places. This program is for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult, not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m.No admission sticker required.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Winter Woodcarving Course. Join Joyce Levandowski in this ten-week course. You will use a moto-tool to carve a beautiful Screech Owl. Class is appropriate for all skill levels. Please call to preregister. Fee is $60. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association. Visitor Center. 1-3 p.m.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with preschoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story's nature-related theme. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. Participants will spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly.10 a.m.
Friday, January 30, 2009
• Red Cedar State Trail, Menomonie, (715) 232-1242 - Candlelight Ski. The Red Cedar Trail will be lit with luminaries from the Depot to the ice wall, about 1.5 miles. The Stokke Trail will be cleared for those wishing to take a candlelight walk. We ask walkers to respect the groomed Red Cedar State Trail and refrain from walking on it. Skiers are advised to bring your own skis. Limited ski rentals will be available from Stout Adventures by calling 232-5190 in advance. The depot with its many displays will be open and staffed with volunteers with information about the Red Cedar State Trail and Hoffman Hills. Passes will not be required that evening, but annual trail passes and Red Cedar State Trail merchandise will be available for sale. After skiing or walking, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate provided by Swiss Miss and join everyone around the glowing bonfire. Sponsored by Friends of the Red Cedar State Trail and Hoffman Hills, Swiss Miss and the DNR. Start at the Menomonie Depot. 6-9 p.m.
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Candlelight Ski and Hike has been cancelled. There will not be a candlelight event at Willow River in 2009.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Adult Program: Leopold Bench Workshop. Spend the morning making a Leopold bench (28 inches tall and 51inches long) and learning about Aldo Leopold's conservation philosophies. The design is taken from a bench which still leans against Leopold's shack more than 50 years after his death. The class size is limited. Please register and pay by January 16. 10 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Tracking 101. Join us as we hike the trails in search of animal tracks, homes and other signs. Discover what the park's animals have been up to this winter! Visitor Center. 10-11 a.m.
• Whitefish Dunes State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 823-2400 - Candlelight Ski. Snow-covered trails, soft swish of the skis, and candles are the scenery at the annual candlelight ski. Join the Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park for a night of skiing and fun. The picnic shelter will be open and the fireplace lit. Hot beverages and cookies will be provided to warm the insides and provide energy. A candlelight Hike will replace the ski if there's not enough snow for skiing. Shelter Building. 6-9 p.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/
