WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 12, 2009
Old man winter made a couple more appearances in Wisconsin in the last week, dropping up to 6 inches of snow through a swath of central Wisconsin last Sunday and then dropping 6 to 7 inches of snow in northwestern Wisconsin early this week. Last weekends snowfall was followed by rain in many areas, and the snow didn’t really extend winter recreation opportunities. The snowfall this week did improve conditions in the north, but only a few counties were still reporting good snowmobile conditions on the Department of Tourism snow conditions report. Pattison State Park in Douglas County was able to re-groom ski trails this week and was reporting excellent conditions mid week, as were a number of other locations across the north. That is expected to change rapidly, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s forecast by this weekend.
Ice depths on lakes are still up to 20 inches, but warmer temperatures and recent rains have made for sloppy conditions, and areas near inflows and outflows or wherever there is current are now becoming dangerous. With recent precipitation many more rivers and creeks are opening up. Warm temperatures this weekend are expected to increase snowmelt and some flooding is being expected.
As of March 9, the Mississippi River stage was at 8.1 feet at Prairie du Chien, and with the forecast, the river is expected to rise once again.. Most of the main channel is open and the East Channel at Prairie du Chien has also opened. Open water walleye anglers have been out in force below the Lynxville dam. Walleye anglers have also been reporting success on the Fox River.
Significant rainfall and melting snow in southeast Wisconsin has raised water levels on Lake Michigan tributaries. Rivers are high and muddy. Steelhead could start moving upstream once water levels in the rivers start to drop. In Milwaukee, ice in McKinley Marina is starting to break up and the Port Washington the harbor is muddy and debris filled, but the boat launch is open.
Fox and gray squirrels have taken advantage of warming weather and lengthening days by feeding furiously on nuts and seeds that have remained buried all winter. Raccoon, skunk, and opossum activity has increased. River otter sign along creeks and streams is more evident this time of year as male otters increase their movements during the March to April breeding season.
A few male wild turkeys have been seen strutting and displaying. While these behaviors are signs of the impending breeding season, there is still a ways to go before breeding actually begins. Open water in southern Wisconsin is attracting large numbers of waterfowl including Canada geese, mallard and black ducks, common, red-breasted and hooded mergansers, common goldeneyes, and greater scaup along with occasional pairs of snow geese.
State wildlife health officials are reporting multiple bird-feeder-associated mortalities of redpolls and pine siskins across the state in the past week. Preliminary findings are highly compatible with salmonellosis, a bacterial infection that is a common cause of mortality of many wild bird species at bird feeders nationwide. Samples are being tested at the wildlife health laboratory and there should be definitive results within a week. Though there is generally not a significant impact on overall population of these species from late winter to early spring outbreaks of salmonellosis, people can help reduce mortality levels by cleaning up feeders and feeder areas and temporarily discontinuing feeding if they suspect an outbreak. More information on salmonellosis and bird feeder management can be found on the wildlife health pages of the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/whealth/].
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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
New arrivals in the southern half of the state include lots of waterfowl, song sparrow, great blue heron, killdeer, blackbirds and American woodcock. Much of Wisconsin north of Highway 10 is still locked in winter. But waters opening up in southern Wisconsin are attracting large numbers of waterfowl including Canada geese, mallard and black ducks, common, red-breasted and hooded mergansers, common goldeneyes, and greater scaup along with occasional pairs of snow geese.
State wildlife health officials are reporting multiple bird-feeder-associated mortalities of redpolls and pine siskins in Waupaca, Sawyer, Langlade, Door, Wood and possibly other counties in the past week. They report that preliminary findings from necropsies on birds collected from Waupaca and Sawyer counties are highly compatible with salmonellosis, a bacterial infection that is a common cause of mortality of many wild bird species at bird feeders nationwide. Salmonellosis is caused by a variety of bacterial strains. Wildlife health specialists have submitted samples to the wildlife health laboratory for culture confirmation, and should have definitive results within a week. The bird species involved, the timing of these events, and the geographically widespread reporting are very typical for feeder-associated outbreaks here in Wisconsin. Though wildlife officials say there is generally not a significant impact on overall population of these species from late winter to early spring outbreaks of salmonellosis, people can help reduce mortality levels by cleaning up feeders and feeder areas and temporarily discontinuing feeding if they suspect an outbreak. More information on salmonellosis and bird feeder management can be found on the wildlife health pages of the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/whealth/].
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest -
Pattison State Park- Cross-country ski trails were groomed March 11 after the park received 5 inches of new snow. Conditions were excellent with a 7 inch base and 14 inches in the woods.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park – Cross-country ski trails were in fair condition as of March 9. Ski trails were last groomed and tracked on Feb. 27 and warm temperatures since that time has taken its toll on the ski trails. Snow is forecast this week, and that could improve conditions for the upcoming weekend. Call the park for current conditions at (715) 274-5123.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail - Snowmobile riding conditions are poor due to warm weather and melting conditions. Grooming efforts have been halted due to lack of snow.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Warm weather is creeping in slowly to the Lakeland area, which is deteriorating both the snowmobile and ski trails. Ice depths on area lakes are still significant but, again individual lake situations should be checked before venturing out onto the ice. As of March 15 all ice shelters need to be removed from the ice on a daily basis. Numerous bald eagles have returned to the area and can be seen catching the air currents near any open water. The Spring Fish and Game hearings will be conducted in each county on Monday April 13 beginning at 7 p.m.. Contact your local DNR office for locations near you. This week’s warm daytime temperatures and cool evening temperatures initiated the maple sap run. Predicted cooler temperatures later this week may slow down the process. This time of year is a good time to think about pruning trees and bushes on your property. Not only is it easier to access the trees, but also, with the leaves off, it is easier to view branch structure in order to make proper pruning decisions. In addition, there are fewer insect and disease problems to deal with at this time of year. Now is a good time for anglers to be checking their fishing gear and preparing their equipment and boats for the upcoming opener of fishing season on May 2. Remember to update licenses and consider enrollment in boater safety courses for your kids. You also might want to consider enrolling in a boater safety course for yourself in order to refresh your memory and reacquaint yourself with the current regulations and safety procedures. Licenses for the 2009-10 seasons are now on sale.
DNR Northeastern Region
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park – Cross-country ski trail conditions are generally poor to marginal after Tuesday's rains. The new, wet snow on Sunday has been packed and dampened by considerable rains and warm temperatures. After all, it's March!
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Snowmobile trails are currently closed in Waushara County. In Green Lake County, anglers have reported catching northern pike on Lake Puckaway, walleye on the Fox River near the Princeton Dam, and bluegill on Big Green Lake. Nordic Mountain is closed through Thursday. Scheduled for Friday through Sunday, they will be celebrating St. Patty's Day Weekend. For times check with Nordic Mountain at 1-800-253-7266.
Hartman Creek State Park – Cross-country ski trails are in poor condition. Freezing drizzle is forecast for March 10 along with rain showers. The park received about 6 inches of snow on Sunday, but trails will deteriorate rapidly due to the rain. Icy conditions on the roads and parking lots are present. Please use caution!
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Bald eagles are returning to this part of Wisconsin in preparation of their breeding season. Red-tailed hawks have already begun mating as two reports have come in concerning aggressive behavior where nests are located too close to human activity. Cranes, kildeers, blackbirds and robins have also been sighted this last week. Wildlife sightings in general are increasing as more species are becoming active with warmer weather. The ice on Lake Winnebago has become pretty sloppy with warmer weather and rainy conditions. There are reports of up to 20 inches of ice. Early mornings have had the most active fish. Extremely dangerous ice conditions are found around the mouth of the river. A deer status meeting for Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties will be held on March 25. Wildlife staff will present a Deer Management Unit review and take public comment from 6-9 p.m. The City of Oshkosh has discontinued its deer culling efforts. Anyone who is interested in signing up for Sturgeon Guard should email the Sturgeon Guard Coordinator at: dnrsturgeonguard@wisconsin.gov
DNR Southeast Region
Flocks of red-winged blackbirds are moving into the southeastern portion of the state, with each male laying claim over a territory with his persistent gurgling "konk-a-ree" song. With each trill, the male raises his wings to expose the bright red shoulder patches and yellow wing bars, which appear quite stunning against its jet-black body. A solitary bald eagle was seen from the State Fair grounds flying northward. While some people may be surprised to see an eagle flying over a very urban area, it is not uncommon for these and other raptors to use the Lake Michigan shoreline as a landmark during migration. House sparrows are beginning to spend time around the bird houses. Now is a good time to clean out and repair the bird houses so they are ready when the new tenants move in permanently. The buds on the lilac bushes and silver maples are beginning to expand. Some home owners may find patches of grayish fuzzy growth on the lawn as the grass becomes more exposed. This is known as snow mold. If you do see signs of snow mold as the winter snows melt away, don’t be too alarmed. In lawn situations, the areas will usually come back to life with time. You can hasten recovery by raking away dead and matted foliage from damaged areas to allow the new growth to begin.
Havenwoods State Forest - Some patches of snow remain, otherwise wet and soft from rain and melting snow. Deer, coyote, owls, turkey, hawks, red-winged blackbirds, and scaup have been seen.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit – As of March 12, it appears the end of the ski season may finally have arrived at Lapham Peak. The manmade snow section of trail was groomed Wednesday and although it was skiable, much of it is icy and marginal. The ski lights will no longer be lit on the trail.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit - Trails are open to hiking, but use caution as many sections of trail are still snow or ice covered and very slippery. The trails also have many wet and muddy areas. The campground is closed for the season. The campground opens for 2009 on April 24.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit - About a quarter of inch of ice fell Sunday followed by a light snow. Cross-country ski trails were not re-groomed. There were a lot of branches down on the trail but it was still skiable as of March 9.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Significant rainfall and melting snow in southeast Wisconsin has raised water levels on all area Lake Michigan tributaries. Rivers are high and muddy, and with more rain in the forecast, will be so for awhile. Steelhead could start moving upstream once water levels in the rivers start to drop. Creel survey clerks will start interviewing anglers this weekend.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington both Sauk Creek and the harbor are muddy and debris filled, but the boat launch is open.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, ice in McKinley Marina is starting to break up, but anglers fishing off the docks have been catching occasional brown trout. The Milwaukee River under the Hoan bridge is muddy, but on the harbor side anglers have been taking a few rainbows and browns.
Racine County - Fishing in the harbor and on the Root River has been slow.
DNR South Central Region
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Devil's Lake State Park - About 5 inches of wet snow fell atop a layer of freezing drizzle, ice pellets, and slush Sunday afternoon, March 8. Cross-country ski trails were skiable, but are not groomed or tracked. Hiking trails are icy, snowy, slushy, crunchy, and wet. The park does not recommend hiking on the trails under these conditions, but neither does it prohibit hikers from using the trails. Be careful and use good judgment! The surface of the lake is still frozen. The park does not monitor the thickness or condition of the lake’s ice.
Jefferson County - Anglers have been catching a few bluegill and crappie on Rock Lake off Elm Point and Shorewood Hills by jigging with spikes. The ice is approximately 6 inches thick however the shorelines are breaking up quickly. On Mud Lake by Lake Mills anglers are also catching panfish through the ice by jigging with spikes and waxworms. The ice is approximately 6 inches thick but the shoreline is breaking up as well. Anglers are beginning to fish for walleyes on the Rock River below the dams in Watertown and Jefferson however it is a little early yet and the water is flowing fast. The Rock River is all open south of Jefferson and mostly open south of Watertown. A few robins and red-winged blackbirds have shown up in Jefferson and Dodge counties over the past week. Sandhill cranes and Canada geese are showing up in large numbers. A few wood ducks have also been seen lately, a reminder that wood duck houses should be cleaned at this time of year.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Old Man Winter delivered another direct miss with no measurable snow on Tuesday. There is a dusting here and nothing considered to be a skiable amount of snow as of March 12. Skier will take a chance if heading north for that last shot at Nordic skiing. Conditions could be too soft, ice, crust, or all of those in one day. On those thaw to freeze days, classic skiers will be in for rocket fast track with no relief in the skate lane. Think klister or start tape for waxing on classic skis. Skiers will get a double pole workout. Skaters will need to make certain edges get a good bite. On normal days, cold to warm, groomed trail in the sheltered areas will hold up okay. It will still be really fast skiing on that abrasive old snow. The Willow River was running slightly high and discolored earlier in the week. That means tough fishing for the early season trout anglers and anyone planning on ice fishing. With the freeze, it is possible that the water will be clearer by the weekend, which will be warmer. The predicted overnight freezes should restore near normal flow and clarity by the middle of next week. The Willow staff will be moving into the new office building soon. Among the changes will be window service for sticker sales and two bathrooms for visitors. Campers will still need to come inside to register their site. Work continues on the first of two new campground loops. The second loop will be where the old office building is located.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
A few male wild turkeys have been seen strutting and displaying. While these behaviors are signs of the impending breeding season, there is still a ways to go before breeding actually begins. Fox and gray squirrels have taken advantage of warming weather and lengthening days by feeding furiously on nuts and seeds that have remained buried all winter under the snow. Raccoon, skunk, and opossum activity has increased as temperatures have increased. River otter sign along creeks and streams may be more evident this time of year as male otters increase their movements during the March to April breeding season. Keep an eye open for these curious, energetic, entertaining animals. Goldeneyes, Canada geese and other waterfowl have become more abundant again lately. A few great blue herons have been seen near the Mississippi River. A flock of white pelicans was seen near La Crosse last week. Spring may be coming.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - The cross-country ski trails are closed at this time. Heavy rains have deteriorated the ski trails.
Crawford County - As of March 9, the Mississippi River stage is at 8.1 feet. Last week the river bottomed out around the 7 foot mark. Warm weather and rain last weekend has now caused the river to rise once again. If the up river dams are any indication the river here should continue upward for a few days more. Most of the main channel is open as is the East Channel in Prairie du Chien. Below LD # 9 at Lynxville the ice has been out and walleye anglers are out in force. The ice conditions in all the back waters of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers are still in good shape; however, there still exists a few problems with access. If the river continues to rise, access will definitely become a problem. The snowmobile trails throughout the county remain closed. Cold Spring’s ice condition took another beating with the recent rains and increasing water levels. The only safe access is at the south end by the handicap fishing area. The area around the channel is open as is the boat landing. Bluegill and crappie action through the ice has been very spotty. Some anglers have been fishing from the shore at the boat landing with limited success. Cold Spring is considered inland water, not boundary waters.. Additionally the game fish (except panfish) season is now closed at Cold Spring. Fishing on Sturgeon Slough was slow again this week. In McGregor Lake (aka Sturgeon or Horseshoe) there has been some reports of bluegill and crappie action, but success has been limited. Fishing on the Ambro Slough complex improved greatly this past week. Access to many area will become an issue as the water rises and warm run-off water enters this system. The north boat landing (USFWS landing) is unsafe to use as Mill Coulee Creek is keeping that area open. Anglers have accessed some areas using the DNR boat landing. The DNR boat landing had broken up but re-froze, however that might change soon. Caution is still urged in this area. Mud Slough has produced a few crappie and a bluegill here and there but over all it as been slow. Tilmont Lake had produced bluegill, crappie and perch, but action slowed at the end of the week. Access to Tilmont Lake is a bit tricky because anglers have to cross the Black Slough. Gremore Lake started to produce some decent bluegills, but recently it has slowed down. The “bottom end” of Gremore Lake near the Ambro Slough/Big Lake produced some bluegill and crappie. Fish Lake and Little Missouri have been very spotty but Big Missouri and the Doubles have produced some decent bluegill and crappie. Spring Lake has really turned on this past week. Some nice crappie and bluegill are being taken there along with a few perch. The Fennimore Cut has produced too, but not as well as Spring Lake. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay below LD #9 is open and most of the ice in that area had left the shorelines. Walleye action has slowed however sauger had been really hitting. Many of the sauger have been small, however some very nice fish have been taken. Those who are patient, get there early and find the right spot are catching keeper sized fish. Many bald eagles have returned to the Mississippi River, although not in large numbers. A few eagles have been hanging around the open water of St. Feriole Slough and below the dam at Lynxville. There has been a substantial amount of snow loss in the county (even with the 2 inches received last Sunday) this past week. Turkey and deer have been sited out in open fields feeding. Some reports of turkey gobbling already coming in. Many migratory birds are being seen returning to the area. Red-winged black birds and robins are the most readily identifiable species.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Winter trail recreation has come to a close at the state forest. Conditions are very icy on the trails making them unsafe for public use. ATV and snowmobile trails typically close for the year on March 15, but trails are now closed due to unsafe conditions. Trails will reopen on May 15 for the Spring and Summer season. Cross country ski trails do not have adequate cover for skiing. Unless the area gets a large snowfall with colder weather predicted for a few days trails will not be groomed again this year. Snowshoeing is the one winter activity that would still be fair, with areas with better shade still having snow cover.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - There has not been sufficient snowfall to groom the cross-country ski trails lately, though they wee snow covered and skiable as of March 9. Snowshoe conditions on the island trails are good. The ice on Cornell Flowage has not opened yet, but has become discolored in the main channels. Pan fishing pressure has been very light at Perch Lake with mixed results. Late day fishing on the North campground lagoon has been productive, with larger crappies and a few small bluegills being caught. 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. The tapping of sugar maples has begun in the area. Sap flow has been slow with most days still being a bit cold. Bald eagles are moving back into the area and have been seen feeding along the roadsides. The barred owls have been aggressively trading territorial calls during the early night hours. Species of birds seen or heard include: goldfinches, ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red headed and piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, mourning doves, and blue jays.
Red Cedar Trail and Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - As of March 10, recent warm weather and rain in the last week has made skiing very difficult. The trails are in poor condition and should not be used at this time.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The wet snow received Sunday is melting with the rain and warmer temperatures. People ice fishing are still accessing the lake from the launch in the park. Remember, park staff does not monitor ice conditions. The county snowmobile trails are now closed. Spring is coming! Three sandhill cranes were heard in Sauk Co this past Saturday and a flock of robins was seen on Sunday.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Cross-country ski trails are deteriorating with the warmer weather and are in poor condition.
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, March 14, 2009
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturday: Play in the Water Cycle. Become a part of our giant water cycle. During this game you will travel down a river, go through a plant, and even get licked up by an animal! These activities are for everyone! Just drop in the building anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to participate in the fun. No admission sticker required.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Citizen Salamander Monitors Workshop. Biologists suggest that the number of salamanders may be declining in some states, but what about here in Wisconsin? The Wisconsin Salamander Survey (WSS) needs volunteer monitors to document the presence of different salamander species. This is a family-friendly and educational citizen science project and school-aged children and their parents make especially good monitors. Monitors check live traps for six consecutive days in early April and record their results. Monitors receive all the training and supplies needed, including traps, and must possess a valid fishing license. People interested in becoming citizen salamander monitors may attend a free training workshop at Interstate State Park. Randy Korb, project director, will give a short talk and bring live salamanders to help participants learn about these secretive creatures. Randy will explain the survey, hand out materials, and help volunteer monitors build their live-traps. Participants must pre-register by Friday, March 13, by contacting Julie Fox, Park Naturalist. 10 a.m. to Noon.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit , Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Trees in Leafless Condition. Have you been frustrated by how to identify trees when they do not have leaves? Then join us as we walk through the woods and fields learning ways to tell one kind of tree from another. The reference book we will be using is available at the Ice Age Visitor Center for $3.65. This program is best for people over the age of 10 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Bluebird Birdhouse Building Workshop. Join park volunteers for a short program on bluebirds and then assemble birdhouses from a kit. Bring a hammer if available. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are encouraged to register in advance but walk-ins are accepted. There is a $7 charge per birdhouse if participants wish to purchase the birdhouse. Vehicle admission sticker required on all vehicles. Meet at the park office. 1-2:30 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Earliest Migrants. Bundle up and bring your binoculars to join us on an early morning hike. Discover which hardy migrants have returned and what the resident birds are doing. Visitor Center. 7:30-9 a.m.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
• Interstate State Park , St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. A short activity following the story will reinforce the story's nature-related theme. Nature Storytime generally lasts 30 to 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, March 20, 2009
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit , Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Sweet Taste of Spring. Freezing nights and warm days make the sap of the maple trees flow. Join us as we learn how maple sap is turned into sweet tasting syrup. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Celebrate Spring! Join us to celebrate the Spring Equinox! We will welcome the season with some spring facts and folklore, a hike, a bonfire and some spring surprises! Dress to be outside. Amphitheater. 7- 8:30 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/
