Complete WDNR Outdoor Report March 19, 2009
Spring is arriving pretty much on schedule this year, with much of the snow cover gone from most of the state prior to the Vernal equinox on this Friday, March 20. A few counties in far northern Wisconsin were still reporting snow depths of 4 inches to more than a foot in the woods, but with recent warm weather essentially all ski and snowmobile trails are closed or in very poor condition.
With the very warn weather in the last week, many people have been out hiking and biking. State park and forest officials remind visitors to please ride responsibly to not degrade trails. This is the time of year when the frost is coming out of the ground making the ground soft and susceptible to damage if it were to be used. Horseback and mountain bike trails age currently closed on most properties. The crushed limestone surface on most rail-trails is wet due to frost layer melting and people are asked to avoid bicycling on these trails until the surface dries out.
Rivers are opening up into north Wisconsin, with sections of the Oconto, Flambeau, and Namekagon now open. Trout fishing enthusiast have been taking advantage of the warm weather to fish the early catch and release season. Other northern rivers such as the wild Pike and Pine rivers in northeastern Wisconsin are still too ice covered in most places for early trout fishing. Lake Michigan tributaries in southeastern Wisconsin are open and have been running high. The spring steelhead spawning run has begun and anglers have been out in force in the last week. Muskies are staging below the Vilas Park dam on the Yahara River in Dane County and lots of fish watchers are getting a good look at some large fish. Water levels on the Rock and Crawfish rivers are very high and a slow-no-wake ordinance was put in place on the Rock River last week in the Janesville area. A few early season canoeists and kayaks have been out on open water. As of March 17, the Mississippi River stage was at 7.9 feet at Prairie du Chien. Ice conditions in the back waters of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers are starting to deteriorate and access is becoming dangerous. Open water walleye and sauger action was very spotty this week. Anglers were reporting water temperatures around 33 to 34 degrees.
Lakes in southern Wisconsin have begun to open up, with the north end of Lake Kegonsa in Dane County open and the rest expected to open with the week. There were many reports of anglers falling through the ice in shallow water as the ice has honeycombed and strong winds during the week are moving the ice around. Assess points around Lake Winnebago are extremely treacherous, with most bridges being pulled out this week. Ice depths on northern lakes still ranges up to 18 inches, but many shorelines are opening up and access is becoming difficult and hazardous. Anglers were still ice fishing on Green Bay’s Sawyer Harbor but ice conditions are deteriorating rapidly.
The recent warm temps and south winds have brought the expected movements of waterfowl, cranes, blackbirds and early migrants. This past weekend there was a large sandhill crane migration into southern Wisconsin. Geese are moving through in large numbers including some greater white-fronted geese, cackling geese and Ross' geese mixed in with the Canada geese.
Ruffed grouse are beginning pre-season mating activities, though no drumming has been observed yet. Killdeer have been making their presence known by their calls more than their appearance. This member of the plover family is known for its "broken-wing" act, a strategy that lures predators and people away from the nest. Woodcock are peenting, twittering and performing their nightly aerial displays. Barred owls have been aggressively trading territorial calls during the early night hours.
Maple syrup season has begun and is in full swing in some areas, but sap flow has been slow in other areas as the ground has not thawed sufficiently. In the south, daffodils, crocuses, day lilies are beginning to appear. Pussy willows are budding out. And chorus frogs, usually the first frogs to begin calling in Wisconsin, have begun to emerge as the frost comes out of the ground and have been heard in several locations.
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A new report is put on the line each week.
Statewide Birding Report
The recent warm temps and south winds have brought the expected movements of waterfowl, cranes, blackbirds and early migrants. In addition, many winter "visitors" to Wisconsin are beginning to move north again. This past weekend there was a large sandhill crane migration into southern Wisconsin. In addition, many birders reported a strong eagle flight including a number of migrant golden eagles that spent the winter in the upper Midwest. Song sparrows are now back on territory in southern Wisconsin along with killdeer, robins, red-winged blackbirds, grackles and the other permanent residents. Geese are moving through in large numbers including some greater white-fronted geese, cackling geese and Ross' geese mixed in with the Canada geese. American woodcock are now on territory in southern Wisconsin, which should continue through April. They have been herd peenting in various locations. Great lakes birders are reporting some lingering winter gulls including a slaty-backed gull in Sheboygan as well as some red-throated loons and a harlequin duck. This next week should bring an inflow of puddle ducks including our first blue-winged teal as fields begin to thaw and some lakes begin to open up. Horned grebes, double-crested cormorants, American white pelicans, Wilson's snipe, eastern phoebe, tree swallow, fox sparrow, and some other early migrants will all begin to show up with continued warm fronts.
DNR Northern Region
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Bayfield County - Panfishing has been excellent in southern Bayfield County this past week. It’s like some one finally turned the switch on, with wax worms being the choice bait. Reminder to those fishing Middle Eau Claire and Bony Lakes, the panfish bag limit is now 10. With four days of 40 degree-plus temperatures, ice conditions continue to deteriorate, with most people using ATV or foot travel only, though some are still traveling on the ice with vehicles. Many boat landing access points are opening up, making it tough to access some areas. Again use caution when traveling on ice; taking a length of rope and life jacket might be a real good idea. Trout fishing enthusiast have been taking advantage of the warm weather and early catch and release season, with the White River and Namekagon River seeing the most action. Reminder to those thinking about boating this spring, now is a good time to double check your boat registration stickers to be sure everything is up to date; while checking your boat, be sure to inspect all life jackets and fire deteriorate, making sure they're in the boat, in proper working order. Deer are moving away from their wintering yards these past two weeks, with many people reporting much day time deer activity; take care when traveling area roads, especially in the Barnes area. Three very large flocks of migrating eagles were seen this past weekend, traveling through the Namekagon area, with 20 eagles stopping on Taylor Lake to feed on a dead deer, it was a neat sight to see. The Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearing is just around the corner so mark your calendars for April 13 at 7 p.m. The Bayfield County Hearing will be held at the Drummond High School this year.
Copper Falls State Park - Recent warm weather has closed ski trails for the season. People are beginning to walk to Copper and Brownstone Falls as the water levels are on the rise and the ice has broken up on the Bad River. The next few weeks will be an excellent time to view the falls. Maple syrup season is in full swing in the area, a sure sign of spring. Canadian Geese have also been seen flying over the area.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The recent mild weather has started to reduce ice thickness and most lakes are now down to about 16 to 18 inches of ice, with the upper 1 to 3 inches being water and slush. Most access areas, along with the sun-drenched west and north shorelines, have become very soft and small open-water areas are showing up along shore. Inlets and areas of moving water have been especially treacherous as open water has developed in many of these spots as well. Vehicle traffic on the lakes has pretty much ended and most anglers have been walking out to their favorite spots. Fishing pressure has been on the light side and panfish anglers have been having a hard time finding active fish. It appears that the perch and crappie have abandoned their deep-water haunts and have moved up to shallower water or suspending a couple feet below the ice. Bluegill have been providing the best success, but anglers have had to search quite a bit for quality-size fish.
Flambeau River State Forest - Both ski and snowmobile trails are in very poor condition. It's starting to not only feel like spring but look like it too. People have been seeing (and smelling) skunks, as well as porcupines, robins, and geese. Parts of the North and South Forks of the Flambeau River are showing open spots, much to the delight of an otter observed on the north fork. As of March 17, there was have snow in the woods that varies from 0-7 inches.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Warming temperatures across the county are reducing the snow banks and baring hilly agriculture fields. The fields are attracting turkeys in search of food below the snowline. Ruffed grouse are beginning pre-season mating activities, no drumming has been observed yet as snow cover is usually at 50 percent when they begin. Robins have been seen north of Highway 64 along with the geese searching for open waters. More northern creeks are opening up with the added runoff from the snowmelt. The snow depth in the northern forests is still a good 6 to 8 inches in areas. Early season trout streams such as the Pike and Peshtigo river segments are going to be hard to fish yet due to accessibility.
Oconto County - The Oconto River is opening up below the Stiles Dam area with the geese and sandhill cranes returning to the area last week. The steelhead are not moving up the tributary yet as water temperatures need to increase a bit yet. Although anxious fly anglers are getting their feet wet in anticipation of the spring run. Ice conditions are deteriorating quickly with the warmer weather, extreme caution should be taken when venturing out on ice covered waters now. All ice fishing shelters must be removed at the end of each day.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park - As of March 17, scattered patches of snow remain on the ground, with much more in the deep woods. Sections of back roads remain snow or ice covered. It's a good time to climb Eagle Tower, hike to Eagle Bluff Lighthouse on Shore Road (not presently open to traffic.), or hike any of the park's 20 miles of trails. All winter trails are closed for the season. All trails are open to hiking, but closed to bicycling, due to wet conditions. The waters of Green Bay remain frozen. Do not venture out onto the ice, as conditions are very unpredictable.
Potawatomi State Park - Anglers are still ice fishing on Sawyer Harbor and skiers are still using the trails, but ice and snow conditions are deteriorating as spring approaches.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Hartman Creek State Park – As of March 16, cross-country ski trails were in very poor condition. Warm temperatures this week in the 60s will put an end to skiing, probably for this season, unless we get substantial snow fall. Horse and biking trails are still closed.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
A good amount a rain this week could send the ice out on the Fox and Wolf rivers. Assess points around Lake Winnebago are extremely treacherous, with most bridges being pulled out this week. A few boats have been out on the water in Oshkosh picking up perch, bluegill and walleyes. Very limited activity is reported around the Winneconne bridge. A warm up in water temperature over the next couple weeks should begin some walleye action, followed by white bass, which usually heats up around the beginning of May. Anyone who is interested in signing up for Sturgeon Guard should email the Sturgeon Guard Coordinator at: dnrsturgeonguard@wisconsin.gov
DNR Southeast Region
Turkey vultures have returned and can be seen riding the thermals over the bare fields. Vultures are pretty easy to identify from the V-shape that forms from their out-stretched wings and the feathers that look like fingers. The killdeer are also back, their presence made known more often by their calls than their appearance. This member of the plover family is known for its "broken-wing" act, a strategy that lures predators and people away from the nest. Stand outside quietly during the evening hours and listen for the faint "peeps" from the sky. These are the calls of the returning songbirds, many who have traveled from their winter homes in Central and South America. Birds are very adept at flying at night, and the south winds help guide them on their journeys. Daffodils, crocuses, day lilies are beginning to appear yet snow still lingers on the northern side of hills and homes. The lakes are opening up and rivers are running high. The smell of warming earth causes the gardeners to pull out the flats and plant seeds of annual flowers and vegetables. They search the gardens for worm castings and once found, know the ground is warming up, making ready to receive the seedlings they now tend next to sun-filled windows.
Big Foot Beach State Park - Spring has sprung at Big Foot Beach State Park! The snow cover has melted and the ice is almost nearly gone from the lake! A few more warm days and the grass will be green again! Hiking trails are open, but proper footwear is highly recommended. Trails are extremely wet and/or muddy in places. Dogs MUST be leashed at all times when inside the park. The campground opens May 15. There will be a tree planting event in the campground April 25 beginning at 8 a.m. Bring a shovel and gloves. Call the park for details at (262) 248-2528.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit - As of march 18, the Southern Unit has experienced some very spring like weather. People venturing out on the trails at the forest will find a mixed bag of dry trails, ice covered sections (particularly in the pines) and a fair amount of mud. Equestrians are asked to refrain from using the trails until they have a chance to dry out and stabilize. Mountain Bike Trails are currently closed and will be closed the month of March. This is the time of year when the frost is coming out of the ground making the ground soft and susceptible to damage if it were to be used. The trails will be evaluated each day beginning April 1 to determine when they can be opened for use. For more information contact the forest headquarters at 262-594-6200. Current trail conditions can be obtained at 262-594-6202.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - Warm weather and rain have caused a lot of melting. Nature trails and hiking trails may 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. Common red polls are still being reported. The sandhill cranes have returned. The blue birds and red winged black birds are back. The Sanderling Nature Center remains closed until May 1. Construction of 30 new campsites at Kohler-Andrae State Park is nearing completion. The new campsites will be available for use in July, 2009. Reservations for the new sites are currently being accepted for dates July 15-November 1.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Spring steelhead have arrived in southeast Wisconsin tributary streams and lots of anglers have been out after them. Although fishing is not yet exceptional, they are being caught on both yarn flies and spawn. Look for the run to progress northward along our Lake Michigan coast. Early arrivals look large this year; with some in the 8-10 pound category. Some females are already running eggs.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area - Trails are wet, muddy, and slippery. Dogs are allowed to be walked on the paved roads and some hiking trails. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times and under control. You are required to pick up after your dog. The pet picnic area is open. ATV/dirt-bike trails are closed for March and April due to the spring thaw. Biking trails are open or closed on a daily basis, please call (262) 878-5600 for availability. If trails are closed you may ride on the paved roads at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Trail conditions this time of year are likely to be wet and muddy. If riding on the trails a Trail Pass is required. Please ride responsibly to not degrade the trails. Horseback Riding Trails are open or closed on a daily basis, please call (262) 878-5600 for availability. If trails are closed you may ride on the paved roads at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Trail conditions this time of year are likely to be wet and muddy. Please ride responsibly to not degrade the trails. You are required to take any droppings and hay with you when you leave so the natural beauty of the park isn’t compromised. The Sunrise Campground is open for the season. Shower and flush restroom building will not open until April 10. Pit toilets and hand pumps are available for restrooms and water. The dump station is open for disposal; however there is no running water until April 17 (weather permitting). Richard Bong State Recreation Area is currently looking for campground hosts for the summer. Please contact Annette Swanek at (262) 878-5611 if interested.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan the Sheboygan River remains relatively high and muddy, and fishing has been slow.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington fishing on Sauk Creek has been relatively slow, but anglers near the power plant and in the harbor have been catching browns on shiners. Browns have also been taken off the pier on spoons.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, ice in McKinley Marina has been breaking up, but anglers fishing off the docks have been catching occasional brown trout. Anglers fishing the Milwaukee River under the Hoan bridge have been taking a few rainbows and browns. Fishing on the Menomonee River has been slow, but anglers on Oak Creek have taken a few steelhead on spawn.
Racine County - In Racine water levels on the Root River have dropped considerably in the past week. Flows are still high, but the river is fishable. Most fish caught over the weekend were taken from the deep pools in the golf course between Colonial and Quarry Lake Parks, as well as taken up at the dam. A few browns and steelhead were caught on both flies and spawn. DNR crews started the Root River Steelhead Facility on Monday.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, ice remains near the boat launch, but open water can be found elsewhere in the harbor. Some browns have been caught on spawn.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - Spring has sprung at Wyalusing. The warmer temperatures have brought out park visitors and campers. This past weekend and beginning of this week has been the busiest of this year. March 17 was the first day that ice anglers were not seen going past the office to the backwaters. Must be a sure sign of spring. Mississippi River level at Prairie du Chien was 7.9 feet as of March 17. With the recent warm temperatures, most trails should be free of snow and ice. Small pockets of snow may still remain on north facing slopes. Sugar Maple Nature Trail to Pictured Rock Cave is somewhat muddy, but passable. You may want to bring boots if you would like to hike to see the ice in the cave. With the recent warm temps, sunny and breezy conditions, most of the other open trails should be in good hiking condition. At this time, all of the park roads have been opened. This is subject to change, dependent on more snow. The warmer weather means a return of the raccoons. Feeders are taken down at night to prevent further destruction. Recent bird sightings at the feeder and in the area include: turkey vultures, blue birds, red-winged blackbirds, robins, cardinals, mourning doves, purple finches, gold finches, hairy, downy and red-bellied, and red-headed woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, bluejays, bald eagles, and juncos.
Military Ridge State Trail - The crushed limestone surface is wet due to the warm temperatures and the frost layer melting. Please avoid bicycling on the trail until the trail surface has had a chance to dried out. Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. Horses and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not allowed on the Military Ridge Trail corridor.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County - Ice fishing is through for the season on Dane County Lakes. As of Monday March 16, anglers were still fishing Lake Waubesa at Goodland Park and Lake Farm Park and Monona Bay on Lake Monona. There were many reports of anglers falling through the ice in shallow water as the ice has honeycombed and strong winds during the week are moving the ice around. The north end of Lake Kegonsa is open and ice out could occur within a week. Some of the boat launches are open and a few canoeists and kayaks have been out in the open water. Muskies are staging below the dam at Vilas Park and lots of fish watchers are getting a good look at some large fish. Northerns are spawning and fish refuges have been posted on the Yahara River. The spring bird migration is in full swing with lots of red winged blackbirds, killdeer, robins, waterfowl, and few bluebirds returning. Tree swallows should show up any day. Woodcock are peenting and performing their nightly displays. Chorus frogs are beginning to emerge as the frost comes out of the ground. Pussy willows are budding out. A dry week should improve trout fishing on area streams. Water levels are up, but are not as bad as last week. Conditions should be good this weekend.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - The end of ski season does not necessarily bring the best of trail conditions. Weekend hiking use was busy with all trails open. Full mud season is coming. For now it will be a mixture of ice, crusty snow, puddles, and some that could be called dry. The trail into Willow Falls from County Road A will take a while to clear of ice. The variable trail conditions tend to leave the fitness trainers limited to road running. The park road is still holding ice in the boat launch area. Bicycling on the road is likely to leave riders wet with the amount of snowmelt running across the road. Surrounding roads have the same condition and a lot of sand on shoulders. Ice fishing has to be about done given the flow of discolored water through the lake. One weekend angler commented about success with dead bait. Park staff does not monitor ice conditions. The best guess is that runoff is mostly over with in the Willow River watershed. We have not seen the lake come up a lot this month although we have sent some extra water down. A week of dry weather restores clarity after the level stabilizes. The river could be at or near normal level and clarity by the next Outdoor Report. Other area trout rivers are also reported as running discolored this week. Turkey Vulture flocks have been observed migrating through. Work continues on the new office and we should be moved in some time in April.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Just like clockwork, numerous bird species that are short-distance migrants recently arrived back in the area. Red-winged blackbirds, grackles, and robins have arrived in droves, while lesser numbers of killdeer, bluebirds, and eastern meadowlarks have filled in the gaps. Short-distance migrants respond more to weather clues, so they can gradually move northward as weather improves. Long-distance migrants depend on changes in day length to trigger their migration. It is believed that short-distance migrants can get a jump on resources and outcompete long-distance migrants that arrive later in a region. Short distance migrant birds also move south when winter weather returns. Many waterfowl and songbirds did that recently, but are now headed northward with the warmer weather. Concentrations of bald eagles are being seen at spots along the Mississippi. Around La Crosse some easily accessible spots are just south of I-90 along Highway 35 and along Highways 14/61 between La Crosse and La Crescent, Minn.
Perrot State Park - The trails on the north slopes are frozen and slippery in spots. The remaining trails are soft and muddy in places. Ice is gone on the bay. Boat dock has not been installed. Pasque flowers are just beginning to come up but have not opened. Sandhill cranes and early migratory ducks such as buffleheads have returned. Some tundra swans have passed through the area lately. Eagles have been seen in the area and should begin nesting soon. The shower building is scheduled to be open by the weekend of April 17.
Crawford County - Very little snow is left in the area. North facing slopes are still holding on tight to the snow, however it is disappearing fast. For the most part the frost is not out of the ground so travel into the fields is very muddy. As of March 16, the Mississippi River stage was at 7.8 feet. Last week the river was over 8 feet but it slowly fell throughout the week. If the warm weather continues or if rain comes into play there is a good chance the river will rise again. The main channel is open throughout the entire area. The East Channel in Prairie du Chien is also open. Many of the backwater areas still hold ice that is pretty thick. Below LD # 9 at Lynxville the ice has been out for some time and walleye anglers are out in force. The ice conditions in all the back waters of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers are starting to deteriorate and access to safe backwater ice fishing is becoming dangerous. If the forecast holds true and the warm weather continues ice fishing might be over by the end of the week. Cold Spring’s ice condition is slowly getting worse. The only access is at the south end by the handicap fishing area and that area, especially along the shoreline, is starting to lose ice. The area around the channel is open as is the boat landing. Bluegill and crappie action, through the ice has been spotty, with some good days interspersed. Some anglers have been fishing from the shore at the boat landing but success there has been poor. Anglers fishing through the ice are catching a fair amount of bluegill but most are small. Some crappie and a few perch have been taken. Cold Spring is considered inland water, not boundary waters. Fishing on Sturgeon Slough was slow again this week as was McGregor Lake (aka Sturgeon or Horseshoe). Good news and bad news from the Ambro Slough complex near Prairie du Chien. The good news is that crappie, bluegill, and perch action picked up this week. The bad news is ice conditions are very dangerous. Only anglers who have access to an airboat or hovercraft can access areas like Tilmont Lake, Big and Little Missouri, the Upper and Lower Doubles and Fish Lake. The north boat landing (USFWS landing) is unsafe to use as Mill Coulee Creek has opened much of the Ambro Slough. The DNR boat landing isn’t safe any more to use as the warm water flow has eaten away the ice and it is very thin. Gremore Lake really slowed down this week and few anglers are venturing out there. Spring Lake is still producing some fish, however by the end of the week action there slowed down. Crappie and bluegill were being taken there. The Fennimore Cut was quiet this week. The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay below lock and dam 9 is open and most of the ice in that area had left the shorelines. Walleye and sauger action was very spotty this week. Many of the sauger have been small; however, some very nice fish have been taken. Walleyes have been harder to find. Those who are patient, get there early and find the right spot, are catching keeper sized fish. Many anglers were reporting water temperatures around 33 to 34 degrees. Anglers are fishing the East Channel in Prairie du Chien with limited success. Small sauger and walleye have been taken with a few keeper sized fish. Most of the boat landings in the Prairie du Chien area are open. Many bald eagles have returned to the Mississippi River and are actively tending nests. 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 this past week. Turkey and deer have been sited out in open fields feeding. Turkey gobbling activity is picking up. Many migratory birds are being seen returning to the area. Red-winged black birds, robins, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and a wide variety of waterfowl have returned to the area. There is some great waterfowl viewing on the Mississippi River up in Pool 9 right now (Lynxville to Ferryville).
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Chorus frogs were heard March 17 in the La Crosse River Marsh. Also the red-winged blackbirds were back at the end of last week.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The ski season has come to a close even for the most ardent skiers. The ice on Cornell Flowage has begun to open in the main channels and has become discolored in most areas. Anglers are reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater bays. The late ice panfish season has begun in the area. Late day fishing on the north campground lagoon has been productive, with larger crappies and bluegills being caught. The tapping of sugar maples has begun in the area. Sap flow has been slow in most areas as the ground has not thawed sufficiently. Barred owls have been aggressively trading territorial calls during the early night hours. Bald eagles are moving back into the area and have been seen feeding along the roadsides. 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.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - People ice fishing are still accessing the lake from the launch in the park although ice is melting and there is some open water by the Buckhorn bridge that people were fishing by. Remember, park staff does not monitor ice conditions. Anglers seemed to be catching a lot of crappies and panfish over the weekend. With the snow melting fast around the park, hiking trails will be slushy/muddy as the snow melts. Campers have been enjoying the warmer weather. There are openings in May, June, Sept, Oct and a few single nights in July for the handicapped accessible cabin. Please call the park at 608-565-2789 for more information. Applications for the 2009 Youth Deer Hunt are available now from the park or online.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is still closed. Parking is allowed in the Czech Ave lot. Trails may be slushy and muddy as the snow melts this week. Camping is now closed for the season. Spring 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.
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.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
• Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Howlers. Did you know that there are foxes and coyotes at Havenwoods? Drop in and learn about these canines, make some fox ears, play "Coyotes and Geese", pretend to be a coyote, and much more! You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to discover cool things about nature through hands-on activities, experiments, crafts, games, and picture books. No admission sticker required.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Saturn Worldwide Observation Night. Join us in observing Saturn when it is closest to earth in 2009. Once every 14 years Saturn can be viewed without its rings. Dress for the weather. There is no cost for the program but a vehicle admission sticker is required. Telescopes provided by Rustic Skies Astronomy, Sheboygan Astronomical Society and the Plymouth Stargazers. Meet at the parking lot adjoining the amphitheater. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
• Havenwoods State Forest , Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Run, Rabbit, Run. Cottontail rabbits might live in your backyard. Come check out their swift feet, alert ears, and twitchy noses. 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.
Thursday, March 26, 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.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Special Event - Wisconsin Birds of Prey. Havenwoods welcomes the staff from the Pineview Rehabilitation Wildlife Center. Visit with a variety of Wisconsin hawks, owls, and falcons. This free special event is for people of all ages. 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
