WDNR Outdoor Report as of April 1, 2010 Unseasonably warm and dry conditions have persisted across Wisconsin for the third straight week. No significant precipitation has been reported statewide for nearly a month. Wildfire danger levels have now reached very high statewide and burning permits have been cancelled across the state. Gusty winds have created dangerous fire conditions. DNR and local fire protection agencies responded to134 fires in the past week that burned 322 acres, including crown fires in pine trees. Resources are stretched thin as firefighters mop up contained fires and are being called to suppress new fires. All people are being asked to help by not starting any wildfires. The main cause of wildfires continues to be debris burning. Other causes include disposal of ashes and outdoor furnaces, campfires and power lines. People working outdoors should be extra careful with equipment, as sparks from chainsaws and hot mufflers from ATVs and other vehicles can start wildfires.
The warm weather has caused ice to go out on lakes nearly two weeks before average. Lakes are now open through northern Wisconsin, with only the largest lakes still holding any ice, and even they are expected to open by this weekend. Walleyes have begun spawning on northern lakes and Wisconsin?s Chippewa Indian tribes began spearfishing the night of March 31.
Anglers are reporting that fish are being caught in the Bois Brule River but it sounds like it is the resident fish being caught, with nor reports of Lake Superior run steelhead so far. Along Lake Michigan, anglers on the Sheboygan River have been catching steelhead and browns. A few steelhead have been taken in upstream stretches of Sauk Creek on yarn flies. Anglers fishing the Milwaukee River have been catching a few browns and rainbows. Flows are low on the Menomonee River and Oak Creek, but some steelhead have been taken from both. Water levels and clarity are good on the Root River and fair numbers of steelhead and browns have been found. The Root River Steelhead Facility processed 183 steelhead on Monday, March 29.
The warm dry weather has dried out many of the state?s rails to trail bicycle trails bicyclists have been taking advantage of the nice weather. Some state parks have even opened mountain bike trails, but rain is finally in the forecast, and mountain bike trails may be closed on short notice if trails become wet. Bicyclists are asked to refrain from using the rail trails if the limestone screening becomes so wet that tires sink in and leave ruts that will remain when trails dry out.
Turkey hunters out scouting before the first spring hunting period opens in less the two weeks are reporting that tom turkeys are gobbling and some gobblers are already strutting along side unwilling hens. Left over tags are still available for the later turkey periods in zones 1 and 3.
A huge influx of migratory birds continues. Turkey vultures are back soaring above Devil?s Lake State Park from their winter vacations in Central America. Local waterways, especially the Mississippi River are filling up with ducks, geese, and some swans. Eagles are actively tending nests in the Northwoods and along the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers.
The quack-like calls of wood frogs and the high pitched spring peepers have now joined chorus frogs in calling. Garter snakes are being seen out and about. Wood ticks are out and even the first mosquitoes of the year have been swatted.
Pasque flowers are starting to bloom. The recent cold nights and bright sunny days have been good for maple sap tapping. This Saturday, April 3, is the annual MacKenzie Environmental Education Center?s Maple Syrup Festival, with guided tours of the sugarbush and maple syrup-making process, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a pancake breakfast and home-made ice cream and maple syrup available for purchase.
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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 Wildfire Report for April 1, 2010
Fire danger has been Very High throughout the entire state this week and is expected to continue to be until weather conditions improve. Burning permits have been suspended in all DNR protection areas until further notice. Check out the DNR Fire Danger page for more information: [http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Fire/Fire_Danger/Wis_Burn/StateCounties.asp]. Unseasonably high temps, low humidity, and gusty winds have created dangerous fire conditions, including concern for power line-caused fires and falling trees and dead limbs. Already, firefighters are seeing fire torch and crown in pine trees. Resources are being stretched thin as they ?mop up? contained fires and are being called to suppress new fires. Do all you can to help them by NOT starting a wildfire. In DNR Protection areas, 134 fires burned 322 acres this past week. Five structures were lost in these fires and another 37 were threatened, yet saved with firefighter assistance. The main cause of wildfires continues to be debris burning (broadcast, brush piles, trash fires, and burn barrels). Other causes include equipment, disposal of ashes and outdoor furnaces, incendiary, power line, campfires, and a couple of railroad fires. Numerous fires are still under investigation. Firewise Tip: [[http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire/prevention/firewise/]] Prevent combustible materials and debris from accumulating beneath decks or elevated porches. Screen underneath or box in areas below the deck or porch with wire mesh no larger than 1/8 of an inch. Homeowners: now is the time to follow all of the Firewise Tips to protect your homes and cabins.
Northern Region
The fire danger is Very High across the region. The weather in Brule and Cumberland was unseasonably warm last week. Near record-high temps, coupled with strong winds and low humidity?s brought a busy week for fire fighters. Because of this weather pattern burning permits have been canceled in these dispatch groups until we receive significant rain. The Brule Dispatch Group reports seven new fires for 3.5 acres burned this week. In these fires only one structure was threatened and saved. Two mutual aid fires were also reported for 0.05 acres. Cumberland Dispatch Group reports13 fires that burned 133 acres. Seven of these 13 fires were on Tuesday - the warmest and windiest day of the week. In these fires two structures were threatened and saved. The largest fire was in Burnett County where quick detection and initial attack by the Grantsburg Ranger Station crew held the fire at 100 acres. Incident command on that fire called in DNR fire equipment from Douglas, Sawyer, and Washburn counties to assist in the blaze. Other firefighting assistance came from the Helitack crew from Sandstone Minnesota doing bucket work on both the Grettum Pines fire March 29 and the Sterling fire march 30, as well as assistance from DNR Wildlife staff and Burnett County Forest staff. In Woodruff & Parks Falls Dispatch Groups, 36 fires burned a total of 72 acres this week. Debris burning and improper disposal of ashes are the leading causes of wildfires in the Park Falls-Woodruff area. A debris burning-caused fire at a wreath factory near Phillips burned a very large quantity of pallets and bales of hardboard; 4 fire departments assisted in extinguishing the burning pallets/bales. Burning permits are cancelled and burning is not allowed at this time. Local fire control staff were featured on WAOW TV 9/WYOW TV 34 Monday in a news story about the recent fire danger. Click here to watch the video and read the story:
http://www.waow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12223341Northeast Region
Fire danger has been Very High all week and burning permits continue to be suspended until conditions improve. Special permits, such as those needed for prescribed burning, are only allowed after inspection. Mild temps and south winds will produce critical fire weather conditions through Friday. Peshtigo Dispatch Group: Thirteen fires burned just over 8 acres this past week, threatening 2 structures. The main causes of the fires have been debris burning, equipment, and disposal of ashes and outdoor furnaces. The largest fire of the week was a 3-acre grass fire caused by improper ash disposal. It is very important for people to understand that embers can smolder in ash for days or even weeks. Before dumping ash outdoors, soak the ash in a bucket with water for at least 24 hours to make sure all embers are DEAD OUT. Fire danger has been Very High all week and burning permits continue to be suspended until conditions improve. Waupaca Dispatch Group: Seventeen fires burned 44 acres this past week, threatening 6 structures. The main causes of the fires have been debris burning and equipment. A couple of fires were started intentionally. The largest fire of the week burned 19 acres in Green Lake County ? the cause was debris burning. A 17-acre arson fire was started in Waushara County and threatened to burn 2 structures. Power line fires are a concern this time of year. People also need to be extra careful when working with equipment this time of year ? sparks from chainsaws and axes and hot mufflers can start wildfires. Don?t park your ATV or put down hot equipment on dry grass and leaves.
South Central Region
Fire danger has been Very High and burning permits have been suspended all week. Special permits, such as those required for prescribed burning, are only considered on a case by case basis, as determined by the local Ranger. Warm, dry, breezy conditions are expected to continue until the weekend. In the Dodgeville Dispatch Group, 23 fires burned 40 acres this past week. Six structures were threatened in those fires. Debris burning has been the cause of more than half of the fires. The largest fire of the week was a 15-acre woods fire in Richland County, caused by debris burning last Friday. Mop-up on that fire continued through Saturday. Madison television channel 27 (WKOW.com) ran a news story about recent fire danger, featuring DNR fire control staff. Click here to watch the video and read the story:
http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12236201West Central Region
With a continued lack of rain, warm temperatures, and windy conditions, the forest fire danger rating remains at Very High. As of Thursday, April 1, 2010, annual burning permits continue to be suspended. In the parts of the West Central Region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 22 fires burned just over 8 acres in the last week. Ten structures were saved as a result of suppression efforts. In Juneau County, a fire was caused when a homeowner disposed of ashes from his wood stove in the woods. A fire ignited and was spreading through dry leaves on the forest floor when the ranger arrived on scene to suppress the fire, saving the homeowner?s shed. The homeowner was inside his home, unaware of the wildfire. Remember that hot coals or embers can persist for several days. Therefore, ashes should be extinguished by placing them in a metal container and soaking them with water for 24 hours. It is suspected that sparks from a passing vehicle were the cause of a small wildfire in Monroe County along Highway 173. The fire burned into a swampy area and was extinguished. In Eau Claire County a 1.2 acre railroad fire threatened a barn. Fortunately, wildland and structural firefighters were within 2 miles of the property and were on scene within two minutes. Their quick response saved the barn which had tall grass at the base. It is important to have a 3-5 foot zone around your home that is free of flammable material like tall grass and dry leaves or pine needles.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest ? Anglers are reporting that fish are being caught in the Bois Brule River but it sounds like it is the resident fish being caught?so far no reports of steelhead from the lake. It is also reported that most of the fish that are being caught are "spawned out." The above average temperatures that the northland has been experiencing recently have given many of the spring events a head start. Killdeer, chipping sparrows, sandhill cranes, and red-winged black birds are back. Wood frogs are calling with their "quack like" calls and spring peepers are beginning to peep from their wetland homes. Turkeys can also be heard with their loud, distance covering gobbles. Red tail, rough-legged, and marsh hawks, woodcock, and tundra swans are migrating through. Lakes are either open or close to being open of ice. This is getting many people thinking about getting their boats registrations renewed. Boat registrations or renewals can be done by filling out a boat registration form found at local DNR offices, registering or renewing online at
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/registrations/wivrs/ , or stopping by a DNR validation station
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/registrations/snowatvstations.htm . Due to the warm temperatures and lack of precipitation, the fire danger is set at very high for the Brule area. Burning permits are cancelled until further notice. The weather forecast is calling for rain though, so there may be a brief reprieve from the very high fire danger and cancelled permits. Roadsides are greening up, bringing deer out to nibble on the fresh vegetation. This time of year is the second highest time of deer/vehicle collisions, second only to the fall rut.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Flambeau River State Forest - More signs that spring is officially here as we are seeing lots of ducks, geese, and cranes. Turkeys are displaying and Robins are back. Both the north and south forks of the Flambeau River are open and anglers are fishing for red horse. Ticks and pussy willows are both out. Ice is out on local lakes. Some access roads are gated due to wet conditions, but should be reopened generally before the fishing opener, possibly sooner if these drier conditions persist. Conditions permitting ATV trails will open May 15.
DNR Northeastern Region
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Potawatomi State Park - The ice is out of Sawyer Harbor and the launching piers are in place for the season. All hiking and biking trails are open. The south area of the campground (Sites 1 through 81) is open. Sites 82 through 125 will open by May 1. The shower building, dump station, and fish cleaning station are also scheduled to open by May 1.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Hartman Creek State Park - Canada geese, sandhill cranes and migrating ducks are out in full force this spring. The horse and bike trails will open on Thursday, April 1. Please be very careful out in the woods as we have extremely dry conditions in this part of Wisconsin. The first loop of the family campground and the group camp will open on Thursday, April 1. Only vault toiets will be open. All facilities, including flush toilets and showers, will open the first weekend in May.
DNR Southeast Region
Milwaukee DNR Service Center
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit - Hiking trails are open. Pets as long as they are on a leash 8 feet or shorter are welcome on hiking trails with the exception of nature trails. Bike trails are open. If the area receives any rain, please call the Trail Information Line, (262) 594-6202, for the most current trail conditions. Both the Ottawa Lake and Pinewoods Group Campgrounds are now open. Register for campsites at the Ottawa Lake Contact Station, which is open for the season on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the month of April.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, fishing on the Pigeon River has been slow, but anglers on the Sheboygan have been catching steelhead and browns throughout the river. Spawn and spinners have both taken fish. A few rainbows and browns have also been caught off the south pier on spawn sacs and crank baits.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington a couple of lake trout have been taken on shiners off the pier. A few steelhead have been taken in upstream stretches of Sauk Creek on yarn flies and spawn sacs.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee anglers fishing the Milwaukee River along the wall under the Hoan bridge have been catching a few browns and rainbows, as well as perch. Spawn and small shiners have produced the most fish. Flows are low on the Menomonee River and Oak Creek, but some steelhead have been taken from both. In the Milwaukee River anglers have been catching fair numbers of steelhead on yarn flies at Kletzsch Park.
Racine County - In Racine water levels and clarity on the Root River are good. Fair numbers of steelhead and browns have been found throughout the river. Fish have been found both in deep holes and shallow, faster moving water. Drifting spawn sacs or small tube jigs has been effective in the deeper holes, and fly anglers have had the most success with small egg patterns. Fish were processed at the Root River Steelhead Facility on Monday, March 29. Both Chambers Creek and Ganaraska eggs were taken, and 183 steelhead were passed upstream. The next processing day will be Monday, April 5. Fishing in the Racine harbor has been slow.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha flows on the Pike River are low, and steelhead fishing has been rather slow. In the harbor anglers are catching a few steelhead and browns on white tube jigs or spawn sacs.
DNR South Central Region
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Devil's Lake State Park - Migratory birds are returning, crocuses are blooming, daffodils are almost blooming, and the air is filled with the spring calls of all kinds of birds. Some of the turkey vultures are back from their winter vacations in Central America. As of March 29, the lake still had a little bit of ice, but it was melting and receding quickly, as is typical for late-March. The earliest the ice has disappeared is March 6; the latest is April 24. Fishing season is closed (except for panfish) for two months for the spring spawning season. Hiking trails are in good shape as this spring has been very dry. Mountain bike trails are still closed.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - The Willow River is flowing at an early summer level and clarity, a rare treat for trout anglers this time of year. The lake opened up completely on Saturday. All trails are open and dry although rain is predicted. The campground road will open to vehicle traffic on April 16. Water will be on in the toilets, showers, and dump station will be open April 29. Campers wishing to use the campground before April 16 will need to carry in a tent from the road. The new campground up near the office opens later in the year. Reserve America is working on the Willow River campground maps and on the web site so they are not taking any reservations for Willow River until April 7. Those with reservations at Willow River have had their camp site number changed, not the site itself. If your reservation was for site # 70, that site number has changed to #368. Reserve America will be contacting all that already have reservations. When you check in for the campsite, the key information we need is your name, more than the site number. Please have your reservation number along as well. With the coming camping season and the resumption of construction work, two of the parking lots used for cool weather access to trails will be closing to day users. The group camp lot will be closing to all but group campers and the lot at the ?200? campground near the old office will be closed for construction work. The new office lot is not a trail head so visitors will need to use lots farther down in the park to access trails. Signs will be posted or access blocked as the camping and construction resumes.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
All gates are wide open at the Dresbach dam so the Mississippi River is flowing high and fast. Anglers need to find quieter areas out of the main channel current to fish. A few walleyes are being taken below the Neshonac dam on the La Crosse river where the game fish season is open all year. Waters above the Neshonac dam do not open for game fish until the first Saturday of May. The fish refuge area below the Onalaska spillway is closed until April 26.
Perrot State Park - The water remains high but is slowly receding. Fishing has been slow. The dock will be installed after the water returns to normal levels. The hiking trails are in great condition. Pasque flowers were reported blooming. Not many migratory birds have been spotted. Campsites are open for camping. Water is available at the maintenance building. The flush toilet and shower buildings will open later this month.
Merrick State Park - Fishing has been slow. The river has crested and is now receding but remains high. The dock will be installed after the water returns to normal. The north campground is open. The south and island campgrounds are closed until the water recedes. The trails are in good condition. The flush toilet/shower building is still closed. Water is available at the main office.
Great River State Trail - The trail is in good condition for hiking and biking. Some migratory birds are beginning to pass through the area.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River continues to rise very slowly. Last week the river was at the 13.8 foot mark. Currently the Mississippi River is at 14.67 feet and rising. The forecast for the Mississippi River is a very slow rise before cresting out later this week around the 15 foot mark. All the ice is now gone on all backwaters. Most of the boat landings along the Mississippi River and its back waters are difficult to use. Some are even closed due to the high water. The Kickapoo and Wisconsin Rivers are in good shape for this time of year. Fishing activity is as follows: Prairie du Chien Area?s Lower bottoms and Ambro Slough Complex: The high water makes fishing a bit difficult around the Prairie du Chien area. Swift current is makes panfish hard to find. Generally the panfishing scene is quiet in the area. Some anglers are trying slack water areas with limited success. Walleye and sauger anglers have been trying the mouth of the Wisconsin River with some success. Heavy jigs are required because of the current. Some anglers have been trying the Roseau Slough area for walleyes with limited success. The deep hole in the East Channel across from Lawler Park has been quiet for walleye and sauger. Cold Spring: Fishing here remains very slow and the ice is gone. Reports of a few small bluegill and an occasional crappie have been reported by those fishing from boats. Cold Spring is considered inland water. The game fish season closed on Monday March 8th. Some have been fishing outside the tracks on the Mississippi River that is open to fishing all year. Some walleye and bass action has been reported along the railroad tracks. Mississippi River: The boat landing at Gordon?s Bay is closed because of the high water. Some anglers are launching further south near the intersection of CTH D and STH 35. A small stream, which connects to the big river is full of water and even bigger boats can be launched there. Fishing activity below the dam has been spotty. Some decent walleyes have been taken along with some smaller sauger, mainly early in the morning and later in the day. Anglers will have to use heavier jigs to get to the bottom. Perch activity has been spotty but some real nice fish are being taken. Most of the perch action is along the long wall at the dam or on the Iowa side of the river. Anglers are dead lining with night crawlers for perch. Also, a few northern pike have been caught. Turkey hunters are checking activity now that the Toms are gobbling. Many gobblers are strutting along side unwilling hens. Left over tags are still available for the later turkey periods in Zone 1. A huge influx of migratory birds continues. Robbins, red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, blue birds and more have returned to the area. Local waterways, especially the Mississippi River are filling up with ducks, geese, and some swans. Most areas are now frost free and some grass and weed species are starting to show up. This is a good time of year to look for and eradicate garlic mustard plants. Eagles are actively tending their nests along the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. Bluebirds are checking out nesting boxes. Canada geese are starting to nest already.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Most of the Cornell Flowage is open water. Spring peepers, garter snakes, a few water striders, and a multitude of chipmunks have made an appearance. Park trails are generally dry with occasional muddy areas. Species of birds seen or heard include: sandhill cranes, golden finches, red polls, mallard and bufflehead ducks, red winged blackbirds, phoebes, Canada geese, robins, mourning doves, nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, and barred owls. There appears to be a pair of bald eagles nesting on Cornell flowage.
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, April 2, 2010
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: April Showers. Drip, drop, pitter-pat. April showers fall to the ground. We'll discover just how these rains help awaken the spring flowers. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
? MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, (608) 635-8110 - Maple Syrup Festival. Guided tours of the center's sugarbush and maple syrup-making process, horse-drawn wagon rides, pancake breakfast with live old-time music ($7), demonstrations of home-made ice cream and maple syrup, live music, wildlife exhibit, raffle, and concessions. 8 a.m. - 2. p.m. No admission sticker required.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Egg Hunt in the Forest. Hop on over to Peninsula's Nature Center for an old-fashioned egg hunt. First, we'll learn about those cotton-tailed rascals - bunnies. Then we'll search for eggs in the nearby forest. Best suited for children ages 10 and younger, but older tweens and teens welcome to help. 1-2 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Yellow Trail Hike. Join us at this Spring into Fitness event to hike the 4.4-mile Yellow Trail. You don?t have to be part of Spring into Fitness to hike. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Meet at the Visitor Center. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Spring Turkey Hunting Clinic. Diamond and BowTech Archery Pro Hunting staff Mark Seeley will take you through the six turkey hunting periods and share valuable tips and techniques to help you get your turkey this spring. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at the Visitor Center. 10 a.m. to Noon. Willow Trellis Workshop. Bring your waterproof boots to cut native willow then construct a beautiful garden trellis. All tools provided. Please pre-pay for the class by calling (262) 878-5600, fee is $10.00. Dress for the weather, program will probably be outside. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at Shelter #1. 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 or e-mail - Nature Storytime. This is a program created for 3 to 5 year olds. The naturalist will read from a selection of nature based story books followed by a craft time led by the naturalist. The program is free for visitors. High Cliff Main Office Education Room. 10-11 a.m.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - An Evening with Nature. Are raccoons knocking over your garbage cans? Are deer eating all your tulips? Do groundhogs dine daily in your garden? If yes, then join Ricky Lien, DNR wildlife biologist, as he shares tips and techniques to deal with these nuisance animals and others. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over the age of 10 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Knee-high Naturalist. Bring your 3-5 year old to this fun and involving program. This month it?s EARTH DAY EVERYDAY! Dress to be outside. Please pre-register by calling (262) 878-5600. The program will go on regardless of weather but topic may change. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Meet at the Beach. 10 ? 11:30 a.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/
