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/
DNR Outdoor Report as of April 7, 2011Colder weather in the last week has continued to let the last vestiges of winter hold on, with 6 to 8 inches of snow remaining in northeastern Wisconsin, and up to 18 inches of ice still on some northern lakes. Lakes in southern Wisconsin continue to open, with Monona and Koshkonong open and most of Lake Mendota ice-free in Dane County. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the 60s and possibly 70s by the weekend, with some rain in the forecast, so remaining snow and ice may disappear quickly.
Fire danger ranged from low to high across the state but may increase quickly, depending on the weather. Over the last week, 16 wildfires burned 45 acres in DNR fire protection areas.
River systems in the south continue to run very high. The Mississippi River was above the 16-foot flood stage at Prairie du Chien, and forecast to hit 18 feet this week. Generally all boat landings are under water. The Rock and Crawfish rivers are at flood stage and slow-no-wake ordinances are in place in Jefferson and Rock counties. The Kickapoo River has crested and is now dropping. The Wisconsin River has been fluctuating, but has generally been running high.
A few ice anglers remain on lakes that are still froze, but ice fishing has been slow, and recreational safety specialists are urging people to stay off what ice remains. Open water fishing opportunities are expanding, with the Winnebago system walleyes now making their spawning runs up the Fox and Wolf Rivers. Fisheries crews have been tagging walleye with sonic tags that will enable them to study walleye movement patterns in the Winnebago system. The fish are marked with yellow streamer tags by their dorsal fins and anglers who catch any of these tagged fish are asked to release them. Local fishing clubs and other organizations raised the funds needed for this study.
Lake Michigan tributaries have been high and muddy after significant rainfall last week. Water temperatures have been in the 37 to 39 degree range. Before water levels rose, anglers had been catching steelhead on the East and West Twin, Manitowoc, Pigeon, Menomonee, Root and Pike rivers. Shore anglers have been catching mainly brown trout, along with a few steelhead at the Sheboygan and Port Washington harbors. More boats launches are open, but so far trollers have had just little success.
The 27th Annual Kids? Free Fishing Clinics take place on Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The clinics offer free fishing instruction for children 15 years and younger and are taught by members of local fishing clubs. Fishing equipment is available, but bring your own rod and reel if possible. Locations and more information are available on the DNR website [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/kidsparents/FishingClinics.html].
The annual Department of Natural Resources Spring Fish and Wildlife Rule Hearings and Wisconsin Conservation Congress county meetings will be held in every county of the state this coming Monday, April 11 beginning at 7 p.m. The hearings provide Wisconsin residents an opportunity to share their opinions on proposed fish and wildlife rules changes, present new ideas in the management of fish and wildlife resources and elect county delegates to the Conservation Congress, a statutorily established advisory body to the state Natural Resources Board and DNR. The complete list of questions that will be voted on, meeting locations, and information on how to submit proposed rule changes can be found on the spring rules hearing page of the DNR website.
# # #
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
Fire danger varies from Low to High across the state and can quickly change this time of weather, depending on the weather. Check out the DNR?s Fire Danger web site for information on fire conditions and burning permits:
http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Fire/Fire_Danger/Wis_Burn/StateCounties.asp. Over the last week, 16 wildfires burned 45 acres in DNR protection areas. The largest was an 11-acre debris burning fire in Crawford County that threatened to burn one structure. Other fires burned in Monroe, Bayfield, Crawford, Iowa, Dane, Columbia, Green Lake, Marquette, Portage, and Juneau counties. 15 of the 16 fires were caused by debris burning, the other one was caused by improper ash disposal. People are urged to put off their brush and leaf burning any time the weather is dry, warm, and windy ? all conditions common in the spring. Keep your home and cabin safe by following Firewise practices. Go to dnr.wi.gov and search for ?Firewise? for information on what you can do to prevent wildfires and how to prepare your property in case one does occur.
Firewise Tip: Each spring, remove leaves and needles that have accumulated next to buildings, in lawns, and on and under decks. Take special care to clean out dead leaves from evergreen shrubs near buildings. Stack firewood, lumber, or other combustible materials at least 30 feet away from buildings.
April 8 marks the two year anniversary of the tragic loss of our co-worker and friend, Heath Van Handel. Heath worked as a pilot for the DNR. His plane lost altitude while flying initial attack size-up on a wildfire in Wood County in 2009. Heath was a close friend to many of us and while he is gone, he is definitely not forgotten. Heath was a husband and father of 2 sons. He is greatly missed.
Northern Region Wildfire Report
Brule Dispatch Group reports their third fire for the year this week. The fire occurred in the Washburn Fire Response Unit. Three fire departments responded to the 12.2 acre wildfire. The fire was extinguished and one structure was saved. Cumberland Dispatch Group reports no wildfires to report for the past week. The snow melt continues and most open areas are snow-free. Fire potential in the open, grassy areas is growing. Permits are required for snow-free areas to burn from 6 p.m. to midnight. Fire Danger in both dispatch groups is generally LOW.
Northeast Region Wildfire Report
Waupaca Dispatch Group reports three wildfires burned this past week ? two in Green Lake County, one in Marquette County, all caused by debris burning. One of the fires burned in close proximity to 2 buildings. People are urged to be extra cautious this time of year ? consider putting off your debris burning plans on warm, dry, windy days. Current fire danger is Low across the region, although this can change quickly this time of year. Peshtigo Dispatch Group reports no wildfires to report for the past week. Remaining snow cover is rapidly melting, fields are now bare, and fire danger conditions will quickly change. Burning Permit Information: For areas where the ground is not completely snow covered, burning is allowed from 6 p.m. to midnight ? make sure you have a valid permit and check the daily burning restrictions
South Central Region Wildfire Report
In the Dodgeville Dispatch Group, 8 wildfires burned 26 acres last week. The largest was an 11-acre fire in Crawford County caused by debris burning. One nearby building was threatened by this fire. 7 of the 8 fires were caused by debris burning. It?s a wonderful time of year to be outside raking leaves and picking up branches that have fallen over the winter. Burning permits are required for burning after 6 pm in DNR protection areas. Make sure to notify your local sheriff?s department of when you are starting burn and when it?s out. Predicted rain and thunderstorms over the weekend will temper wildfire danger. Once the rains pass, fire danger will quickly climb again.
West Central Region Wildfire Report
Snow is rapidly melting in the West Central region and outdoor burning seems to be on the rise. We?ve had several wildfires caused by debris burning over the last week. A 3.5 acre fire in Juneau County was caused by someone burning slash from a timber sale. In Portage County, a fire was started when a homeowner burned paper in his garden, which had very little snow cover. The burning paper blew across the yard and ignited pine needles; the fire quickly spread to just under one acre in size. In both cases, they burned illegally without a permit. In Monroe County, debris burning caused a 1.5 acre fire. In this case, the responsible party had an annual burning permit but did not follow the restrictions, burning before 6 p.m. and burning an area larger than is allowed with this kind of permit, threatening his home. His home and chicken coop were saved due to suppression efforts. Prescribed burning: Prescribed fire can be a very beneficial forest management tool when conducted properly and under the right weather conditions. A 6 acre prescribed burn was successfully conducted at Mirror Lake State Park. The objective of the fire was to promote native prairie grasses.
DNR Northern Region
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Unseasonably cool weather continued through the last week. The spring thaw is still on hold across the north and ice conditions remain pretty much unchanged in the last week. Some open water areas are showing up on most rivers and around inlets/outlets, but lake ice depths have been holding in the 15- to 18-inch range. With firm ice still on most lakes, a fair number of panfish anglers have still been getting out for some late season ice fishing. Perch and bluegill have been providing some pretty good action, while crappie have been tough to come by. The perch are being found on the mud flats and near weed beds in 8' to 14' of water, and small minnow have been the most productive bait. The bluegill have been found suspended up off the bottom, and often just 5 or 6 feet below the ice. Small ice jigs tipped with a waxworm or spike have been the best bait. Just a few reports of crappie catches have come in, those indicate that the fish are also suspended up off the bottom but have been real finicky in biting.
DNR Northeastern Region
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Shore anglers on the Fox River are finding success casting jigs or stick baits. Most shore anglers have been concentrating their efforts along the shoreline at Voyageur Park. Anglers have also been fishing from the metro ramp and catching a few walleye. Boat anglers have been vertical jigging along the river channel with excellent success over the last few weeks. Also, crank baits have been a good option as well. The water had muddied up a bit this week slowing the action some but as the water clears, the action should heat back up. Anglers have also been catching a few bonus whitefish as well.
Manitowoc County - Temperatures in the mid-30s most of the last week warmed to 40 degrees by the weekend. Light northwest winds for most of the week picked up out of the southeast on Sunday with wind gusts to 30 mph. Heavy rain Sunday mixed with sleet and snow should increase water levels even more after water levels increased nearly a foot this week due to winter run-off. Angler success slowly picked up by the weekend with the higher, murky waters. Water temperatures increased throughout the week to 37 degrees at Silver Creek and the East Twin River. Water temperatures increased to 40-42 degrees on the Manitowoc and West Twin Rivers, which should increase the success for steelhead anglers in the next week. Steelhead anglers fishing the West Twin River had some success this past week fishing downstream near the Shoto Conservation Club. Many anglers landed two to three steelhead up to 8 pounds floating spawn. Mixes of Ganaraska and Chambers Creek strains have been seen along with an occasional brown trout. A smaller number have been caught near the Shoto dam, and many of the trout caught have been less than 15 inches. Anglers landed a few steelhead near the Mishicot dam by floating spawn, but an average of only six to eight steelhead per day were taken. Through the high waters at the Clarks Mills dam on the Manitowoc River, a few anglers were having luck landing several steelhead floating spawn. These fish have been averaging 2 to 6 pounds with great color. The warmer weather this week has opened up the Two Rivers harbor and a few boats made their way out using the Seagull Marina boat launch. Boats have landed one to three brown trout trolling off the Point Beach nuclear plant and trolling between Two Rivers and Manitowoc in 6-12 feet of water. No hot colors have been reported yet, but success has been reported on high lines using crank baits. The Manitowoc Marina boat launch remains closed. Please remember hook and line fishing is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in the tributaries from Sept. 15 to the first Saturday of the following May. Also during this time, you may not use hooks that have a gape size larger than one-half inch from point to shank in tributaries. If you observe any violations, please call 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367).
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Walleye are starting to move on to the marshes on the Wolf and upper Fox rivers for their annual spawning ritual. Fisheries crews worked last week on the upper Fox and were able to get 30 fish surgically implanted with three year sonic tags below the Eureka dam. Anglers who catch one of the sonic tagged fish are asked to release it so biologists can continue to track it for the next three years. The upper Fox is always about a week or more ahead of the Wolf and fish are probably spawning this week on the upper Fox. Crews moved to the Wolf this week and started looking for fish with electrofishing boats, and set nets on a marsh in each area as well. The numbers of fish on the marsh is pretty low at this point although that is expected to build exponentially over the next few days. The temperature on the Wolf and in the marshes is up to 38.3 degrees and the walleye need temps in the 40s to do spawn. The weather forecast is calling for highs around 50 or more for the rest of this week and in the 60s this coming weekend. This will definitely move things along and walleye should be spawning in earnest by the weekend and early next week; with the fish pretty much wrapping up the majority of their spawning by the end of next week (unless the weather gets really cold next week which would extend things). In any event there should be fish coming off the marshes pretty well making their run back to the lakes by the end of next week - which will initiate the real fishing opportunities for anglers on the river. Crews will be tagging fish this year as usual from New London up to Shawano on the Wolf River. Winnebago system walleye spawn not only on their traditional spawning marshes on the Wolf and upper Fox Rivers but also every year directly on gravel beds in the rivers and along the rocky shorelines of Lake Winnebago. Spring flows look good this year. There is nice flow going through most of the Wolf floodplain, marshes and bottom-land swamp maple stands along the Wolf. The fish will use all of these areas for spawning providing there is flow and grass or old leaf litter that they can lay their eggs on. The rain last weekend helped a lot and if the forecast is right it appears there should be enough rain over the next week or so to keep things going. The last good spring flow year was 2008, which produced one of the largest year classes of walleye ever measured on the Winnebago System. As expected, a lot of males from that year class (making their first spawning run, at 13-15 inches) are in the samples this spring. The females from this year class are not mature yet and won't show up in force for two to three more years. Anglers who catch one of the regular floy tagged fish (one of the 10,000+ being tagging this spring with normal yellow plastic dart tag inserted along the base of the back dorsal fin), please send the tag along with name and address, the location and date of capture, and the tag, to the address on the tag to(DNR, 625 E Cty Rd Y, Suite 700, Oshkosh, WI 54901). These tag returns are critical to the Winnebago walleye management program.
DNR Southeast Region
The 27th Annual Kids? Fishing Clinics [http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1980] take place on Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The clinics offer free fishing instruction for children 15 years and younger and are taught by members of local fishing clubs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing equipment is available, but bring your own rod and reel if possible. They are held at lagoons and ponds in the following counties: Milwaukee: Brown Deer Park, 7835 N. Green Bay Road.; Mitchell Park, 2200 W. Pierce; Greenfield Park, 2028 S. 124th St.; Oak Creek Parkway, E. Hawthorne Ave. between 6th and 10th Ave.; Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave.--Scout Lake, 5902 W. Loomis Road; McCarty Park, 8214 W. Cleveland Ave.; Sheridan Park, 4800 S. Lake Dr.; McGovern Park, 5400 N. 51st Blvd.; Washington Park, 1859 N. 40 th St; -Wilson Park, 1601 W. Howard Ave. Washington: Sandy Knoll Park, 2064 Wallace Lake Road., West Bend . Waukesha: Menomonee Park/Lannon Quarry-- W220 N7884 Townline Road, Menomonee Falls; Muskego Park, S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego Fox Brook Park, 2925 N. Barker Road. Racine: Quarry Lake Park, 3800 Northwestern Ave., Racine
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit - All trails are wet and muddy. There are still some pockets of snow in many shady areas. Bring the right footwear to deal with conditions. All mountain bike trails are currently closed. Keep an eye on the weather and call the trail information line, (262) 594-6202, for up-to-date conditions. Many areas of the forest are open to hunting. There is a youth turkey hunt this weekend. Be aware of other users in the forest. Horseback Riding Trails are wet. Please stay off them to protect them. The Ottawa Lake campground is open year-round. Water will be turned on as weather allows, probably the third week of April. No water is available for cleanup or to fill the tank. Drinking water is available from a water faucet on the side of the Contact Station at Ottawa Lake. Horseriders? and Pinewoods Group sites opened on Friday, April 1. The prescribes burn season began this week at the Southern Unit. Do not be alarmed by smoke in the air. Do your part to fight invasive plants, join us for a Garlic Mustard Work Day! Saturday, April 16. Please bring work gloves. All ages and group sizes are welcome. Vehicle admission is waived for participants. Paradise Springs Nature Trail. 9 a.m. ? 1 p.m. Questions? Call the Amanda at (262) 594-6200 or e-mail amanda.prange@wi.gov
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - ? In Sheboygan, after significant rainfall on Sunday, the Sheboygan River is high and muddy, and water temperatures have been in the 37 to 39 degree range. Before water levels rose, early morning anglers had been catching steelhead and northern pike. The Pigeon River has seen generally lower fishing pressure, but anglers there have been catching a few steelhead as well. In the Sheboygan harbor, anglers fishing off the south pier have been catching mainly brown trout, along with a few steelhead. Most fish have been taken on spoons or crank baits in the morning hours. Sheboygan boaters have been catching brown trout while trolling in 20 to 50 feet of water.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers fishing at the power plant have had consistent catches of brown trout and some steelhead. Spawn sacs, spoons, and crankbaits have all produced. Fishing in Sauk Creek has been slow, and the water temperature is 41 degrees. Boats going out of Port Washington have had little success trolling in 30 to 40 feet of water.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, McKinley Marina is open and the boat launch piers are in the water. The Bender Park launch is currently closed, with dredging slated to take place later this month. Shore fishing in Milwaukee has been slow at the lakefront, but anglers fishing steelhead on the Menomonee River and Oak Creek have had some success. Skein has been the most consistently productive bait.
Racine County - On the Root River in Racine, fishing this past weekend was fair. The river flow came down substantially from last week, and the lower water depth allowed more anglers to wade into the river safely near the dam and downstream. The water has also warmed up and ranges from 42 to 44 degrees. This past weekend, anglers were spread out from the Horlick Dam all the way downstream to Washington Park. The best fishing took place Saturday at Lincoln Park and Quarry Lake Park. Decent numbers of steelhead have been caught throughout the river, along with a few small, 1.5 to 4-pound brown trout taken below the Root River Steelhead Facility. Small woolly bugger flies and spawn sacs have both taken fish. Anglers also reported a couple incidental catches of suckers. The Root River Steelhead Facility is up and running for the spring season. DNR crews processed fish for the first time on Wednesday, March 30. Some Chambers Creek strain steelhead were spawned, and an additional 72 steelhead were released upstream. Fish will be processed again on Tuesday, April 5. Racine boaters launching at Pershing Park and making the run to the Oak Creek Power Plant have been catching decent numbers of brown trout while jigging. Please use caution if you choose to venture there, as conditions on the lake can change very quickly.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, shore fishing has been slow near the boat launch, but anglers fishing near the Best Western have been catching a few brown trout on small spoons. Flows on the Pike River are good, and a few steelhead have been seen.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
With water levels stabilizing on medium size rivers and streams in SW Wisconsin beaver and otter trappers were out in full force trying for that last catch of the season. Otter and beaver seasons closed on March 31. Trapping is a great way to get out and enjoy early spring in Wisconsin. Otter trappers in the southern area usually draw an otter tag every other year. With a bag/possession limit of one, the otter is prized catch among the trapping community.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - Anglers are taking advantage of the nice weather and the open water fishing area rivers. Some ice anglers continue to dare the softening ice in an attempt to get those straggling panfish (it is advise that all fishers stay off of the ice for obvious safety reasons). Turkey hunters have been out scouting for the up coming youth hunt.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Lake Kegonsa State Park - All the ice is off Lake Kegonsa and one pier is in the water at the boat landing. All trails are open to hiking.
Columbia County- For the most part all of the snow is gone, shed hunters can be found throughout Columbia, Dodge, and Sauk counties looking for deer antlers. Spring gobblers can be seen in the field and they are strutting and displaying to the hens. The turkeys are still grouped up in flocks.
Jefferson County - The rivers and streams in Jefferson County are at or near flood stage in many places therefore the county has enacted the emergency slow-no-wake ordinance. Signs are posted at the public boat landings. Some ice still remains on the lakes in Jefferson and Dodge counties. The shorelines are open however. Anglers are catching some small male walleye by the wastewater treatment plant in Watertown as well as on the Rock River by Ft. Atkinson. Fishing action is slow overall.
Janesville DNR Service Center area
Rock County - Northern pike were biting on minnows and shiners at the Indianford Dam on the Rock River. Northern pike must be at least 26 inches to be kept on the Rock River. Some perch, crappie, and bluegill are also being caught on the Rock River in several locations, but action has slowed in the last week. The water level is high on the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong and a slow no wake restriction is in place on all of the river in Rock County until further notice. Turkeys are still grouped up and males are starting to display. The Youth Turkey Hunt is coming up this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Hunters 10-15 years old with a valid turkey permit can participate in the Youth Hunt in the Turkey Management Unit they have a permit in. Hunters must be accompanied by an adult mentor.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park
The second high water event on the Willow River started on Tuesday and the river was still coming up on Wednesday. Willow Falls was fuller than normal. Ice on the lake generally goes out around April 15. Also, white suckers will be on their spawning run later in the month at the falls. Look for that around the third week of the month. It is transition season so trails can have any condition from firm and wet to mud. No, it is not the ?sink to your knees? mud, it will just be sloppy and slow going. Heavily shaded areas still have ice from ski trail grooming. There is also a lot of loose snow on trails which makes for slow going. Bring the waterproof footgear. If you bring a dog along, expect the dog to get wet. Luckily, rain has not been common. Recent bird sightings include eastern bluebird, fox sparrow, song sparrow, Cooper?s hawk, dark eyed junco, American crow, American goldfinch, black capped chickadee, blue jay, great blue heron, Canada goose, common loon, common goldeneye, hooded merganser, northern cardinal, white breasted nuthatch, and American robin, killdeer, American kestrel, wood duck, turkey vulture, wild turkey, belted kingfisher, mallard duck, common merganser, red shouldered hawk, tree swallow, downey woodpecker, ruby crowned kinglet, barred owl, northern flicker, palliated woodpecker. This list was contributed by a visitor and it is posted on the bulletin board outside the office. It will be updated as reports come in
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Crawford County - The only problem with high water or flooding exists on the Mississippi River right now. Many of the local rivers have settled down well below flood stage. People living in low lying areas along the Mississippi River need to take precautions to protect property and lives as the river continues to rise. The Mississippi River started rising three weeks ago after ?bottoming out? at 8.44 feet. As of Monday the Mississippi River was up to 16.98 feet and rising. Action and flood stages on the Mississippi River are 13 and 16 feet respectively. The forecast for the Mississippi River is for it to continue rising to the 18 foot mark. It is unknown at this point in time when or how high the river will crest. The Kickapoo River is in pretty good shape for this time of year. The river stage in Steuben is at 9.27 feet and holding steady. Action stage in Steuben is at 10 feet. No report was available in Gays Mills. The Wisconsin River is currently at 4.52 feet and slowly rising. The Wisconsin River has fluctuated a couple feet up and down the past several weeks. Flood stage on the Wisconsin River at Muscoda is at 9 feet. All the ice in the back waters is now gone. Moderate temperatures, run off and increasing water levels caused the ice to either melt for float downstream. Boat landings on the Mississippi River are closed down for the most part. Ambro Road on the north side of Prairie du Chien is closed due to high water as is the Gordon?s Bay boat landing. Fishing was generally poor last week. Bluegill, crappie and perch fishing is pretty much shut down. High water in the Prairie du Chien area has caused the Ambro Road to be closed. The upper stretches of the Ambro Slough Complex are completely under water and swift current is flowing through the area. Areas like the Big/Little Missouri, Upper and Lower Doubles and Fish Lake are not producing fish because of the high water. The same is true on Spring Lake and the Fennimore Cut. Sturgeon Slough and the McGregor (Horseshoe) Lake area are under water. Action at Cold Spring really slowed down. Last week some very good perch action started, but it has slowed. The boat landing now has water creeping into the parking area and launching boats there is difficult. The boat landing at Gordon?s Bay is now under water and the access road to it is closed. Generally speaking action has been slow as few have been out. Now that the ice has left the river systems are seeing a variety of birds. The most notable migrants have been robins, red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds, and Sandhill cranes. On the river a variety of waterfowl can be seen. Diver ducks like canvasback, redhead, scaup, golden eye, buffle head and mergansers are showing up by the thousands. Numerous eagles can now be seen in/around the Prairie du Chien area and up and down the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. Eagles are now actively incubating their eggs.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park ? The ice is still holding to the shoreline in the Cornell flowage. Ice anglers were still using the back bays. Maple syrup production is coming along well in some of the nearby woodlots. The woodchucks are becoming active. Birds seen or heard include: mourning doves, ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated and red headed woodpeckers, barred and great horned owls. We have tundra swans and snow geese passing through the area. Sandhill cranes are making an appearance.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Spring migration is making for great birding - tundra swans and loons have been around the lake this week. Sandhill cranes and turkeys are roaming the barrens in the park. The statewide youth turkey hunt will be April 9 and 10 and they can hunt in the Yellow River Wildlife Area if they have permits for zone 1. Turkey hunting in the park is by special permit only (1F). The "T intersection" gate and gates on 22nd Ave and 33rd are still closed as the snow drifts have not melted yet and those roads were not plowed during winter - vehicles are not allowed on the closed portions of roads. Remember, we do not monitor ice conditions on the lake.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The campground and main gate are still closed for the season. Parking is available at the winter lot on Czech Ave. The main gate will open April 29 for day use only.
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, April 9, 2011
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Drop in on Ducks and Geese. Ducks and geese are very much on the move these days. You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to test your duck identification skills, make a goose kazoo, and learn about how they live. Then head outside and listen for the real ducks and geese. No admission sticker required.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - All Tied Up in Knots Exploring Nature Program. There is a knot for every kind of job. Learn how to tie some basic knots and how to do some simple lashing. To practice your new skills, you will lash together a special project. To register call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 by April 8. This program is best for participants at least 8 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Greenbush Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance. Help with spring cleaning, removal of downed limbs and trees, construction of a connector between loops 3 and 4, and finishing work on loop 4. For more information, contact Randy Wegener, (920) 627-0508. Meet at Greenbush Group Camp parking lot. 8 a.m - Noon.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Hepatica Hunt at Norway Bluff - Venture below Peninsula?s middle bluff, watching for early blooms and porcupine dens. Meet at the Nature Center. 1-2 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Blue Trail Hike. Join this Spring into Fitness event to hike and explore the beautiful 3.8 mile Blue Trail. Trail will be wet. Everyone is welcome to hike. Meet at the trailhead. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. 9:30 a.m. - Noon.
Monday, April 11, 2011
? Statewide, (608) 266-0580 - Spring Hearing and Annual Conservation Congress County Meetings. Express your opinions on proposed rules relating to turkey, deer, elk, cougar, pheasant, and bear hunting and fishing and vote for Conservation Council representatives. Locations in all counties. 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Are You Lyme Aware? Every year thousands of people are infected with Lyme disease. Join Luke Tranel from Fox Falley Lymade to learn how it is transmitted, the life cycle of the tick and how everyone is at risk of infection. Take a stand - become Lyme aware! This program is most appropriate for people 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- to 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. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at the Beach. 10 - 11:30 a.m.
