WDNR Outdoor Report as of February 7, 2008
Southern Wisconsin had a substantial snow storm this week that dropped more than a foot of snow in some areas, with the heaviest snowfall in the southeast. State park and forest crews were busy grooming ski trails and they should be in excellent condition this weekend. The north received from 2 to 4 inches of snow earlier this week, along with some freezing rain. Most northern trails have also been groomed and are being reported in good condition. So, conditions statewide should be good for the nearly dozen candlelight ski events that will be held this Saturday across the state. Check the DNR Web site for locations, times and other activities. The new snowfall has allowed many southern counties to re-open snowmobile trails and snowmobile trails are now generally being reported as good to excellent statewide on the Department of Tourism’s snow conditions report.
The 2008 Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season opens this Saturday, Feb. 9. DNR fisheries and law enforcement staff report that ice conditions are as good as they have been in years, and that water clarity is also good with spearers being able to see the bottom in 16 feet of water. If these conditions hold, it could end up being a short season. The season can fun for up to 16 days, but will close when spearers reach any of several different harvest caps that are in place to protect the sturgeon population, which remains robust with an estimated 26,000 adult males and 12,000 adult females of spawning age. Some of the females are in excess of 200 pounds. Spearers had to purchase their licenses by Oct. 31 of last year, and there were 9,374 spearing licenses sold, including 8,890 for Lake Winnebago and 484 for the Upriver Lakes lottery fishery.Ice conditions continue to be good with most inland lakes now having between 16 and 20 inches of solid ice. The changing and erratic weather of the past week has kept ice fishing in an erratic pattern. Panfish action has been the most consistent, with decent catches of crappie and perch being reported. Northern pike action has been fair in the north and good in the south.
There was moderate fishing pressure this week on Green Bay, with most anglers fishing for pike and perch, with a few fish being caught. In the southeast, shore anglers fishing open water in the inner Milwaukee harbor have been catching a few brown trout and anglers have been catching some trout through the ice at the Racine and Kenosha harbors.
The Mississippi River has been steady most of the week hovering around the 7.7 foot mark at Prairie du Chien. Panfish action was generally slow this week. Some anglers have been fishing through the ice below the Lynxville dam for walleye and sauger, but fishing has been spotty.
Squirrel season closed last week but rabbit hunters continue to have good success with the excellent snow cover.
There have been many reports of bald eagles being seen near open water areas of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. The bohemian waxwings, pine grosbeaks and redpolls that were reportedly being seen earlier this winter in Wisconsin have now become much harder to find, but Townsend's solitaire's seem to be more abundant this year, with recent sightings at five to 10 locations around the state.
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A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
Statewide Birding Report
Winter continues throughout most of Wisconsin and despite the recent warm-up not much has changed in the world of winter birds. Birders across the north have reported very low numbers of individuals and species. This started as a good winter for bohemian waxwings, pine grosbeaks and redpolls but those birds are now much harder to find. Bohemian waxwings have been reported from Eagle River, Laona, Steven's Point and Rhinelander in recent weeks. One encouraging birding note from the north is that black-backed woodpeckers seem to be relatively easy to find in portions of the Nicolet National Forest and in Douglas County. Birders looking for black-backed woodpeckers should check the dying mature spruce stands along Highways 55 and 70 in Forest and Florence counties. Other good birds reported during the last few weeks include Barrow's goldeneyes in Sheboygan, Milwaukee and along the Mississippi River in Prescott and Pepin. A slaty-backed gull has been seen well at the landfill in Superior along with Thayer's, glaucous and iceland gulls. Townsend's solitaire's seem to be more abundant this year with recent sightings at 5-10 locations around the state. Birders are encouraged to submit sightings rare or otherwise to eBird at
www.ebird.org/WI so that we can track our bird populations across the state.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - After last week’s thaw and then freezing rain, the groomers had to work extra hard to get the Afterhours Ski Trails back into shape. The skate lanes are reported to be in excellent condition and the classic track is reported to be in very good condition. As of Wednesday, Feb. 6, there was 10 inches of snow on the ground at the Brule DNR office. The weather forecast calls for chances of snow every day for the next week. Walleye and northern pike fishing have not been the greatest but the fishing action should pick up in the final weeks of winter. Congratulations to Brule River State Forest Ranger Kevin Feind, who just received the 2007 Excellence in Law Enforcement Award. Temperatures in January were pretty much on track with the historical temperatures with 20 degrees being the average high temperature and 3 being the average low temperature. The historical average for January has been 21 for the average high temperature and minus 1 for the average low temperature. There will be a Candlelight Ski at the Afterhours Ski trail on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 5-9 p.m. Candles will light two miles of trails. Grills, picnic tables, and a bonfire will be provided. Trail passes not required for this event, which is sponsored by the Brule River State Forest with volunteer assistance from the Brule Valley Ski Club.
Pattison State Park - The ski trail was groomed on Feb.5 and was in fair to good condition. There has not been any significant new snow, but there is still a 7-inch base.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park - Winter is in full swing at Copper Falls. Ski and Snowshoe trails are in excellent condition, the best so far this year. The trails were last groomed on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Please contact the park at (715) 274-5123 for current trail conditions. Hikers are reminded that hiking is not allowed on ski trails. Winter Camping is also an option at Copper Falls. Sites 2-4 are plowed while site number 1 is unplowed offering a true winter camping experience. All 4 sites have electric. For those willing to brave the elements, winter camping offers peace and solitude. For those who prefer camping when the weather is a little warmer, reservations can be make 11 months in advance by calling 1-888-947-2757.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Moderate temperatures will continue this week with a cold front forecast to move in for the weekend again, bringing below zero temperatures at night. There have been a few inches of additional snowfall to improve trail conditions for snowmobiling. Ice conditions are good in the area and travel across the ice is excellent with very little snow to hamper travel. Anglers report some action on crappie, perch and walleye. Tip-ups baited with large suckers are attracting some larger walleye with the best action coming just after dusk. While enjoying the outdoors, avoid alcohol consumption that robs precious body heat but instead consume warmed fluids. Let others know your travel plans and location of your outdoor activity and dress warmly in layers. Snowmobile enthusiasts should obey all regulatory signs, stay alert and reduce speed in low visibility areas and at night while riding to increase safety on the trails. Snow cover provides a good opportunity to walk in the woods and observe animal tracks and areas of activity. It’s also a good time to scout areas where whitetail bucks frequent.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice conditions across the Northwoods continue to be very good with most lakes now having between 16 and 20 inches of solid ice. There is about 3 to 5 inches of snow cover on top of the ice, and slush has not been reported to be a problem on any of the lakes. Travel has been good to most areas of the lakes, but many surfaces are still rutted up from the re-freezing of the slush problem of a few weeks ago. The changing and erratic weather of the past week has also kept the ice fishing in an erratic pattern. Walleye fishing continues to be very inconsistent and the fish still appear to be in a mid-winter period of inactivity. Most of the regular walleye ice anglers have had generally slow action, with many going a trip or two without even catching a fish. Some days have produced some fair action on 11 to 14-inch fish but the bite has been short and inconsistent. Many anglers have started to move ice shacks around in search of active fish, but habitats such as rock bars, gravel drop-offs, weed bed edges, and muck/sand flats have all been experiencing low activity. Panfish action has been a bit more consistent on some decent catches of crappie and perch have still been coming in. Both the perch and crappie have been found suspended in deeper water and small minnows have been the best bait. Northern pike success has been fair with a few fish in the 30 to 34-inch size being caught in the last week. The pike seem to be in a little deeper water than normal but have still been found adjacent to any old weed beds. Large golden shiners or suckers fished up off the bottom have produced the best catches.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Moderate temperatures and a little snow this past week had made for great snowmobile conditions in the area. Trails are in excellent shape and with the forecast should remain that way. Please remember that there is a statewide night time speed limit of 55 mph for snowmobiles. One of the more common violations being observed is the failure to stop at stop signs. Stop signs on the trail for snowmobiles are no different than on the street for a car, YOU MUST stop for them. Four weeks remain for game fish season, ending March 2, 2008. Fishing results are fair for walleye, northern and pan fish. Fish continue to hold around the green weed flats and edges near the deeper water. Reminders: All ice fishing shelters must be completely removed from inland waters north of Highway 64 by March 15. After the March 15 shelters may be used as long as they are removed when not in use. Annual fishing and hunting licenses expire March 31.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – All forest cross-country ski trail were groomed and tracked this week and are in good condition.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Governor Thompson State Park - The park received another 4 inches of snow Feb. 4. The warmer weather and rain to the south did not affect trails. Ski trail base is now over 10 inches and the trails are in excellent condition with a full depth classic track and firm, wide skating lanes. Skiers can enjoy both classic tracks and a wide skate lane. The park has 5 kilometers of trail groomed for both classic and skate skiing. The trail goes through mixed forest. There is also a 1-mile loop groomed flat for skate skiers, dog walkers or snowshoers. The 2.5-mile snowshoe loop has been machine packed and is awaiting your adventure. The other 4 miles of hiking trails remain open, but ungroomed.
Marinette County - There has been some moderate fishing pressure this week off of Peshtigo. Most of the anglers were fishing for pike, with a few fish being caught here and there. A few people were also targeting perch. Snowmobile and ski trails are in excellent condition. This is the mating season for fox and coyote making them more visible traveling across open areas. Bear cubs will be born soon, staying in their dens till spring. This Saturday anglers and outdoor enthusiasts can attend the High Falls Flowage Fisherama, which is held annually on the second Saturday of February. The fish board will be back and snowmobilers are welcome.
Oconto County - Most people have been targeting pike off of the Oconto parks with limited success using tip-ups. There has been some decent numbers of ice anglers out of the Oconto harbor jigging for perch, with a few fish also being caught. The bait of choice for the perch has been minnows. Inland ice fishing has been spotty. Some reports of good catches of panfish but few and far in between. Coyote hunters have been having good success with the snow for tracking. Both hound hunters and callers are reporting success. A reminder for hunters to ask landowner permission before hunting. A late snowmobile course will be held at the Oconto Falls Fire Department this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9 and 10. Please call ahead for class info at 920-848-2960.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Hartman Creek State Park – Ski trails have not been groomed since mid last week, due to warm temperatures (in the 40s Fahrenheit) and then icy conditions and dangerous wind chills. The park received about 2 to 3 inches of wet, heavy snow on Monday and were scheduled to be groomed on Wednesday. Trails may be icy yet in places, especially in the open areas. The outer west edge of the Oak Ridge Trail (along a pine plantation area) also has many pine needles on it. Snow base is about 12 to 13 inches.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
The Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season opens this Saturday, Feb. 9. Overall the ice conditions on Lake Winnebago are good; however, caution should always be used, especially near ice cracks and shoves. Ice cracks and shove are working and dynamic often changing in a short period of time. Water clarity is good with reports of spearers seeing a clear bottom in 16 feet of water. Based on good ice and water clarity conditions are right for a good harvest and short season. There were 9,374 spearing licenses sold this year: 8,890 for Lake Winnebago and 484 for the Upriver Lakes lottery fishery.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, ice anglers have been fishing recently in the Sheboygan marina, but with recent warm temperatures and strong winds, the ice is starting to break up. There have been signs of ice fishing activity near the 8th Street boat launch, but we have not received any fishing reports.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington the north slip is iced over, but open water can be found along the blue railing at Rotary Park, in the west slip, and near the boat ramp. The harbor is muddy, and brown trout fishing has been slow. Look for conditions to improve when weather patterns stabilize.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, open water can be found in the inner harbor. Shore anglers fishing at the MMSD office building have been catching a few browns on shiners and spoons. At the harbor, the river is iced up all the way from the red lighthouse to Riverfront Ramp, and the launch is not usable at this time. Bender Park ramp in Oak Creek is iced up as well.
Racine County - In the Racine harbor anglers have been catching some browns, rainbows, and northerns through the ice. Skein, shiners, and jigging rapalas have all been productive. Approximately 8-9 inches of ice were reported on Monday, but with warmer temperatures as well as rain and snow in the forecast for this week, conditions may deteriorate.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha ice anglers have been catching a few brown trout in the small boat harbor. There was 5-6 inches of ice early this week, but the ice was very wet and sloppy. Kenosha is likely to have considerable rain and snow in the next couple of days, so expect ice conditions to change rapidly.
Inland fisheries team report
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Fishing for panfish has been fairly good on many waters, though anglers were catching a lot of small bluegills and perch between the "keepers." Pike Lake near Hartford produced some nice perch for a few of the anglers, while others complained about small perch. A little searching is needed to find the schools of larger perch. Historically, the larger perch were caught in the deeper areas of Pike Lake. The same may be true for other area lakes. Northern pike have been biting well with good catches of undersized pike noted at several lakes. At least the pike are providing some action even if few are large enough to go home.
Waukesha County - Northern pike continue to provide anglers with action on Big Muskego Lake. Try using golden shiners a foot below the bottom of the ice on tip ups. Big Muskego was producing nice perch and some smaller bluegills. Light line and purple jigs tipped with a mousy, wax worm or spike has been the ticket. Upper Nemahbin, Pine, and Okauchee lakes have been producing some nice crappies. Crappies were reported to be suspended in 22 feet of water and prefer rocker style jigs. Pewaukee Lake continues to produce a few walleyes on the outside edge of the weed beds. Phantom and Golden lakes have been slow.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit – The area received roughly a foot or more of snow on Wednesday. All of the trails were packed several times throughout the storm. However, the lighted loop was given more attention and is in very good shape with a fresh deep classic track. The upper trails do not have a track set yet (to be set on Thursday). Trail conditions are likely to be on the soft side for a day or so until the base has a chance to firm up. The ski trail lights are lit until 10 pm, each day except Sunday.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit –The Southern Unit received more than 12 inches of snow on Wednesday. All three trail systems Scuppernong, McMiller and Nordic trails were packed throughout the day while the snow was falling to get a consistent density throughout the snow cover. The trails will be groomed again on Thursday and a classical track will be set. Scuppernong is for classical skiers only, Nordic and McMiller are groomed for skating and classical. Skiers will fine very good skiing conditions - however it is anticipated that the snow will remain soft for a couple of days.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit – Groomers were out packing the entire trail system at Zillmer on Wednesday. It is anticipated the system will require packing throughout the day to compress the significant amounts of snow falling as a result of the major storm hitting southeastern Wisconsin. The plan is to have the entire system groomed for classical and skate skiing by the end of the Thursday. Conditions should be excellent; skate skiers will experience soft conditions for a couple of days.
DNR South Central Region
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The Dodge County Snowmobile Trail System and the ATV Trail on the Wild Goose Trail reopened Wednesday, Feb. 6. For conditions check the 24 Hour Trail Status Hotline at (920) 386-3705 or the Dodge County Parks Web site: [ww.dodgeparks.com].
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Mirror Lake State Park - All cross country ski trails are open with a 6 to 10 inch base. Conditions for skate skiing are very good. Conditions for classical skiing are good. The park received 6 inches of new snow on Feb. 6 and trails will be groomed and tracked for the weekend. Winter camping is available at sandstone ridge campground.
Dane County
Lake Kegonsa State Park - The park received a large amount of snow Wednesday. Crews were working on the cross-country ski trails, but given the amount of snow and the heavy drifting, the trails will not be in good skiable condition until at least the Feb. 7. Conditions should be good after that.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Recent cold weather and minimal snowfall has greatly improved ice conditions on area lakes and rivers. Anglers should be cautious, however, with areas on rivers that are generally open are now ice covered, but with minimal thickness. Areas to watch out for are the St Croix River at Prescott, Hudson and above Stillwater and the Mississippi River at Bay City and Maiden Rock. Fishing has slowed somewhat, but some success was still being had on crappies, sauger, walleye and bluegills. Snowmobile trails remain closed, however, as not much accumulating snow has fallen since after Christmas. Fox and coyote hunters have been very active with good tracking conditions due to many light snowfalls less than 1 inch. Recent over-winter waterfowl surveys were completed in St. Croix and Pierce Counties showing increases in numbers of mallards, golden eyes, mergansers and trumpeter swans, but a decrease (33 percent) in Canada geese compared to last year.
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Ice fishing results have changed over to more crappies than anything else. Fewer anglers are coming out. The fizzled-out storm story continues. The 1.5 inches of snow received on Monday was being tested by above freezing temperatures and sun as the week proceeds. Skiing was fair for classic skiers since they needed to make their own track in some areas. In other places they need to ski new track into the wide washed out track that was cut some time in December. The wider (and usually shorter) classic skis that “float” a little higher on new snow are best for current conditions. Wider skis help in that washed out track. Leave the good skis in the car. Skaters fare better but it is possible to cut to the base with the skating stroke. If weekday skiing traffic remains light, skaters may have some snow left to work with on Saturday. It will not take long to turn the trails back to boilerplate for skaters. If you live locally, come on out and ski. If not, and Willow River is on your list of destinations, perhaps you should wait till we get decent snow again. The technical challenges (rewards and risks) of skiing on a low snow situation will prevail until substantial snow arrives. Saturday, Feb. 16 will feature a cross country skiing lesson for adults by the Willow River Nordic skiers. Skate and classic styles lessons will be available. Sign up in advance and bring your own gear, classic or skate. Rental gear is available in Stillwater, MN. The lesson starts at the Nature Center at 9 a.m. and runs till noon. Call the park office to register (715) 386-5931.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Crawford County - The Mississippi River has been steady most of the week hovering around the 7.7 foot mark. The Wisconsin River was down a few inches mid-week, but rose about 6 inches late in the week. The Kickapoo River is steady but is expected to rise with the rain. Ice conditions vary greatly throughout the area, but over all in pretty good shape. Travel upon the ice is dangerous in many areas this time of year especially on the Mississippi River. Ice thickness ranges from less than an inch, primarily on the Main Channel to over 16 inches of ice. Most of the Main Channel of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers is frozen over. Back water sloughs that have current flowing through them can be dangerous and ice conditions vary there. Rain fell on Monday which may cause so travel problems. Those unfamiliar with ice fishing in the Crawford County area should not venture out alone or travel in areas where others have not been. Bluegill, perch, and crappie action this past week was generally slow. Cold Spring continues to be spotty. Shoreline fishing was spotty. Those fishing through the ice have had some success using a variety of jig colors. Many used bait to include wax worms and spikes. Anglers are still crossing over the Ambro Slough to fish Mud Slough and Tilmont Lake. Fishing continued to be slow throughout the weekend. The changing weather patterns may be to blame. There were a few days this past week where a few anglers found some pretty good catches of perch, crappie and bluegill. Anglers are using a variety of baits and on some days need to change colors frequently to find what is working best. Some anglers have ventured up to Fish Lake and the Lower Doubles where bluegill fishing was also slow. Action further up at Little and Big Missouri and the Upper Doubles was slow too. Ice conditions on the Ambro Slough upstream from the USFWS landing were a bit dangerous because of the feeder stream that enters the slough. Caution is advised in that area. Ice fishing on Sturgeon Slough was very slow last week. Some anglers ventured out to McGregor Lake where the action was spotty. The lower bottoms outside Prairie du Chien have not seen much fishing activity due to access problems. Airboats or hovercraft were the best and safest way to access this area. Some anglers have been fishing through the ice below the Lynxville dam for walleye and sauger. The weather has warmed up and is going to cause access problems. Fishing has been spotty. Bald eagles can been seen along the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers near open water areas. Many reports of eagles being sighted further inland searching for food. Eagles have been seen feeding in farm fields. Deer and turkeys have grouped up in search of food also. Squirrel season closed but rabbit and coyote hunters are having pretty good success with the snow cover.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest – Cross-country ski trails are in good condition. Trails were hard and fast in the classic track last weekend. The track on the Smrekar side was shallow and wide. There was unused track on the Wildcat side (Norway Pine and Wildcat) trails but it was still really fast. There was an excellent turnout for the candlelight event last Saturday.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The Brunet Island cross country ski trails have been groomed after last week’s rain and snow showers. They are now in very good condition. Snowshoeing in other areas of the park is much improved with the new snow covering the older crusted layer. Panfish and game fish action has been good on Perch Lake and in the north campground bays. Anglers were reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Vehicle passes are required year round. Species of birds seen or heard include: hairy and downy flickers, ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park – Cross-country ski trails are in good condition. Hiking is not allowed on the groomed trails. Some roads are now closed to vehicles due to snow and the snowmobile trail. Many people have been out ice fishing on the lake. Remember - we do not monitor ice conditions - be safe out on the lake! Campsites 8, 9, 16 are open on a first come basis, and drinking water is available at the park office. Site 8 is plowed and has electric! The park is now taking applications for the accessible cabin. Applications are available for the November Buckhorn Youth Deer Hunt. Contact the park office at (608) 565-2789 for questions or to get an application.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Cross-country ski trails have been packed and tracked and are in good condition. Hikers are reminded to stay off of ski routes when trails are snow-covered and skiable. The campground and facilities are currently closed for the season, but the park remains open for day use. Roche-A-Cri is accessible through the winter parking lot on Czech Avenue, the southern border of the park. The stairway up the Roche-A-Cri Mound is open, but not maintained for winter use. The Roche-A-Cri Woods state natural area east of state highway 13 is open for hunting and trapping.
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, February 8, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414)527-0232 - Learn the Sky with Your Naked Eye. Join Mary and Joe Glover to learn about the night sky - at night! Come first and learn how to use a star chart, look for constellations, and find the North star. Then go outside and look for the stars we just learned about. If you have already been to the program, just meet us outside to look for the stars. Dress warm! Environmental Awareness Center. Program at 6 p.m., stargazing at 7. No admission sticker required.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
• Brule River State Forest, Brule, (715) 372-5678 - Candlelight Ski. Candles will light 2 miles of trails. Grills, picnic tables, and a bonfire will be provided. Trail passes not required for this event. Sponsored by Brule River State Forest and Brule Valley Ski Club. Afterhours Ski Trail. 5-9 p.m.
• Flambeau River State Forest, Winter, (715) 332-5271 - Candlelight Ski. A 1.8-kilometer loop of trail through the heart of the forest will be groomed, tracked and lit with more than 600 candles. The trail is wide enough for diagonal striders and skate skiers. If there is no snow, take a candlelight walk. Picnic tables and a large barbecue grill will be available near the trail head for persons who wish to cook their food. Chili and warm drinks will be provided. Large warming fires will also be built and maintained throughout the night. Starting at 5 p.m. that Saturday all day-use fees at the trailhead will be waived. Flambeau Hills trailhead, on County Highway W 20 miles west of Phillips and 15 miles east of Winter. 6-9 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturday: Follow the Footprints. With snow on the ground, winter is a great time to look for animal tracks. Stop inside the building and follow some animal footprints. Then grab a tracking guide and head outside to look for some animal tracks. Environmental Awareness Center. Drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and noon. No admission sticker required.
• Interstate State Forest, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Candlelight Night. Enjoy a night of skiing, snowshoeing, walking or riding on a horse-drawn wagon on trails lit by luminaries. Cross-country ski trail - 1.6 kilometers (one mile). Snowshoe trail - .75 miles. Walk or wagon ride - 1 mile. Snowshoes, warming fires and refreshments will be available. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Interstate Park. Trails begin across from the South Campground entrance. 6-9 p.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature Program: Learn to Ice Fish. Learn the tricks of winter fishing with some experienced ice anglers. We will start inside the heated Mauthe Lake picnic shelter for a presentation on safety tips and appropriate gear and tackle. Then it's off to Mauthe Lake to try our best at luring those fish out of the water. Equipment, tackle and bait will be provided. This program is best for folks over age of 6 years. Call by February 6 to register. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Meet at the Pike Lake Beach South Shelter to ski or hike 1.5-miles on a candlelit trail. Throughout the evening, refreshments and a large bonfire will be provided at the south shelter building. Northern Cross Science Foundation will be on hand with telescopes to provide an opportunity to view stars and planets. Please, no pets allowed. 6-9 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Valentine Candlelight Ski and Hike. Celebrate Valentine's Day a bit early while enjoying the winter wonderland at night with family and friends. Ski or hike the 2-mile cross-country trail lit by almost 200 tiki torches. Warm up afterwards by the fireplace. Refreshments will be available in the heated shelter building. Please, no pets or sleds allowed. Cross country ski trail--stop at park office for map. 6-9 p.m.
• Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Candlelight Ski. Enjoy a beautiful winter evening cross country skiing along 2 miles of groomed ski trails lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are done, warm up by the bonfire and enjoy refreshments sold by the LKSP Friends Group. Grills will be available for cooking. Sorry, no pets or hikers are allowed on cross country ski trails. This event is weather and snow conditions permitting. 6-9 p.m. Candlelight Ski. Enjoy a beautiful winter evening cross-country skiing along 2 miles of groomed ski trails lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are done, warm up by the bonfire and enjoy refreshments sold by the LKSP Friends Group. Grills will be available for cooking. Sorry, no pets or hikers are allowed on cross-country ski trails. This event is weather and snow conditions permitting. 6-9 p.m.
• Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls, (715) 382-4574 - Candlelight Night Ski and Snowshoe. Ski a 1 or 2 mile trail through a winter wonderland illuminated by glowing candles. If you don't ski, a .75-mile lighted trail is available for hiking and snowshoeing. Refreshments sponsored by the Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. Weather permitting. Guided snowshoe hike lead by Naturalist Rod Gont begins at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. Ski trailhead (boat landing parking lot). 5-8 p.m.
• Newport State Park, Ellison Bay, (920) 854-2500 - 18th Annual Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe Event. Ski, hike, or snowshoe a 1-mile trail lit by homemade candles. Bonfire, refreshments and grills will greet skiers at the end of the trail. Trail suitable for skiers of all abilities. Experience Newport State Park in a different light. Picnic Area parking lot #3 and Fern/Europe Bay Trail. 6-9 p.m.
• Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Boulder Junction, (715) 542-3923 - Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe/Hike. Enchanting wooded trails, great people, and warm, cozy fires. There are 1.5- and a 3-mile loops for skiing and a 1-mile loop for hiking and snowshoeing. Admission is free. Refreshments are served. There are two warming fires: one at the start/finish and one at the halfway point warming hut on the 3-mile loop. Raven Trail, near the Clear Lake Contact Station off of Woodruff Rd. 6-9 p.m.
• Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Candlelight Ski. Ski a candlelit 1-mile, double-tracked trail through forest and meadow. Bonfire with refreshments at the warming shelter; $2/person suggested donation. Enter at Highland Road, 1 mile north of Fish Creek at State Highway 42 and County Highway A. If no snow, the event will change to a hike starting at Park Headquarters. Event will be cancelled if weather is severe. 5:30-8 p.m.
• Peshtigo River State Forest, Crivitz, (715) 757-3965 - Candlelight Ski Along the Peshtigo River. Enjoy a beautiful winter evening skiing along the Peshtigo River on an easy 2-mile candlelit trail groomed for both diagonal striding and skating. Non- skiers can try an easy 1-mile candlelit hike along the Peshtigo River. Hikers and pets are not allowed on the ski trail, but are welcome on the hiking trail. Warming fires and hot chocolate will be available for everyone. Spring Rapids Trailhead off of Kirby Lake Lane, 5 miles west of Crivitz off County Highway W. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Cross-country Ski Clinic. Bring your skis and join instructor John Meyer to learn about waxing and other skiing tips. The diagonal stride technique will be taught and practiced. Please pre- register by calling (262) 878-5600. Program is weather dependent. Shelter #1. 9-11 a.m. Park Work Day. Do you need service hours or a service project? Dress to be outside working--layers of old clothes, work boots, gloves and a hat as we clear or cut brush at these flexible workdays. Stay as long as you like. Visitor Center. 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Star Stories. Listen to some magical star stories and create your own glow-in-the-dark star picture. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
• 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. Each month there is a new topic to explore. Please call to preregister. Always dress to go outside! Visitor Center. 10-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Share a nature-related story and activity with preschoolers and their parents. Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the participants. We'll spend time indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so dress accordingly. Ice Age Center. 10 a.m.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Whooo's Awake - The Night Owls. Join the educators from Schlitz Audubon Nature Center as they unravel the mysteries surrounding owls and their incredible night-time hunting adaptations. This program is most appropriate for adults and youth over 10 years old. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
Friday, February 15, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Scampering Squirrels. Squirrels of all kinds scamper their ways through our forests and backyards. Learn how these energetic creatures are adapted to life in the trees. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6-year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 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/
