WDNR Outdoor Report as of May 27, 2010The forecast looks very good for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend. Recreational safety specialists are expecting good numbers of boaters and anglers out on Wisconsin waters and large numbers of hikers, bikers and horseback and all-terrain vehicle riders on trails, so they are urging all people engage in safe practices ? wear life jackets on the water, and helmets when riding bikes, ATVs and horses on trails -- and watch out for and be courteous to others, so everyone enjoys a safe holiday weekend.
Due to a prolonged drought in northern Wisconsin many lakes and rivers are running very low, but there were some incorrect reports that the Chippewa and Turtle-Flambeau flowages are inaccessible. This is not true and both flowages can be accessed at nearly all landings. However, these and other flowages and lakes are low, and boaters should be alert for rocks and stumps that may be much nearer to the surface than in past years. Also, some smaller seepage lakes and the Rainbow and Willow flowages are extremely low, and access to those waters may be limited.
Despite the fact that most forests have now greened up, the dry conditions have current fire danger levels back up to high in northwestern and northeastern Wisconsin. Campers and others outdoors should be very careful with fires and any possible sources of ignition. State parks and forests are reporting that most reservable campsites are booked for the holiday weekend, and first-come sites are expected to fill quickly.
Some widely fluctuating temperatures and intermittent rain and thunder storms in the last week resulted in inconsistent fishing in the last week. Some unseasonably warm temperatures propelled water temperatures into the upper 60s to low 70-degree range. This spurred on bass and panfish spawning activity, with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill and pumpkinseed all observed on their spawning beds in the past week. Walleye anglers reported some real erratic action in the last week, as the first hatches of mayflies have been observed on a few lakes across the north.
This northern zone musky season opens this Saturday, and biologists say fishing prospects look excellent. Musky are well past their spring spawning ritual and the fish should be very active with the warming temperatures.
Light winds and calmer conditions provided for better fishing conditions on Green Bay and Lake Michigan than have been seen for quite a while. Water temperatures ranged between 50-52 degrees along the lakeshore, with temps reaching the low 60s in the harbors. Smallmouth bass are on their beds on Green Bay and fishing has been very good. Perch fishing opened on Green Bay Thursday but not much success has been reported yet. Trollers had luck with rainbow trout and chinook and coho salmon in 160 to 250 feet of water. A few whitefish have also been caught.
Turkey hunters ended the sixth and final hunting period reporting that many gobblers were still actively searching for hens, while hens were feeding early then going to nests. There continue to be many reports of black bear roaming in search of food. White-tailed deer bucks are now being seen with antlers in velvet.
A wide variety of wildflowers are in bloom now, and cherry and apple trees are blooming in Door County.
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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.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Amnicon Falls State Park - Trails are in good condition. Water level in the river is too high for swimming in the most popular pools at Upper Falls and Snake Pit. Other locations are swimmable. Campground is open and the pressurized water system is on line.
Brule River State Forest - Depending on your location in Douglas and Bayfield counties earlier this week, you could have been on a beach sunning with temperatures in the 90s or you could have traveled toward Lake Superior and been in fog and dressed for temperatures in the low 50s. The Brule DNR recorded 95 degrees on Monday, May 24. New wildflowers that can be seen are nodding and large-flowered trillium, buttercups, ox-eye daisy, wood betony, wild lily of the valley, star flower, choke cherry, dogwoods, mustard, yellow water lilly, dwarf ginseng, and the garden variety of lupine. Just some of the new birds back in the area are red-eyed vireos, and blackburnian, yellow, and chestnut-sided warblers. Also bobolinks and grasshopper sparrows are back. Pine pollen has been abundant lately, covering everything in its path with a coat of yellow and causing allergy sufferers some extra discomfort. The Brule DNR office has started getting calls from well intentioned people worried about wild baby animals that they have found. Unless is evident that these animals are orphaned or sick it is very important that these animals are left alone.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park - Trails are in great shape for this years' camping and hiking season. There have been numerous sightings of black bears on the island, which is typical for this time of the year. While the tulips and daffodils are fading, the humming birds have arrived to Madeline Island. There still are no signs of the fawns, though. Campsites are fully booked for Memorial Day weekend. The highs have been in the low 80s with the lows dropping down to the mid 40s. Big Bay State Park is located approximately 6 miles from the Town of La Pointe. Access to the Island and the park are usually done with the use of Madeline Island Ferry Line service. The ferries depart from Bayfield and carry passengers and vehicles of all sizes. They run seven days per week. The frequency varies depending on the time of year. Contact Madeline Island Ferry lines through the internet at
www.MadFerry.com. Rates and scheduled running times are posted on their website.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Fishing success in the last week was rather inconsistent due to the almost constantly changing weather, with some widely fluctuating temperatures and intermittent rain and thunder storms. Some unseasonably warm temperatures scattered throughout the last week have propelled water temperatures into the upper 60s to low 70-degree range. This has spurred on a slug of bass and panfish spawning activity, with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill and pumpkinseed all observed on their spawning beds in the past week. This has made for some good angling success with many nice catches of crappie and bluegill being made. Catch and release bass anglers have also been having pretty good action, with smallmouth bass providing the bulk of the success. Largemouth bass are a bit tougher to catch during their nesting period, but a few post-spawn fish are beginning to show up. Anglers are reminded that the catch and release season remains in effect in the Northern Bass zone until June 19. Walleye anglers have reported some real erratic action in the last week, as the first hatches of mayflies have been observed on a few lakes across the north. This usually signals the switch from jig/minnow combinations to the crawlers and leeches as the preferred bait. There have been some reports of fair success, and the best luck has come by casting artificials along shore near dark, with most of the walleye being in the 12 to 16-inch size. This weekend is the musky opener in the Northern Zone and fishing prospects look excellent. Musky are well past their spring spawning ritual and the fish should be very active with the warming temperatures. Abundance is still high on many small waters in the Chequamegon National Forest and anglers looking for action should try Day Lake Flowage, English Lake, and Spider/Moquah Lakes in Ashland County; Ghost Lake, Lower Clam Lake, and Black Lake in Sawyer County; Others waters with good abundances of musky include Butternut Lake, the Phillips Chain, Solberg Lake, and the Pike/Round Chain in Price County.
The attached picture is from the annual Park Falls-area third-grade fishing day at Coolidge Springs Trout Ranch, near Fifield. The photo shows a successful third grader Seth Scherwinski with his catch of a 20-inch, 3-pound rainbow trout, and DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt.
Flambeau River State Forest - River conditions are low once again. Paddlers are reporting a very pleasant trip but the need to drag through gravel bars in spots is likely. Lots of baby animals such as goslings, kits, grouse are being seen. Turtles, robins and toads are breeding. Lupines and lilacs are blooming.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
State and federal fisheries staff released 36,000 brown trout Green Bay this week. The fish were stocked at a larger size and in deeper water than normal. Biologists hope this will boost the fishes? survival by decreasing the chance that natural predators such as birds did not prey on the fish during their release into the water and afterward.
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1710. The fish were raised at the DNR Brule River State Fish Hatchery in northern Wisconsin and transported by DNR crews to Marinette. There they were loaded onto a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service research vessel and stocked in water 50 to 100 feet deep at three off-shore locations between Marinette and Sturgeon Bay. About 12,000 fish were stocked at each of the sites.
Water temperatures at the landings in the low to mid 70s. The weather has turned hot and so has the fishing for some species. Fishing pressure has been light to moderate during the week and heavy on the weekends.
Marinette County - Peshtigo harbor anglers have been bagging some real nice nice catfish along with some huge carp and the occasional sheepshead fishing on bottom with crawlers. Smallmouth bass were also active, being drawn to stick and crank baits. The Menominee River walleye bite is alive and well with most of the best action taking place in the evening. Some musky were being caught on top water baits and large spinners.
Oconto County - Brown trout were still being caught in the Stiles Dam area on bead head nymphs and caddis, smallmouth bass were being caught on small Rap's and crank baits, and the bluegills were biting on slip bobbers and worms/crawlers. Pensaukee landing anglers were catching their share of walleye trolling crawler/harness in 8 to 12 feet of water; sheepshead were also part of this bite. Panfish and bass were being caught in the river proper. Bass were being caught in the Oconto River on crank baits and twister tails, while walleye are being caught in 18 to 22 feet of water off shore. Oconto Park II anglers were catching pike, bullheads, and panfish from shore using slip bobbers and fishing crappies rigs. The walleye bite is also in the deeper water.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - Light winds out of the southeast and temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s throughout the week created excellent fishing conditions. Water temperatures ranged between 50-52 degrees along the lakeshore, with temps reaching the low 60s in the harbors. Fog limited some boaters from fishing over the weekend, and those who made it out had to earn their catch. Anglers put in long hours with limited visibility, with average catch resulting in four to six fish per boat. Boaters who ventured south of Manitowoc had more success landing rainbow trout ranging anywhere from 160 to 250 feet using orange and green spoons on high lines and downriggers. Downriggers were down deep, usually 100-140 feet. A few 12 to 14 pound chinook salmon were mixed in with the rainbows also coming down deep on the downriggers using green flasher/green fly combos. Ranging just north of Manitowoc to the north Two Rivers water tower, chinook salmon were dominant in anglers? coolers along with a few coho salmon. Anglers had success starting outside the trap nets out to 180 feet using green and pearl dodgers with green and white flies down deep on the down riggers. If you aren?t having any luck on down riggers, try different colored dodgers and troll out deeper. The salmon appear to still be scattered due to the cold water temperatures. A few whitefish, up to 5 pounds, have been caught off of the north pier in Manitowoc on shad and smelt gulp on the bottom. If you don?t know the location of the trap nets off of Manitowoc and Two Rivers, Seagull Marina has maps of their location at the boat launch. For those fishing shallow south of Manitowoc, the Manitowoc Marina has forms with GPS coordinates of the large submerged rocks located at their fish cleaning station.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - The lilac, cherry and apple trees are blooming in Door County and another brilliant summer looks to be right around the corner. The nice weather during the Sturgeon Bay Bass Tournament last weekend stuck around for the week allowing anglers to hit the water. Calmer conditions provided for good fishing conditions on the Lake, something that had not been seen for quite a while. Next week looks to continue the trend with some very warm days predicted. Perch fishing opened on Green Bay Thursday. Not much success was had in Sturgeon Bay, however more action was had South towards Chaudoir?s Dock using minnows in about 25 feet of water. Smallmouth bass are on their beds and fishing has been very good. Fish can be found in many of the bays moving North on the West side of the county, and north of Baileys Harbor on the east side in spots like Rowleys Bay. Tube jigs and other plastics have been very productive, along with working crank baits and live bait in anywhere from 3-10 feet of water. Many lunkers have been reported, some fish venturing into the 7-pound range. Walleye have been active during the day throughout Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay around Fish Creek and the Strawberry Islands. Most anglers have had their success on crawlers harnesses; however, stick baits and crank baits have still landed some fish. Northern Pike fishing has slowed somewhat in Sturgeon Bay. Working the weed edges and marinas with spoons, stick baits and spinners have proven to be most productive. Exciting reports of Salmon and Trout have been the talk this week. Although a little early, Salmon and lake trout have been reported off the bank reef in 100-200 feet of water using flies and flashers, and working the 60 foot and above region has produced some nice Steelhead too.
Kewaunee County - The weather in Kewaunee County in the last week has been variable. The beginning of the week started with temperatures in the 50s but as the week grew on, the temperatures climbed into the upper 60s and lower 70s. The winds remained pretty calm for the beginning of the week but picked up Saturday and Sunday. Fog has been a problem in the area from Friday to Sunday with periods of time where visibility became very limited. A large number of rainbow trout and chinook salmon were being brought in off the lake from boats launching from Kewaunee?s city ramp. The fish being caught in the area have been found in depths of 180-260 feet of water. A few anglers were reporting large schools of baitfish at those depths. A few fish have been caught in the 100-140 feet of water but have been much less sporadic. The Kewaunee pier has seen a few anglers trying their luck with little success. The majority of the fish being caught off the pier have been carp with an occasion rainbow trout. The Algoma Pier has seen little to no fishing pressure as of late due to high winds and lack of fish being caught in the shallow waters. The Algoma ramp has seen an increase in use and fishing pressure due to the increasing amount of reports of rainbow trout and chinook salmon are being caught. Some of the boats are returning to the ramp with full limits or close to full limits of fish. The anglers have caught the salmon on fly and flashers combinations. There hasn?t been one specific color working the best but many fish are being caught silver flashers with green flies. Many of the fish being caught are reported in depths ranging from 180-240 feet.
DNR Southeast Region
Harrington Beach State Park - All hiking and nature trails are open. Showers, flush toilets, water fountains, and the trailer dump station are open for the season. Lake Michigan offers opportunities for swimming and boating, but the temperature of Lake Michigan is in the mid 50s this time of year! There is no swimming or boating allowed at any time in Quarry Lake.
Havenwoods State Forest - Trail are in good condition. Deer, squirrels, raccoon, turkeys, red-tailed hawks, cooper's hawk, owls, mourning doves, chickadees, nuthatch, downy woodpeckers, song sparrows, meadowlark, bluebirds, wood ducks, and blue-winged teal are being seen., Jack-in-the-pulpit and May apples are blooming.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit - All trails are open. Trails east of Powder Hill Road have some wet and muddy areas. Temporary planks are on the trail in these areas to help hikers avoid the mud. The accessible trail pier is in place for the season. Swim area buoys will be installed this Thursday. The lake water is tested four days a week for elevated bacteria levels. Any warnings will be posted. The main beach toilet building is open for the season. The north beach toilet building will open this coming weekend.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - All hiking and nature trails are open. A hooded warbler was spotted this week.
Milwaukee DNR Service Center
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan trollers have been catching a mixed bag of chinook and coho salmon and rainbow and lake trout from anywhere between 40 and 200 feet of water. The chinook and lake trout have been down as far as 100 feet, and the rainbows and coho have been in the top 25 feet of water. Both spoons and flies have been effective. Shore fishing in Sheboygan has been relatively slow, although a few chinook have been taken off the north pier on green spoons.
Ozaukee County - Trollers in Port Washington have found a mixed bag of fish scattered from 70 to 170 feet of water. Chinooks, coho, rainbows, and lake trout have all been taken from the surface to 70 feet down. Shore anglers in Port Washington have been catching a few browns and rainbows on spawn and night crawlers fished near the power plant.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee trollers have been catching decent numbers of chinook and coho, along with a few rainbows and lake trout. Blue peanut flies or spoons fished up to 110 feet down have taken the most fish. Overall, Milwaukee shore fishing remains slow.
Racine County - In Racine trollers fishing offshore continue to catch limits of coho, along with a few chinook and rainbow trout, in water around 200 feet deep. The coho and rainbows have been hitting in the top 50 feet of water, and the chinook have been 80 to 120 feet down. The coho have been hitting orange or white dodgers with green peanut flies, and the chinook have been spoons in green or cracked ice. Boats fishing in close to shore have been catching a few coho, but numbers have been inconsistent. Shore anglers in Racine have been catching an occasional coho or brown trout, but fishing has been generally slow. Good numbers of alewives can be seen off both piers, and water clarity is good.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha trollers fishing in 50 feet of water or less have been catching coho, but not consistently. Fishing has been better in deeper water, but the coho action has slowed somewhat. A fair number of 15-pound chinook have also been taken in the 200 foot range. Dodgers with green or white flies have produced best. Shore fishing in Kenosha remains slow overall, but a few coho have been taken early mornings in the harbor on small silver spoons.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Military Ridge State Trail - The asphalt section of the trail from McKee Road to Highway PB is in good condition. Watch for a few bumps closer to the PB end where dandelion plants are trying to grow through the asphalt. The remainder of the limestone surface from PB west to Ridgeway is in good condition after just being smoothed and rolled. As always, keep an eye out for the occasional gopher hole. From Ridgeway west for two miles, the seal coating on the trail is breaking up. Until we have made repairs, this section will be a little rough but easily passable. From there on into Dodgeville the limestone surface is again in good condition. Marsh Marigolds are blooming in the areas of the Sugar River between Verona and Riley. You can also see an occasional sandhill crane in the same area. White Tail Deer will be having their young over the next month or so. The trail goes through areas where the does will be having their fawns. If you should happen to run across a fawn please just briefly look and move on. Mom is close by just waiting for you to leave. The fawn will be fine. Garlic Mustard is growing in abundance along the trail. If you recognize Garlic Mustard and wish to pull it, fine. We do ask you to bring your own bags and completely seal the bags once full of the invasive plant. We also then ask you to take the bag with you for disposal. Staffing and time doesn't allow us to monitor the complete trail every week. Leaving the bags along the trail for pickup it unsightly and not preferred.
Nelson Dewey State Park ? The park is open for the season: showers, flush toilets, and dumping station are open. Firewood is available from the campground host. All campsites at Nelson Dewey are reservable and all sites have been reserved for this Memorial holiday weekend.
Wyalusing State Park - Trails are in good hiking condition. The Memorial Day Weekend Camping forecast sounds close to perfect. Temperatures will range from mid 50s at night to low 80s during day. Humidity levels have dropped considerably from earlier this week. There is a slight chance of a short downpour on Saturday afternoon. All reservable sites have been reserved for the weekend. Wyalusing has 22 first come sites. Campers are encouraged to call before coming to check on the availability of these sites. The park cannot hold or reserve first come, first serve sites. Campers must be here in person to register for these sites and a unit must be set up on the site before 11 p.m. that night.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Capital City State Trail - Ring-necked pheasant broods are appearing. Painted turtles are laying eggs. Sandhill cranes chicks have been seen walking with their parents. A pair of twin sandhills can often been seen with there parents in the prairies between shelters 1 and 3. We expect to start seeing them being to learn to fly around the middle of July. Many of the prairie flowers are beginning to blossom including the black-eyed susan's, butterfly weed and rattle master. In the coming weeks we can expect to see the yellow and purple coneflower, queen of the prairie and Canada goldenrod to bloom as well as many more. Road construction on McCoy Road at Hwy. MM my cause some minor detours this summer. Please use extra precautions when traveling through this area.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Panfish action on the lake has picked up. The water has been quite clear in the lake. The campground is full for the Memorial Day weekend. The camp host is in the 300 campground selling firewood from 7:00pm to 8:00pm daily. The hosts can answer many questions about the area since they have camped here for a very long time.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition; maintenance is being done on the bridges. Turtles are frequently seen sunning themselves below the bridges and warblers are hiding along the edges of the trail. Bikers are treated to the smells of bouncing bet and honeysuckles while enjoying the colors of Solomon's seal, violets, harebells, puccoons, spiderwort, lupine, wild geranium, indigos, columbines and May apples.
Merrick State Park - The trails are in good condition. The boat dock has been installed. River levels are at normal. Fishing has been slow. Wood anemone, goats beard, puccoon, and yarrow are blooming.
Perrot State Park - The trails are in good condition. Water levels are normal for this time of year and fishing is slow. Spring sprung with a vengeance early this month, but the following can be seen in the park over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend: anemones, jack-in-the-pulpit, bird's foot violet, rock cress, buttercups, violets, wild strawberry (some have fruits!), Solomon's seal, bellwort, yellow star grass, puccoons, harebell, spiderwort, bluets, lupine, wild geranium, cream indigo, white wild indigo, wild quinine, columbines, May apples, and Virginia waterleaf.
Crawford County - Very warm temperatures settled in at the end of the week. Outdoor users will notice a large hatch of gnats. Also, a substantial hatch of mosquitoes is out. Locally and state wide many wild animals are now tending their young. The local river systems have settled down for the most part after a 3 inch rain fall a week and a half ago. The Mississippi River crested last week near the 10 foot mark but is now slowly falling. As of Monday, the Mississippi River stage was 9.38 feet and is expected to fall 6 to 8 more inches by the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. The Kickapoo River in the Gays Mills and Steuben areas rose rapidly after the rains but have settled down. The river stage in Gays Mills was at 7.29 feet while Steuben is at 7.24 feet. The Wisconsin River has been up and down a bit during the past week, but recently started to drop. The river stage at Muscoda was at 1.47 feet. Fishing activity has been spotty to good in most areas. Prairie du Chien Area?s Lower bottoms and Ambro Slough Complex: Now that the water levels have begun to drop panfish action is improving. Anglers have been looking for bluegills in Horseshoe Lake, Garnet Lake, the Upper and Lower Doubles, Big and Little Missouri, and Fish Lake. Success have been spotty, but with warm temperatures action should get better. Most anglers are trying small ice fishing jigs tipped with a worm fished under a bobber. Perch action was reported in Dillman?s pit. Walleye anglers are starting to target the wing dams on the main channel in the Prairie du Chien area. Also look for walleyes on the Roseau Slough. Large and small mouth bass have been active throughout the area. Cold Spring: The Cold Spring area remains very spotty. Most anglers are venturing under the train bridge to the Mississippi River where small mouth and large mouth bass and walleyes are more active. There has been some bluegill, perch, and crappie action in Cold Spring, but generally it?s been very slow. Boat operators are reminded that the Cold Spring area is a slow-no-wake area. Also, Cold Spring (east of the railroad tracks) is considered inland waters. Mississippi River: Walleye and sauger action was pretty good this week. The Lynxville dam area and the McDonald cut were producing some walleye and sauger. Wing dams along the main channel have been pretty good. Walleye tactics include dead lining, drifting with jig and minnow, trolling crank baits, or anchoring above a wing dam and working live or artificial baits. Another place to check for walleyes is the ?S? curve by Harpers Ferry. Walleye activity has been decent there. Anglers fishing at the mouth of the Wisconsin River have had limited success. Trout anglers are finding that local streams are in good shape. Trout anglers will find insect pests and shoreline vegetation might cause some problems. Even so, trout fishing conditions are very good and action has been good. Turkey hunters ended the sixth and final hunting period with many gobblers still actively searching for hens. Many hens are feeding early then going to nest. The DNR advises that if you come across a baby wild animal to just leave it alone. Pets are problematic for the young animals so control your pets. Whitetail deer have having their fawns now and numerous reports of fawn sightings are coming in. Whitetail mothers are notorious for leaving their fawns unattended for long periods of time. If you locate a fawn don?t pick it up, just move away as the mother will return eventually.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest- The Wildcat ATV trail loop opens for the season on Friday May 28. Trails are mostly in fair to good condition however there will be some rougher spots here and there. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends on the trail so by Monday trail conditions will likely have deteriorated. An early spring has allowed us to complete several ATV trail improvement projects north of the Highway 54 parking lot. Crews are now focusing repairs on the section south of the Highway 54 lot to Wildcat Road. This section will be closed Mondays through Thursdays until all repairs are completed by June 30. The state forest and Jackson County will not be participating in the utility terrain vehicle (UTV) pilot this year but are considering it for 2011. This year we will be assessing our trail for the feasibility of adding UTVs in the future. At a minimum we would need to improve signage and to establish a speed limit for the trail system.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park ? Species of birds seen or heard include: hooded mergansers, common loons, belted kingfishers, 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 is a pair of bald eagles nesting on Cornell flowage. The dragonflies and damselflies are out in great numbers. Miterwort, spring beauty, common and wood strawberry, dog violet, marsh marigolds, trillium are all in bloom.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area ? Trails are in great condition, vegetation is lush and many varieties of ferns and wildflowers can be seen. The wildflower gardens around the center are doing wonderful with shooting stars, trilliums, and porcupine sedge in bloom. Barred owls hooting at night, deer mice rustling leaves, and a variety of birds singing at night and in the early morning. Fish are biting! Bring lots of bait, and either fish from shore or from your boat. A recent day's bird count included 38 different species including: American redstart, black and white warbler, red-eyed vireo, bobolink, red-headed woodpecker, ovenbird, catbird, eastern towhee, northern harrier, and many more. A black bear sow and three cubs were seen in the area, along with a single black bear. Fisher, white-tailed deer with antlers in velvet, mallard ducks and ducklings, raccoons, and red fox have all been spotted recently. Keep away from any baby animal and please do not pick them up. They are not abandoned and mom is probably very close to her youngsters.
Wausau DNR Service Center area
Rib Mountain State Park - Trails are in excellent condition, we are working on developing new trails in the quarry area. Lots of deer, woodchucks and even an occasional turkey can be seen. The road leading into the park will close June 7. The road will be closed to vehicles and walkers so that we may re-do the road and add water and sewer to the park along with a walking path along side the road. This campground will be closed all of 2010 due to the road construction.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - People have been catching fish from the pier and at their campsites. Osprey are back to their nests. Trails are in great condition for hiking with the warmer weather and many visitors have been camping, picnicking and fishing. GPS units are available to checkout at the park office. The mosquitoes have hatched so remember to bring your bug spray.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The campground is now open and there are 3 nonreservable/first-com/1st-served campsites. Lupine and many other wildflowers are blooming in the prairie.
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, May 28, 2010
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Incredible Eagles: 10 - 10:45 a.m. Nature Center. At this program, families will learn three amazing facts about Bald Eagles. Then, they will create eagle art to keep. Smokey Bear will be greeting campers at various Peninsula "hot spots" to share is fire safety message. Late afternoon, evening.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
? Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, (608) 935-2315 - Universe in the Park. Join the UW Astronomy Department for a tour of the night sky! A chance to look through the UW's telescopes will follow a slideshow presentation. There is no fee for this event, but a valid park admission sticker is required. Universe in the Park [exit DNR].
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 Edible and Medicinal Plant Hike. Hike around the park with the naturalist and identify and sample different edible plants and medicinal plants found in Wisconsin. Meet at the campground amphitheater. 2 p.m. Evening Bird Hike. Join the naturalist for a sunset stroll and some bird watching. Hike will lead through the forest as well as the field, so there will be lots to see! Meet at the campground amphitheater. 7:30 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle, (262) 594-6200 - Wildflower Walk. Wildflower Walks with Naturalist Ron Kurowski will be every Saturday from April 17 to June 5. Meet at the forest headquarters on Highway 59 at 10 a.m. Be prepared to carpool to the hike location. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Some sites may be muddy. The hike will last about 1.5 to 2 hours.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 or e-mail - Wolves of Wisconsin. Learn about wolf ecology, population, management issues, field study techniques and more from Richard Stoelb, a Volunteer Carnivore Tracker and member of Timberwolf Information Network. Bring the family. No pets allowed. Free program. Vehicle admission sticker required. Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Sense of Wonder Walk: On-your-own. Walk the 1/2 mile White Cedar Nature Trail, which starts right at the Nature Center, to learn about the life of an environmental hero, Rachel Carson. Brief quotes and facts about Carson's life will be posted along the trail. Flower Fairies and Leaf Warriors: 10 - 11 a.m. Nature Center. Take a short walk with the naturalist to discover Peninsula's blooming wonders. Then craft a flower or leaf buddy to keep out of recycled beads, pipe cleaners and silk petals. Wildflower Walk: 1 - 2 p.m. Meet at Tennison Campground playground. Flower facts and folklore featured on this easy walk. Lady's-slippers, Canada Mayflowers and other blossoms featured. Weed Warriors Unite: 4 - 5 p.m. Meet at Nicolet Beach playground. Garlic mustard, an invasive plant, is pushing beautiful flowers and trees out of the way. We need kids to help pull it. We'll show you how and reward you with nature center coupons and cool pins as a thank you. Smokey Bear on Patrol: This evening, the world's most famous bear will be cruising the campgrounds sharing his fire safety message.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Wildflower Walk. Enjoy a peaceful walk and find out the interesting stories that Potawatomi's spring wildflowers have to tell. Easy walking, with slight inclines. Meet at the Campground Shelter. 4 p.m. Who Gives a Hoot . . . Owls of Potawatomi State Park. Discover the fun and fascinating adaptations of owls and learn to hoot like one too! Campground shelteer. 7 p.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Tree-rific Art. Drop in anytime between 10 and 11:30 a.m. to create several fun art projects that celebrate trees! Appropriate for all age groups. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Meet at the Visitor Center. Intro to the NEW Wisconsin Explorer Program. Kids, bring an adult to participate in this fun, redesigned nature program. Learn how you can earn a colorful patch! Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Amphitheater. 1-2 p.m. Coyote Neighbors. Coyotes are amazing! Learn how they survive and how you can live alongside them. We?ll also go outside to try and call them. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at the Visitor Center. 8-9 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Edible Plant Hike. See the plants we?ll eat tonight and many more ?incredible edibles?. Meet at Point Lookout. 10 a.m. Indian Mound Walk. Find out about the residents on this land before settlement. Meet at the Passenger Pigeon Monument. 1 p.m. Geology Hike. Try out the new Sand Cave Trail and learn about the Earth History of the Park. Meet at the old park office. 3 p.m. Evening Program: Julian Wild, the Fern Chef. Find out how to cook edible wild plants that are delicious, nutritious, and best of all free! Meet at Peterson Shelter. 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
? High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 or e-mail - Lime Kiln and Niagara Escarpment Hike. Join the Naturalist and celebrate the Year of the Niagara Escarpment on a hike along the escarpment to learn about the varied history of this magnificent geologic feature. Sponsored by the Friends of High Cliff State Park [exit DNR]. Meet at the Lime Kiln Ruins. 1-3 p.m.
? Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Universe in the Park. Join the UW Astronomy Department for a tour of the night sky! A chance to look through the UW's telescopes will follow a slideshow presentation. There is no fee for this event, but a valid park admission sticker is required. Sorry, no pets are allowed at the Upper Picnic Area. 9 p.m. Universe in the Park [exit DNR].
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Morning at Weborg Point: 8 - 9 a.m. Meet at Weborg Shelter. Park at Weborg day use lot. Which warblers are sticking around to nest? Can we spot orioles and grosbeaks? How about lake iris, a federally threatened plant? Bring binoculars if you have them. Arrowhead Necklaces: 10 - 11 a.m. Nature Center. While supplies last. Learn about Simon Kahquados, a Potawatomi chief buried at Peninsula. Then bead an arrowhead necklace to keep. Suggested donation per arrowhead is $1. Naturalist at Eagle Tower: Stop by the tower any time from 1 - 2:30 p.m. to have your questions answered by the park naturalist. Naturalist Bike Ride: 4 - 5:15 p.m. Meet at the Nature Center. We'll pedal Peninsula's back roads, watching for deer and learning to identify trees. Fair weather only. Campfire Talk: 8 - 9 p.m. Nature Center. Discover amazing facts about Peninsula wildlife, learn why DNR foresters are concerned about Peninsula's woodlands. Bonus: Any family who shares a joke or a story will receive a special prize.
? Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Wildflower Walk. Enjoy a peaceful walk and find out the interesting stories that Potawatomi's spring wildflowers have to tell. Easy walking, with slight inclines. Meet at the Campground Shelter. 10 a.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Nature Ramble. Put on your boots and bring your curiosity to ramble, explore and discover nature with the naturalist. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Visitor Center. 10:30 a.m. to Noon. Whose Ribbit is it? Discover how and why frogs sing. Learn to identify frogs that live in the park then hike in the twilight to enjoy a frog chorus. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at the Visitor Center. 7:30 ? 9 p.m. Pancake Breakfast. Don?t feel like cooking today? Drop in at this tasty breakfast brought to you by the Friend?s group. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and beverages for only $6/adult and $3/child. All funds raised will be used to refill the wildlife refuge. Tickets available beginning May 1. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at Parking Lot E. 7:30 a.m. to Noon.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Bird Walk. The trees are alive with the sound of bird songs. See what makes Wyalusing such a birding ?hot spot?. Meet at the Tennis Court. 7 a.m. Spring Wildflower Hike. See the beauty and smell the fragrance of spring ephemerals while they?re here. Meet at the old park office. 10 a.m. Forest Ecology Walk. Get answers to many of your questions about trees and forests plus a whole lot more. Meet at Point Lookout. 1 p.m. Wyalusing History Drive. Visit the car accessible sites important to Wyalusing?s history in a new program led by an old character. Meet at Point Lookout. 3 p.m.
Monday, May 31, 2010
? Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, (608) 534-6409 - Beautiful Bluebirds. Stop by the Nature Center between 10 a.m. and noon to chat with local Bluebird expert, Fred Craig, about housing and providing for Bluebirds. Mr. Craig has been involved in award-winning Bluebird conservation efforts and is incredibly knowledgeable about how to attract and help Bluebirds. He will have a variety of bird houses on display, as well as a wealth of information to share. Bring your questions and get them answered!
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Toadally Cool. Discover what makes toads so cool then search for toads outside. You can also make a toad house to take home for only $3. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR]. Meet at the Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m. Meet the Ranger. Visit with a ranger to see what their job is like. Check out the equipment they use and the squad. Sponsored by the Bong Naturalist Association. Meet at the Beach Playground. 1-1:30 p.m.
? Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien, (608) 996-2261 - Bird Walk. Anything this good is worth doing again. Maybe we?ll even beat Sunday?s outing. Meet at the Tennis Court. 7 a.m. Cliff Ecology Hike. We?ll take a last look from the bluff before we look at the bluff during a hike that?s short on distance, but long on interest. Meet at Point Lookout. 10 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/
