WDNR Outdoor Report as of March 31, 2011
Colder temperatures in the last week have allowed the snow from last week?s snowstorm to linger on in northern and central Wisconsin and is delaying ice-out on lakes across much of the state. Snowmobilers were still out last weekend in the Sawyer County area and people were still cross-country skiing there as well as in Door County. Snow depths still ranged from 4 inches to nearly a foot in some central and northern portions of the state.
Some southern lakes are opening, but others remain ice covered. Some bays of Lake Mendota in Madison were open, but ice remains on the main body. Devil?s Lake in Sauk County remained ice covered as of this week. With night temperatures in the single digits in the north, ice cover on Northwoods lakes remains at up to 16 inches and there is still 2 to 3 feet of ice on Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior.
Although snow cover and patches of snow may remain in many areas, the spring wildfire season is underway in Wisconsin. In the past week, 12 wildfires were reported across the state. People are urged to be extra cautious this time of year with anything that can cause a wildfire to start. Debris burning is the main cause of wildfires in the state. In those areas that no longer have complete snow cover an annual burning permit is required. Current fire danger levels and information about burning regulations and permit requirements can be found on the DNR web site at dnr.wi.gov/wisburn.
Despite the cold weather, late-season ice anglers should be very cautious as access and ice conditions can change in a hurry with sunny skies and warm temperatures. Ice fishing pressure has been light, with perch providing the most consistent catches in the north.
The cold temperatures and runoff from last week?s storm slowed action on Lake Michigan tributaries, which were running high but have now begun to drop. Some steelhead have been reported on the East and West Twin, Manitowoc, Menomonee and Root rivers. The Root River Steelhead Facility started processing fish March 30, with just a few fish spawned.
The Mississippi River and tributaries in southwestern Wisconsin remain very high, with many at or near flood stage. As of Monday, the Mississippi River was up to 15.94 feet at Prairie du Chien and rising and expected to reach 16.5 feet this week then hold steady for a while. The Kickapoo River crested at just over 14 feet at Gays Mills on Saturday and is now falling. Most Mississippi River backwater areas are now ice free and the ice fishing season has come to an end. Many boat launches are underwater now and not usable.
The cold and delayed ice out has set back the migration of some waterfowl, though Canada geese numbers are at their spring peak now at Horicon Marsh, with cackling and white-fronted geese also reported in the area, along with tundra swans stopping over on their way to Alaska. Diver ducks like canvasback, redhead, scaup, golden eye, bufflehead and mergansers are showing up by the thousands on the Mississippi River.
Maple sap slowed with the colder weather, but the warmer weather forecast for this week should get it running again, just in time for the MacKenzie Environmental Center?s Maple Syrup Festival this Saturday, with free guided tours of the sugarbush, demonstrations on tapping maple trees and making syrup, horse-drawn wagon ride, and more. Check their website for details.
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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
Recent snows in central Wisconsin have slowed the progress of migration across much of the state. Birders are still reporting good numbers of waterfowl in southern and central Wisconsin with our first big pushes of migrant Tundra Swans into traditional staging areas. Woodcock are displaying well across the southern half of the state and are likely beginning to display with meltings snows in central WI. Great-horned owl chicks are hatching and we are getting the first reports of eggs at Peregrine Falcon nest sites. New migrants this week include our first reports of eastern phoebe, field sparrow, meadowlarks, kinglets and fox sparrows. Birders may want to check large grassland areas for migrant short-eared owls near dusk and dawn. Warmer temps this weekend should continue to push waterfowl north and west and may bring an additional push of migrants into the state. As always, please report your sightings to
www.ebird.org/WI so that we can better track migratory bird populations.
Statewide Wildfire Report
The spring wildfire season is underway in Wisconsin. In the past week, 12 wildfires burned 50 acres, threatening to burn four buildings in their path. These fires occurred in Adams, Bayfield, Crawford, Iowa, Marquette, Richland, and Sauk counties. Although snow cover and patches of snow may remain in some areas, that does not keep wildfires from starting in places where the ground is snow-free. The abundant dead vegetation that was last year?s grass, leaves, and flowering plants is prime fuel for a wildfire. People are urged to be extra cautious this time of year with anything that can cause a wildfire to start. Debris burning is the main cause of wildfires in the state. When burning leaves and brush as part of your spring clean up routine, always adhere to permit restrictions. Put off burning entirely on windy days. People are asked to use extra caution when disposing of ash from fireplaces and wood heaters ? make sure they are completely cold to the touch before dumping outdoors. Current fire danger levels and more information about fire laws, regulations, and burning permit requirements can be found on the DNR web site at dnr.wi.gov/wisburn Remember that in those areas that no longer have complete snow cover an annual burning permit is required. Annual burning permits are available from local Ranger Stations, Fire Wardens, or by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) to have a permit mailed or instantly emailed. Once one has an annual burning permit, they are required to check daily for burn restrictions after 11 a.m. on the days they want to burn. Call 1-888-WIS-BURN and enter the county code or check online at dnr.wi.gov/wisburn by clicking on the county where you plan to burn. Follow the rules for the day, have tools and water on hand and make certain fires are completely out before leaving. Anyone who fails to obtain a permit or check the daily restrictions, risks burning illegally or unsafely, and may be subject to a citation. Furthermore, if a fire escapes and starts a wildfire, the person responsible may be held liable for all suppression costs.
Firewise Tip: Keep the area 3 to 5 feet around your home ?fuel free.? Remove anything in this area that can burn, such as leaves, plants, mulch, or piled wood.
South Central Wisconsin Wildfire Report
Current fire danger is High. Wildfire activity has been increasing with the emerging spring-like conditions. Warming temperatures, a lack of precipitation, low humidity, and gusty winds are favorable weather conditions for wildfire. In the past week, eight fires burned 22 acres. The largest was a 17.5 acre fire in Iowa County caused by debris burning. Permits are required for burning after 6 p.m. in DNR protection areas. Be sure to notify the local sheriff?s department of when you are starting to burn and when it?s out. Any day time burning must have a special burn permit from the DNR Fire Control Ranger. Daytime burning is only allowed on a case by case basis. A chance of mixed precipitation over the weekend is not reason to let your guard down. Be careful with anything that can start a wildfire.
Northern Region Wildfire Report
The last snowstorm dropped little if no snow on northern Bayfield and Douglas counties. Coupling the lack of snow cover with above freezing temperatures and low humidity is increasing fire danger in the area. The Brule Dispatch Group reports two wildfires in the past week. Both occurred in the Washburn Fire Response Unit and consumed a total of 27 acres. There where no structures threatened by either of these fires. Fire danger remains low in Barron, Polk, Burnett and Washburn Counties as they are mostly snow covered except for some small areas with south facing slopes. The snow melt is expected to occur slowly as our early spring time temperatures are remaining below normal through this week with chances of a rain and snow mix this weekend.
West Central Region Wildfire Report
Although there is still partial to complete snow cover in much of the West Central region, wildfire activity is beginning to pick up with fires in the Wisconsin Dells and Tomah areas. In the Friendship area, there was a 1.3 acre caused by improper ash disposal. An outbuilding was saved due to the suppression efforts of DNR and Adams County Fire District. A homeowner took the ashes from his indoor wood stove and dumped them in a short grass field on his property. He dumped a bucket of water on top but within 20 minutes he noticed spreading flames. Although he was on the right track, the proper way to dispose of ashes is to extinguish them by placing them in a metal container and soaking them with water for 24 hours. When they are dumped outside it is important to make sure they are completely extinguished and cold.
Northeast Region Wildfire Report
Wildfire conditions are emerging in northeast Wisconsin as the snow melts, temperatures increase, and winds pick up. The public is urged to be cautious with any outdoor clean up projects. Debris burning is the most common cause of wildfires in Wisconsin. Always check the daily burning restrictions before you light that match. Put off any outdoor burning projects on windy days. Be sure to check burned brush piles and burn barrels periodically for any hot spots. Although you may think the fire is out, keep in mind that ash is excellent insulation and can keep embers smoldering for days or even weeks. Fires can rekindle when gusty winds blow the ash around, exposing burning embers underneath. A couple of wildfires have already occurred in the northeast due to these kind of holdovers. This time of year, disposal of ash from fireplaces and wood stoves can also cause wildfire starts when the ash contains embers and then is dumped outside. Make sure your ash is completely cold to the touch before disposing of it outdoors.
DNR Northern Region
Ashland DNR Service Center area
There is still two to three feet of ice on Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior (actually made more ice this past week!). Little open water and few waterfowl as a result. Initial trickle of migration up north here, with vanguard of robins, common grackles, woodcock, and other short distance migrants but no significant numbers yet. Winter holdovers include common redpolls still visiting feeders and Bohemian waxwings still eating berries and fruits before heading north in the next couple weeks.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Winter returned to the northwestern part of the state in a big way over the past weekend. Cross-country ski trails were groomed on the upper half of the Birkiebiener system generally north of the half way point and on up to the North End cabin. Snowmobile trails were in use around the Cable-Hayward area. Those trails looked to be holding up well late on Sunday afternoon. Skiing conditions on Sunday were excellent in the Cable area on the North End system, the Korteloppet, and both Birkiebiener trails which comprise the North End. The narrow single track classic trail was groomed. By late Sunday afternoon, the sun had worked some bare spots open on the west and south exposure areas. The skiing surface varied from powder to minimal crust and ice. Trail speed was slow to faster than needed depending on sun exposure and the trail surface. Trails were used but not beat up for both classic and skate skiers. There?s more than 20k of groomed trail available from the North End trail head now. Some skiers had been off trail on some un-groomed areas that looked like other trails or grooming links. Snowshoers had also been out on the first trail up the hill from the cabin. Skiing should still be possible this week. Check skiing condition websites for details.
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Washburn County - Hooded merganser, common merganser, robins, kestrel are being seen. Small patches of ground showing in some spots and along south facing roadsides.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The unseasonably cold weather in the last week has put the spring thaw on hold and ice thickness on the lakes has remained in the 14 to 16 inch range. The heavy snow that was received on March 23 has settled and melted quite a bit, though there is still a 3 to 4 inch layer on most lakes. Access areas and south-facing shorelines are still pretty soft from heavy use and sunny conditions, but a few anglers are still using ATVs to get out to their favorite fishing spots. Any late season ice anglers should be very cautious as access and ice conditions can change in a hurry with sunny skies and warm temperatures. Late-season ice fishing pressure has been rather light across the area and panfish anglers have had limited success in this past week. The warm daytime sun has provided some pleasant fishing conditions, but anglers have had to move around quite a bit to find active fish. Perch have continued to provide the most consistent catches, and they have been found just off the bottom on the mud flats and near old weed beds. A few anglers have been able to find some fair catches of crappie, but they've had to try some new lakes and some have found the crappie suspended 4 to 5 feet below the ice.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Weather conditions this past week, since the big snow, have been unseasonably cold, restricting the fishable areas to below the dams on the Oconto, Peshtigo, and Menominee rivers. Success has been limited with moderate fishing pressure.
Marinette County - Most of the fishing pressure has been at the dam in Peshtigo with anglers keying on trout and walleye. Although a few nice browns have been reported, the walleye bite has yet to start. Floating stick baits have been the bait of choice due to the rocky nature of the Peshtigo River at the sites open to fishing.
Oconto County - Below the dam at Stiles and the iron bridge area are open to fishing. Anglers are targeting trout and walleye using spinner baits, stick baits, and twister tails. A few rainbow trout were reported. The parking lots on both sides of the Stiles Dam have not been plowed. Northern pike anglers were venturing a short way out on the ice north of the Oconto breakwater causeway. Care must be taken as ice conditions changes rapidly from morning to afternoon.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Manitowoc County - The winter storm a week ago Tuesday and Wednesday brought in colder temperatures in the mid-20s with wind chills as low as 14 degrees. Eight inches of snow during the storm combined with three-quarters of an inch of rain limited fishing pressure and changed the water conditions by the weekend. Northwest to northeast winds at 15-20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph made for bitterly cold fishing conditions. The high, murky waters early in the week changed after the winter storm with water levels dropping over a foot and the water clearing up. Water temperatures remained steady all week at 32 degrees. By the weekend, the improved tributary conditions resulted in decreased angler success. Steelhead anglers fishing the West Twin River had a feast early in the week catching 2 to 6 pound steelhead at will. The higher water, with less water clarity appeared to be the ticket with many anglers going home with two to five steelhead. After the mid-week storm, water clarity improved and water levels dropped. This resulted in only four to six steelhead caught a day by all anglers combined. An occasional brown trout has been landed, with all the trout caught by floating spawn. Try all the areas from the conservation club up to the Shoto dam. In the city of Mishicot on the West Twin River, water conditions saw the same changes. The numbers have been down compared to Shoto, but several steelhead have still been caught on floating spawn. The areas just downstream from the fire station and by the dam have been the most successful locations. This area also continues to see an occasional brook trout in the 10- to 15-inch range with great colors. In and around the city of Manitowoc, Silver Creek and the Little Manitowoc River were the only areas to result in success this past week. A few steelhead have been landed also floating spawn in both areas. The numbers are nowhere near the East and West Twin Rivers, but these small tributaries have prime trout habitat with good water conditions to allow for a good steelhead run in the near future. Please remember the following regulations this spring on the tributaries. 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).
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park ? The snowstorm over a week ago dropped approximately 10 inches of new snow in the park. Volunteer groomers rolled and tracked the yellow and orange cross-country ski loops and they were in good condition. The park still had a number of skiers over the weekend The sledding hill and snowmobile trails remained closed.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Great blue herons are back in Waushara and Waupaca counties. Marquette and Green Lake counties are at about 50 percent snow cover and melting fast. Waushara, Waupaca counties have some hillsides opening up but Shawano and Menominee counties are still full snow cover as of March 30. The cold nights slow down the melt, but warm sunny days this week are slowly lessening the depth of it. Skunk cabbage poking thru in the marshes, pussy willows are out.
Wild Rose Fish Hatchery - The Wild Rose Fish Hatchery Education Center will be open to visitors for spring on weekends in April, beginning on April 2. Visitor Hours on Saturdays are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In May, the Education Center will be open Thursdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Daily tours are scheduled at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and meet in the Education Center. To schedule guided group tours for 10 to 30 people, please call Naturalist Educator at (920) 622-3527, Ext. 209, or email: joan.voigt@wisconsin.gov two weeks ahead.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, there has been no recent activity on the north pier due to icy conditions, and fishing has been slow off the south pier. The water temperature in the harbor is still in the low 30s. Some anglers have been trying the open areas in the marina with no success. On the Pigeon and Sheboygan rivers, water levels have dropped, but steelhead fishing remains slow.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington the ramps are still on dry ground, and the word is they will be set in the water on April 1. Boaters can launch, and the marina is free of ice. Several boaters have been out fishing, with limited success for browns. In the Port Washington harbor, angler activity has been spread out along the inner harbor. A few rainbows and browns have been taken near the gazebo area on golden shiners under a bobber. Sauk Creek has returned to fishable levels, but very little action has been reported.
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 in April. 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 - Over this past weekend, the Root River was still flowing high, fast, and cold. Precipitation from earlier in the week caused the river to really spike during midweek. This spike carried through Friday but was gradually falling over Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday the flow was still fast and high, but much more manageable. These conditions allowed for the best fishing to be found on Sunday. The water temperatures over the weekend were holding around 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The water turbidity has improved slightly but is still stained with relatively low visibility. At the Horlick dam, fishing was hit-or-miss. Pressure was spread out from the dam and downstream over the first 100-200 yards of river. Anglers reported hooking up at least a couple of times but the fast and high flowing water made landing the fish much more difficult. The steelhead that were harvested ranged from 3-6 pounds. Fin clips indicated mostly Ganaraska strain steelhead with a few Chambers Creek. One nice spawning female Ganaraska caught was 6 pounds and 27.25 inches. It was taken tight to the dam on an orange fly. Fishing pressure farther downstream on the Root was pretty minimal. A few anglers were fishing around Lincoln Park, both upstream and downstream from the weir. Steelhead catches were sparse but a few incidental suckers were caught. 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 probably 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 - n 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 have dropped since last week, and a few steelhead have been seen.
DNR South Central Region
South Central Region fisheries crews are beginning annual spring netting surveys as ice goes out. While northern crews are still icebound, fisheries staff in the southern counties are actively on the water each day as the spring season unfolds. Horicon, Janesville and Madison crews are setting fyke nets to assess walleye and northern pike populations on Lazy Lake (Columbia County), Lake Koshkonong (Rock County) and Lake Monona (Dane County). Crews routinely survey marshy areas, river and stream mouths and shorelines receiving the warm spring sun to capture fish looking for favorable spawning habitat. During a typical 30-day netting season, crews will measure, weigh and mark game fish to characterize the populations and estimate relative abundance. Similarly, panfish and bass species will also be sampled but no population estimates conducted. Spring netting is the standard protocol with which fisheries managers can evaluate responses to regulations, fish condition and growth, as well as gain insight on the relative balance of fish communities found in lakes across Wisconsin.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Recent cold evening weather has delayed ice out on Horicon Marsh and other area wetlands. As a result, the migration of waterfowl and other water-dependant birds has been set back this spring. However, with expected warmer weather this should soon result in open water which will provide opportunities for ducks, coots, herons, egrets, bitterns and a host of other birds. At this time Canada geese are at their spring peak with cackling geese and white-fronted geese reported in the area. Tundra swans are also present as they stop over on their way to Alaska. Other early spring migrants include sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, killdeer, fox sparrows, eastern bluebirds and scattered sightings of other species. Numbers of many of these will rapidly increase over the next week or so as southerly winds and warmer temperatures provide conditions to lure these birds back.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Wild turkeys are beginning their spring gobbling and strutting rituals. Many are still in larger flocks in southern Wisconsin with a few Toms starting to gobble on the roost on sunny mornings.
Dane County - Panfishing has been slow around Dane County but as ice goes out and the weather warms look for panfish to move into areas that warm up quickly. Anglers should be reminded that the game fishing season is closed and does not open until May 7. It is illegal to fish for game fish even if you intend to practice catch and release. Lures should consist of bait that will primarily attract panfish and not game fish. Anglers need to pay attention to signs while fishing around Dane County as there are many closed areas that are designated as refuges. These areas include parts of Tenney Park, Vilas Park, the Dunkirk Dam and Yahara River downstream from Babcock Park. Turkey activities have started to pick up and gobblers have been seen strutting and gobbling. There are still many late season spring turkey tags that are still available. Hunters are reminded to look into this if they are interested in purchasing another tag.
Columbia County - Early season open water anglers are finding a mixed bag this spring, where they can find open water. Many lakes and water bodies are still ice covered. The ducks, cranes, geese, and swans are back in full force. Waterfowl can be found feeding and loafing on open water and feeding in the area farm fields.
Sauk County - The Wisconsin River at the Prairie du Sac dam has very high water conditions. The walleyes are getting closer to spawning and anglers are catching some nice walleyes. Be careful on the river while fishing from shore or in a boat due to the high water conditions. Spring Gobblers are gobbling and strutting. The bluebirds are building nests in bird houses. Anglers are reminded that ice conditions are becoming unsafe.
Devil?s Lake State Park - Trails are mostly clear and hike-able, but there are still icy and snowy patches in the shade. The frozen trails get muddy and wet during the day when it warms up. The lake is still frozen over, shore-to-shore, which is later than the average thaw date of March 23. But a couple of breezy days near 50 degrees could change that quickly. Mountain bike trails are closed to bicycles. So it is transition time ? the best of both worlds and the worst of both worlds. But it promises to be better, soon. Most of Quartzite campground is available for camping now, with the shaded areas still harboring drifts of snow. Northern Lights and Ice Age campgrounds are closed for the season. Almost all water facilities are still turned off, including the recreational vehicle dump/fill station, running water restrooms, and showers. One winterized water tap and vault toilet restrooms are available to off-season campers. Water facilities in some areas may be turned on about mid-April. All concession operations and buildings are still closed for the season. The north shore Chateau will re-open for the season on Saturday, April 30. The sound of hammers, saws, and pneumatic nailers are ringing through the north shore picnic area as workers take advantage of the narrow window between snow and concessions? opening day. They?re renovating parts of the Chateau building? putting on a new roof, new flooring in the sales area, and installing new display cases and merchandise facilities. Special care is being taken to keep the old park flavor of the historic Chateau. Parfrey's Glen remains closed to all public use and entry. The timetable for repairs is uncertain, and unfortunately, it is not know at this time when it will reopen:
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Winter has returned and slowed up the spring thaw which has reduced local flooding, for now. Recent cold and snow has made area lakes appear frozen tight, but they are not. A few anglers are venturing out on some lakes, but extreme caution is advised. Bears are starting to be seen and are hungry so please keep food, and bird feeders away. If you have a bear hanging around even after food sources have been removed and is actually causing problems, then call Wildlife Services at 1-800-228-1368. Mississippi and St Croix river water levels are at minimum flood stage. Some area trout streams are still very fishable including the Kinnickinnic and Rush rivers.
St. Croix County - Chorus frogs are croaking from partially opened wetlands even though air temps are 35 degrees. Eastern bluebirds back for a week already! Pheasants are beginning to crow, indicating a few did indeed make it through the sixth "worst" winter in the past 30 years in the St. Croix County area.
Willow River State Park - There has been a freeze-thaw cycle in progress so trails will be variable in condition. Expect to find firm trails while it?s cold, ice and possibly snow in sheltered areas, and wet-soft in open areas when it warms up. So far, we have avoided a full on mud season since rain has not come in. Trekking poles or ski poles can be a big help where footing is not the best. Wear the waterproof footgear. The Hidden Ponds trail is asphalt so it does not have the transition issues found on the rest of the trails. With leaves off, it is easy to see the deer and the wild turkeys. Other migrant birds are returning as well. The river has fallen back from its peak flow over the weekend. There is still a lot of water standing in the upper part of the drainage in ponds or as snow. There is definitely more high water to come. The freeze-thaw has helped control that flow. There will be another chance to see Willow Falls with big water and big noise. The best guess here is that trout anglers will not get good fishing conditions before the next big flow happens. Camping at this time of year is limited to tents only. Campers may hike in to the 300 campground with a tent. Park at the campground entrance and the closest site is about 30 yards in. Pit toilets are open. Water is available at the service building as you head down the hill from the office. Water is easier to load into jugs there than at the office. All other campground loops are closed. Vehicle access to the 300 loop generally begins in mid April.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Song sparrows, turkey vultures, sandhill cranes, eastern meadowlarks, wood ducks, hooded mergansers have returned to the area. Wild turkey winter flocks are dispersing and toms have started gobbling and assembling their harems. As the weather continues to warm, chipmunks will emerge from their winter burrows, where they have spent the better part of winter in a state of torpor. Chipmunks are generally forest creatures, have large, fur-lined cheek pouches for carrying nuts and seeds, black and white facial stripes, and five dark stripes separated by four light stripes on the backs and sides of their bodies. Instead of depending on stored body fat to sustain them during hibernation, chipmunks awaken every couple weeks during the winter to feed on stored nuts and seeds. There are two species of chipmunks in Wisconsin: the eastern chipmunk, which is found statewide, and the least chipmunk, which is relegated to about the northern half of the state. Eastern chipmunks can be differentiated from their smaller cousins by their size and back stripes which do not cross the rump. Back dorsal stripes of least chipmunks, on the other hand, extend all the way to the base of their tails. Chipmunks typically breed from late March to late April, with two to seven blind and hairless young being born after about a one month gestation. Baby chipmunks are weaned in about 40 days. Chipmunks are preyed upon by long-tailed weasels, short-tailed weasels or ermine, bobcats, red fox, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks, snakes, and cats.
Crawford County - Many of the local rivers in the area are currently at flood stage or have already crested. Persons living in low lying areas in these river basins are urged to take precautions to protect property and lives. The Mississippi River started rising two weeks ago after ?bottoming out? at 8.44 feet. As of Monday, the Mississippi River is up to 15.94 feet and rising. Action and flood stages on the Mississippi River are 13 and 16 feet respectively. The seven-day forecast for the Mississippi River is for it to reach 16.5 feet sometime this week then hold steady for a while. Last week the Kickapoo River in Gays Mills and Steuben was at 12.35 feet and 11.45 feet respectively. In Gays Mills the current river stage is at 10.4 feet and falling. The river crested at 14.13 on Saturday in Gays Mills. Flood stage in Gays Mills is at 13 feet. The forecast in Gays Mills is for the river to continue to drop. Flood stage in Steuben is 12 feet. The river was at 11.5 feet and falling this week. In Steuben the river crested on Sunday at 12.5 feet. The forecast in Steuben is for the river to continue to drop. Last week the Wisconsin River reached 5.57 feet on Saturday. It was at 4.72 feet early in the week and falling. Flood stage on the Wisconsin River is at 9 feet. Most ice in the back waters of local river systems is gone. Moderate temperatures, run off and increasing water levels have opened most areas up. Access to ice fishing spots has changed for the worse. Shore lines are now under water in most places. Access to boat landings on the Mississippi River are hard to get to with the high water. Ambro Road is closed due to high water. Bluegill, crappie and perch fishing is pretty much shut down now. Gremore Lake?s ice is almost gone and what remains is extremely dangerous and impossible to fish from. 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. Spring Lake?s ice is almost gone and assess is impossible. Sturgeon Slough and the McGregor (Horseshoe) Lake area are under water. However action at Cold Spring really picked up. Perch moved in and anglers were catching perch up to 14 inches. The only access was from the handicapped parking area on the south end, however conditions there are rapidly changed. By Sunday perch action had slowed and anglers had to use planking to get to the ice. Most likely ice fishing will no longer be available there. 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 under water and the access road to it is closed. Perch action in the slack water along the long wall has been decent. The ice broke up behind the long wall this week so anglers will no longer be able to fish through the ice there. 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, bufflehead 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 paired up and actively tending nests and most likely their eggs. ?Shed hunters? are still out. Conditions are very good as most of the snow is gone. Please be courteous and ask permission before entering private land.
Perrot State Park - All trails are now open for hiking. The Wilbur Trail still has snow in some sections. Most trails have soft and muddy areas due to the melting snow and rain.
Merrick State Park - Due to rising water levels, both the upper and lower boat landings are closed. The road is closed at the round shelter.
Buffalo River State Trail - The trail is open to ATV use year-round. Sections of the trail may still have some snow and there will be some areas that are very soft. Adjoining county ATV trails may be closed. Contact the following counties for information on their ATV Trails: Eau Claire County - 715-839-4738; Jackson County - 715-284-8475.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park ? The woodland trails are still suitable for snowshoeing. The ice is breaking up on the Chippewa and Fisher rivers. Maple syrup production is coming along well in some of the nearby woodlots. The woodchucks are becoming active. Sandhill cranes are making an appearance. Other 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT STATE PARKS, FORESTS, AND TRAILS
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
Check with the park or forest of your choice for additional activities and special events not listed. Most events are free of charge; park admission sticker required unless otherwise noted. Events and times subject to change.
Friday, April 1, 2011
? Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Pink-toed 'Possums. What has pink toes, a hairless tail and a pouch? An opossum, of course! Discover other interesting facts about the only North American mammal with a pouch. This hour of nature fun awaits 3 to 6 years olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30 ? 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Bird Walk for Families. Many birds are returning from their winter homes. We?ll head out with binoculars to see who?s back. 10:30-11:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
? MacKenzie Environmental Center, Poynette, (608) 635-8105 - Maple Syrup Festival. Enjoy learning about the MacKenzie Center?s sugar bush and how Native Americans, pioneers and today?s volunteers make maple syrup. Enjoy a pancake breakfast (8 a.m. - noon), horse drawn wagon rides and more! Event is free, concession stand, breakfast and raffles available at added cost.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 854-5976 - Eagle Trail. Hike Peninsula?s most spectacular trail. Learn about park geology, history along the way. Difficult. About 2 miles. Meet at the tower. 1-2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Preschool Storytime: What?s Hatching Out of That Egg? Eggs come in a wonderful variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. Find out about the tiny lives growing inside them. This program is for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult. It is not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Adopt-a-Highway. Join us for the first clean up of the highway in front of the park. All equipment provided. You must be at least 12 years old to participate. Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association. Visitor Center. 5:30-6:30 p.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/
