WDNR Outdoor Report as of June 12, 2008
Areas of southern and central Wisconsin were deluged with rain in the past week, with some areas reporting as much as 8 to 11 inches of rain within a matter of a few days. Almost all southern river systems are at flood stage this week and many lakes are also out of their banks. Counties and communities throughout southern Wisconsin have enacted emergency slow-no-wake rules for boaters. These rules are enacted by local governments so boaters should check with local law enforcement agencies for the status of waterways.
Canoeists and kayakers are being cautioned that many rivers have very hazardous conditions, with a lot of floating debris, submerged dams, fast and unusual currents and other hazards and are being advised to stay off swollen rivers. The rain washed out sections of state trails and damaged some state parks. As of this week, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, La Crosse River State Trail and 400 State Trail were closed until further notice. Portions of the Badger State Trail are also closed. Wildcat Mountain State Park in Vernon County will likely be closed through the end of the month because the access road to the park washed out. Kohler-Andrea State Park closed temporarily but has now reopened. Other parks have camping areas or other facilities that are closed due to storm damage. Visitors can check for current conditions on the DNR Web site, or better yet, call parks, forests or trails directly for the latest updates.
Northern Wisconsin also received rain this week, but much lesser amounts, and in some areas it was welcome. Lakes and rivers in northwestern Wisconsin, which have been low after prolonged drought conditions, have come up some with recent rains. Lake Superior has also come up some recently.
The continuing erratic weather has made for some inconsistent fishing success over the past week. Panfish and musky were the highlights of the week in the north, with some very good catches of bluegill, crappie and musky being reported. Bluegill have started spring spawning period and many nice fish have been observed on the beds. Walleye success has been real inconsistent. The mayfly hatch has just begun on many lakes and this will disrupt the regular walleye bite for the next few weeks.
Prior to the rain, northern pike and largemouth bass were active on many southern waters. Bluegill action was spotty with, anglers were reporting catching fish that had not yet spawned. Angers were still reporting musky action on the Fox River at Green Bay. Walleye were still being caught in the river and lower Green Bay. The perch bite was relatively slow this week. Lake Michigan tributaries are at flood stage, and near shore waters are very turbid. There have been some reports of the mud line out 2 miles into the lake. Large floating debris is common; use extra caution when boating out on the lake. Before the rains, however, some rainbows and browns were caught near shore and trollers were catching chinooks as well as a few rainbows, coho, and lake trout.
The Mississippi River is once again on the rise and was at 15.54 near Prairie du Chien as of June 11. Flood stage is 16 feet. It is very turbid and has a large amount of floating debris.
It is likely that the rising water levels flooded out numerous nests of a variety of marsh and ground nesting birds, including redhead ducks, bitterns, rails, terns, coots and turkeys. Some of these birds have time to relocate and renest before the summer is through, but the full impact of the recent floods to wildlife reproduction will be difficult to assess.
Fawns, baby geese, ducklings, baby bunnies, bear cubs, and red fox kits are plentiful. Great blue herons are hatching out young in their rookeries. Snapping turtles are laying eggs now, so please be careful and try to avoid them on roadways. Mosquitoes are still being reported as very plentiful in many areas, especially in the Northwoods, so be prepared with repellents.
Other wildflowers blooming include starflower, wood anemone, columbine, honeysuckle, spiderwort, cinquefoil, fleabane, and yarrow; and the elegant lady's slippers are in bloom along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
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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
Brule River State Forest - Although the area has not been getting the surplus of rainfall that the southern part of the state has, there has still been a fair amount of rain. So far for the month of June the Brule DNR Office has measured 3.52 inches of rain. As of 11:15 am Thursday morning the precipitation has brought the Bois Brule River flow to 391 cfs (cubic feet per second) and rising rapidly. The 63 year average is 165 cfs. Lake temperatures are reported to be well under average for this time of year. Some lakes that are normally over 70 degrees F. are now only in the 60 s.Some of the new bird arrivals back from their wintering ranges are Eastern Wood Peewee, Great-crested Flycatcher, Veery, Red-eyed Vireo, Bobolink, Indigo Bunting, Catbird; Golden-winged, Chesnutt-sided, and Common Yellowthroat Warblers. Just some of the flowers that are blooming now are Downy yellow violet, Wild lily-of-the valley, hoary puccoon, fringed polygala, barren strawberry, wild ginger, jack-in-the-pulpit, wood betony, and star flower. The Family Fun Day last Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day even though the weather forecast was calling for a rainy day. 120 participants came to enjoy the various activities such as archery, turkey calling, fish filleting, catch and release fishing, t-shirt printing, fish shocking demonstrations, canoeing, and fire control activities.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Bayfield County - Bayfield County residence are happy to see the moisture coming into the area, which has helped bring lake levels back up, some lakes are getting closer to normal, but water temperatures remain cold, which is effecting the larger lakes and the panfishing activity. Though there has been a lot of activity on smaller local lakes, with many people getting bag limits of both bluegills and crappie, the panfish activity remains slow on the Eau Claire Chain, and Lakes Owen and Namakagon. Cold weather has slowed down the spawning activity on most lakes along with the panfishing activity, but northern fishing is at its peak, with many northern being taken on most local lakes. Due to the cold weather and late growing season, Nuisance bear complaints continue to pour in; king down all song/humming bird feeders until forest food can be established should help. All local ATV trails are open and in excellent condition, though with the recent rain, some puddles will be encountered. Many sightings were received this past month of bear, wolf and elk traveling back roads east from Drummond to Clam Lake. This has become an area of many wildlife sightings. Trees have finally leafed out in Northern Wisconsin and the wildflowers and ferns are sprouting as well. Don't forget the bug spray when traveling north, mosquito populations are at an all time high. Boating Enthusiast don't forget your life jackets when venturing out in the boat, they just might save some ones life. And I think you'd rather spend the money on PFDs instead of paying a $148 fine, for not having one on board for each person in your boat, have fun and stay safe. This upcoming weekend St Croix River fest activities include a "Kids Fishing Clinic" put on by local warden in Bayfield County Barns Wisconsin on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Just follow the signs to get to clinic location, fishing poles/bait provided.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The Park Falls-Hayward area received about 1.5 to 2 inches of rain in the last week. This brought stream and river levels up a bit but not nearly to flood stage yet. Water levels on flowages and drainage lakes are just above normal but many seepage lakes remain at very low levels. The worst thing the wet weather did was bring out hordes of mosquitoes, deer flies and black flies, so outdoor enthusiasts should be prepared to do battle with high numbers of biting insects. The continuing erratic weather has made for some inconsistent fishing success over the past week. Panfish and musky have been the highlights of the week, with some very good catches of bluegill, crappie and musky being reported. Water temperatures have finally pushed into the low to mid 60s on the smaller lakes. This has gotten the bluegill starting on their spring spawning period and many nice fish have been observed on the beds. Crappie have pretty much finished up spawning and are now being found along the shallow weed edges, with the best fishing has been in the early morning and late afternoon hours. Musky success has bordered on excellent in the last week with many anglers reporting multiple catches in a three to four hour trip. However most of the fish have been on the small side (28 to 36 inches), with a few reported in the 38- to 42-inch size. Smaller baits seem to have been the key, with bass-sized jerk baits, spinner baits and soft plastics being the most productive. Some decent catches have been made by anglers using live suckers. An especially productive water has been Day Lake Flowage in Ashland County (28-inch minimum length) where nearly all boats have reported multiple catches. One boat reported that during a three hour trip, they had steady action the entire time and landed 15 musky in the 26- to 32-inch size. Walleye success has gotten real inconsistent in the last week. The mayfly hatch has just begun on many lakes and this will disrupt the regular walleye bite for the next few weeks. The mayflies provided a big source of natural food and the walleye seem to key on them at this time of year. This usually signals the end of the bite on jig and minnow combinations and the start of leeches and crawlers as the more productive baits. Bass action during the early catch and release, barbless-hook season has been good, with some very nice catches of largemouth and smallmouth bass being made. Soft plastics and finesse baits have been the most productive and most largemouth have been found in the newly developing weed and lily pad beds. Both largemouth and smallmouth are in their final stages of spawning on most lakes and look for action on larger fish to pick in the next week or two.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Hiking trails are in good condition. The mosquitoes are plentiful in the park, please come prepared with repellents. A few visitors have been braving the cold water to swim at the beach. Walleye, musky, perch and northern are all being caught on Lake Alexander. The water level on both the lake and river are at an average depth. However, the waters levels below the dam may be dropped due to repairs on the dam in Merrill. The lake water levels should not be affected. Fawns, baby geese, ducklings, snapping turtle hatchlings, two bear cubs, and four red fox kits have all been seen within the park.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Although it has been rather grey and windy, boats have been out and trolling on the Menominee River. Water temps were at 60 degrees in the river. Most of anglers are fishing for walleye and having good success. One boat in particular was using a rebel crawfish in green/tan and brown/tan. He boated many smallmouth and walleye. People are catching good numbers of undersized fish and releasing them. Stick baits are back on top of the menu. One boat of musky anglers reported they caught a 45 incher on a buck tail spinner. They speak very highly of the Menominee and its musky population. Panfish were being caught by the dam along with some walleye by anglers fishing worms on bottom or with a slip bobber. There has been no flooding in the area but streams will be high with fast flows for trout fishers. Warming waters should bring about some late hatch action also.
Oconto County - There are many ATV safety courses available for the summer. The Gillett Area Ambulance Garage will host an ATV course June 21 and 22. Please pre-register by calling the instructor at 920-855-6046. The Crooked Lake Community Center will host a course on June 28 and 29 in order to register call 920-469-7482. In July the Oconto Falls FFA will host a class also, more information at 920-846-8381.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - In the Fox River in Green Bay, musky are being caught via casting and trolling. Bucktails and crankbaits are working for anglers casting. Walleye are readily available in the river. They are being successfully targeted with jigs and minnows. Many rough fish are being caught along the entire river up to the first dam. Water temperature is in the mid-60s. Walleye are still being successfully harvested in the bay. Crawler harnesses seem to be the tackle of choice; no particular color works better than another. Some anglers are successful with crankbaits. Walleye are primarily in shallower water (6 to 10 feet); however, there are anglers finding some success in water as deep as 18 feet. Bay water temperature is mid- to upper-60's. The perch bite is relatively slow. Anglers are having some success with minnows and worms between 15 to 25 feet. As water temperature warms, the perch bite should improve.
Manitowoc County - In Manitowoc anglers had a slow week of fishing because of unfavorable weather that resulted in poor fishing conditions. On Thursday, some south pier anglers used better lake conditions to land a few nice Chinook salmon that ranged in weight from 10 to 17 pounds, but otherwise very few other fish were landed this week. In Two Rivers anglers also had a slow week of fishing. On Thursday, a couple boat anglers who were trolling in 75 to 100 feet of water landed one small Chinook salmon, while on Friday, one boat angler landed one rainbow trout weighing about 4 pounds. Pier anglers were fishing when the weather would allow for it, but they had little success landing any trout or salmon.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Potawatomi State Park - The Lady's Slippers are in bloom along Shoreline Road. There is no flooding to report at Potawatomi. The weekend rain evolved into blue skies this week.
Kewaunee County - Some days of poor weather kept more anglers off of Lake Michigan this past week. Reports of catches were in the 130-180 ft range out of Algoma and Kewaunee. Salmon, Lake Trout, and Steelhead were all caught in this depth range. Lake Trout were caught near the bottom, Salmon mostly suspended in the water column, and Steelhead a little further up than the Salmon. There are still signs of baitfish in around the piers in both Kewaunee and Algoma providing chances for some shore fishing as well. Out of Kewaunee, there was also some success trolling close to shore for Salmon following schools of baitfish in shallower water. As water temperatures rise some more in the coming weeks, action will pick up.
DNR Southeast Region
Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit - Due to the heavy rainfall last weekend, several of the trails have standing water. Trails between County highway CC and Powder Hill Road have the greatest amount of standing water. All other trails are open and passable. All campsites are open. Due to the high water levels on Pike Lake, a slow no-wake rule is in effect for all boaters. High water levels on Pike Lake have eroded the sand beach. Picnic areas are saturated and muddy in places. High water has closed Powder Hill Road at Highway E on the far south end of the forest. All other roads are open.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Southeast Wisconsin experienced record rainfall over the weekend, with many areas receiving 6 to 8 inches of rain. Area tributaries are at floodstage, and nearshore waters are very turbid. There have been some reports of the mudline out two miles into the lake. Large floating debris is common; use extra caution when boating out on the lake.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan shore fishing has been generally slow except for occasional chinooks hitting alewives off the south pier. Trollers have been catching chinooks and rainbows on spoons. Fish have been scattered south of the harbor in 80 to 120 feet of water.
Ozaukee County - The harbor water in Port Washington is extremely muddy. Before the rains, however, some rainbows and browns were caught near the power plant on spawn. Port Washington trollers have been catching chinooks as well as a few rainbows, coho, and lake trout in 90 to 100 feet of water. Flashers and flies, spoons, and j-plugs have been productive, and green and orange have been the best colors.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, shore fishing has been slow, but a few browns have been caught behind the Summerfest grounds on spawn fished under bobber. Milwaukee trollers have been catching chinooks, coho, and lake trout in 80 to 100 feet of water. Purple, blue, and black flies have been producing.
Racine County - In Racine shore fishing has shut down, but trollers have been catching fish in 50 to 70 feet of water. Chinooks, coho, and steelhead have all been hitting spoons in various colors.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha shore fishing has also been slow. Trollers off Kenosha have been finding scattered coho, with the majority of action in 70 feet of water. Spoons and dodger and fly combinations have been producing.
Inland fisheries team report
Fishing action was very good on area lakes prior to the rains last weekend. Northern pike were producing at Long Lake in Fond du Lac County, Sheboygan Marsh and Crystal Lake in Sheboygan County. Largemouth bass were also active just about everywhere. Bluegill action was spotty but, anglers were bragging about getting 7-8" fish, some of which had not yet spawned. Those anglers that started fishing at daybreak were most successful. A carp shoot on Big Cedar Lake produced 56 carp weighing a total of 1,186 pounds. The carp averaged over 21 pounds each. The biggest weighed 43 pounds. Trout streams are high and muddy.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County - Grant County has been the recipient of a large amount of rainfall in the last week which has greatly impacted recreational activities. The Grant and Platte Rivers have flooded over their banks and will remain for the next several days. The Mississippi River is once again on the rise and has a large amount of floating debris.
Wyalusing State Park - Both Wyalusing State Park and Nelson Dewey State Parks are open, including all campgrounds. Both the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin River are high. Mississippi River stage at McGregor (near Prairie du Chien) is at 15.54 as of June 11. Flood stage is 16 feet. Wyalusing State Park is located 500 feet above the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. Trails at Wyalusing State Park that were closed since mid July 2007 due to heavy rainfall remain closed. There have been no new additional trail closings due to the heavy recent rainfall. Trails at Wyalusing State Park that are open include: Sentinel Ridge (one of the longest and most scenic), Turkey Hollow (3.5 mile loop) Whitetail Meadows, Mississippi Ridge, Bluff Trail is open to Treasure Cave, Sugar Maple Trail is open to Pictured Rock Cave. The 33rd Annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous in Prairie du Chien is this weekend, starting Thursday, June 12 through Sunday, June 15. This fur trading and trapping re-enactment portrays life as it was in the 1840's when Prairie du Chien was the hub of the fur trade. It is the largest rendezvous in the Midwest. It is open to the public, and admission is free. All hiking trails at Nelson Dewey State Park are open. The park has minor storm damage and mud from flooding in some areas, however the park remains open.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Horicon Marsh is experiencing high water levels as is much of the region. It is likely that the rising water levels have flooded out numerous nests of a variety of marsh birds, including redhead ducks, bitterns, rails, terns, coots and others. Some of these birds have time to relocate and renest before the summer is through, but the full impact of the recent floods to wildlife reproduction will be difficult to assess. Attempts were underway to draw down water in a few impoundments in the marsh in order to encourage the growth of native wetland plants as wildlife food. However, these have all filled up again and it is likely that these plans will be abandoned for the year. The high water above and below Horicon Marsh has resulted in localized flooding in the floodplain of the Rock River and canoeing or kayaking is not recommended at this time due to the strong current and floating debris. These floods have also resulted in property damage along the river corridor and the intense runoff from farm fields and other unvegetated sites has produced millions of tons of eroded topsoil which is being deposited in the marsh. Each year, some 21 million pounds of topsoil is delivered into Horicon Marsh as a result of non-point runoff. While comprehensive water quality monitoring is not being conducted this year which revealed these results, it is certain that many times that is entering the marsh following the recent severe storms and flooding that has occurred in the Rock River drainage area. High sedimentation and nutrient inputs into the Horicon Marsh ecosystem are a serious concern for the ecological integrity and health of this marsh.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil’s Lake State Park – The park is open, despite 11 inches of rain in four days! The park is a bit battered, wet, flowing, rained-on, stormed and has generally been run through the wringer. But the park is open, trails are open, concessions are open, boat rentals are available, campgrounds are open, and roads are open -- with some restrictions and closures, including South Shore Road, and the Tumbled Rocks Trail. About half of the north shore picnic area is underwater. The lake level is so high that it is slightly and gently overflowing into the low-lying areas of the north shore picnic area. From there the ponded, but slowly flowing, water runs past the headquarters building, over the road, along the railroad tracks and into the stream alongside the exit. Two miles later, that stream flows into the Baraboo River, which is already above flood stage. Several people have spotted large northern pike and carp in the picnic area ”ponds”! South Shore Road is closed from Ski Hi Road on the west to the south shore picnic area on the east. Access to the Group Camp, CCC parking lot, and the south shore picnic area is open from the east from Highway 113 and South Lake Drive. Both north and south boat landings are closed. Some area roads and county roads are closed due to flooding or flood damage, so allow extra time for travel in case you encounter temporary detours in the region. Mosquitoes are extremely abundant this early summer, so be sure and bring your insect repellent. Ticks are plentiful this year also. Central Wisconsin is one of several hot spots for Lyme Disease (transmitted by some ticks) nationwide, so be sure and take precautions.
Dane County
Lake Kegonsa State Park - Dane County has issued a SLOW / NO WAKE order for Lake Kegonsa. Slow / No Wake means boats must move as slowly as possible while maintaining steering control and producing no wake. Most trails are open, but are muddy and may have standing water. Sections of the Lakeshore Trail are closed due to high water.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Upwards of 10 inches of rain fell in Vernon County over the weekend. Many ground-nesting birds likely had their nests inundated or washed away by the rains. Birds that construct their nests on tree or shrub branches, such as robins, grackles, and mourning doves, are vulnerable to having their nests destroyed, nestlings drowned, or eggs submerged by the downpours. Fortunately, most birds produce multiple clutches each year and can compensate for these types of losses. Recently born muskrats and some other young mammals may also experience losses. Free fishing weekend in the La Crosse area was fraught with rain, wind, flooding, severe storms and storm damage. Snapping and other turtles are out and about lay their eggs. This egg laying effort often brings turtles to yards, parking lots and roadways where they are not only vulnerable to traffic but poachers. Turtle season runs from July 15 through Nov. 30. Turtles or turtle eggs may not be taken during the closed season. Please refer to page 13 of your fishing regulations for more information on turtles.
Merrick State Park - Trails are in good condition. All campgrounds are open. The dock has been installed. Fishing has been slow this past week. River levels remain normal. Rain the past week has not effected the park. Spring wild flowers are beginning to come out. A few flowers spotted this past week include wood anemone, columbine, honeysuckle, goatsbeard, spiderwort, cinquefoil, fleabane, false foxglove, violets and yarrow. The Winona bridge has been closed indefinitely. Cross the Mississippi at La Crosse, Wisconsin or Wabasha, Minnesota or stay on Hwy 35 on the Wisconsin side.
Mill Bluff State Park - Despite recent heavy rainfall in the area, all trails are open. All branches and down trees have been cleared and a few wet spots remain in certain areas of Camels Bluff Trail. All campsites are currently open and in good condition. As a reminder there are no showers at the park. Showers are available for a fee at area vendors. There is no fishing or boating at Mill Bluff. The swimming pond and beach are in good condition and is a big draw to the park. The water is tested and always has very good readings. Wild lupine are in full bloom around the area as well as the columbine and many other species. The bluebirds houses are full of eggs waiting to hatch. Please do not disturb any of the houses. Due to the wet conditions the mosquitoes are plentiful in the area. Bring insect spray for a more enjoyable visit to the park.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - The park is closed until at least June 29. Part of State Highway 33, the entrance to the park, has washed away, creating a large hole in the road. This entrance road is steep and narrow with a 50-foot dropoff. Wildcat Mt. received heavy rains and flooding Saturday June 7 and Sunday June 8. The horse camp and horse trails received flooding and erosion damage. The canoe landing and Lower Picnic area are flooded. More storms are expected thru out the week. The horse camp and trails will be closed down this week thru Sunday June 15th for sure. The horse camp and trails may be closed for a longer period of time pending damage assessment. The canoe landing will also be closed for a unspecified period.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River Falls State Forest - An 11-mile section of the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails will remain closed through this weekend. The forest received more rain since the closing with more expected closer to the weekend. As soon as there is drier weather crews will groom and repair this section of trail and reopen it. Other sections of the trail were groomed this week. The state forest has 34 miles of ATV trails and connects with a larger 235-mile trail system that runs through Jackson and Clark Counties. Riders are being asked use their headlights at all times as the sandy trails can become dusty quickly. Riders should stay on trail at all times. As some sections of the trail may be wet, riders should use caution through these areas. Resist the temptation to "mud" in these areas, which would cause these areas to quickly become rutted and inundated with water. This in turn would cause other riders to go off trail to avoid them and eventually lead to trail closures.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Fishing in the area has been productive even with all of the rainy weather. Pan fish spawning activity has been sporadic with the swings in temperatures we have been experiencing. Park trails are generally dry and in very good condition. Species of birds we have been seeing or hearing include: rose-breasted grosbeaks, belted kingfishers, ruby throated hummingbirds, scarlet tanagers, a variety of wrens, red polls, bluebirds, lake gulls, golden finches, mallard ducks, common loons, great blue herons, red winged blackbirds, phoebes, Canada geese, sandhill cranes, robins, mourning doves, nuthatches, ravens, black capped chickadees, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles. The great blue herons, green herons, barred owls, ravens, osprey and bald eagles are on their nests. The fireflies and a variety of dragonflies have begun to show themselves. Common and wood strawberry, dog violet, marsh marigolds, trillium, wild columbine, bellworts, and the false rue anemones are in bloom.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area – Local anglers are having success with some nice pan and game fish being caught on lakes within the Reserve. Water levels in area lakes on the Reserve have risen with recent rains and heavy snowfall this year, replenishing levels that were at a 10 year low. Please remember that vehicle stickers are required at boat landings, and are available at the park office. Trails are in very good condition but with recent weather, wet in spots. A variety of songbirds have returned to the Chippewa Moraine including scarlet tanagers, eastern bluebirds, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and indigo buntings. Other birds seen lately include red-eyed vireo’s, and veery. Hummingbird feeders are a constant source of activity with Ruby-throated Hummingbirds vying for the best perch. At the rookery, great blue herons are hatching out young, and at last count there were approximately 60 nests which can be seen from the trail. Recently seen mammals in or near the park include black bears and white-tailed deer. Snapping turtles are laying eggs now, so please be careful and try to avoid them on roadways. Starflower, wild geranium, and blackberries are in bloom. This spring has given us a healthy mosquito population as well, so bring both your guide books and bug repellent. The naturalists on staff are always happy to answer nature questions. Plants in the new rain garden, installed in October 2007, are starting to emerge and regularly hold much of the rain runoff from the roof and sidewalk.
Wausau DNR Service Center area
Rib Mountain State Park - Trails are in good condition. Volunteers are working on improving the trail system, removing rock and resurfacing. Please be aware of this as you use the trails. Please note that Mountain Bikes are not allowed on the trails at Rib Mountain. Mountain Bike trails are available at the nearby Nine-Mile County Forest Recreation Area, this facility is managed by Marathon County Parks, Recreation and Forestry. The campground is open. Plenty of deer can be seen while in the woods along with other wildlife such as turkeys, fox, woodchucks, etc.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Trails and campsites are dry. Lake levels are normal. There are a few muddy spots on a couple trails. Mosquitoes have hatched and are abundant in the park right now. Lake breezes kept them away at times over the weekend at campsites. Remember to bring your bug spray. People enjoyed the picnic areas and beaches over the weekend. Most campsites are reservable and fill up fast for the weekend. There are a few non-reservable, first-served sites at the park. Remember, park stickers are required for Launch C and D and there are no additional launch fees. 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. The 2008 application is also available on the park website through the DNR internet site.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Campsites and trails are dry. Carter Creek was up over the weekend and a section of one trail was closed but the water is going down. There are many quiet sites available during the week. There are some mosquitoes so remember your bug spray. Trails are in great condition for hiking. If the office is closed, please self-register in the parking lot. If you self-register for an annual sticker, it will be mailed to you.
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, June 13, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Junior Forest Explorers: it's a Bird! It's a. . .. What's that red bird? Join us we discover a birder's tricks to identifying birds by their habitats, behaviors, calls and color patterns. Bring binoculars if you have a pair. This fun-filled program is for all 6 to 12 year old explorers. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 -Discovery Saturday: Follow a Compass Course. Find your way through Havenwoods following our compass course. Borrow a compass from us and we will show you how to use it. Then head outside and use the compass to navigate a simple course. Environmental Awareness Center. 9 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature: Canoe a Kettle. No, we don't mean a cooking kettle, but a glacial kettle, Mauthe Lake. Basic canoe instructions will be provided before we paddle our way around Mauthe Lake and up the Milwaukee River. To register, call the Ice Age Visitor Center at (920) 533-8322 by June 13. Class limit is 24 to 30 people without equipment. No experience is necessary. The program is best for families/groups with children over the age of 8 years. In the event of threatening weather, the program will be canceled. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Drop In at the Beach: "Tree"mendous Trees. Trees are the towering giants of the plant world. Stop in to find out how these "tree"mendous plants touch almost all parts of our lives. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Long Lake Recreation Area South Beach. 1-4 p.m. Birds of Prey. Barb Harvey and her special guests, several live birds of prey, will share insights into the world of these amazing sky hunters. She will cover some of their unique adaptations, habitat needs and threats to their survival. This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 8 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 7-8:30 p.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Walk, Talk and Dance Like a Sandhill Crane. Volunteer naturalist Chris Lilek will show us how to walk, talk, dance ,and eat like a sandhill crane. All ages welcome to attend this informative and entertaining presentation on one of Kohler-Andrae's residents. Amphitheater. 6 p.m. The Moon: Observing the Craters and Mares. Join NASA Ambassador Kevil Koski for an exciting evening observing our moon. Find out where the Apollo mission landed and see some of the craters and mountains on the moon. Learn fun facts about our nearest neighbor and what life would be like without the moon. Please bring chair or blanket and dress for an evening on the beach. No pets allowed. Best for ages 8 and up. Beach near the bathhouse. 8-10:30 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 - Geocaching. Learn the basics of geocaching at Potawatomi State Park. This two-hour program will begin with an introduction to geocaching followed by hands-on experience locating temporary caches. GPS units will be provided. This is a program for all ages and parents are encouraged to join their children. Meet at the Potawatomi Amphitheater. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Drop In at the Beach: "Tree"mendous Trees. Trees are the towering giants of the plant world. Stop in to find out how these "tree"mendous plants touch almost all parts of our lives. Everyone is invited to drop in for a few minutes or more than an hour for some nature fun. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Beach. Noon - 3 p.m.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Junior Rangers: Life in a Rotten Log. Would you want to live in a moldy house that is falling apart? Rotten logs are great places for plants and animals to live and raise their families. Come and meet some of them. Concurrent story times concurrently for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents and for primary age children, ages 6-8. These programs are not for day care centers or organizations. Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Walk The Park's Woodlands. Hike the Woodlands Dunes Trail with Drew Morris. Learn about tree identity, age of trees and other interesting facts. Family hike. No pets allowed. Meet at trailhead near playground. 10:30 a.m. Children's Storytime. Children ages 4-10 are invited to hear nature stories read by a volunteer storyteller. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Sanderling Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Great Lakes Sport Fishing. Hear a member of the Sheboygan Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen speak on salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. The presentation will include the history of salmon fishing, information on the five species in Lake Michigan and a display of tackle and gear used for this sport. Sanderling Nature Center. 7 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/
