Unseasonably warm temperatures again this week have raised wildfire danger in Wisconsin to high or very high statewide. Burning permits have been cancelled in some areas and restrictions are in place in other areas. Check the current fire danger page of the DNR Web site for burning permit status and restrictions. Debris burning is the main cause of wildfires in the state, and people are being asked to put off any burning at this time. Since March 3, 166 wildfires have burned 240 acres around the state. Ten structures have been lost in these fires and another 78 were threatened. 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, anyone who starts a wildfire, may be held liable for all damages and fire suppression costs.
Ice conditions have continued to deteriorate with the mild spring weather. Ice thickness has dropped down to the 8- to 12-inch range on northern lakes, and southern lakes are opening. Portions of the Madison area lakes are open and ice may go out of Lake Monona completely this week. For all practical purpose, the ice fishing season has now ended statewide, as access conditions and honeycombed ice have made it just too unsafe for anglers to get out. Rivers and parts of many flowages have lost their ice cover even through northern Wisconsin.
Some ice flows remain on Green Bay and shifting ice can make boating on any open areas of the bay hazardous. Most of the west shore is ice-free and anglers have been fishing open water, with some limited success for walleye, trout and northern pike. On the Door County side, Sturgeon Bay has open water and anglers have been fishing from boats, but Sawyer Harbor still has some ice.
Lake Michigan tributaries generally have good water levels. Anglers on the Sheboygan River have been catching steelhead and a few rainbows and browns have also been caught in the harbor and at Port Washington. Anglers fishing the Milwaukee River have been catching a few browns and rainbows. Flows are good on the Menomonee River and Oak Creek, and some steelhead have been taken from both. Fair numbers of steelhead and browns have been found throughout the Root River and the Root River Steelhead Facility is running, with the first fish processing scheduled for March 25.
Walleye anglers had good luck this week on the Menomonee River in Marinette. The Mississippi River has continued to rise and was at 13.9 feet this week at Prairie du Chien. The high flows have moved much of the ice out of backwater sloughs. Fishing activity below the dams on the main channel has been spotty, with some decent walleyes taken along with some smaller sauger.
Spring turkey permit sales have gone briskly this week. Zones 2 and 7 are sold out in all periods, but permits remain in other zones for the later hunting periods. Any remaining leftover permits go on sale for all zones on Saturday, March 27, and will continue until sold out or the season ends.
Great horned owlets are fledging and some Canada geese are already sitting on nests in southern Wisconsin. Bald eagles are nesting in northern Wisconsin. Sandhill cranes are beginning to nest in the south. Male bluebirds are setting up territories around their nest boxes and actively seeking mates. And a sure sign of spring, chorus frogs have begun calling in marshes in southern Wisconsin.
A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statewide Wildfire Report for March 25, 2010
Currently the parts of the state where the Wisconsin DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression are at High or Very High fire danger. Consider putting off any burning you have planned. If you must burn, once you have your annual burning permit, you are required to check daily for burn restrictions after 11 a.m. on the days you want to burn. You can call 1-888-WIS-BURN or check online at dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire for burn restrictions. Permits may be suspended with the increased winds and lack of precipitation. The first wildfire of 2010 occurred on March 3 in Waupaca County. Since then, 166 wildfires have burned 240 acres around the state. Ten structures have been lost in these fires and another 78 were threatened. 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. Also, use extra caution when disposing of ash from fireplaces and wood heaters – make sure they are completely cold to the touch before dumping outdoors. Remember as Smokey always says, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires!" More information about fire laws, regulations, and burning permit requirements can be found on the DNR Web site at
http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire. If you fail to obtain a permit or check the daily restrictions, you risk burning illegally or unsafely, and may be subject to a citation. Furthermore, if your fire escapes and starts a wildfire, you may be held liable for all suppression costs. Firewise Tip: Remove the “ladder fuels.” Vegetation that serves as a link between grass and tree tops can carry fire from vegetation to your home. Keep trees pruned six to ten feet from the ground.
Northern Region Wildfire Report
Spring came early to northern Wisconsin. The fire danger is High across the region, and burning permits are required for all open burning, with the exception of camp fires. Even though it’s cool, windy conditions combined with low relative humidity dry out fuels quickly and make for dangerous fire conditions. Burning is only allowed from 6 p.m. to midnight with no burning on Sundays or legal holidays. In the Woodruff and Parks Falls Dispatch Groups, 28 fires burned a total of 75 acres the past week. Two structures were lost and another 12 were threatened during these fires. Debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires. Early snow melt brought the first wildfire in the Brule Dispatch Group on March18. The cause of that 0.01 acre fire in the Gordon area is still under investigation. The Brule Dispatch Group reports 19 wildfires this week that burned 5.5 acres and one Mutual Aid fire in Ashland that burned 1 acre - the cause was an escaped campfire. Thirteen of the 19 wildfires were caused by one train in the Mellen area -- all fires burned a combine three acres. There were no structures lost in the Brule area this week. Cumberland Dispatch Group reports 15 wildfires that burned 31 acres. The largest of these fires was in the Webster area. The cause of that wildfire was debris burning. Most of the fires in the Cumberland area were cause by debris burners. No structures were lost due to these fires.
North East Region Wildfire Report
Peshtigo Dispatch Group – Current fire danger is High across the area. Burning is allowed from 6 p.m. to midnight. No burning on Sundays or Holidays Waupaca Dispatch Group - Current fire danger is Very High across the area. Lower relative humidity and gusty winds are expected, which can lead to dangerous fire behavior. As of March 25, annual burning permits have been suspended. Thirty-nine fires burned 39 acres across the region over the past week. Debris burning has been the main cause. Two structures were lost and another 22 were burned during these fires.
West Central Wisconsin Wildfire News
Conditions across Wisconsin are dry with little chance of precipitation across the area the rest of the week and over the weekend. As of March 25, fire danger is at High and annual burning permits have been cancelled. Although it is early in spring fire season, there have already been 34 fires burning over 46 acres in the region so far in 2010. There is no longer complete snow cover so remember that burning permits are required.
South Central Region Wildfire Report
Wildfire activity has been increasing with the lack of precipitation, low humidity, and gusty winds. Current fire danger is Very High. 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statewide Birding Report
Great-horned owls are fledging. Geese are now sitting on nests in southern Wisconsin.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHERN REGION
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park – Extremely warm temperatures during March have completely melted the winter snowpack giving many people the desire to get outdoors. The rapid snow melt led rising water levels in the Bad River. Although the river crested about March 17, water levels remain good and waterfall viewing is excellent. All hiking trails are open but hikers should expect areas of mud and possibly ice. The maple syruping event scheduled for March 27 has been canceled. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused those planning on attending.
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Washburn County - Golden eye, trumpeter and tundra swans, kestrel, hooded merganser, geese and mallards are flying about more than before. Woodcock are peenting. Ruffed grouse have been heard drumming. Chickadees are singing. Robins and the first blue bird were seen March 22.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice conditions have continued to deteriorate with the unseasonably mild spring weather and ice thickness has dropped down to the 8- to 12-inch range on most lakes. For all practical purpose, the ice fishing season has ended - as access conditions and honeycombed ice have made it just too unsafe for most anglers to try getting out. Area rivers and parts of many flowages have lost their ice cover, but most natural lakes have not yet opened up. The lakes are still completely ice covered - except for a moat of 5 to 20 feet of open water along the shorelines.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Due to the warm weather over the past few weeks and the lack of precipitation water levels this spring are low. Water temperatures at the landings are in the low 40s with good clarity, although a bit stained. All boat landings are open with the exception of Oconto Park II. Care should be taken went venturing out on the bay because the ice flows will move in strong winds.
Marinette County - The big story in Marinette County is the walleye bite on the Menominee River. Boaters out of Boom Landing are reporting good catches of walleye along the wall adjacent to the Turn Basin and in the Turn Basin itself. Vertical jigging with lead headed jigs tripped with a minnow has worked extremely well. Shore anglers were also catching walleye from the dam to Stephenson Island. Raps, twister tails and lead jigs tipped with minnows work well. The down side with the shore anglers is when the dams are shut down the bite suffers. The Peshtigo River is fishing slow for walleye and trout at this time but more walleye are starting to show up, things will get better.
Oconto County - Anglers in Oconto County have been keying on the Oconto Breakwater landing looking for walleye, trout, and pike. Success has been limited. Stiles dam is seeing its share of anglers also searching for the above named species with the same results. It is very early in the year but with rising water temperatures, expect fish to become more active.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park - All hiking trails are open. Avoid hiking trails that traverse low areas which will be wet this time of year. Sunset Bike Route: is closed to biking due to wet conditions. Warmer temperatures will help with the drying process before it opens for the season. Interior roads are a nice alternative this time of year for a less traveled route.
Potawatomi State Park - All roads in the park are now open. The tower is also open. Anglers are boating in Sturgeon Bay's open waters south of the park. The ice has not cleared yet from Sawyer Harbor or along the park's Sturgeon Bay shoreline. Launching piers will be placed in the water the week of April 19.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - The snow and ice is gone from trails. Early signs of spring have arrived with the migrating birds. Loons can be seen out on the lake along with buffleheads, mergansers and other diving ducks. A large flock of turkeys have been seen on the red trail. Hikers on the black trail saw a very pregnant doe waddling around. River otters tracks have been seen in the mud on the red trail and near the creek. The lake level has risen making the beach look even smaller than last year.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTHEAST REGION
Milwaukee DNR Service Center
Havenwoods State Forest - Trails are in good condition. Deer, squirrels, raccoon, turkeys, red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, owls, mourning doves, chickadees, juncos, nuthatch, downy woodpeckers, song sparrows, meadowlark, bluebirds, and sandhill cranes are being seen.
Harrington Beach State Park - Trails are in seasonal condition, they have wet and muddy areas. Quarry Lake and Puckett’s Pond are beginning to thaw for the year. Please remember that these bodies of water are part of the Urban Fishing program. The special regulations on designated urban waters in the Southeast Region are: a year round season, no length limits, and a special season (March 13 thru April 23) for juveniles 15 years of age and younger and certain disabled anglers. Please see page 20 of the current Wisconsin fishing regulations. Migratory birds have started to return. Sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds and woodcock are just a few to mention. The campground remains closed for the season. It will reopen for camping on May 5.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - All hiking and nature trails are open. Visitors are reporting bald eagle sightings. Visitors may also see a red fox. The sandhill cranes and red wing black birds are back. Showers, flush toilets, water fountains and the trailer dump station remain closed for the season. The park water system is scheduled to be turned on April 16.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - – In Sheboygan, the water levels on the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers are somewhat high but dropping. Anglers on the Sheboygan River have been catching steelhead on spawn sacs at the Kohler dam. A few rainbows and browns have also been caught off the south pier on both spawn sacs and crank baits.
Ozaukee County - – In Port Washington anglers have been catching a few rainbow and brown trout on spawn both in the north slip and near the power plant discharge. A few steelhead have been taken in upstream stretches of Sauk Creek on yarn flies and spawn sacs.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee anglers fishing the Milwaukee River along the wall under the Hoan bridge have been catching a few browns and rainbows. Spawn and small shiners have produced the most fish. Flows are good on the Menomonee River and Oak Creek, and some steelhead have been taken from both. In the Milwaukee River anglers have been catching fair numbers of steelhead on yarn flies at Kletzsch Park. Boaters jigging around the gaps in Milwaukee continue to catch lake trout.
Racine County - In Racine water levels and clarity on the Root River are good. Fair numbers of steelhead and browns have been found throughout the river, and most have been taken on spawn sacs or small tube jigs. Fly anglers have had the most success with woolley buggers and egg imitations. The Root River Steelhead Facility is running, and the first fish processing day will most likely be on Thursday, March 25. Fishing in the Racine harbor has been slow.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha flows on the Pike River are good, but steelhead fishing has been rather slow. In the harbor anglers are catching a few steelhead and browns on white tube jigs or spawn sacs.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Prescribed burns will be done on public lands this spring in south central Wisconsin. Controlled or prescribed burning is an ecological and economical method of limiting exotic and unwanted brush invasions that crowd out native vegetation: The burns: stimulate prairie grass growth and improves habitat for upland game and waterfowl; create pockets of open water for waterfowl amidst cattails proliferating in low areas; improves cover type for upland nesting birds, such as pheasants, and spurs native vegetative growth for songbirds; and help preserve grasslands and native flora, plant species that were sustained by natural fires prior to intensive European settlement. DNR biologists hope to start burning soon and, depending on the weather, may continue into May.
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - The Mississippi River is on the rise. River level was 13.9 March 24, up 0.1 of a foot from the previous day. All trails are free of snow and most are in good hiking condition. A few trails were still muddy in spots as of Monday of this week, but with the warm temps and no precipitation predicted until possibly Saturday, even those spots should be dry by the weekend. Returning spring migrants include: fox sparrows, bluebirds, robins, killdeer, sand hill cranes, turkey vultures, red-winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, pelicans, song sparrows, and belted kingfisher. A few cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, gold finches, bluejays, juncos and nuthatches can still be found at the office bird feeders. The birds at the feeders are not feeding with the sense of urgency that they had during the winter months. Bluebirds have been taking advantage of the moths that are attracted to the light near the self-registration station at the office. Male goldfinches are sporting spots of bright yellow as they molt into their breeding plumage. The list of returning spring migrants should be changing daily within the next few days.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County - The Madison lakes are on the verge of ice out. The north end of Lake Waubesa is ice free and Monona should have ice out any day now, possibly by the weekend. A few anglers have been open water fishing on Monona Bay and some of the other open areas but haven't been having much luck. A few crappies have been taken below the Stoughton dam. Fish refuges along the Yahara River have been posted and northern pike have been observed spawning. Muskies have begun to show up below a few of the dams. Water levels are below the winter minimum and some runoff from rainfall would be helpful. It's been fairly dry and most of the snowmelt has been absorbed into the soil. Skunk cabbage is up in the swampy areas. Sandhill cranes are beginning to nest and some reports of nesting bluebirds have been received. A few bluebirds have returned and males are setting up territories around their nest boxes and actively seeking mates. Geese are sitting on eggs already, as are Redtail Hawks and a few Eagles nesting in the area. Chorus frogs have begun their spring calling in a few areas and woodcock have begun their nightly displays and courting flights.
Mirror Lake State Park - Hiking Trails still have spots that are snow covered or wet. Bike Trails are closed until May 1. Ishnala Trail is currently closed for hiking until new seeding becomes established. We expect to open the Ishnala Trail in June. Signs of spring are showing around the park. Robins have been seen and heard. Male cardinals are singing both to attract mates and to let rivals know that they have a territory staked out. Maple trees are beginning to respond to the warmer days by starting their sap flow. In the morning when temperatures are below freezing, you may notice sapcicles hanging from injured maple branches. One of the most interesting early signs of spring in the park is the eastern skunk cabbage. Eastern skunk cabbage grows in the more moist sections of the woods, marshes, and along streams. In late February and early March, the flower of the plant will emerge from below the leaf litter and snow. The leaves will come later. The flower is three to five inches high and a purple-brown color. What is most interesting about the skunk cabbage flower is its ability to withstand cold temperatures. The flower actually produces heat. In fact, the temperature in and around the flower can be up to 40 degrees F. higher than the surrounding air temperature. This warmth attracts pollinating flies and sends a skunky scent through the woods. On your next hike through the woods, see if you can spot this early sign of spring. Areas south of Fern Dell Road within the Park will be open for spring wild turkey hunting. This includes Hastings, Fern Dell and Turtleville Trails. Turkey hunting is prohibited north of Fern Dell Road.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - The Willow River has begun to clear up. It was running at normal flow on Saturday and anglers using spinners got some trout. The water was running closer to clear on Sunday. Trout anglers could have a long run of days to fish in excellent water conditions since the runoff is over with in the Willow watershed. There’s some ice to come out of the lake yet. Trails are drying out. Puddles are gone but there will be soft spots. It is mud season till the frost comes out of the ground. There are still some skiing signs up that say “do not enter.” Hikers can disregard those. Volunteers will be taking down the one way signs soon.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
As the weather continues to warm, chipmunks are emerging 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 - The Mississippi River continues to rise. Last week the river was around the 10 foot mark. As of March 23, the Mississippi River was at 13.8 feet and rising. The forecast, baring any heavy rain, is for a continuing rise of a couple feet which will approach flood stage of 16 feet. The rising water and warm temperatures have moved most, if not all, the back water ice out of the area. The main channel and the east channel of the Mississippi River are completely free of ice. Most of the boat landings on the Mississippi River’s main channel are ice free, but access is becoming difficult due to the rising water. The Kickapoo River is in good shape for this time of year. In Gays Mills the water level was at the 7.75 foot mark and falling. Flood stage is 13 feet. The Wisconsin River at Muscoda was at 3.21 feet and falling. Flood stage is 9 feet. Prairie du Chien Area and Lower bottoms: The increase in water level made fishing difficult for the most part. Swift current is traveling through Garnet Lake, Pickerel Slough, Hunters Slough and St. Feriole Slough. There was ice on Dillman’s pit, however it was to dangerous to travel on. Fishing activity in these areas had changed from panfishing to bass, northern and walleye fishing. Fishing success has been spotty. Prairie du Chien Ambro Slough Complex: For the most part all the ice in the back water area of the Ambro Slough complex is gone. With the high water areas like Tilmont Lake, Spring Lake and Gremore Lake are seeing current traveling through them, which makes fishing difficult. Some anglers have been trying the Roseau Slough area for walleyes with limited success. Sturgeon Slough Area: Current is now flowing through Sturgeon Slough, which really shuts down the fishing. Sturgeon (aka McGregor or Horseshoe) Lake is now ice free and water from the East Channel is flowing across the land and into the lake. Fishing in these areas is slow. Cold Spring: Fishing here remains very slow and the ice is gone. Reports of a few small bluegill and an occasional crappie have been reported by those fishing from boats. Cold Spring is considered inland water. The game fish season closed on Monday March 8. Mississippi River: The boat landing at Gordon’s Bay is now open to boat traffic, however the road leading into the boat landing might be closed due to high water. Anglers are reminded to pay for their launch fee prior to heading out onto the water. Fishing activity below the dam has been spotty. Some decent walleyes have been taken along with some smaller sauger. Anglers will have to use heavier jigs to get to the bottom. A few perch are starting to show up along the long wall at the dam. Anglers are dead lining with night crawlers for perch. Also, a few northern pike have been caught. A huge influx of migratory birds continues. Robbins, red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes and more have returned to the area. Local waterway are beginning to fill up with ducks, geese, and some swans. Eagles are actively tending their nests along the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. Bluebirds are checking out nesting boxes. Most areas are now frost free and some grass and weed species are starting to show up. This is a good time of year to look for and eradicate garlic mustard plants.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Most of the Cornell Flowage is open, though backwater bays are still holding some ice. The boat ramp is ice free. Species of birds seen or heard include: gold 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 appears to be a pair of bald eagles nesting on Cornell flowage. Park trails are generally dry with occasional muddy areas. The campground is open with some electric sites, hand water pump, and pit toilets.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - A couple roads are still closed as they are too soft to drive on. These roads have gates across them. Boaters have been using launch C to get out on the lake. The launch inside the park sustained some ice push damage and will be fixed this week.
Last Revised: Thursday March 25 2010
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/#top
