Warm and milder weather made for a great fishing opener this past weekend, and fishing success was good for many anglers who ventured out. Overall, weekend angling pressure on northern waters was light to moderate, with the heaviest use noted on the managed trout lakes and the more popular walleye lakes. Pressure on streams and rivers seemed exceptionally light and reports of success were hard to come by. Walleye anglers had good success, with walleye in post spawn feeding mode, and a good number of limits were reported. Northern pike were also active and they provided some pretty good action during the mid-day hours.
In the south, despite the nice weather, high winds made lakes very choppy and kept many anglers fishing from shore. The Mississippi River remains high, and many boat launches remain at least partially under water and unusable. Fishing pressure and success have both been low. Trout anglers this past opening weekend reported fishing was successful, yet slower than past years, noting the cooler water temperatures.
Along Lake Michigan, walleye action continued to be very good on the Menominee River at Marinette. Northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye and brown trout were being caught from the breakwater at Oconto. Fox River anglers have been finding some walleye in the river, and anglers fishing from shore have been catching a lot of drum and a few catfish. Anglers have been trolling for walleyes on lower Green Bay and out of Sturgeon Bay with some success, but overall it has been slow. Some bass action was reported at Little Sturgeon Bay. Lake Michigan surface temperatures remain around 50 degrees. Strong winds in the last week kept lots of trollers off the lake last weekend, but action has picked up this week. Trollers fishing out Sheboygan and Port Washington reported a mixed bag of coho, chinook, browns, and lake trout. Milwaukee trollers fishing from the harbor have been getting a few coho and browns. The Root River in Racine was still producing some steelhead last week.
Water temperatures continued to rise on the Wolf River last weekend and more and more lake sturgeon came in to spawn below the Shawano dam. It looked like this third run at Shawano was definitely the largest one. This is a late spawning run, but not the latest on record. As of late this week a few sturgeon remained below the dam.
Spring wildflowers coming up or blooming include marsh marigold, hepatica, strawberry, blood root, jack-in-the-pulpit, wood anenome, leatherleaf, and violets. Tamaracks are growing fresh needles in the north. Turtles are becoming active and being seen crossing roads.
Orioles and buntings have been common sightings. The last two days of warm temps has really pushed bird migration along. Most areas of northern Wisconsin have seen a significant influx of warblers, vireos and other long-distance migrants, just in time for International Migratory Bird Day this Saturday. Newer arrivals include Canada, bay-breasted, cape may, and blackpoll warblers.
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.
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Statewide Birding Report
The last two days of warm temps has really pushed bird migration along. Most areas of northern Wisconsin have seen a significant influx of warblers, vireos and other long-distance migrants. Newer arrivals include Canada warbler, bay-breasted, cape may and blackpoll warblers. Flycatchers are now becoming more abundant with our first reports of willow flycatchers. Olive-sided, alder and others are expected in the next week. Shorebirds are becoming more abundant where exposed mud flats are available. Common migrants now include least sandpiper, dowitchers, dunlin and yellowlegs. Orioles and buntings are really common in the past two days with many observers reporting orioles at feeders. Goose broods are now evident statewide as are our first reports of sandhill and whooping cranes! Last Monday saw another good night for neotropical migrants. Southern Wisconsin is now about halfway through the warbler season, but it still on the early side up north. Birders are overjoyed as the leaf phenology has made for very good birding. Almost all of the warblers have been detected except for Connecticut, Canada and Kirtland's. We're just starting to see flycatchers show up along with vireos and thrushes. Still on the early side for the shorebirds but they'll start pouring in this week with the warmer temps and south winds. As always birders are encouraged to put sightings into ebird [www.ebird.org/WI] (exit DNR). The Wisconsin eBird page has a rare bird Flickr page for rare bird photos. It has photos of black-throated gray warbler, white-faced ibis, painted bunting, great gray owl, black-billed magpie, western tanager and others.
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Statewide Wildfire Report
Widespread precipitation has kept the fire danger at bay the past week. In DNR protection areas, 50 wildfires burned 22 acres. Seventeen buildings were threatened during these fires and one was lost. The main causes were debris burning, campfires, railroads, and equipment. Check this site for statewide current fire danger and burning permit restrictions.
Firewise Tip: Take some time to clean out the areas under decks and elevated porches. The leaves and pine needles that have collected here could be easily ignited by flying embers produced during a wildfire.
Northern Region Wildfire Report - Although rain has been keeping the fire danger the Brule / Cumberland Dispatch Groups remain vigilant watching weather patterns, maintaining equipment checks, and physically and mentally preparing for wildfire each day. Brule Dispatch reports five new wildfires for 9.45 acres this week. The largest of these five fires was caused by a passing train in the Mellen Area. This fire was contained by firefighters at 8.93 acres and five structures were saved in their effort. Year to date Brule reports 22 fires for 62 acres. Cumberland Dispatch reports one new 0.10 acre wildfire this week caused by debris burning. Year to date Cumberland reports 25 fires for 16 acres. Homeowners are reminded to make weekly checks around your home or cabin for wind blown leaves and needles on your roof or around your foundation; keep these areas clean. In Woodruff and Parks Falls Dispatch Groups, 18 fires burned a total of 4 acres with one structure saved this week. The fire danger is Low across the region due to rain but is expected to dry out early next week. There has been in increase in illegal daytime burning this week. One prescribed fire on 30 acres occurred this week.
Northeast Region Wildfire report - Thirteen fires burned just over 4 acres in the past week. Main fire causes were debris burning and campfires. Five structures were threatened in these fires and none were lost. Rain is keeping fire danger low across the region. Once the rains stop, vegetation will quickly dry out with sun and wind and fire danger will climb. Piling debris in a campfire pit does not make it okay to burn during the day. Any daytime burning needs a special permit from a DNR Forest Ranger.
West Central Region Wildfire Report - In the parts of the West Central Region where the DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 13 fires burned almost 4 acres in the last week. The biggest fire was a 2.25-acre fire in Sauk County caused by debris burning. In fact, 70 percent of the fires were caused by debris burning.
South Central Region Wildfire Report - In parts of the region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, six fires burned just under 1 acre last week. Three of the fires started along a railroad in Columbia County. Outside of DNR protection areas: A fire in Monona, near the Beltline burned roughly 100 acres on Tuesday, May 10. Multiple fire departments responded to the fire just before 4 p.m. Highway crews closed the Beltline to traffic after smoke from the fire blocked visibility in both directions. Suppression efforts were made difficult by limited access to the site. The fire was contained just after 6 p.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The few days of warmer weather has geared everything and everyone up for spring once again. The spring peepers and the chorus frogs have started calling once again with the warm temperatures. Lawns have turned green and are sporting a few dandelions. Deciduous tree leaves and new tamarack needles are beginning to emerge. The leaves have been a bit delayed due to the cooler temperatures this spring. Spring flowers that are beginning to bloom are marsh marigold, hepatica, strawberry, blood root, wood anenome, leatherleaf, and violets. Some warblers that are back in the area are pine warbler, black and white warbler, palm warbler, and northern parula. Baby porcupines have been sighted in the last week. Turtles are becoming active and are crossing roads, drivers should keep this in mind as they are traveling near the wetland areas. The staff at the Brule fish rearing station noted that they saw baby snapping turtles earlier this week. For those who are in need of ATV education classes, both Douglas and Bayfield counties have upcoming classes. The classes can be found at [dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/safety/coursereq.htm]
Cumberland DNR Service Center area
Barron and Polk counties - The first Canada goose broods are being seen. Newborn fawns have also been reported. Large numbers of migrating songbirds have been passing through the last two weeks. Yellow-rumped warblers in particular have been noted in high numbers. Some favorite resident birds, such as orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and hummingbirds, have started to show up at bird feeders over the last few days. Waterfowl flowages on Wildlife Management Areas have good numbers of waterfowl and water birds for those bird watchers that like to observe wetland birds. Trumpeter swans can easily be observed at Joel Marsh Wildlife Area in Polk County. Many Wildlife Areas also have good walking trails through the woods for those that like to observe forest birds. The leaves are popping fast and visibility is quickly declining for woodland bird watching. The spring wild turkey harvest is down 20 to 30 percent so far in some areas from a year ago. Poor hunting conditions in the early periods as well as some possible winter losses have contributed to this.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Warm and milder weather made for a great fishing opener this past weekend, and fishing success was good for most anglers that ventured out! Overall, weekend angling pressure on waters in the Upper Chippewa Basin was light to moderate, with the heaviest use noted on the managed trout lakes and the more popular walleye lakes. Trout success was mixed, with the stocked lakes and spring ponds providing most of the action. Good numbers of brook and rainbow trout were reported and quite a few limits were taken home. Pressure on streams and rivers seemed to be exceptionally light and reports of success were hard to come by. For walleye, most anglers were catching quite a few fish and a good number of limits were reported. The best fishing occurred in the late evening hours, though fair catches were also reported during the morning and even mid-day periods. Most of the walleye caught were in the 12 to 16-inch size, with the fish being found in the traditional areas of gravel and rock drop-offs. Some larger fish in the 18 to 24 size were found on mud flats in 6 to 10 feet of water. Jig and minnow combinations were the favorite bait, but stick baits also provided a good amount of action. Northern pike were also active and they provided some pretty good action during the mid-day hours when walleye fishing was slow. Good numbers of 20 to 26 inch fish were caught and some low-30 inch were reported. Panfish pressure was rather light as most anglers seemed to be going after walleye, pike or trout. However, some decent catches of perch and crappie were made by walleye anglers using smaller minnow baits.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Fishing pressure this past week has been moderate to heavy. Water temperatures at the landings is in the low 50s with a slightly stained water clarity. Spawning activity for walleye and suckers is ending.
Marinette County - The Hattie Street Bridge continues to be a hot spot for walleye fishing (from the fishing walkway) using stick baits and zip lures. Some bass were also being caught on stick baits and spoons. Walleye were being caught in goodly numbers from the Turn Basin to the mouth of the Menominee River. The Peshtigo River bite for walleye, pike, and smallmouth bass has been good for the most part. Jigging the deeper parts of the river and casting plastics and cranks in the shallows is working well. Good numbers of browns were being caught off the Peshtigo Reef in 7 to 12 feet of water trolling stick baits.
Oconto County – Smallmouth bass are starting to make their appearance at Pensaukee with anglers using a wide variety of baits to entice a bite. Plastics and stick baits were working well. Northern pike, smallmouth, walleye and browns were being caught from the breakwater in Oconto. Casting cranks and plastics have worked well with all species, although a dead smelt fished on bottom worked best for pike. Trolling for walleye and browns from the Oconto Breakwater Park to Oconto Park II has been good as a rule. Most anglers were catching their fish in 3 to 12 feet of water on stick baits. With recent rains, many worms and crawlers are being seen on the roads so get crawler harnesses ready.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Anglers have been trolling for walleyes on the lower bay with some success, but overall it has been slow. Fox River anglers have been finding some walleye in the river; most have been jigging for them. Anglers fishing from shore have been catching a lot of drum and a few catfish.
Manitowoc County - Strong southwest winds early last week switched to the northeast at 10-15 mph by the weekend. Temperatures warmed to the low 50s along the lakeshore with little to no precipitation last week. Water levels and clarity were back to normal in the tributaries for this first time this spring, but the Manitowoc River water flow remains fast. Water temperatures continue to rise, with many tributaries reaching 54 degrees and Silver Creek up to 57 degrees. Lake Michigan surface temperatures remain around 50 degrees. Little success was observed last week on the tributaries for trout and over the weekend for bass. Those fishing near the Shoto dam on the West Twin River and at Manitou Park on the Manitowoc River reported catching large numbers of small rainbow and brown trout in the 6-12 inch range casting spoons. A small number of northern pike have been caught at Cato Falls on the Manitowoc River on crank baits, with very few over 26 inches. A small number of pike up to 32 inches have been caught by the Mishicot dam on the East Twin River also using crank baits. Downstream from the Shoto dam and by Manitou Park, many anglers have been successful landing several suckers and carp using night crawlers on the bottom. At sunrise, those anglers targeting catfish have had success using sucker guts on the bottom in both the Two Rivers and Manitowoc harbors. Anglers have been landing two to four catfish up to 15 pounds. The small numbers of anglers targeting brown trout on the south pier in Manitowoc have had luck landing catfish and an occasional burbot using spawn on bottom. Very little success has been reported on the piers regarding trout and salmon. The boat ramps continue to show little activity last week with little success reported. A few boats have had some luck straight off of Manitowoc and south of Manitowoc near Cleveland landing up to four browns. Clown crank baits up high and various color spoons on the dypsy have worked best in 6-15 feet of water. Anglers also reported a few incidental catches of chinook salmon also in shallow, but there was no pattern when it comes to what colors to use.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Sturgeon Bay anglers have been trolling Larson's Reef for walleye with some success. They have been trolling in 15 to 20 feet of water during the day and shallower at night. Also, bass fishing has been heating up. Most have been targeting bass in somewhat deeper water due to the water temperature. Anglers were catching some big northern pike as well. At Little Sturgeon Bay, most of the fishing pressure has been focused for bass the last few days with catches a little slower then normal, but some very nice bass were being caught. Anglers have already started to fish shallower depths. Numerous anglers were also finding walleye in good numbers as well with trolling being the best way to find fish. But anglers have been casting for them as well with success. Anglers using large stick baits were catching some big northern pike.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Water temperatures continued to rise last weekend and more and more lake sturgeon came in to spawn below the Shawano dam on the Wolf River. It looked like this third run at Shawano was definitely the "big one". This is a late spawning run, but not the latest on record. In 1979 fish were still spawning on May 9 and 10 like this year; in 2000 there was a second run on May 16-18; and in 2002 fish were still spawning on May 18-20. Almost all of the spawning prior to this last big run at Shawano took place at water temperatures at or below 50 F so we undoubtedly had 100s of millions of eggs incubating as sub-optimal temperatures this spring. But there are usually two or three "runs" of sturgeon every year; so odds are that almost every year lake sturgeon will conduct at least one spawning run at a time that the eggs can incubate and embryos can develop at or close to optimal temperatures. Water flow, in addition to optimal temperature, is critical to incubating eggs. Eggs down in the interstitial spaces between the rocks have additional protection from being eaten by predators (suckers, redhorse, male lake sturgeon, carp, and crayfish). After about 10 days or so the sturgeon larvae, with their yolk sac, hatch out and immediately burrow down between the rocks where they stay for another 10 days or so until their yolk sac is used up and to the point when they need to start feeding on their own. At this point they begin moving downstream at night under the cover of darkness to avoid predation and settle on to shallow sand and pea gravel bars below the spawning site where they live for their first summer feeding on benthic aquatic insects. At the end of their first summer the young fingerling sturgeon average about 8-10 inches long.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Havenwoods State Forest - Trails are somewhat soft from recent rains. Deer, squirrels, raccoon, turkeys, red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawk, kestrel, owls, mourning doves, nuthatch, juncos, chickadees, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpecker, catbird, woodcock, and snipe have been seen.
Ozaukee County – There has been high amounts of warbler activity. Species seen include: black & white warbler, black throated green, northern parula, yellow, and more. Marsh marigolds are blooming. The trilliums were just about open last Thursday. Wild leeks are up.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, fishing activity has been minimal at best, high winds and muddy water has made waters off of Sheboygan unproductive over the weekend. Anglers who are venturing out have found spotty action for browns and an occasional lake trout in 10-50 feet of water. Spoons and crank baits fished off the bottom has been the best. Most of the area rivers remain low and very clear, fly fishers have caught an occasional steelhead out of the Pigeon River, other than that only a few carp and sucker have been reported being caught. A few days of west wind and some warmer weather should help improve fishing.
Ozaukee County - Fishing in Port Washington has been very slow, the water in the harbor has been clear and little to no fishing pressure has been reported. Trollers fishing 15-60 feet of water are getting a few browns on spoons and crank baits fished off of planer boards or off of downriggers set in the upper half of the water column. Sauk Creek is running low and clear, and most anglers are targeting suckers.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee anglers have been having decent success trolling for salmon and trout south of town, a mixed bag of coho, browns, lakers, and an occasional chinook have been reported fishing from the harbor out to 70 feet of water. Dodgers and flies and spoons fished shallow off of planer boards and downriggers have taken the most fish. High winds and muddy water has kept most trollers off of the lake in recent days, some more stable weather will be needed to improve fishing near shore. North and east winds has made near shore areas unfishable, aside from a few browns being taken from the McKinley pier other access areas have been void of anglers. The Milwaukee and Menomonee rivers have moderate flow and are fairly clear other than an occasional steelhead, suckers have made up the majority of the catch by river anglers.
Racine County - The Root River in Racine has still been producing some steelhead below the Horlick dam and in some of shallow pools and runs in Lincoln Park. Anglers using flies in dark colors and egg imitations have been the most productive. Trollers fishing off of Racine from the river mouth out to 70 feet of water have been getting coho and lake trout on either small spoons or small orange dodger and fly rigs, fished with lead core off of planer boards and downriggers. Some calm warm days and a west wind will make fishing off of Racine more productive in the up-coming weeks.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha trollers working the harbor mouth and shallows near shore are picking up an occasional brown or coho fishing with crank baits or spoons off of downriggers and dipsey divers. Fishing again has been dependant on weather a few days have been un-fishable due to strong winds and bad weather a few days of stable weather should improve fishing off of Kenosha. The Pike River is low and clear and no fish have been reported caught.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County - Mississippi River waters continue to recede, although anglers need to realize with a level of 14.2 at Cassville, with a normal level of 8-9, there is plenty of water yet to recede. May boaters and anglers are anxious to get out on the Mississippi and have encountered most boat landings remain closed and no boat docks have been placed. May of the lands are yet partially under water and need clean up before they are operational. Fishing is slow through out the Mississippi River. A few anglers report catching 9 to 11-inch yellow perch at O Leary Lake below Lock and Dam #11. The striped bass continue to bite as well along the lake and off the Eagle Point fishing barge. Trout and bass anglers this past opening weekend reported fishing was successful, yet slower than past years, noting the cooler water temperatures.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County – Despite beautiful weather last weekend, fishing was slow. Rough waters kept most fishers fishing from the shores. Most did not have much for luck, a few bullheads off of the Long Bridge and a few walleye below the Dam in Beaver Dam. Turkey hunters had great weather with moderate success. Most report at least seeing or hearing birds.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Mirror Lake State Park - Current lake levels are low as a result of needed repairs to the Mirror Lake Dam. Despite lower than normal lake levels, recreation activities; such as, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing and swimming are still available. Please contact the park office if you have any questions regarding the lake level. The lake is expected to be returned to normal levels by May 28, 2011. Hiking and Biking Trails are open. nd closed): Sandstone Ridge and Cliffwood Campgrounds are open. Blue Water Bay Campground will open on May 13.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - With the unstable weather and off and on water discoloration, there have been few reports from anglers. The Willow River was running near normal clarity two days ago but it rained Thursday morning. White suckers were reported to be on their spawning run below Willow Falls. The wet weather continues and trails are holding up well. They drain quickly. Park staff is aware of down trees across trails and will get these cleaned up. There was one very warm and humid day with full sun, high 80s, and no wind, which made "routine" fitness training a bit more demanding. Visitors who plan to train in the hot and humid weather, should wear cotton on top and take hydration along. Have a good recovery drink ready back at the vehicle. Bird sightings as of May 11 include: indigo bunting, gray catbird, willow flycatcher, blue-gray gnatcatcher, rose breasted grosbeak, ruby –throated hummingbird, Baltimore oriole, American redstart, solitary sandpiper, Colin’s sparrow, white-throated sparrow, northern rough-winged swallow, chimney swift, brown thrasher, Swainson’s hawk, black and white warbler, blue winged warbler, chestnut –sided warbler, golden-winged warbler, magnolia warbler, mourning warbler, Nashville warbler, palm warbler, Wilson’s warbler, yellow warbler, ovenbird, cedar waxwing There are no rattlesnakes at this park. There are some rather large fox snakes that can grow to 6 feet in length. The fox snake can slap its tail against something dry to produce a sound that can be perceived to be a rattle. The fox snake's tail is often hidden from view. A rattlesnake will have a plainly visible tail with a rattle on it. The rattle sound is much louder. The fox snake has an oblong shaped head with little taper to the neck. A rattlesnake has a triangular shaped head with a sharp taper to the neck. There has been a large increase in the number of visitors using snowshoes the last two winters. There is a plan in place for a snowshoe trail. It will be wide enough to accommodate the snowmobile. Stay tuned, there is more to come about this trail. Work has started on the bypass lane at the entrance station. Work on the two new parking lots inside the park is winding up. The firewood shed at the entrance station has been started. Other parking areas will be added on the north side of the property, primarily for deer hunting access since there are no trails nearby. All campsites will be open beginning Friday, May 13. A volunteer selling firewood at the Camp Host site on May 13 and 14.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
More seasonal weather seemed to contribute to improved turkey hunting during the fourth turkey hunting time period. Most hens appear to be on their nests, incubating their clutch of eggs. Incubation takes about 28 days. Most incubating hens leave their nest one time each day, although it is common for some to skip a day. Upon leaving the nest, hens typically find a drink of water, feed, and return to the nest after about an hour's absence. The Baltimore oriole is a strikingly beautiful member of the blackbird family. Males have jet black heads and tails, bright orange breasts and rumps, and white wing patches. Females are brownish olive on top with white wing bars, and a pale yellow-orange breast and belly. Baltimore orioles received their name because the male's colors resemble those on the coat-of-arms of Lord Baltimore. Males sing loud fluty whistles. This species generally resides in hardwood forests but has adapted to open woodlands, forest edges, parks, and urban backyards. Orioles' hanging pouch-like nests, created from milkweed down, weed fibers, dog hair, wool, yarns, and other fibrous materials, are usually constructed at the tips of tree limbs 15-30 feet above the ground, secure from predators. Orioles readily adapt to bird feeders that provide orange halves, small trays of grape jelly, mealworms, walnut pieces, apple bits, or nectar made from 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. Clumps of nesting materials, such as string, yarn, dog hair, or horse hair, suspended in trees and bushes may also serve to attract springtime orioles.
Perrot State Park - The Trempealeau River is still very high and the bay is more like a lake. Canoeing is enjoyable in the higher water; the water is fairly slow moving. Fishing is slow. Hiking trails are open and in overall good condition. Riverview Trail is a fabulous way to see the power of the flood waters. Bird sightings around the park include: tanagers, eagles, osprey, yellow warbler, orioles, palm warbler, herons, egrets, woodpeckers, ovenbirds, chestnut-sided warbler, Blackburnian warbler, black and white warbler, prothonotary warbler, northern parula, phoebes, goslings, and sandhill cranes. Puccoons, anemones, bellwort, bloodroot, wild ginger, rock cress, jack-in-the-pulpit, violets, pussy-toes, Dutchman's breeches, hepatica, prairie smoke, shooting star, wild oats, and columbine are blooming. Turtles are starting to sun and will be soon laying eggs all over the park. Please watch the roads for the turtles as they emerge from wet areas and head to dry areas to lay eggs. And remember, if you need to move a turtle, only move it in the direction in which it was originally headed. Water is on in the Lower Loop Campground and the Bay shower building is open.
Great River State Trail - The trail is in good condition and wildflowers are lining the trails. Turtles and snakes are awakening and enjoying the warmth of the trail surface, so keep your eyes open as you ride. Lots of warblers are moving through the area. Anemones, columbines, and strawberries are blooming. Baby turtles are emerging from their nests and making their way to waterways.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - . The spring wildflowers are finally blooming - blood root, spring beauties, and hepatica. Some wildlife spotted in the area, bald eagles, turkey vultures, sand hill cranes and a gray fox. The shower building is open
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - ATV Trails will re-open one day early this year on Saturday May 14. This year the State Forest along with Jackson and Clark counties will participate in the UTV pilot. UTVs will be allowed on the trail from May 14 through October 16, but not during the winter season. Please see the UTV Pilot Program [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cfa/LR/UTV/grants.html] for more information about the program, including the definition of UTV that can ride on the trails. The pilot program will allow the State Forest and counties to assess the viability of adding UTVs to the trail system on a permanent basis. As part of the assessment a user survey will be available online in the fall. This spring the state forest will be working on rehabilitating the ATV trails running just south of the 7th street parking lot. Much of this trail was closed periodically last year due to wet conditions. All wetland crossings in this section of trail will be upgraded similar to those that have already occurred north and south of the Highway 54 parking lot. These upgrades will reduce the amount of weather-related trail closures and protect the long-term integrity of the system. During this time this section of trail will be closed to traffic on Monday through Thursday's and open Friday through Sunday. Camping season is returning at the forest. All three campgrounds are open for use on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not recommend horse camping at this time as the trails are still very wet. The group camp is open and on the reservation system year-round. Castle Mound and East Fork are on the reservations system from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Trilliums have begun to emerge and should flower soon. A variety of turtles have come out and are sunning themselves whenever possible. The chipmunks and gophers have emerged and are quite active. Frogs are calling on the warmer days. Birds seen or heard include: great blue herons, red winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, red polls, robins, mallard and bufflehead ducks, mourning doves, ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated and red headed woodpeckers, barred and great horned owls. The bald eagles are on their nests. The sugar maple trees are flowering.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Spring migration is making for great birding and the weather is great for hiking and fishing! Turkey season is going on in the area this week. Hunters with permits for zone 1 can hunt in the Yellow River Wildlife Area (the park is closed for turkey hunting). Boat boarding piers and the accessible fishing pier are in and people have been out fishing. Canoes, single and double kayaks are available for renting. An adapted kayak for individuals with mobility impairments is also available for use in the park.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is open for day use and the first loop of the campground is open. The stairway up the bluff remains closed due to deteriorating lumber. Construction will be going on this summer/fall to replace it. Check out the petroglyph viewing area and all the great trails in the park.
Last Revised: Thursday May 12 2011
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