A spring snowstorm dropped up to a foot of snow in northern Vilas County earlier this week, but snow levels dropped off quickly, with just an inch reported in Lincoln County and only a trace at Wausau in Marathon County. Rain was reported in most other locations, ranging from just a trace to an inch in some parts of southeastern Wisconsin. The precipitation gave wildfire control crews a bit of a reprieve, but fire danger levels have already shot back up to very high in northwestern and southwestern Wisconsin. More rain is in the forecast for later this week and through the weekend.
Wisconsin celebrated Earth Day this week, and in honor of that celebration the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is sponsoring a series of Work-Play clean-up days at different state parks around the state. Activities are scheduled this Saturday, April 25 at Mirror Lake, Lake Kegonsa, Governor Dodge and Wyalusing state parks, with additional activities at other parks on the next two Saturdays, May 2 and May 9. The events are free but preregistration is required and admission stickers are needed for entrance to parks. Check the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Web site [www.fwsp.org] (exit DNR) for details.
The famed Lake Winnebago sturgeon spawning run has begun up the Wolf and Embarrass rivers and sturgeon were present in good numbers this week at a number of locations. More information and locations were sturgeon can be seen is available on the lake sturgeon spawning page of the DNR Web site.
The smelt run has begun on Lake Superior and many people have been out enjoying the smelt harvest. Ice-out is progressing rapidly now on northern lakes and walleye are spawning. Only the larger lakes in the far north still have any ice cover, and it is unsafe. The Chippewa tribal spearing harvest is in full swing in the ceded territory. Walleye runs on rivers are now winding down and walleyes have begun to move back down stream, with suckers now actively running on many river systems.
Trollers on both the east and west shore of Green Bay were reporting good walleye activity. Anglers trolling the Lake Michigan shoreline have been picking up brown trout and some lake trout. Pier anglers have also had success, with many anglers landing nice brown trout.
Cold nights have prolonged the steelhead run on southeastern Lake Michigan tributaries. The run could last a week or maybe even two yet. The early catch and release inland trout season ends April 26 and there is no inland trout fishing open for another week, until the harvest season opens along with Wisconsin’s general game fish season on Saturday, May 2.
Anglers should make sure that boats that have been stored for the winter are in good operating condition and to do a safety check before venturing out onto the water. Pay special attention to life jackets, seat cushions, fire extinguishers, batteries and covers and boat lights, so your are not caught on the water unprepared. And remember, fishing licenses expired last month, so make sure you have purchased 2009-10 licenses.
Wild turkey hunters reported fair success last week during Period A. Unseasonably warm and dry weather created difficulty for some hunters in their efforts to anticipate turkey behavior. Black bears are coming out of hibernation in the north, so it is time to put away bird feeders, and secure trash and pet food to deter nuisance bear problems.
Chimney swift were heard in southeastern Wisconsin April 17, although the recent snow may have pushed the swifts a little south again as these birds live on the wing, foraging in flight on flying insects. Rufous-sided towhees, yellow-rumped warblers, white-crowned and savanna sparrows and phoebes have been seen.
Some brown or Dekay's snakes were on the move during the warm weather. Generally, these snakes exhibit a major migration from their winter hibernacula in late April. Most tundra swans have moved off the Mississippi River heading for nesting grounds in Alaska or Canada.
Popple leaves are emerging and maples are dropping buds. Ephemeral flowers including pasque flowers, blood root, rue anemone, butter cups, Dutchman's breeches and hoary puccoon are beginning to bloom in the south. And an early hatch of mosquitoes was noticed last weekend in some locations.
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 Wildfire Report
Widespread precipitation gave fire control personnel a bit of a reprieve in the last week However, this time of year there is still a great deal of dead vegetation that will dry out quickly and be available fuel for a wildfire. In the past week, 132 wildfires burned 376 acres. Eight structures, including a year-round home and a seasonal cabin were destroyed. Another 64 structures were threatened, yet ultimately saved. Current fire danger varies between Low in areas with recent snow and Very High in several northwest counties and the south central region. Gusty winds this time of the year bring increased danger of downed power lines. Check current wildfire danger page of the the DNR web site to find out the fire danger levels around the state.
Firewise Tip: Prevent combustible materials and debris from accumulating beneath decks or elevated porches. Screen underneath or box in areas below the deck or porch with wire mesh no larger than 1/8”.
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NORTHERN REGION
Northern Region wildfire report
Brule and Cumberland Dispatch Groups - The warm dry weather is driving fire numbers up in the Brule and Cumberland Fire Dispatch Groups. Brule Dispatch Group reports 10 new fires this week burning 20 acres. In these fires, firefighters saved nine structures and lost three. Cumberland Dispatch Group also reports 10 new fires this week burning 6 acres. In these fires, firefighters saved one structure and lost one. The rains and snow in the area gave firefighters a reprieve, giving them a chance to catch up with normal day to day duties. The forest planting season is well under way so many of our firefighters pull double duty, coordinating tree planting on private lands and fire duty. The weekend forecast is calling for thunderstorms; this could be good if the system holds enough rain. Current fire danger is Very High. Warm temperatures, gusty winds, and low humidity have created dangerous conditions. Burning permits are suspended.
Park Falls and Woodruff Dispatch Groups - In Woodruff and Parks Falls Dispatch Groups, 30 fires burned a total of 41 acres with three structures saved this week. The fire danger is Low to High across the region due to snow cover in some areas. Debris burning, improper disposal of ashes, and arson are the leading causes of wildfires in the Park Falls-Woodruff area. A debris-caused fire burned 25 acres 2 miles south of the Village of Lublin, in Taylor County. The fire burned extremely well in a field and hardwoods with scattered white pine. A string of arson fires have occurred on the Lac Du Flambeau Reservation in Vilas County. Remember, burning is only allowed from 6 p.m. to midnight with no burning on Sundays or legal Holidays.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Bayfield County - Its time to put the feeders away, or at least up and out of reach, because bear are coming out of hibernation. A king fishers was seen this past weekend, with several woodcock and snipe also being spotted in the Drummond Area, so the hummingbirds should be back in the next week or so. Smelt are in so many people are out enjoying the smelt harvest. Walleye are spawning, the tribal harvest is drawing to an end and the fish opener is right around the corner. After boats have been stored for the winter months, be sure to do a safety check before venturing out onto the water, with special attention on your life jackets, seat cushions, fire extinguisher, batteries/covers and boat lights, you don't want to get caught on the water unprepared. And yes, a wearable life jacket is required for each person on board any boat, including, inner tubes, paddle boats, canoes, jet skis, and motor boats, and any motor boat 16 feet and over are required to have a throw able on board. Reminder, to let you know that most DNR licenses expired last month, don't forget to purchase your 2009 licenses.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail - Reports indicated the trail has mixed conditions after seasonal changes with the frost leaving the ground. The majority of the trail has been groomed, however bumpy conditions still exist.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - The docks are in at the boat landing. The ice was off the bay on April 10. A lot of anglers have been fishing by the dam. The campground will open on May 1. However, the flush toilet buildings will not open until May 15. The campground is on a first come first serve basis until May 23. The dump station is currently closed.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Northeast Region wildfire report
In the past week, 32 wildfires burned 176 acres. Six structures were threatened during theses fires. The main causes of wildfires were debris burning and equipment. Several fires are still under investigation. Recent precipitation alleviated fire danger in the region. Current fire danger varies between Moderate and High. Danger can be expected to increase during dry conditions when temperatures are warm, winds are gusty, and humidity goes down.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The Peshtigo Harbor boat ramp is passable with many boaters taking advantage of this fact. Brown trout, walleye, and northern pike were being taken in the shallows with anglers slow trolling crank baits. The fishing pressure at the Peshtigo Dam has started to slow down mainly due to the decrease in walleye and the upsurge of suckers. The Menominee River has been producing walleye with anglers vertically jigging with minnows and plastics (gulp alive). A few walleye were being caught by anglers trolling in and around the Interstate Bridge area on stick baits. Area inland streams are at good levels but could still use a few more inches yet. An early hatch of mosquitoes was noticed before the rain and snow. The popple leaves are increasing along with maple buds. Large numbers of geese were migrating the past weekend. Expect to see ephemeral flowers begin to bloom due to the much needed rainfall we received this week. There has been reported mixed success with the opening of the spring turkey season. Toms are strutting to their audience of hens.
Oconto County - Unsettled weather the last week brought shirt sleeve temperatures some days, winter coat weather other days. Some much needed precipitation fell in the form of rain and snow. The big change this week was the change over from walleye to suckers on the Green Bay tributaries. Water temperatures are in the upper 40s with good water clarity. Fishing pressure was moderate to heavy. Fishing was slow at the Stiles Dam with only a few suckers being caught while the water level was low. Oconto Breakwater Harbor shore anglers were catching some northern pike along with the occasional walleye on spoons and stick baits. Boaters are enjoying good success on walleye, northern pike, and brown trout trolling shallow and slow. Oconto Park II was producing in the same way. White pelicans have been observed along the bay shore.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Walleyes on the Fox River are now moving downstream toward the bay of Green Bay. Jigs and minnows fished around structure as well as trolling crank baits off planer boards have been working. Trolling crank baits out on Green Bay on both the east and west shore is also working well in 5 to 10 feet of water. Anglers are reminded that the walleye bag limit on the Fox River is one fish 28 inches or larger and on Green Bay it is 15 inches or larger until May 2. Starting May 2 it changes to three walleyes of any size on the Fox River and five walleyes 15 inches or larger on Green Bay. The Yellow Perch season on Green Bay and its tributaries is closed until May 20.
Manitowoc County - Fishing in Two Rivers was good this past week. Nice weather mixed with some favorable lake conditions increased the number of anglers using the boat ramps and piers. Boat anglers had a good Saturday morning trolling the Lake Michigan shoreline picking up brown trout and a couple lake trout. Anglers targeting brown trout reported the most action trolling north of Two Rivers with stick baits. Pier anglers had a good weekend as well, with many anglers landing nice brown trout. Successful anglers were either casting lures or fishing off the bottom with spawn sacs. On the West Twin River, anglers fishing near the Shoto dam had a good week. Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning were especially productive for many anglers targeting steelhead. Sucker anglers had success fishing around the Shoto Island. On the East Twin River, good weather and favorable fishing conditions had many anglers trying their luck at the Mishicot dam or in the Village Park. Rainbow trout anglers were casting small spoons, stick baits, and spinner with mixed success. Sucker activity around the Village Park was also high and many sucker anglers were able to land large catches.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Sturgeon are now actively spawning on the Wolf and Embarrass rivers. There are good public viewing opportunities at the Shawano Dam in Shawano. Parking is available on the east side of the river at the end of Richmond Street. There are also sturgeon spawning at Bamboo Bend on Hwy 54 in Shiocton with plenty of parking available.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
The first chatter of the chimney swift was heard on Friday April 17, although the recent snow may have pushed the swifts a little south again. These birds live on the wing, foraging in flight on flying insects. As soon as the weather warms up, the swifts should be back -- which means so will the bugs! Great blue herons are returning to their rookeries. Great blue herons usually breed in colonies containing a few to several hundred pairs. The nest is usually situated high up in a tree, especially one that is surrounded by water. Chipping sparrows and song sparrows have been seen, along with a few reluctant juncos who should be on their way to their Canadian nesting grounds very soon. The night has taken on new sounds as the spring peepers and western chorus frogs have begun to sing. Generally spring peepers are found in ephemeral (temporary) and permanent ponds, marshes, floodings, and ditches. After the breeding season they move into woodlands, old fields or shrubby areas. Chorus frogs live in marshes, meadows and other open habitats though it may be found in damp woods or wooded swamps. Try to sneak up on either, even in the dark, can cause the frogs to go silent as they dive to the bottom of the water and wait for the "predator" to leave. The trees and shrubs are taking on green hues as buds slowly open. Forsythia bushes are now blooming, there bright yellow flowers a welcome sight to gardeners.
Sheboygan County - Hepatica is in full bloom; chorus frogs, wood frogs, and spring peepers are in full song; and the phoebes and towhees are back. In the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Northern Unit, please call ahead to see if the bicycle and horse trails are open (262) 626-2116.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit - Hiking trails are open. Be prepared to encounter all types of conditions from dirt, grass, mud, and even water on the trails. Dogs are allowed on all hiking trails, except Nature trails, and must be kept on a leash. Horseback riding trails are open. John Muir and Emma Carlin biking trails, as well as the connector trail, will be open if weather conditions permit. Please keep in mind that due to changing weather conditions their status could change. Call the Trail Information Line, (262) 594-6202, for the most current trail conditions. Wildflower walks will be held every Saturday morning through June 6. Join Naturalist Ron Kurowski for a walk to see Spring wildflowers at the Kettle Moraine. Meet at the Forest Headquarters on Highway 59 at 10 a.m. to caravan by car to the location for the day. If the weather permits, prescribed burns will begin soon on prairie areas. Be on the lookout for signs and/or smoke that may indicate a burn is in progress. Ottawa Lake's bathroom buildings and shower buildings are open, as well as the dump/fill station. Pinewoods Group campground is open, but the shower building is not open yet. Pinewoods Family campsites open May 1 and Whitewater Lake family and group campsites will open May 8. Whitewater Lake campground is a rustic campground, only vault toilets are available. Spring turkey hunting season is in progress; Wednesdays – Sundays each week, from April 15 – May 24, 2009. As during all hunting seasons, anyone on the trails is encouraged to wear bright clothing. About 95 percent of the state forest is open to public hunting during established open seasons.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Cold nights have prolonged the steelhead run in the southeast. Although fishing is not as good as a couple weeks ago, there still are fresh fish to be caught. Run should last a week or maybe even two yet.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan flows anglers have been catching a few steelhead in the Pigeon River, and the Sheboygan has produced steelhead between Esslingen Park and the Kohler dam. Both spawn sacs and flies have been productive. Brown trout have been caught from south pier on spawn sacs and spoons. On good weather days, Sheboygan trollers have also been taking browns near shore on spoons and large crankbaits.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington fishing on Sauk Creek has been relatively slow, but anglers near the power plant have been catching browns and rainbows on spawn sacs and spoons. Boaters out of Port Washington have also been catching browns and lake trout on spoons and crankbaits in and around the harbor.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, anglers on the Milwaukee River have been catching some steelhead on flies in Kletzsch Park. A few steelhead have also been taken from the Menomonee River near Miller Park and from Oak Creek. Fishing behind the Summerfest grounds has picked up somewhat, with both perch and brown trout taken on minnows and spawn sacs. Boaters fishing either the Oak Creek Power Plant or the Milwaukee harbor and around the gaps have been catching good numbers of browns and lake trout.
Racine County - In Racine the flows on the Root River have started to rise after some much needed rainfall on Sunday and Monday. Steelhead can be found on most gravel areas above Island Park, and fly anglers have had success using black woolly buggers, egg sucking leeches, and small egg imitations. DNR crews processed 239 fish at the Root River Steelhead Facility on Wednesday, April 15. They met this year’s egg taking goals and drained the facility. This season a total of 902 steelhead were passed upstream.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, fishing has been slow overall, but both shore anglers and boaters in the harbor have been catching a few browns and rainbows. Spawn has worked best from shore, and spoons have produced for those fishing from boats. Fishing on the Pike River has also been slow.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
South Central Region wildfire report
In the past week, 28 wildfires burned 36 acres. Four structures were destroyed and another 31 were threatened. Almost half of the fires were caused by debris burning. A string of fires were intentionally set in Crawford County. Current fire danger is Very High across the region. Warmer temperatures, gusty winds, and lower relative humidity are expected to create dangerous conditions. Burning permits are suspended in DNR protection areas. Fire danger will remain elevated for Thursday and Friday. A chance of rain for the weekend may alleviate the danger.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
West Central Region wildfire report
The fire danger is currently at High and burning permits are suspended. In the parts of the West Central Region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 22 fires burned 192 acres in the last week. The number of fires is down this week when compared to 57 fires last week however the acreage was nearly the same as a result of the 106 acre Easton Fire in Adams County which led to the loss of a home and shed on one property and a neighboring cabin and shed. Suppression efforts led to a cabin and detached garage being saved with minimal damage as well as several other saved structures. The day before, a 36 acre fire in Chippewa County burned through red pine, aspen, and swamp and was controlled as it headed into a plowed field. Four structures were saved by tractor plow lines and pre-treating fuels near the structures with foam. The cause for both of these fires is under investigation. Things slowed down for a few days thanks to the cooler weather and a mix of rain and snow. However, much of the region received only minimal amounts of precipitation so continued caution is needed, especially as we head into the next few days which are forecast for temperatures into the 70s.
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park - Before the cold blew in, wood frogs were calling at Hidden Ponds and along the Willow Falls Trail near the culvert and backwaters on April 18. These frogs do not call for long and they will stop if they know you are there. The highest water temperature was found in the middle Hidden Pond at 64 degrees. The frog calling is off for a few more days till warmth stays overnight. Anglers fishing from shore reported small perch and small bluegills, but no crappies. The lake temperature on April 18 was 52 degrees. It is a bit turbid from spring turnover. The suckers are on their spawning run in the river below Willow Falls. You may harvest these fish by hand since they will not bite right now. The relatively few trout anglers that will say anything about fishing have reported good catches on recently stocked stretches of the river. Remember, the catch and release season ends April 26 and there is no trout fishing open for a week. Birds reported last and early this week include: sandhill cranes, field sparrow, yellow bellied sapsucker, hermit thrush, brown creeper, Tennessee warbler, and one rather out of its range, a black backed woodpecker. The campground is open to vehicles although water is not yet turned on in flush toilets and shower buildings. Water will be on and campground buildings open for the weekend of May 1.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Wild turkey hunters reported fair success last week during Period A. Unseasonably warm and dry weather created difficulty for some hunters in their efforts to anticipate turkey behavior. Rufous-sided towhees, yellow-rumped warblers, white-crowned sparrows, and savanna sparrows have moved into the area. Some brown or Dekay's snakes were on the move during the warm weather. Generally, these snakes exhibit a major migration from their winter hibernacula in late April. These small, docile snakes feed on worms, slugs, and snails and are preyed upon by shrews, weasels, cats, other snakes, and some birds. Many early migrant birds have headed north from the La Crosse area. Almost all tundra swans have headed for their nesting grounds in Alaska or the far north of Canada. Interior Canada geese are on their way to nesting areas along Hudson's and James' Bay. Most warblers and other late migrants have only started arriving. Blue-winged teal numbers should peak soon.
Perrot State Park - Trails are in good condition. Pasque flowers, blood root, rue anemone, butter cups, Dutchman's breeches and hoary puccoon are just a few wildflowers blooming. The pelicans can be seen in Trempealeau Bay or in the adjacent Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge. Eagles have been seen in the area and are nesting. Campsite 1-51 are available for camping. The boat dock has been installed. The Bay shower building and flush toilet building are open. The Upper Campground and shower building is closed until May. Dump station is open and water is available. The north road leading to the park is under construction.
Merrick State Park - Some wildflowers are beginning to bloom in the prairies. Vultures can be seen roosting in the early morning and flying around later in the afternoon. The North Campground is open. The shower building will open May 15. Water is available at the dump station. The south campground will open later in May. The boat dock has been installed.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open but has not yet been graded. Local birds have arrived including blue herons and egrets. Sandhill cranes can often be heard flying overhead. Bathrooms at Trempealeau and Lytles Landing will be open beginning May 2.
Buffalo River State Trail - All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed year-round on the Buffalo River State Trail. Adjoining county trail systems are currently closed to ATVs. Check with local counties for specific information. Resurfacing project will begin shortly. Watch for trail closures. For trail conditions in Trempealeau County, call (715) 538-2311 ext. 205. For trail conditions in Buffalo County call (608) 685-2410. Please report any damage or problems on the trail to Perrot State Park, (608) 534-6409.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - Pasque flowers, spring beauties, hepatica, marsh-marigold, and bloodroot are blooming. The hiking trails have dried out and are in good condition except for a few downed trees. The Horse trails remain closed until May 1. Turkeys are active. Gobbling can be heard in the mornings and the toms can be seen in full strut and fanned out. Bald eagles, turkey vultures, sandhill cranes, wood ducks, and mallards have been spotted.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The first loon of the season has been seen. Frog and spring peeper choruses are being heard. Chipmunks and garter snakes are on the move. The great blue herons have arrived and have claimed, or are constructing nests. Tom turkeys are strutting in the fields. The bufflehead and mallard ducks, along with the red winged blackbirds, have begun to arrive. Other species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, flickers, red headed and piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, mourning doves, sandhill cranes, blue birds, Canada geese, robins and blue jays. The bald eagles have moved back into the area. The barred owls have been trading territorial calls during the early night hours. Park trails are generally dry with occasional muddy areas. Brunet Island State Park north campground sites will be open the first weekend in May, with pit toilets and hand water pump available. The south campground is open with electric sites, pit toilet, and hand water pump. The park dump station will open when weather permits.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Boat boarding piers and the accessible fishing pier are in! People are taking advantage of the nice weather fishing, boating and hiking. Crappies, perch and white bass were caught the most, along with some keeper walleyes, bass and catfish. Over the weekend, visitors saw eagles, ospreys, sandhill cranes, herons, loons wood ducks (in the trees looking for nesting spots) flickers, nut hatches, robins, cat birds, downy and pileated woodpeckers. Owl mating calls and coyotes have been heard. Campsites 23-24 and 26-29 will open on Friday, April 24. All other campsites are still closed
Last Revised: Thursday April 23 2009
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