The spring Neotropical bird migration is in full swing across Wisconsin, with bird watchers reporting more than 20 species of warblers and 100 to 150 total bird species in a single day. Some of the warbler varieties being seen include chestnut-sided, magnolia, Cape May, black-throated blue and black-throated green, Tennessee, Nashville, yellow-rumped, yellow-throated, palm, cerulean and prothonotary. The upcoming week should bring some of the peak numbers of birds including some of the later warblers like Connecticut, mourning, Canada and many of the later flycatcher species.
Tree leaf-out is nearly complete in southern Wisconsin, but many species are just beginning to leaf out in the Northwoods. Rain in the last week has moderated fire danger, but high winds this week had already dried things out and raised fire danger back to high in far northwestern Wisconsin. In the past week, 54 wildfires across the state burned 115 acres and destroyed three buildings.
The erratic and generally windy weather of the past week has kept fishing pressure and success at a moderate to low level. In the north, there hasn't been any real consistent pattern yet to the early walleye season bite. Anglers have had some success on both crank baits and jig-minnow combinations, with the best action in early morning hours and in the hour before dark. Northern pike action has been fair. Bass activity has really started to pick up and there have been the first few observations of both largemouth and smallmouth making their spawning beds. Some crappie spawning activity has already been noted this should increase in the next couple weeks.
Walleyes have still been biting on reefs of Lake Winnebago. White bass runs are occurring on the Wolf and Fox rivers. The Lake Winnebago area was in the middle of a large lake fly hatch this week. The flies, which are a nuisance to humans, play a critical role in the health of the fishery in the Winnebago system and are a major food source for lake sturgeon.
The mixed weather also made for some erratic fishing along Lake Michigan. Fishing on tributary rivers has slowed with most fish having now returned to the lake, though there are still a few reports of steelhead up rivers. Anglers were catching some brown trout in the near shore areas of the lake and pier anglers have been reporting some success in the morning. Along Door County smallmouth bass fishing was good to very good this week with lots of big smallmouth being taken all over the county. Trollers working the lower Bay of Green Bay were catching walleyes.
Tom turkeys are still strutting so hunters who purchased late season tags still having a good chance to harvest one. Fox are highly visible during the daytime now as they are hunting day and night to feed their pups. Ruffed Grouse are still drumming and should continue through the middle of June.
The frog chorus continues to be heard coming from wetlands, with bullfrogs, green frogs and northern leopard frog now joining chorus frogs and spring peepers. Snapping turtles are on the move, and on the road, in the southern part of the state. Be on the lookout to avoid hitting turtles as they cross roadways to get to higher ground to lay eggs
Spring wildflowers continue to make their appearance, with trailing arbutus, marsh marigold, wood violet, hepatica, wood anemone, barren strawberry, buttercups, wild ginger, bellwort, columbine, woodland phlox, Virginia bluebells and trilliums blooming.
Timely spring rains and warmer weather have mushrooms popping and mushroom hunters are reporting fairly good success finding morels.
When venturing out for your walks, be aware that tick activity has been extremely high. Be sure to check yourselves as well as your pets after a walk.
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
Bird migration is in full swing as we enter the middle half of May. Birders in southern Wisconsin have reported more than 20 species of warblers in a day and 100 to 150 species in a day of birding. Rare species recorded this past week include numerous reports of summer tanager, black-necked stilts at Horicon, Harris' sparrows at a number of locations, willets along the Lake Michigan shoreline, piping plover in Milwaukee, and a number of worm-eating warbler reports. Shorebird migration has been slow with decent numbers of birds found along the Lake Michigan shoreline and at Horicon Marsh. The upcoming week should bring some of our peak numbers of birds including some of the later warblers like Connecticut, mourning, Canada and many of the later flycatcher species. Please report sightings to Wisconsin eBird [www.ebird.org/WI] (exit DNR) to help track migrant bird populations.
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Statewide Wildfire Report
In the past week, 54 wildfires burned 118 acres. Three buildings were destroyed and 21 others were threatened by fire, yet saved due to firefighting efforts. The main causes were debris burning and equipment. Predicted windy conditions may increase the number of fires caused by power lines. Current wildfire conditions vary between Low and High around the state. Check the current widlfire danger page of the DNR Web site for current statewide fire danger and burning permit restrictions.
While you’re there, take a few minutes to watch a public service announcement called “Smokey’s Rules for Debris Burning.” Note: The burning permit web site will be down this weekend Friday at noon through Sunday. Call 888-WIS-BURN to check on burning status in the state.
Firewise Tip: Clear a 10 foot space around propane tanks. Keep this space in gravel, rock or short, well-watered grass. Propane tanks should be located at least 30 feet from the home.
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NORTHERN REGION
Northern Region Wildfire Report
Brule and Cumberland Dispatch Groups - In the past week, 13 wildfires burned 37 acres. Two structures were destroyed in separate wildfires and four others were threatened. The largest fire was a 26-acre grass fire in Burnett County started by lightning. Other wildfire causes were debris burning and equipment. Current fire danger is High in across the dispatch groups. The predicted rain missed much of the pine country and fire danger will quickly escalate when the skies clear and the relative humidity drops.
Woodruff and Park Falls Dispatch Groups - In Woodruff & Parks Falls Dispatch Groups, 15 fires burned a total of 55 acres with seven structures saved and no structures lost this week. The fire danger is Low across the region due to recent rainfall. Debris burning and equipment are the leading causes of wildfires in the Park Falls-Woodruff area. A debris burning caused fire ignited 46 acres north of Conover in Vilas County on Tuesday. Although structures were threatened during the blaze, none received any damage. The Towns of Conover and Land O’ Lakes recently completed a joint Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which should be approved by both town boards this summer. Fires such as this emphasize the need for this type of planning in Northwoods communities. Four prescribed fires on 187 acres occurred this week.
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - More signs of spring continue to show up in the northland. Tree frogs and toads are vocalizing, Canada geese are starting to hatch, and gulls are laying/incubating eggs....when crossing the high bridge between Superior and Duluth a mass of white from the gulls can be seen on the nearby islands. Fox are highly visible during the daytime now as they are hunting day and night to feed their pups. Ruffed Grouse are still drumming and should continue through the middle of June. New birds that are returning are the ovenbird, northern orioles, ruby-throated hummingbirds, bluebirds, and northern parula and Nashville warblers. Flowers such as wood anemone, Juneberry, and American fly honeysuckle are blooming. To many people coming up to the northland means being close to nature. For some nature comes a little too close for their comfort. The ranger station is starting to get calls about nuisance bears complaints. Most instances taking away what is drawing them in such as bird feed, garbage, or pet food for a couple of weeks will encourage them to move on. For bear (also wolf and migratory bird)issues call the USDA Wildlife Sevices hotline at 1-800-228-1368 (out of state cell numbers or land lines call 715-369-5221). If no one answers please leave a message as they do call back quickly).
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The erratic and generally windy weather of the past week has kept fishing pressure at a moderate to low level. Water temperatures have crept up into the upper 50s on most lakes, which has brought more and more fish into the shallows and spurred on quite a bit of feeding activity. Walleye are usually the most sought after fish across the Northwoods in May and reports have indicated some real variable success. There hasn't been any real consistent pattern yet to the early season bite and walleye anglers have been having some good success on both crank baits and jig/minnow combinations. The live bait anglers have had the best success on break lines in 8 to 15 feet of water and the crank bait anglers have been catching fish along rocky and wind-swept shorelines. For both types of fishing, the best action has been concentrated in the early morning hours and in the hour before dark. Some nice catches of walleye in the 14- to 18-inch size have been made and a few nice fish in the 20- to 25-inch size have also been caught. Northern pike action has been fair with anglers catching medium-size fish along the newly developing weed beds. Bass activity has really started to pick up and there have been the first few observations of both largemouth and smallmouth making their spawning beds. Anglers are reminded that the "Catch and Release" season is still in effect in the Northern Zone and all bass should be quickly returned to the water. Panfish action could be termed fair to good as the warming water temperatures have pulled good numbers of bluegill, crappie and perch out of deep water and into the warmer shallow bays. Some crappie spawning activity has already been noted and look for this to increase in the next couple weeks. Nice perch have also been caught around structure on the mud flats in 6 to 10 feet of water. Trout activity continues to be excellent on the managed trout lakes and most anglers have had real good success on trout in the 8 to 10-inch size, with some catches of 14- to 18-inch brown and brook trout.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Varying weather patterns have brought cooler than normal temperatures to the area this past week. This unstable weather has fish cooperation just about as unstable. Although the lake temperatures increased a bit, cold evenings changed that around quickly. Count on fish activity picking up with some stable weather and warmer temperatures. Area fishing guides report that walleyes were moving into shallow dark bottomed bays to feed but many were holding back in the deep clear lakes where the waters remain very cold. Anglers, boaters, canoe and kayak enthusiasts should exercise caution on any waters in the northern region this time of year. Please remember to wear PFDs (personal flotation devices) when out on the waters. In addition, fishing guides reported that crappies and bass have been caught in shallow waters around submerged logs. Anglers need to remember to bring their fishing licenses with them when they are on the waters. Also please check to make sure that your fishing license is current. Now is a good time to review the fishing regulations. Pamphlets are available at license outlets. Area Conservation Wardens report a major problem at the beginning of this fishing season with anglers exceeding their catch limit. Please remember to check the bag limits for the particular lake upon which you are fishing in order to avoid incurring a substantial fine. The early spring wildflowers are making an appearance. Among those flowers that are sprouting or blooming are the trailing arbutus, the marsh marigold, the wood violet, hepatica, wood anemone, barren strawberry, and the trillium. Although we recently encountered some rain, this is the time of year in our area when fire conditions remain high. Please remember to obtain burning permits and to exercise caution when dealing with fire. The woods are very dry, despite recent rains. Please remember that you are responsible if your burning gets out of control. When venturing out for your walks, be aware that tick activity is extremely high right now. Be sure to check yourselves as well as your pets after the walk.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Northeast Region Wildfire Report
Ten wildfires burned just under 5 acres this week. Structures were threatened in two of these fires. The main causes of the fires were debris burning and power lines. Current fire conditions are Low to Moderate across the region.
Marinette County News: The Town of Stephenson board members passed a resolution to adopt a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for their town. The plan addresses wildfire concerns in the town as they relate to prevention, hazard mitigation, preparedness, and education. To view the plan, go to: [baylakerpc.org] (exit DNT).
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Cool mornings, sunny days, wind, and rain is a fair description of this past week’s weather. Water temperatures are in the mid 50s with fishing pressure ranging from light to heavy. A few smallmouth were being caught below the dam in Peshtigo on raps and spinners. Color does not seem to matter and some of the fish are quite large. Peshtigo Harbor shore anglers were scoring on catfish using the still fishing method with night crawlers. Some nice walleye were also being caught from shore using a stand up jig tipped with a leach. Boaters going up river were finding some northern pike while casting spoons and walleye and bass while drifting crawler/harnesses. Inland streams remain at high water conditions with more input of rain this week. Fishing pressure should ease off as the season continues. Tom turkeys are still strutting in zone 5 with hunters that purchased late season tags still having a good chance to harvest one. Maple are leafing out along with poplar, wild chokecherry are in bloom. Ticks are active and for the most part black flies are the aggravating pest. Two nights of light frosts this week may help to keep the mosquitoes down for another week.
Oconto County - The Stiles Dam has been producing brown trout in good numbers due to a release by Green Bay's Trout Unlimited club. A few rainbows were also being caught. The baits being used run the full gamut from worms to spinners (small) or flies (prince nymph # 18). A few bluegills were being caught by the Stiles Dam when the gates are closed. The Pensaukee River has been a hot spot for walleye. The best results have come in 5 to 10 feet of water trolling stick baits or crawler/harness at a very slow speed. A nice mixed bag of fish were being caught out of Oconto Breakwater Harbor that included northern, bass, and walleye. Rapalas were working well (walleye) as were Cleo's for pike and smallmouth. Oconto Park II has been seeing the most boating action for walleye.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - The Fox River, in the city of Green Bay and DePere, has been giving up white bass, walleyes and varieties of rough fish to both shore and boat anglers. Trollers working the lower Bay of Green Bay were catching walleyes on crank baits and crawler harnesses in 4 to 10 foot depths.
Manitowoc County - Anglers fishing in Two Rivers had a slow week of fishing. Unsettled weather over the weekend kept the number of anglers low. On Saturday a couple boater anglers trolled the shoreline of Lake Michigan for brown trout with mixed success. One boat landed a nice 5-pound rainbow trout while trolling in 15 to 20 feet of water with a brightly colored stick bait. Fishing in Manitowoc was slow to fair this week. Some boat anglers trolling the Lake Michigan shoreline targeting brown trout were able to land some nice brown trout that weighed 4 to 8 pounds. Anglers fishing the south pier had a slow week of fishing catching only a few brown trout. On the West Twin River, anglers were fishing either for smallmouth bass or steelhead. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass had steady success all week by casting spinners or small crank baits. A few anglers were still targeting steelhead with a group of steelhead anglers landing one nice female steelhead late in the week. On the Manitowoc River, angler activity was concentrated at Lower Cato Falls County Park. Anglers were targeting northern pike with good success. Anglers have also been picking up a few smallmouth bass.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - By and large it was a nice week weather wise. Most days were sunny to partly cloudy with cool temperatures. The exception was on Saturday when there were cloudy skies and scattered showers along with very cool temperatures and strong winds. Smallmouth bass fishing has been good to very good this week with lots of big smallmouth being taken all over the county. In the south, Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay, Sand Bay and the Sturgeon Bay flats, along with the shoreline off Potawatomi State Park were all producing lots of fish. Tube jigs, stick baits, grubs, and Katelands were all working. The key to catching smallmouth in the cold water appears to be fishing very, very slow. Up north, Baileys Harbor, Rowley’s Bay, Egg Harbor and Sister Bay were all producing smallmouth. Walleye action continued to be very good with anglers reporting success trolling at night in 8 to 12 feet of water with Rapalas, Thunder Sticks and Husky Jerks. Henderson Point, Sherwood Point, the Sturgeon Bay flats and Dunlap Reef, as well as the area around Fish Creek and Peninsula State park were all good during the evening. Daytime action also remained good for walleyes with reports of some nice fish being taken from the area between Henderson Point and Chaudoir’s dock, trolling in 8 to 25 feet of water. Shore anglers fishing off the rocks at Bayview Park, Stone Harbor and the Stone Quarry County Park continued to report taking some walleyes. Anglers fishing for northern pike continuee to have decent success fishing along the channel in the area between the bridges in the Bay of Sturgeon Bay, as well as Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay, Sand Bay and Sawyer Harbor. Farther north there were reports of northerns being taken out of Egg Harbor and from the area around Washington Island. Fishing out on the Big Lake seems to have slowed down a little, although some brown trout and lakers continued to be taken both north and south of the canal and up around Baileys Harbor.
Peninsula State Park - Flocks of migrating yellow-rumped and palm warblers are moving through the park. Sandhill cranes and white pelicans are back. Watch for bald eagles in the vicinity of Eagle Tower and the Lighthouse. Bloodroot is blooming and the trees are budding out. Spring peepers (frogs) are noisily making their presence known in the evenings. The woodcock are peenting in the open fields. Only the Tennison Bay and Weborg campgrounds campground are open. Peninsula State Park golf course is open and tee times are generally available, and reservations may be made. Visit the Golf Course website at
www.peninsulagolf.org or call 920-854-5791. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is not yet open for the 2009 season.
Potawatomi State Park - Trout lilies, hepatica, and trilliums are blooming in the park. Anglers are camping and launching at Sawyer Harbor, gearing up for the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament running from May 15-17. Work continues on four new group campsites. The sites will be open for Memorial Day weekend.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - With the recent rain and warmer weather, the flowers are starting to appear in the woods, fields and rocky shoreline. White trillium and bloodroot, yellow trout lily and purple hepatica can be found in forest and along the rocky shore. Park visitors have seen a variety of migrating birds both large and small. Check out the Brachiopod trail or fourth parking lot for warblers. Many varieties can be found just within this one small area. What happened to the beach!? With the lake level increasing 8 inches from last May, the shoreline looks very different. Since 1999 the lake level has been going down. This decrease is caused by many different factors; low snowfall, warmer days, sunny day, less rainfall. With the decrease in lake level, the shoreline increased allowing for larger beach area. This area has allowed for the native shoreline vegetation to establish and more area for park users to enjoy. After reaching almost record lows in 2007; the lake level has begun to rise again. With this rise the beach is beginning to become part of the lake once again. The native vegetation is actually helping save the shoreline from being washed into the lake through its netlike root system. This rise and fall of the lake levels is part of the natural cycle of the lake. A frog chorus is being heard at the wetland during the dusk hours. Different frogs songs being heard include bullfrog (sounds similar to saying “Jug O’ Rum” in a deep voice) green frog (plucking a rubber band or a loose banjo string). northern leopard frog (sounds like a balloon being rubbed) and spring peepers (they sound like sleigh bells).
Kewaunee County - A mixed bag of weather this week made for some good days for fishing, but also some not so good days of fishing. Some warm, dry days in the middle of the week, and cooler, rainy days for the weekend was the weather for this last week. Fishing in the rivers has really slowed to a crawl as most fish have now returned to the lake. There are a few fish still up the rivers, but they are few and far between. Anglers were catching some fish in the near shore areas of the lake near Algoma and Kewaunee. Pier anglers have been reporting some success in the morning fishing spoons for browns and rainbows. Anglers that have been going out on the lake have been met with limited success. Browns and steelhead were being caught in water 10 to 20 feet on trolled stickbaits and spoons. With water temperatures still in the 40s bite has been slow.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Lots of trees are blooming in Waushara County. It’s mushroom picking time. Trout fishing is getting better as it warms up some. Quite a few bear and wolf sightings were reported this last week.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Walleyes have still been biting on leeches over the reefs of Lake Winnebago. Lilacs are starting to bloom so that signifies that the white bass run on the Wolf and Fox rivers is occurring. The area is in the middle of a large lake fly hatch this week. The flies, which are a nuisance to humans, play a critical role in the health of the fishery in the Winnebago system and are a major food source for lake sturgeon. DNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services staff continue to perform subscribe burns in the area. A huge burn took place this week at the Uihlein marsh in Winnebago County. There are still remaining turkey permits for sale in Zone 3 for the final time period.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
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. Horseback riding trails are open. Equestrians are asked to refrain from using the trails after heavy rains to help preserve their condition. 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. Trails will be closed for a period of time after heavy rains to allow the trails to dry out and thus help keep the trails in the best condition possible. Call the Trail Information Line, (262) 594-6202, for the most current trail conditions. All campgrounds are open. Starting May 15 staff will be available at the campground contact station on a daily basis to check in campers. Spring turkey hunting season is in progress; Wednesday through Sunday each week through May 24. 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. Wildflower Walks are held every Saturday morning through June 6. Meet at the Forest Headquarters on Highway 59 at 10 a.m. to caravan by car to the location for the day. Be prepared for the weather and for walking in all sorts of terrains. Vehicle stickers are required.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan a few browns and rainbows have been caught from south pier on spoons. On good weather days, Sheboygan trollers have also been taking browns near shore on spoons and large crank baits.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, anglers fishing off the pier and near the power plant have been catching a few browns on spoons and minnows.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee shore fishing has been slow, but boaters fishing off the Oak Creek Power Plant have been catching a few browns.
Racine County - In Racine fishing on the Root River has been slow, but a few steelhead can still be found in the river. Black flies and egg imitations have been the most productive. Trolling in Racine has been slow.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, fishing has been slow for both boaters and shore anglers.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
South Central Region Wildfire Report
It was a quiet week in the region, with 3 wildfires in DNR suppression areas burning 2 acres. Four structures were threatened in a Sauk County wildfire that was caused by debris burning. Current fire danger is Moderate across the region. Burning permits are required for burning after 6 pm in DNR protection. Any day time burning must have a special burn permit from the DNR Fire Control Ranger. Prescribed burning continued in the region with 14 controlled burns being completed on 652 acres.
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - Trails are in good hiking condition. Once again, it was a very busy week at the park for bird watchers. New additions to the Wyalusing Bird Checklist as of Saturday through Thursday of this week include: merlin, Acadian flycatcher, least flycatcher, Northern rough-winged swallow, veery, grey-cheeked thrush, hermit thrush, white-eyed vireo, golden- winged warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, magnolia warbler, Cape May warbler, black-throated blue warbler. Blackpoll warbler, worm-eating warbler, Northern waterthrush, Wilson’s warbler, clay-colored sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, bobolink, rusty blackbird, Brewer’s blackbird, and orchard oriole. Bird sightings prior to this past weekend include: red shouldered hawk, peregrine falcon, American woodcock, ruby throated hummingbird, great crested flycatcher, tree swallow, rough-winged swallow, house wren, winter wren, golden-crowned kinglet, ruby-crowned kinglet, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Swainson’s thrush, wood thrush, gray catbird, brown thrasher, solitary vireo, yellow-throated vireo, blue-winged warbler, Tennessee warbler, orange-crowned warbler, Nashville warbler, yellow warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, black-throated green warbler, yellow-throated warbler, palm warbler, cerulean warbler, black and white warbler, American redstart, prothonotary warbler, ovenbird, Louisiana water thrush, Kentucky warbler, scarlet tanager, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, eastern towhee, tree sparrow, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, Savannah sparrow, Henslow’s sparrow, song sparrow, white-throated sparrow, northern oriole. Resident bird sightings include: blue bird, robin, meadowlark, red-winged blackbird, purple finch, house finch, chickadee, junco, brown creeper, tufted titmouse, white breasted nuthatch, eastern phoebe, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, northern flicker, pileated woodpecker, turkey vulture, bald eagle, and oriole. Humming birds returned to Wyalusing State Park on April 30. The “swarm” of humming birds has not yet arrived, but total hummers number about a dozen or so. Orioles feed on oranges and grape jelly across from the park office as well as on the humming bird feeders at the office. Wild flowers in bloom include: May apples, wild ginger, sharp-lobed hepatica, Dutchman’s Breeches, blood root, wild oats, cut-leaved toothwort, skunk cabbage, rue anemone, violets (bird’s foot, white, yellow) wood anemone, false rue anemone, early buttercup, marsh marigold, large flowered bellwort, wild blue phlox, bastard toad flax, violet wood sorrel, early meadow rue, wood betony, showy orchid, columbine. Mourning cloak, yellow swallowtail, Milbert’s tortoise shell, comma, question marak butterflies have been seen. A new blue bird house near the park office attracted a pair of bluebirds that built a nest within a week. Both the Wisconsin Ridge and Homestead Campgrounds are now open. The shower/flush building is open in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground. Showers are presently closed in the Homestead Campground, but campers can drive to the Wisconsin Ridge Campground for showers. The concession stand is open weekends. Concession stand will be open 7 days a week starting with Memorial Day Weekend. There are a number of campsites available for this weekend. All reservable campsites have been reserved for Memorial Day Weekend. The emerald ash borer was found in Victory, Wisconsin. Victory is located in Vernon County. Because of this discovery, there is a quarantine on firewood from Vernon County and Crawford County. Even though parts of Vernon and Crawford Counties are within the 50 mile radius, firewood from both counties will not be allowed. Firewood may not be transported out of a quarantined area. This includes firewood purchased or originating from Prairie du Chien Wisconsin. Prairie du Chien is located in Crawford County.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Snapping turtles are on the move, and on the road, in the southern part of the state. Be on the lookout to avoid hitting turtles as they cross roadways to get to higher ground to lay eggs.
Jefferson County - Anglers are catching catfish on both the Rock and Crawfish rivers in northern Jefferson County. Stink bait has been the best bait lately and some of the catfish are in the 3-4 pound range. Bass have been biting well on Rock Lake on a variety of baits including twistertails and spinner baits. Anglers were having good success in the evenings off the Glacial Drumlin trestle. The underwater fish camera at the Jefferson dam in Jefferson County is now working. Visit
www.biotactic.com then click to Nodes, and check out NODE 6 to view the live streaming images. Mushroom hunters are having fairly good success finding morels. Timely rains and warmer weather has them popping.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
West Central Region Wildfire Report
In the parts of the West Central Region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 13 fires burned over 21 acres in the last week. A fire was started on Monday in the Town of Big Flats, Adams County, in the footprint of the Cottonville Fire, which burned more than 3,400 acres in 2005. A man was using a propane torch to burn off tent caterpillars from the trees. When he dropped the torch in the grass, flames spread through slash and dead trees resulting in a 1.15 acre fire which was suppressed when tractor plows created a bare mineral soil break around the fire. This is the second fire in Adams County this year caused by someone burning tent caterpillars. A safer method of disposing of the caterpillars is pulling them off and soaking them in a bucket of soapy water overnight. Keep in mind that the caterpillars do not kill trees and they will leaf out again. There were also two fires in Adams County and one in Marathon County caused by equipment. A truck being used to rake hay in a mowed field caused a 13.25 acre fire in a grassy field which spread into oak woods. Two structures were saved. In another incident, equipment being used to clear brush in a clearcut area to plant trees caused a 3.8 acre fire three-quarters of a mile from the nearest road. The fire burned through slash from the clearcut and was suppressed with water shuttled in by a Type 7 engine. In Marathon County, a mower caused a .15 acre fire in a field which destroyed a vacant trailer home. This serves as a reminder that when the weather conditions are right for wildfire, extra caution is needed. After the recent rain, fire danger ranges from Low to Moderate. Also in the last week, a 22 acre prescribed burn was successfully completed on the Big Roche Cri Fishery Area to promote prairie grasses.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Perrot State Park - Trails are in good condition. All campsites and facilities are open. The boat dock has been installed. Water levels are very low, especially for this time of year. Currently blooming in the park: anemones, hepaticas, shooting star, Dutchmen's breeches, jack-in-the-pulpit, baneberry, all violets, puccoon, pussytoes, indigos, buttercups, marsh marigold, wild ginger, bellwort, columbine, woodland phlox, and trilliums. Migrant birds are everywhere and songs fill the air. Eagles continue to soar overhead and nesting is continuing. A barred owl family has moved from the campground out into the park. Naturalist programs will begin Memorial Day weekend and will continue through Labor Day. Programs will generally take place all day every Saturday and you can contact the park for schedules.
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.
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 - The Virginia bluebells and trilliums are in full bloom. Turkeys can be heard gobbling in the morning. The Horse camp and Group camps are open. The shower building is now open.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - ATV trails open for the season this Friday, May 15. A 2.2-mile portion of the trail from Highway 54 to Bartos road is undergoing rehabilitation this spring. During the week this section of trail will be closed as repairs are in progress. This section will be open on this Friday through Sunday night. This section will close again on Monday morning until Friday the May 22 at 4 p.m. While this section is closed people who want to ride up to Hatfield or to City Point should use the Clay School Road parking lot. Ride with caution on this stretch during the weekends as they may encounter rough areas due to the construction. We hope to have this section completed by the middle of June and then work on the stretch just south of Highway 54. All campgrounds are open for the season. The back loop at Pigeon Creek including sites 30-38 are closed along with the bathroom building that services this area. This is due to budget circumstances. There are still two bathrooms that service the 30 site campground. The back loop and bathroom building will be opened on the two weekends each year (Memorial Day and Cranberry Fest) that Pigeon Creek Campground typically fills up. For more information, call (715) 284-4103.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Fishing has been productive with bass and northerns being taken. Marsh marigolds, trilliums and hepaticas are in bloom. Park trails are generally dry with occasional muddy areas. Species of birds seen or heard include: belted kingfishers, loons, red winged blackbirds, bufflehead and mallard ducks ,bald eagles, 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, great blue herons, robins and blue jays. Brunet Island State Park campgrounds are open with pit toilets and hand water pump available.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - All campsites are now open! Boat boarding piers and the accessible fishing pier are in! People are taking advantage of the nice weather fishing, boating and hiking. Crappies, perch, white bass, stripers, northerns, walleyes, bass and catfish are being caught. Kids will want to check out the stocked kids fishing pond across from the park entrance (park along Cty G and hike in). Ticks are out - remember to use bug spray and do a tick check after hiking.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is now open. Parking is also allowed in the Czech Ave lot. Park stickers are required for all vehicles. The first loop of the campground will open May 15. The 2nd loop will be open for the holiday weekend. The picnic shelter by the mound/kiosk is reservable and has volleyball net and horseshoe pits.
Last Revised: Thursday May 14 2009
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