Outdoor Report for January 24, 2019
Published January 24, 2019 by the Central Office
View current conditions for Wisconsin State Parks, Trails and Forests
Check out the Wisconsin Department of Tourism (exit DNR).
For current statewide information on statewide snow conditions, log onto the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR).
The southern Wisconsin snow drought finally came to an end this week with two snowstorms moving through over the weekend and again midweek. Almost the entire state is now snow covered, with the exception of one area in the northwest, with snow depths ranging generally from 6 to 12 or more inches.
The new snow finally allowed some southern counties to open snowmobile trails and improved conditions in northern counties on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Trails through most of the central portion of the state remain closed. Cross-country ski trails were being groomed at many state parks and forests across the state and ski trail conditions ranged from excellent to fair depending on the location. A reminder that with cross-country ski trails snow-covered and groomed they closed to hikers and snowshoers. Check park maps for trails open to foot travel.
New snow has allowed many state parks and forests to groom ski trails. Brule River State Forest.Photo credit: Matthew Leischer
Despite the arrival of colder temperatures inland ice conditions are still variable with areas of thin ice still being reported. Angler are fishing for walleye, crappies, perch and northern pike on northern lakes. Panfish anglers continue to have success on many of the backwaters of the Wolf River system and there have been some good reports of decent walleye catches.
Slow fishing is pretty much the report from everywhere on the West Shore of Green Bay. Anglers are not venturing too far out yet with the shifting ice and cracks forming. Anglers fishing the Fox River out of Voyageurs report catching decent numbers of walleye through the ice. Along the East Shore ice depths ranged from 6 to 22 inches with some large ice shoves still reported at many locations. Most anglers were fishing for whitefish or perch but very little action was reported.
With the new snow there is lots of evidence of fox and coyote out there, as well as turkey leaving tracks. With little snow covering in central Wisconsin, rabbit hunters have enjoyed good success. The snow is not too deep and hunters and dogs can move about easily.
Governor Thompson State ParkPhoto credit: Kyle Gustafson
While much of Wisconsin finally has enough snow for skiing and snowshoeing, the frigid temperatures in the forecast have caused the cancellation of candlelight events this weekend at the Red Cedar State Trail Friday night and Brunet Island, Hartman Creek and Whitefish Dunes state parks and Point Beach and Lapham Peak state forests Saturday night. Candlelight events are still scheduled Saturday at Stower Seven Lakes State Trail and the MECCA Trails at the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area. To check for events and cancellations search the DNR website for "Get Outdoors."
The snow events increased bird activity at many backyard feeders this week, particularly across the south, among them being cardinals, house finches, juncos, and various other seed-loving species. Woodpeckers are front-and-center at feeding stations with nuts, suet, and other fatty foods, including downy, hairy, red-bellied, and pileated woodpeckers. A flock of 800-plus Bohemian waxwings in Bayfield County was reflective of their continued influx into the northern third state.
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Statewide Birding Report
Several snow events increased bird activity at many backyard feeders this week, particularly across southern Wisconsin, among them being cardinals, house finches, juncos, and various other seed-loving species. Woodpeckers are front-and-center at feeding stations with nuts, suet, and other fatty foods. Amid the regular downy, hairy, red-bellied, and pileated woodpeckers, birders also reported some yellow-bellied sapsuckers, northern flickers, and red-headed woodpeckers as far north as Green Bay. The snow cover also pushed ground-feeding field birds to plowed roadsides in search of more accessible foods, including sparrows, Lapland longspurs, horned larks, and snow buntings. Particularly impressive this week were counts of 220-plus American tree sparrows in Green County and 400-plus Lapland longspurs in Dodge.
Some other impressive single-day counts included 32 European goldfinches in Kenosha, 225 trumpeter swans in Polk, and 10 golden eagles in Buffalo. A flock of 800-plus Bohemian waxwings in Bayfield County was reflective of their continued influx into the northern third state. Pine grosbeaks have become especially prevalent there also, especially in towns where crabapples and their favored boxelder seeds occur. I was fortunate to find 120 in Bayfield on Jan 20, including 25 in a single crabapple tree! American robins, which also turn to fruit to survive the winter months here, are showing in small numbers statewide.
Did you know that some American robins overwinter in Wisconsin every year, even as far north as Lake Superior? They are typically found near pockets of open, moving water and fruit sources, like this tasty morsel of frozen crabapple. Photo from Bayfield County this weekend.Photo credit: Ryan Brady
A few lingering finds this week were a ruby-crowned kinglet at a feeder in Oconto, gray catbird in Sauk, brown thrashers in Dane and Marathon, hermit thrushes in Marathon and Vilas, and continuing male Baltimore oriole in Juneau. Other rarities included varied thrush in Waushara, probable Barrow's goldeneye in Kewaunee, probable spotted towhee in Columbia, and possible black-billed magpie in Douglas. Find out what others are seeing and report your finds to www.ebird.org/wi. Good birding! - Ryan Brady, conservation biologist, Ashland
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Upcoming featured events at Wisconsin recreational properties
While much of Wisconsin finally has enough snow for skiing and snowshoeing, the frigid temperatures in the forecast have caused the cancellation of candlelight events this weekend at the Red Cedar State Trail Friday night and Brunet Island, Hartman Creek and Whitefish Dunes state parks and Point Beach and of Lapham Peak state forests Saturday night. Candlelight events are still scheduled Saturday at the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest (parking voucher required), Stower Seven Lakes State Trail and the MECCA Trails at the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area. While many hardy Wisconsinites are probably willing to brave an hour or two of freezing temps to ski or snowshoe, we rely on volunteers from our friends groups to put on most of these events. From setting out luminaries, to making and serving hot chocolate, to cleaning up afterwards they may put in five to six or more hours, and that's a bit much for us to ask of our reliable volunteers in subzero weather. There are still plenty of other opportunities to get out and enjoy state properties this weekend. Daytime snowshoe hikes will be held at Peninsula, Willow River and Kettle Moraine South and Richard Bong is holding a cross-country ski clinic.
Click on the links below for highlighted programs this weekend or click on Get Outdoors," for a complete listing of events.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
- Devil's Lake State Park - Winter Photo Hike/Snowshoe
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit - Snowshoe the Kettle Moraine
- Peninsula State Park - Walk/Snowshoe on Sentinel Trail
- Richard Bong State Recreation Area - GO Cross-country Skiing! (pre-register); Owl Prowl
- Stower Seven Lakes State Trail - Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe, Hike and Fat Bike
- Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area - Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe
- Willow River State Park - Learn to Snowshoe
For all events search Get Outdoors
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Upcoming State Natural Area Workday
Jan 26, 9 a.m.-noon: Sugar River Wetlands - Help cut invasive shrubs and use brush to block unauthorized trails in and around East Bluff SNA at Devils Lake State Park. Take in some of the most breathtaking views Wisconsin has to offer and help protect some of the most uncommon species and natural communities in the Midwest. If the trails are not snowy/icy we'll be concentrating work efforts around the prairie and the Devils Doorway trail segment. This will be the first of a series of monthly stewardship activities sponsored by Ben Bomkamp and Kerstyn Perrett of NatureWorks llc through 2019, who are hoping to help build enthusiasm and understanding of the role that we can all be playing to protect our state's most treasured and irreplaceable resources.
Jan 25, 9 a.m.-noon: East Bluff Devils Lake - Help the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association (USRWA) restore the Sugar River Wetlands State Natural Area during our series of "4th Saturdays" winter volunteer work days. Volunteers will be cutting and burning invasive species like buckthorn, honeysuckle and more to promote the growth of native plant species. It promises to be rewarding, fun, and a great way to experience the outdoors during the winter. Refreshments including hot chocolate and coffee will be available to fuel you through the morning.
No skills needed you will be trained onsite. Check the State Natural Areas Volunteer Program page of the DNR website for details. - Jared Urban, conservation biologist, Dane. - Jared Urban, conservation biologist, Dane
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Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - This week brought us some fresh snow totaling about 4 inches. Temperatures for the next week will be very cold again, making for challenging outdoor recreation opportunities. On Wednesday the snowshoe trails at Afterhours ski trail were groomed. You can try these out with your snowshoes or fat tire bike (if you're really adventurous). Today's fresh snow coverage the area with another 1 3/4 of powder. We will be touching up the skate lanes today and reset the entire track system tomorrow. Light snow possibilities look to be in the forecast next week. Conditions for skiing are very good and improving! You can also check the trail conditions and find updates at Skinny Ski: http://skinnyski.com. On Feb. 2 there will be a learn to ski day at the Afterhours Ski Trail. The event starts at 12:30 p. m. at the Ski Trail Trailhead. Free cross-country ski lessons for both children and adults in both the classic and skate styles will be offered. Ski rental equipment will be available until 3 p.m., but only for those who pre-register and are present to check out equipment at noon. The cost for rental skis, boots, and poles is $5 for youths 12 and younger and $15 for others. Pre-register by 7 p.m. Jan. 31. Call Bob Cragin, 218-348-5200 or Phil Anderson, 715-372-5004 to register. For each person renting ski equipment, provide name, whether classic or skate-style equipment is desired, shoe size, whether the shoe size is a child or adult size, and sex, age, and approximate weight and height. Please also leave your name and telephone number. Links for trail condition reports on the local snowmobile trails are Douglas County: Douglascountywi.org or call 715-378-4528 and Bayfield County: Bayfieldcounty.org - Matt Leischer, ranger
Pattison State Park - The park received 2 inches of snow on Jan. 22. The ski trails will be groomed and tracked this week and the additional fresh snow, will keep the trails in terrific shape! - Gervase Thompson, ranger
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park - Cross-country ski trails are groomed for skate and classic skiing and were tracked on Jan. 23. Meadow, Pipeline, and Red Granite Falls trails all in good shape. - Daniel Yankowiak, property manager
Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area - Cross-country ski trails have been groomed and tracked following the snow on Monday. More snow is expected Thursday and Friday along with bitterly cold temperatures, so bundle up. Conditions are excellent right now so get those skies waxed up and get out and enjoy the trails. Don't forget the Candlelight ski and hike this Saturday. See you on the trail. - Brett Bockhop, parks and recreation specialist
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Flambeau River State Forest - We have approximately 4 inches of snow depth and the Flambeau Hills ski trail has been rolled but tracks have not been set. There has been some skiers using the trail and it is snowing as I type. Snowmobile trails are open, though rough. The lakes are ice covered with 15-plus inches of ice. Folks are fishing for walleye on Connors Lake and crappies on Lake of the Pine. Mason and Evergreen Lakes are being fished for crappie, walleye and perch. We are experiencing single digit and below 0 temperatures. Some area residents burn wood for heat and are stoking their stoves heavily to keep their homes and businesses warm. We are approaching February and looking forward to a break in the cold cold temperatures. There are 17 active logging sales at this time on the Flambeau River State Forest. Conditions are good for winter logging and the frost level is deep. Be aware of large logging trucks on the roads and the roads are extremely icy and slippery. Loggers and Forest staff are seeing lots of deer and elk on some of the logging sales. In the sub-zero temperatures the deer and elk are found under the conifer canopy and their activities are reduced. There is also signs of predators such as wolf and coyote. Saturday Feb. 2 is the Flambeau River State Forest 27th Annual Candlelight Ski Event. This is a very beautiful family and friend orientated event. The FRSF staff are excited to show off our trails and feed the visitors. The weather forecast for the weekend calls for Friday to be mostly sunny with a high of -2 and a low of -17. Saturday, chance of flurries after noon. Mostly sunny and cold with a high of 5 and a low of -11. Sunday, partly sunny with a high of 6 and a low of -3. - Diane Stowell, forestry technician advanced and visitor services associate
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Little by little, Mother Nature is trying to make the state forest look like winter in January. Snow depths range from 6 inches in the southern half, to a little over a foot in the northern half of Vilas County. More snow is in the forecast. The wildlife is loving the lower snow depths as outdoor enthusiasts spy many rabbit, squirrel and mouse tracks everywhere. Shrikes have been seen visiting area bird feeders; and fox and coyotes can be spotted from time to time as they prowl for their next meal. Some eagles and swans are still in the area where there is still open water on the riverways. - Rosalie Richter, visitor services associate
Cross-country ski trails were groomed Jan. 22-23 and are generally in good condition. Escanaba, Madeline and Raven trails are tracked for classic skiing with a firm base with some fluffy snow covering. Good conditions overall. About 10- 12 inches of snow in the woods. Some oak leaf debris but fluff snow should cover. McNaughton trails were groomed for skate and classic skiing. Skater's loop was groomed with good conditions to the warming shelter. The loop around the lake is fair at best with some very thin spots. Overall the classic loops are in good condition. The blue loop around Helen Lake is thin. Trails still have uneven areas as well. - Dan Jacoby and Tony Martinez, park and recreation specialists
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - We are still low on snow in the park. The last snow fall was less than an inch. You can easily get out on foot in the park with no snowshoes or skis needed. The deer are gathered and moving around and eagles can be seen perched in our tall trees keeping an eye on the river below the dam which is open and flowing. - Sarah Gilbert, ranger
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Northeast Region
Northern Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Slow fishing is pretty much the report from everywhere on the West Shore of Green Bay.
Marinette County - One lone angler fishing the Mouth of the Peshtigo boat launch area backwater reported catching a few small perch in the 5-inch range. Menominee River anglers fishing the Sixth Street slip area report slow fishing with a few small perch and a few walleyes under 10 inches caught on jig poles tipped with waxies or minnows. A few northerns in the 25-inch range were also caught on tip-ups with shiners.- Ben Ewoldt, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
Oconto County - Anglers in the beginning of the week were fishing off the Oconto River breakwater on the river side but due to shifting ice and large cracks forming they stayed off later in the week. Anglers on the north side of the breakwater reported slow fishing with just a few whitefish caught. Anglers fishing the harbor area report catching a few smaller perch. Oconto Park 2- Anglers fishing Oconto Park 2 (North Bay Shore Park) report catching lots of smaller perch with a few bigger ones mixed in. Anglers report the farther you go out toward the bay within the breakwater area the bigger the perch seem to be. - Ben Ewoldt, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
Brown County - Voyageur is the only bright spot seeing good action on walleye. Anglers are not venturing too far out yet with the shifting ice and cracks forming, better more consistent ice conditions are needed. Anglers fishing the Fox River out of Voyageurs report catching decent numbers of walleye (15-25 inches) through the ice. Early morning in 9 feet of water seeing the best bite. Anglers using jigging raps reported the best action with minnows and jigs also catching fish. There is a lot of current in the middle of the river so be aware of changing ice conditions. Lots of anglers were out in the Longtail area but not many fish caught. Anglers report fishing all day with one or two small perch caught and a few smaller northern. Anglers are reporting decent catches of keeper sized perch off Hook Road with some sorting of smaller perch. The few anglers out of Sunset Beach report slow fishing and access limited due to shifting ice conditions. - Ben Ewoldt, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
Volks Landing had 6 inches of ice was reported. Most folks were skunked on whitefish out in 10 feet of water using wax worms. Very few were out on either the north or the south side of the reef though the south side fared better. At Bayshore Park, the catch for whitefish has remained slow. Some have maintained a low catch rate though insubstantial. Reports indicate ice is 22 inches or more making it difficult for the auger to push through in some portions. No luck was had with whitefish at Dyckesville early in the week. Very few anglers were spotted near Lipsky's. Ice was reported to be 10 inches and reached 18 inches where shove had created a second layer. Red River had a low to medium catch rate reported for whitefish; 10 inches of ice was consistent among anglers. The best luck was had out in 10 feet of water using slider rigs and wax worms. - Aeden White, fisheries technician, Sturgeon Bay
Door County - Ice was reported to have reached 12 inches at Chaudoir's Dock though very few have taken their chances to walk over the 5 foot shove. Conditions are unsafe. Sugar Creek had a medium catch rate with whitefish, with a couple anglers reaching their limit closer to the south side of the shore in 25-30 feet of water. There was 9-11 inches of ice was reported. Most folks were using wax worms while jigging with stick baits, tungsten jigs, and smaller lures in general. Some luck was had using minnows. Rites Cove ice was reported to be 7-10 inches. Folks were out in 26-30 feet of water getting mostly skunked on whitefish with the occasional mudpuppy. Those doing better, though unable to limit, were using swedish pimple lures while jigging, and used wax worms and minnows. Murphy Park had large amounts of shove and chopped up ice made access near impossible. Conditions at Pebble Beach were relatively the same compared to Murphy Park. The beach consisted of ice rubble and uneven chop making the walk out hazardous. The coast guard ice breaker paved paths all week that created large cracks that reached Stone Quarry. Ice rubble made up a majority of the surface. Folks were setting up near the launch behind the breakwall where the ice has remained flat and there is a break from the winds. Ice was reported to be 5-6 inches. Folks are waiting for a good snow before arranging themselves out farther. Birmingham's has remained slow at this site as the ice remained chopped up and inconsistent. - Aeden White, fisheries technician, Sturgeon Bay
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Most area snowmobile trails are open and being groomed on a regular basis. Forecast this week calls for several inches of additional snow for most of the county. Area snowmobile clubs rate the trails from good to excellent. As a reminder, not all snowmobile trails are open to winter UTV and ATV use in Marinette County. Please check with local clubs or visit www.marinettecosnowtrails.com for additional information. Ice conditions also vary throughout the county. Several areas of thin ice have been reported on Lake Noquebay. DNR Wardens urge everyone to use extreme caution when recreating on frozen lakes and rivers. - Tim Werner, conservation warden, Crivitz
Oconto County - Snowmobile Trails north of Mountain are still open and in good condition. No report for Southern Oconto County yet. Cross-country ski trails in Lakewood and the Machickanee forest are open. Individuals are catching walleye, white fish, and northern on the Bay of Green Bay near Oconto. Ice is still very sketchy the farther out you go so be very careful as the shipping lanes make the ice even more un safe. It was very cold this past week and not many people were out ice fishing. Snowmobile trails were very busy though. Be careful on the ice and wear a float coat, bring ice picks, and check with local bait shops for ice conditions. - Paul Hartrick, conservation warden, Oconto Falls
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Newport State Park - Winter has come to northern Door County. After above average temps and lack of snow, the park has about 8 inches of fresh snow on the ground. As of Jan. 24, cross-country ski trails have been groomed and tracked. Conditions are good. Be aware, however, that temperatures are supposed to plummet tonight into tomorrow, with frigid conditions expected for the weekend and into next week. We are starting to see tracks in the fresh snow. Lots of evidence of coyote out there, as well as turkey leaving tracks. Light snow is falling again, so tracks are disappearing. Europe Lake at the north end of the park has a thick layer of ice and is welcoming those who want to ice fish. The birds have hunkered down through the storm, but we are starting to see and hear them about. Evening grosbeaks have been reported in the area. Time to enjoy all that winter has to offer, but dress warm! - Beth Bartoli, naturalist
Peninsula State Park - Some cross-country ski trails been have been groomed (corduroy/levelled) but were not tracked on, Jan. 24 and ranged from fair to good condition. Other trails have not been groomed.
Potawatomi State Park - All cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked on Jan. 23 after about 8 inches of light fluffy snow and are in good condition. Snowmobile trails are open. A limited number of sites, with electrical hookups, are open for winter camping. Drinking water is available year-round next to the campground shelter. Campers must register in the Park Office or through self-registration when the office is closed. - Jaclyn Moeri, visitor services associate
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Trails are groomed for classic cross-country skiing and were tracked on Jan. 24. The trails are in good condition. - Jaclyn Moeri, visitor services associate
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Waupaca County - Trail conditions are still icy in most spots. Within the last week, about 2 inches of fluffy snow fell in the area of Waupaca, which improved trail conditions greatly. With little snow, it is still a great time to get out and see your state lands. Snowmobile trails are not yet open in all areas of Waupaca, Wautoma, Green Lake, and Marquette counties. Panfish anglers continue to have success on many of the backwaters of the Wolf River system. There have been good reports of decent walleye catches near New London. Most successful anglers are "long lining" for the fish just before dark. Please be aware of ice conditions before venturing out. With little snow covering, rabbit hunters have enjoyed good success. The snow is not too deep and hunters and dogs can move about easily. - Ted Dremel, conservation warden, Wautoma
Currently snowing pretty good in central WI. Waushara Co. may have 2" of fresh snow and just about an inch around Waupaca. It is supposed to snow 1-3 inches more inches and quit around noon. Enough to open trails? Possible but unlikely as we had almost no base before this snowfall. No ice fishing report as it was rather bitter cold last weekend and few people were out and about. - Karl Kramer, wildlife technician, Wautoma
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
High Cliff State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed for skate and classic cross-country skiing and were groomed on Jan. 23 and are in excellent condition. Skate trails were combed, and classic trails combed and tracked. - Jay Vosters, ranger
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Southeast Region
Waukesha DNR Service Center area
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit - Lapham Peak received 4 inches of dry snow overnight Friday into Saturday and more on Tuesday into Wednesday. All the trails were groomed. Off the man-made loop conditions are not as good. The snow packs down to a thin base and no track will be set. Lights will be on the entire lighted course until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. No lights Sunday night.
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit - The forest received 5 inches of dry snow on Jan. 18. Drizzle and increasing temperatures on Jan. 22 have caused rapid deterioration of skiing conditions. A fresh 5-7 inches of moderately moist snow fell overnight Jan. 22-23. McMiller and Nordic cross-country ski trails were groomed and a fresh classic track set Jan. 23. Trails are in good condition. - Roy Kenast, ranger
Plymouth DNR Service Center area
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Northern Unit - The forest received nearly 7-9 inches of new snow. Both Zillmer and Greenbush cross-country ski trails were rolled and packed Wednesday afternoon. Lower temps will really help to set up the current base. Tracks were set at Zillmer Jan. 23. Conditions are good for both classic and skate. Expect some thin bare spots in the classic tracks in places. About a 2 inch base. There are a few rocks that you may bump on the yellow south of the Ice Age Center on the east side and the big downhill West of the Center. A few places may have some leaf litter. We'll touch up the skiing at Zillmer on Friday. The majority of the snowmobile trails in the forest in Fond du Lac County are open; these sections are #3 and #4. Check county websites for current conditions. The snowmobile trail has various sections that have seen massive amounts of trees blown down by storms from late August of 2018. In the course of cleaning these areas up via timber sales, these areas should be traveled with extreme caution. The trail is clear of debris but caution should be used when traveling sections that are signed as areas with logging operations nearby. All of Sheboygan County's snowmobile trails are closed as of Jan. 24. - Jason Quast, superintendent
Winter has arrived again at Northern Unit and many visitors are rejoicing in it. The whole forest received enough snow in most places to bring back quality cross-country skiing, fat tire bike riding, and snowshoeing. The cross-country ski trails at Greenbush and Zillmer are being maintained and therefore are closed to hikers. Anyone that walks on the snowshoe trails will need to be wearing snowshoes. Our snowshoe trails at Greenbush and New Fane are also the year-round mountain bike trails and are utilized by fat-tire bikers this time of year. A regular shoe print goes deep creating a hole in the trail, freezes that way, and then makes it less safe for the bikers. Snowshoes help distribute a person's weight by compacting a larger surface area which also benefits the bikers. Those looking for quality hiking experiences, with or without snowshoes, should check out the Ice Age Trail. Before the snowfall ended on Wednesday we saw a few dozen people enjoying the trail with snowshoes. Some of the recent snowfall is still in the trees and should make a scenic view this week no matter which section of our 31 mile trail unit you're on. Enjoy! - James Enigl, park ranger
Point Beach State Forest - With 4 inches of new snow, cross-country ski trails were groomed on Wednesday, Jan. 23. The Red Pine Trail was groomed for skate skiing as well as classic tracks set. Conditions are good. - Guy Willman, property manager
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South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Governor Dodge State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed and packed (rolled/compacted) on Jan. 23. Trails were packed but not tracked. Snow base is 3-5 inches.
Blue Mound State Park - Cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked and in good to excellent condition. Please not skate skiing is only allowed in the campground and picnic loops. - Kevin Swenson, property manager
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West Central Region
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - The South and Central cross-country ski trails were packed on Thursday, Jan. 24. Thin base with grass and other debris showing through. All other trails remain open to foot traffic. All groomed or packed ski trails are closed to hiking, biking, snowshoeing and pets. ATV and UTV trails are open. Snowmobile trails remain closed due to lack of snow. Please ride with caution as some parts of the trails are icy, especially on corners and bridges. - Emily Alf, visitor services associate
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Trails were packed and tracked for cross country skiing on Wednesday, Jan. 23. The new hiking trails will hopefully be packed by the weekend. Trail base is only 1-2 inches. - Heather Wolf, park manager
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Trails are snow covered but may be icy under the light powdery snow. The stairway is not maintained for winter use. - Heather Wolf, park manager