DATE: Wednesday,
February 23, 2012
TRAIL
CONDITIONS: Due to lack of snow, cross country ski
trails are now open to hiking. Many trails still are snow
covered. We are now at the “in-between” season where
some trails still have snow and other trails are free or almost free
of snow, but may be muddy. A substantial snowfall between 3-6
inches was originally forecast for today, but snowfall amount has now
been decreased to about an inch. Thanks to Ron Falch for
grooming the ski trails this year.
CAMPING
INFORMATION: Homestead Campground, Outdoor Group Campground
and the Indoor Group Camp are closed for the season. The
Wisconsin Ridge Campground is open for camping on a first come, first
served basis.
The
reservation period has ended for both family campgrounds and the
Outdoor Group Campground. All flush toilets, showers and
fountains are closed for the season, with the exception of the
winterized faucet located just east of the shower building in the
Wisconsin Ridge Campground. All reservations for
campsites in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests are made through
Reserve America. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance
over the telephone at 888-947-2757,
or online at www.wiparks.net.
The
concession stand is closed for the season. Firewood should be
available from vendors located near the park entrance.
Fees
for using the Indoor Group Camp have changed. Fees are now $6
per person per night and $300 minimum per night.
BIRD
SIGHTINGS: Bird sightings at the park office feeders
include: blue jays, cardinals, gold finches, mourning doves,
red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, tree sparrows and purple
finches. Bald eagles can sometimes be seen near the park entrance as
well as from the bluffs. Blue birds have returned and have been
seen throughout the park. This morning a pair was sitting on a
blue bird box near the park entrance. Gold finches are
beginning to show a hint of their spring and summer plumage of bright
yellow. Sightings of bald eagles have been reported in the area,
especially in the Prairie du Chien area. One report yesterday
included 40 eagles near the Black Hawk Avenue Bridge. The
Decorah Fish Hatchery eagles have now laid 2 eggs.
MISSISSIPPI
RIVER REPORT: Ice anglers are still trying their luck
at the park boat landing. They know that their days of ice
fishing are numbered and are trying to get as many hours on the ice
as they can. Mississippi River level at Prairie du Chien is 7.5, same
as yesterday. We do not monitor ice conditions.
PARK
HAPPENINGS: Bev will start the 2012 Edition of the Wyalusing
State Park Visitor next week. LTE hiring process for upcoming
season has started – interviews scheduled. Picnic tables are
being repaired and repainted.
2012Starsplitter
Astronomy Schedule
Programs
will resume in the spring.
Upcoming
Friends of Wyalusing Events
.
Saturday,
September 29
Spirits
of Wyalusing Past
Make your
camping reservation now. More info to be announced at a later
date.
Area
Events
February
25
Bald
Eagle Appreciation Day
Live Bald
Eagle and raptor programs, exhibits, birding experts on hand, outdoor
viewing of Bald Eagles through spotting scopes, life-sized Bald Eagle
nest, children’s’ activities. This event will be held at
the PdC regional Tourism Center, Americinn Motel, and The Eagles
Club. More info please call: 1-800-1673.
NELSON
DEWEY STATE PARK CURRENT CONDITIONS
Nelson
Dewey State Park’s roadways will not be plowed this winter.
The parking lot near the park office will be plowed and visitors are
welcome to hike into the park from the lot. With the recent
forecast of snow, the barricade was put across the road near the park
office.
