Friends of Wyalusing state Park, Wisconsin
From the Bluffs of Wyalusing State Park
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FIREWOOD Due to very dangerous disease potential, there are specific restrictions on bringing firewood to the camp. Please check this link before bringing firewood to the park. TRAIL CONDITIONS Cross-country ski trails were groomed on Sunday, January 29th. Warmer than normal temperatures for this time of year are responsible for poor skiing conditions. With temperatures early in this week rising to above freezing and expected highs from mid 30’s to mid 40’s for the remainder of this week, cross country ski trail conditions will deteriorate. All hiking trails are still snow covered. Please remember, no pets or walking on the ski trails. Both can quickly ruin a well groomed trail. WEEKEND FORECAST: The forecast for today through Sunday includes a high of 39 degrees this afternoon with cloudy skies and a low of 27 degrees. Thursday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny with a high near 44 degrees and a low dropping to 28 degrees. Friday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 41 degrees. There is a slight chance of rain and snow late Friday night into Saturday morning with a low around 29. Temperature on Saturday will reach almost 40 degrees and there is a 40 per cent chance of snow and rain, which continues through Saturday night. The low on Saturday night will be around 25 degrees. Sunday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny with a high near 36 degrees. 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. Effective immediately – Because of the threat of the emerald ash borer and other harmful pests and diseases, no person may possess firewood that originates from greater than 25 miles from where the wood will be used, or from outside the borders of the state. Firewood includes all wood, processed or unprocessed, intended for use in a campfire. Firewood purchased locally, but identified on the bundle as originating from out of state or greater than 25 miles from the property is not allowed. The emerald ash borer was found in both Crawford and Vernon Counties in early 2009. Crawford County is adjacent to Grant County where Wyalusing State Park is located. Because of this, there is an additional quarantine on the movement of firewood from both Vernon and Crawford Counties, even though those counties may be less than 50 miles from the park. Please note that Prairie du Chien is in Crawford County, so please do not bring firewood from Prairie du Chien, and Crawford or Vernon Counties. Please note that the distance for bringing firewood into a state park has been changed from 50 miles to 25 miles, effective June 1, 2010. Please purchase firewood locally. Spread the word and tell your friends and neighbors not to move firewood. BIRD SIGHTINGS/ACTIVITY AT FEEDERS The office bird feeders remain a flurry of activity, even with the recent warm temperatures. Cardinals and gold finches are taking advantage of the puddles near the park office for an unexpected mid-winter bathing opportunity. It is fun to watch them splash in the puddles. Even with the warmer temps, raccoons have not been an issue at the feeders (knock on wood). Bird sightings in the park include: blue jays, juncos, cardinals, gold finches, mourning doves, red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, tree sparrows, purple finches, wild turkeys, various hawks, and bald eagles. Earlier this week, a northern flicker was seen near the front door of the office. No recent reports. The howling of coyotes is a familiar sound in the Homestead Campground. MISSISSIPPI RIVER INFORMATION: Ice fishing at the park boat landing most of last week and this past weekend (January 28 & 29) can only be described as excellent according to reports of local anglers and the number of cars at the boat landing. On Saturday, January 29, the parking lot was filled and vehicles were parked along the roadway on Long Valley Road close to the landing. It seems as if the “hot spots” have cooled off now as most anglers this week have been reporting fewer hits. One ice angler reported yesterday that he was still having success, but others nearby were not so lucky. No matter if the fish are biting or not, it is still nice to get out on the ice with fellow anglers. We do not monitor ice conditions. Astronomy program will begin again in the Spring. PARK HAPPENINGS Interviews on park manager position were held, are but still no word on that position or park superintendent position. Greg’s time at Wyalusing is limited to just a few more days, but he will continue to be available to park staff as needed. Upcoming Friends of Wyalusing Events The Friends of Wyalusing have decided to cancel Ground Hog Daze this year. Saturday, September 29 Spirits of Wyalusing Past Make your camping reservation now. More info to be announced at a later date. Area Events February 4 & 5 Annual Fisheree Ice fishing competition on waters (ice) near Prairie du Chien with headquarters at Lakeview Marina Bar & Restaurant, County Highway K, PdC. This is an outing for the entire family, fishing prizes and evening entertainment. Fisheree will be held Ice or No Ice. For more info: 1-800-1673 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. There are no ski trails at Nelson Dewey, but people can ski or snow shoe in the park from the parking lot. Roads at Nelson Dewey State Park were plowed on Saturday, January for Bald Eagle Days this past weekend (so as of today they are still clear of snow and ice. If this area receives additional snowfall or freezing rain, the roads will not be maintained. Bluffs report written by Bev Pozega |