WNR magazine NEWS & REVIEWS January 2018

Exciting news on eagles

Wisconsin’s latest bald eagle nest survey is complete and the 2017 results will make spirits soar for fans of this distinguished bird. The numbers show an increase of 5.7 percent in the state, up by 86 nests from the previous count to a record 1,590. With the finding of a nest in Kenosha County for the first time in the survey’s 45 years, only two of the state's 72 counties (Milwaukee and nearby Washington) are now without verified active nests.

“That was very exciting,” Laura Jaskiewicz, DNR conservation biologist and survey coordinator, said of the Kenosha County nest discovery. “We also find it very interesting that we had such a large increase in new nests.”

In winter, eagles often can be viewed in areas where open water allows them to find food, and the December issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine features information about viewing opportunities and other eagle events in the state, many in January and February.

NEW! Connect on Instagram An Instagram account highlighting photos of Wisconsin’s beautiful outdoors has been added to the Department of Natural Resources' group of social media platforms. The @wi_dnr Instagram handle joins the DNR’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, Twitter account, LinkedIn and Wild Wisconsin to connect with the public.

Here's a hook: Free fishing Give fishing a try without the need for a license during the statewide Free Fishing Weekend Jan. 20-21. Most waters in Wisconsin are included and many state parks and DNR offices have loaner equipment available. All regulations and bag limits still apply. Events are planned around the state such as learn to ice fish sessions, family outings and other activities. To find out more, see the DNR’s Free Fishing Weekend page.

Report highlights work of NHC The DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation program has many highlights to share from the past year: rising piping plover numbers, habitat help for Karner blue butterflies, a tunnel project and other efforts to aid turtles, a comeback for red-headed woodpeckers, rare plant discoveries, peregrine falcons nesting and more. Find details in the NHC’s 2017 Annual Report. Also learn about the NHC's critical work and how you can help through online donations, license plate purchase and other opportunities at dnr.wi.gov, keyword "NHC."

Magazine updates

With a new year comes a new publishing schedule for Wisconsin Natural Resources. The print magazine will now feature four annual issues instead of six, arriving around the change in seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Subscribe at wnrmag.com.

In addition, this free News & Reviews electronic newsletter returns after a hiatus and will be distributed monthly via email to supplement our coverage of DNR programs, outdoor pursuits and Wisconsin's natural world.

Know someone who'd like to sign up for these News & Reviews updates? Direct them here. 

Nights by candlelight

More than a dozen state properties host candlelight hike, ski and snowshoe events in January. Many events are Friends group fund raisers with volunteers often organizing refreshments and bonfires. Below is a look at what's coming up (regular park and trail fees apply in most cases). Check dnr.wi.gov keyword “candlelight” for details and updates before heading out, in case weather conditions bring a cancellation or change in plans. 

Jan. 6: Mirror Lake State Park.

Jan. 13: Wildcat Mountain and Lake Kegonsa state parks.

Jan. 20: Copper Culture and Governor Dodge state parks; Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit; and Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center.

Jan. 26: Red Cedar State Trail.

Jan. 27: Hartman Creek, Lake Wissota, Rib Mountain and Whitefish Dunes state parks; and Kettle Moraine-Lapham Peak Unit and Point Beach state forests.