Ice Fishing And Lake Access

Many state park properties regularly plow and clear snow from boat launches to provide better universal access to the ice. Plan to explore the frozen lakes from the plowed launches at these properties, including: Chippewa Flowage, Connors Lake and Lake of the Pines at Flambeau River State Forest, Cox Hollow and Twin Valley Lakes at Governor Dodge State Park, Mauthe Lake and Long Lake at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit, Lake Wissota State Park, Mirror Lake State Park, Willow River State Park, and access to the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge at Wyalusing State Park. Access via plowed boat launches opens the possibility of ice fishing or exploring the perimeter of lakes. Do you notice anything different on the frozen open water?

Call the property to check on the snow removal conditions of the boat launches. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions. Please check conditions before venturing out on ice.

_{Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR}

Sign Up For The Bob Ross Inspired Race
“Maybe in our world, there lives a happy little tree over there,” said painter Bob Ross. Help make sure Wisconsin state parks have more happy little trees when you participate in the Happy Little 5k race for the trees!

Sign up is now open for the Happy Little 5k, a Bob Ross-inspired virtual race. Runners, walkers and rollers can complete their 5K anywhere outdoors, anytime between Earth Day and Arbor Day (April 22-28). You set the pace and the place. Participants receive a Happy Little Trees shirt, commemorative bib and a finisher's medal.

Proceeds from the race benefit tree plantings and forest protection efforts in Wisconsin state parks. Be sure to select Wisconsin when registering. If you're interested in signing up a group of 10 or more, contact us for bulk registration.

Check the DNR's OutWiGo webpage in the coming weeks for suggested race loops in Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas. 

Bees and butterflies are in the news almost regularly. So what’s the big deal about these little critters? Bees, butterflies, moths and other winged beings are important for transferring pollen, which then helps plants produce seeds, fruits and flowers. They're a crucial part of the pollination process for natural flora and our agricultural industries.

Insect pollinators have a delicate need for food and shelter; both are threatened by increases in pesticide and insecticide use, climate change, development, mowing and other forms of habitat degradation.

With help from the Natural Resources Foundation, Master Gardener groups, Friends groups and other volunteer organizations, the DNR is doing a small part in protecting and creating habitat for our smallest, fiercest part of the food system.

These groups support pollinators from several angles, including providing brush and leaf piles, planting native plants for food and shelter, fundraising for interpretive signage and seeds, and monitoring the health of pollinator gardens and the number of insects they see.

Interested in learning more? Check out these resources on Wisconsin’s pollinators:

Wisconsin DNR – Saving Wisconsin’s Pollinators

University of Wisconsin – Madison Wisconsin Pollinators

WisconsinPollinators.com

_{Photo: Monarchs enjoy the pollinator garden surrounding the office at Newport State Park. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR}

Wildcat Mountain State Park

Located on a ridge rising steeply above the Kickapoo River, with a breathtaking view overlooking the Driftless region, Wildcat Mountain State Park offers camping for families, groups and horseback riders. While a popular destination in summer for Kickapoo River paddling, winter at Wildcat is just as exciting.

Wildcat Mountain owes its name to a bobcat, also called a wildcat, that frequented the community in the 1800s, upsetting local sheep farmers. The area where the bobcat was later found was renamed Wildcat Hill. Maybe you will see a bobcat at your next visit to Wildcat Mountain?

In the winter, Wildcat is a scenic place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The 2.5-mile loop Old Settlers hiking trail is transformed into a snowshoe trail in winter. Snowmobile trails also cross part of the property, though snowmobile trails are opened and closed at the discretion of each county.

Twenty-one miles of scenic hiking, nature and equestrian trails meander through the park with 7 miles of cross-country ski trails. Skiers can begin and end at the park office or maintenance building. There's a rest stop midway where you can continue or take a short trail turnaround. Beginner and intermediate skiers can enjoy this trail with easy bypasses on steeper areas, as the trail follows along the ridge top.

In the winter, the Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park sponsor several events to keep you active and outside. Check their Facebook page for events, like nighttime stargazing events.

This year, we celebrate 75 years of Wildcat Mountain State Park. It became a state park in 1948 with an initial donation of 60 acres from Vernon County. Since then, the park has grown to over 3,600 acres. If you've never visited this park, this is the year!

Wildcat Mountain State Park is located in Ontario, Vernon County. Learn more about it here.

_{Photo credit: Alayne Hendricks, Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park}

We're Hiring

Seasonal positions are available with the Wisconsin DNR. Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas are hiring for positions starting this spring and lasting through Labor Day or later. A wide variety of positions is available, including frontline customer service, groundskeeping, campsite maintenance, equipment upkeep, trail maintenance, natural resources education and more. Visit the DNR page of wisc.jobs and search 'parks' to see openings!

_{Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR}