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1 DOUGLAS COUNTY OUTDOORS DOUGLAS COUNTY FORESTRY DEPARTMENT OUTDOOR REPORT FISHING The inland fishing opener is finally here! On May 2nd the lakes and rivers came alive with people looking to catch the big one. It is reported that fishing success has been very good. The docks at the Douglas County maintained boat launches (Lyman Lake, Minnesuing Lake, Mooney Dam– Lower Eau Clair Lake, North Flowage, and Gordon Dam) are out and ready for the season. People are reminded that power loading of boats when loading and unloading is prohibited at all County boat launches. Power loading can cause damage to the launch ramps that may not be visible from the surface of the water. “Power loading” is a term used to describe using the motor to load and unload the boat onto and off of the trailer. The County’s public launch ramps were not designed to sustain the forces generated by today’s larger and more powerful boats or the practice of power loading. Repairs are time consuming, frustrating for the public, and expensive. Propeller wash creates a significant force that can erode the lakebed and create a large hole at the end of the ramp. Eroded mate- rial is often deposited beyond the ramp to create a mound, which can result in a barrier for launching and loading. Boats and equipment can incur damage if the boat or lower unit runs aground on the mound or if the trailer becomes stuck in the hole. Fish Stocking at the Children’s Park Creek Pond The Solon Springs 6th grade class came out to Park Creek Pond Friday, May 1st to help prepare for the fishing opener. The Wisconsin DNR Brule Fish Hatchery delivered 700 brook trout to the pond. The children learned about the life history of the fish and then helped stock the trout into the pond. DNR fire control staff were also present to demonstrate their fire control equipment. Numerous chil- dren were catching these trout over the opener weekend. COUNTY PARKS Lucius Woods and Mooney Dam Campgrounds are scheduled to open on May 15th. The Gordon Dam Coun- ty Campground is offering off-season camping until May 14th but many of the normal campground ameni- ties are not provided during the off-season time. For more information about off-season camping see Doug- las County Campgrounds or contact our office at [PHONE REDACTED]. Power loading can dam- age the County’s public launch ramps. MAY 2015 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 NATURE The sights and sounds of spring are abundant. The wet areas are filled with sounds of frogs, toads are trilling, and the mornings are coming alive with the birds singing. Bears are being sighted more often….time to be more vigilant with the garbage, pet food and bird feeders. Cana- da geese are starting to be seen swimming with their goslings, and snakes have been seen sunning themselves on the warm days. Cherry trees are in bloom and putting on quite a display right now with their white blossoms. Marsh marigolds (also known as cowslips) are putting on their own golden display in the wetlands. Wood anemone (spring beauties) are beginning to bloom on the forest floor. Brack- en ferns and wild leeks are also coming up. The recent rain has helped to green things up...enough that lawns are starting to be mowed. The pleasant spring time weather is encouraging more people to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Fishing, turkey hunting, hiking, biking, and boating are just some of the popular activities going on right now. Ticks and mosqui- toes are out so don’t forget the repellant! RECREATIONAL TRAILS The Douglas County Forestry Department announces that all Summer Recreation trails under its man- agement will open for the season on Thursday, May 7th, 2015 at Noon. These recreational trails include all designated ATV/UTV trails as well as the designated Off-Highway trails located in the Town of Summit. As conditions change throughout the season, be sure to get the latest update on trail conditions by vis- iting www.douglascountywi.org/forestry, or by calling the Douglas County Trail Hotline 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (715) 378-4528. UPCOMING EVENTS HIKING Join members of the North Country Trail Association’s Brule-St. Croix Chapter for hikes on the North Country National Scenic Trail. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at KD’s Restaurant in Solon Springs. See the attached flyer for the schedule. For more information; [PHONE REDACTED] email: Facebook: NCTinWI CHILDREN’S NATURE PLAYGROUP A Childrens Nature Playgroup, sponsored by the Friends of the Bird Sanctuary will be gathering every 3rd Wednesday from May through September at the Bird Sanctuary Club House in Solon Springs. See the attached flyer for more information and the schedule of events. A beaver stops to pose along a road- side. Marsh Marigolds