DNR Outdoor Report

Snow Can Hide Danger: Sled Safe, plus other outdoor news.

By RVL / February 14, 2025

 

 

Snow Can Hide Danger: Sled Safe

If you plan to take your sled out this weekend, be safe and watch for the other riders who will also be making the most of the conditions.

Fresh snow can cover potentially dangerous obstacles on frozen waterbodies, like cracks or heaves. Be sure to take a moment to plan your route, check if the trails you’re heading to are open and see what the snow and ice conditions are like from local clubs.

Here are some more safety tips to take with you:

  • Carry a cell phone and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.
  • Remember that no ice is ever 100% safe.
  • Ride sober. If you choose to consume alcohol, wait until you’ve reached your final destination or returned home safely.
  • Ride on the right-hand side of the trail.
  • Stick to speeds you are comfortable with, and don’t try to outride your abilities.
  • Stay on the trail and respect private lands.

 

DNR Seeking Public Comment On Future Wildlife Management Objectives

The DNR is currently drafting a strategic plan for managing our state’s wildlife species and habitat and is seeking public feedback on the plan’s objectives.

This strategic plan will guide how the DNR’s Wildlife Program prioritizes its resources and work in the coming years. The DNR values public input and believes that it is important for Wisconsinites to weigh in on the draft plan’s objectives and share which are the most important to them.

For more information on the strategic planning process and to participate in this public input opportunity, visit our Wildlife Management Strategic Plan Updates webpage. The webpage explains the planning process, contains a link to the input form and allows individuals to stay engaged in the planning process by signing up to receive occasional updates. We anticipate the input form will take about 10 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses are anonymous. For input to be considered, submissions must be completed by Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.

The public is also encouraged to sign up for periodic email updates on the DNR’s strategic planning process.

If you have any questions about this process or the input form, contact [email protected].

Photo credit: Kenny Seals, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

 

 

Prescribed Burns To Take Place Across The State

Fire management crews will begin conducting prescribed burns on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources properties throughout the state where local conditions can provide a safe and effective burn.

The recent, much-needed precipitation has created conditions that are ideal for burning in certain areas of the state.

Winter burns typically begin with cattail marshes, wetlands and wet prairies. Cattail wildfires can present a control challenge for suppression authorities during the warmer summer months when both dead and live cattails are available to burn. By burning in winter, DNR staff take advantage of ideal ice and snow cover, which reduces the heat and intensity of cattail marsh and barrens burns. Additional windows of opportunity for prescribed burning will continue through spring and open again in late summer and fall (mid-July through November).

Prescribed burns support healthy ecosystems for an abundance of plants and animals in Wisconsin. These burns mimic the benefits historic fire once provided but occur under a safer “prescription” range of weather and fuel conditions (compared to most wildfires).

When conducting prescribed burns near roads or recreational trails, the DNR will post signs to notify the public. For your safety, we ask you to please avoid these areas while the burn is being conducted. The DNR also notifies local law enforcement and fire officials in advance about when and where DNR prescribed burns will take place. Burns planned for the following day are displayed on the DNR Prescribed Burn Dashboard.

For more information regarding the benefits of prescribed burning in Wisconsin, visit this DNR webpage.

 
       
 
 

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