The U.S. Forest Service aims to have the trails and campgrounds available for the opening of the state's fishing season, but Mother Nature has other plans.
Officials at the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest report the delayed opening of recreation trails and some campgrounds due to persisting snow pack and high water.
Forest spokesperson Hilary Markin says the lingering winter is to blame..
"..We have snow hanging around, it's melting but still hanging around, especially in the shaded areas. With the snow melt comes high water. Some trails are saturated some that still have snow on them. We have crews out there assessing and out there watching conditions to see what needs to be done to get them ready for the season....."
Markin says routinely, crews are preparing the all-terrain vehicle , utility-terrain vehicle , horse and bicycle trails for a May 1 opening and campgrounds for a May 2 opening throughout the month of April. These preparations include removing hazard trees, cleaning campsite pads and preparing water systems.
Markin says to keep watching for postings when things will open up...
"So we'll be posting information on our website about when things are going to be opening as we know. On May 1 we'll be assessing as to where we are. We probably will have some campgrounds that will be able to be opened next week in time for fighing opener. Our trails, we're going to continue to assess those every week working with our trail clubs and other partners so we're all in line when we do open those so we have nice connectivity when visitors come to the Northwoods...."
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website is available if you Google cnnf
