Brule River State Forest Conditions

Conditions as of Thursday, July 2, 2009:

If you subscribe to this page, we'll notify you by e-mail whenever it is updated. (We won't bother you, though, if we just change the date or fix a typo.) Click the envelope to get more information or subscribe.

• Camping
• Fishing
• Events
• River
• More Information

The holiday weekend is looking great for getting out and recreating in the northland. The weather forecast is calling for mostly sunny conditions with temperatures in the 70's. Have a happy and safe fourth of July!

Nature

Common Tern eggs have begun hatching on Interstate Island in the St. Louis River estuary. There are about 200 pairs of common terns that nest on this island. The young grow rapidly and will be able to fly in about 18 to 21 days. By about 24 days of age they are strong flyers and soon thereafter leave the island.

Showy Lady's Slippers are making quite a show with their striking pink and white flowers. It is reported that some large bunches can be viewed while paddling the Bois Brule River. Other flowers that have just started blooming are Valerian, Yarrow, and Spreading Dogbane. In the sand country Purple Milkwort, Three-toothed Cinquefoil, Harebell, and Wood Lily are blooming.

If you want to keep your car clean keep it away from the pine trees. White, red, and jack pine pollen has been coating everything with a fine layer of yellow for the past couple of weeks. On windy days clouds of yellow pollen can be seen coming from the trees.

Black bears are more visible as their breeding season has begun. The black bear breeding season is early June to early July. Adult male bears are moving extensively as they search for females to breed with. Female bear have emancipated their young leaving curious and sometimes troublesome yearlings out on their own. These youngsters will be trying to avoid other adult bears which often brings them in close proximity to houses. Any food sources that may attract the young bears, such as bird feeders, dog food, and garbage should be taken in. If the young bear won't leave, make loud noises to scare them off.

Fireworks

With the weekend of July 4 coming up, the Brule River State Forest wishes to remind people that it is illegal to set off fireworks in Wisconsin State Parks and Forests. Sparklers are ok to use but anything that goes "boom", is self-propelled, or has flames coming out is considered illegal. This law is in effect to protect the fireworks users, other recreationists, and the natural resources.

Fishing

This fishing season is open.

River

See the U.S. Geological Survey's page about the river [exit DNR] for provisional data about stream discharge, water level, precipitation, and water quality.

The Bois Brule River is flowing at 103 cfs (cubic feet per second)  The 64 year average is 151 cfs.

Precipitation is well below normal for 2009. From January to June 8.22 inches of precipitation has fallen. The historical average for the same time period is 13.81 inches.

Events

Events for the Brule River State Forest and all state parks and forests are listed on the DNR Events Calendar.

Solon Springs Hikers: Hikes will be held every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Meet at the Solon Springs Community Center on Business Highway 53 to carpool. Hikes are about 5 miles total. An all-day hike will take place once a month. For more information contact Lynne at (715) 378-4412 or Sheila at (715) 378-4340.

Iron River Hikers: The Iron River Hikers meet at 9 a.m. each Tuesday at Orchards Cafe in Iron River The group chooses a trail section, travels together to the trailhead for a hike, then often follows up with lunch at a nearby restaurant. They hike year-round! For more information, contact Bob at (715) 372-5229.

Hunting

it is never too early in the year to begin looking for hunter education classes. A benefit of taking classes early in the year is that later in the year the openings fill up much more quickly.

Camping

Both campgrounds are open year-round. Brule River State Forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Visitors are reminded that sites are designed to accommodate no more than two vehicles and six people. See new firewood rules and general burning regulations.

Camping is limited to the two campgrounds. Back country camping permits (required for the North Country Trail) are available at the Brule office. Camping is not permitted on the beach along Lake Superior in the Bear Beach State Natural Area.

Map [PDF 251KB]

There is a nightly fee (per site) for camping, and campers also must have daily or annual vehicle admission stickers. The camping fees are:

• Resident $10 per site per night
• Non-Resident $12 per site per night

Instructions for registering are at campground entrances.

Special Notice: Firewood originating outside of Wisconsin or more than 50 miles away within Wisconsin is prohibited in our campgrounds. Firewood is a prime mover of the emerald ash borer and several other forest pests. Several businesses in and around Brule sell firewood from local trees. Buying local firewood is the best way of slowing the spread of exotic forest pests from coming into the Brule River State Forest.

More Conditions

Fire danger conditions
Road Conditions [exit DNR]
Weather [exit DNR]

Brule River State Forest Information: Phone (715) 372-5678 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or e-mail Catherine Khalar.