With all the snow melting, cloudy weather, and occasional spring rains, it may seem crazy to be talking about forest fires, but it isn’t. While National Fire Prevention Week is in the fall, we have a spring fire season which can be just as important as the fall season. None of us can forget the Ham Lake Fire which started on May 5, 2007 during this critical time between thaw and spring green up. Changing weather in the spring can bring strong winds. Low humidity after a rain can dry the forest faster than you might think. And, when those two factors combine as they did in 2007, it can lead to a redflag warning fire danger day.
Fighting a wildfire requires working as a team, often in camps, in vehicles, and in other situations where social distancing becomes impossible. It may also require bringing in personnel from other parts of the country. For those additional reasons, we want to protect our firefighters and our community by being extra cautious with fire this spring.
To that end, there are currently fire restrictions in place on the Superior National Forest. Campfires are not allowed, even within fire rings. Camp stove use is also not allowed. You can do your part, not only by following those restrictions, but by checking your vehicle for dangling trailer chains which cause sparks, not parking where dry grass is in contact with hot exhaust systems, and, as Smokey Bear has said for years, making sure smoking materials are disposed of safely. We have already had the first fires on the western side of the Forest this year, and we’d love it if those were the last as well.
Despite the increased fire danger, it is nice to see the snow melting and some visits from the sun. Goldfinches have changed to their bright yellow breeding plumage, and hares are changing from white to brown. Hummingbirds have pushed their way up to the Twin Cities, and usually arrive here by Mother’s Day. White throated sparrows are back, singing their plaintive song of “Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody”, and are joined by mourning doves and red-winged blackbirds. Our dawn chorus of bird song is getting a little louder every day.
A little less welcome member of the chorus are the gurgling whistles of the brown-headed cowbird. These shiny black native birds with brown heads and shoulders are what are known as nest parasites. The female will lay her eggs in another bird’s nest, forcing that bird to care for the cowbird chick. This might not be so bad, except the cowbird chick generally hatches first and dumps all the other eggs out of the nest.
Birds like goldfinches who nest in the open country favored by cowbirds often recognize the cowbird eggs and dump them out first, creating a balance where some cowbirds are successful, but many aren’t. Cowbirds only get to be a problem when forest fragmentation gives them access to woodland birds who don’t recognize cowbird eggs and none of the parasitized nests survive. If you notice lots of cowbirds at your bird feeder, it is a good idea to change up your feeding method to discourage them. Use feeders with smaller holes, and don’t put loose seed in trays.
Speaking of bird feeders and unwelcome visitors, bears are starting to come out of hibernation. It is time to start taking in your feeder at night, and making sure your grill is clean when you are done, or a big furry friend will clean the grease off for you.
Driving in the Forest can be a good escape from the house right now, so long as you pay attention. Soft road conditions mean that there are still no logging trucks on the roads, but those same soft roads mean you need to be careful of washouts, soft spots, and potholes. Most larger system roads are in fair shape, but smaller roads, which were unplowed during the winter, are still snow clogged, soft, and not usable. Don’t risk going down a road in questionable shape, not only will your ruts damage the roadway, but you stand a chance of having to wait for a long time for a tow.
In alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure health safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers, developed recreation sites on the Forest including restroom facilities and campgrounds are closed. There is a group size limitation of 10 people or fewer per group across the entire Forest, and if an area is crowded, please search for a location with fewer people. Additionally, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is closed to both overnight and day use.
So, what is open? At this time, the general Forest outside of the BWCAW is open, including trails, roads, and boat ramps outside of campgrounds, but please check our website for updates before you head out. Since there is no garbage service right now, please follow the ‘Pack It In, Pack It Out’ idea and leave no trace of your visit behind you. And, be sure to make arrangements to use the restroom before or after your visit to the Forest. Unmanaged waste creates a health hazard for both our employees and other visitors.
Many authors have written about how nature and the outdoors can be a source of peace in troubled times. Take a break this spring and visit the Forest. Stand under the pines, listen to birds, look for emerging spring wildflowers, smell the damp earth, or watch the sun rise. You’ll find that the world seems a little bit better if you do.
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