Folks who use the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will likely have to wait a little longer this year thanks to the heaping helpings of snow we still have.
The Forest office announced this week the opening of recreation trails and campgrounds will be delayed. Forest spokesperson Tim Vetter says the lingering winter is to blame...
"....typically what we shoot for is the Thursday before the state fishing opener. Two weeks into April we had heavy snowpack on the ground and this past weekend we saw 12-24 inches of snow. Our abilities to get into campgrounds to make the preparations necessary for visitors has been delayed this year...."
He says it's not a matter of when the snow leaves the facilities can be opened..
"...what's important for people to understand is once the snow is gone, there's still a lot of work that needs to be done. So if you see grass on your lawn, that doesn't mean things are ready in the national forest campgrounds..."
He says many of the roads are blocked during the winter and they have to open before work can begin. He says they often have to remove hazardous trees, cleaning campsite pads and preparing water systems. The ATV, UTV, horse and bike trail openings will also be delayed.
He says the Forest team will make another assessment around May 1.
