Is wildfire smoke the new norm in WI?

PLUS rain damage, new mountain bike trails, and citizen scientists

Author

Forrest Koslowski
August 14, 2025

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Attention! Kevin and I are looking for someone to help run the Wiscampsin Weekly (life has been getting pretty busy for us as of late). If you or someone you know would be interested in spreading the good word on Wisconsin outdoors, please reply to this email or send us a message [email protected]

Mornin’ to everyone wondering about new deadly plant growing in Wisconsin. This is the Wiscampsin Weekly, the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

This week’s weekly:

🚲 Guide to the new Peninsula State Park Mountain Bike Trails

 🦌 Citizen scientists track animal populations

☔️ Rain damage at state-managed properties

🔥 STORY OF THE WEEK: Wisconsin Grapples with Wildfire Smoke as the “New Normal”

🚲 Guide to the new Peninsula State Park Mountain Bike Trails LINK

  • Peninsula State Park has opened nine miles of new purpose-built mountain bike trails, the first phase of a planned 16-mile system, offering two connected loops for riders of varying skill levels.

  • The “easiest” Flying Squirrel and Owl City trails feature gentle elevation changes and wide turns, while the “more difficult” Bear Bumps and Wild Porcupine bring steeper grades, tight turns, and natural jumps.

  • Riders need a Wisconsin state trail pass to access the routes, and construction continues on a connector trail to link the loops into a seamless ride through Door County’s scenic terrain.

🦌 Citizen scientists track animal populations LINK

  • The Wisconsin DNR is recruiting citizen scientists for its annual Operation Deer Watch and Game Bird Observation surveys, which track summer populations of deer, ruffed grouse, pheasants, and wild turkeys.

  • Public reports—typically over 1,000 deer and nearly 900 game bird sightings each year—help the DNR set accurate harvest quotas for future hunting seasons.

  • Submissions are open through August for game birds and through Sept. 30 for deer, giving residents a hands-on way to support wildlife management and conservation.

☔️ Rain damage at state-managed properties LINK

  • Recent storms and flooding have caused damage across multiple state-managed properties, from minor washouts and downed trees to partial trail and property closures.

  • The Wisconsin DNR urges visitors to avoid closed areas, report damage locations to onsite staff, and check the DNR’s Property Notices webpage for updated closure information.

  • With assessments and repairs ongoing, some areas may take days to reopen, and visitors should expect muddy, slippery conditions and plan accordingly.

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🔥 STORY OF THE WEEK: Wisconsin Grapples with Wildfire Smoke as the “New Normal”

If you’ve spent this summer in Wisconsin wondering why the sky looks like it’s wearing a sepia Instagram filter, you’re not alone. With Canada in the midst of its second-worst wildfire season on record, smoke has been drifting across the border and settling over the Badger State—triggering air quality alerts, cancelling outdoor events, and sending more than a few picnics indoors. To read the rest of the story, sign up for the Wiscampsin Membership.

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WISCAMPSIN WEEKLY POLL

35% of you got last week's poll correct!

Every August in Wisconsin the Nighthawk embarks on its migration south due to their being fewer flying insects to eat as the month progresses.

This past Saturday, a location on the northwest side of Milwaukee reported a new Wisconsin 24-hour rain total record. The past record was set in Mellen on June 24th, 1946, with 11.72 inches. What was the new record set on August 9th?

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Weekly Meme

A review from the trail… Appreciate it neighbor!

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