Ice is nice, but...

This morning's view of icy Spring Lake reminds us that the lake can be dangerous at this point in the season. Most DNR guidelines recommend staying off the ice until it is about 4 inches thick. If you have a cordless drill and a wood auger bit, you can easily drill through the ice and then hook a tape measure on the bottom edge of the ice to determine thickness. But keep in mind that ice is seldom the same thickness over a single body of water due to currents, springs, and vegetation. This is especially true early in the season. Be safe out there!

Another concern with snow and ice on the lake is the absence of water for wildlife. Winter can be a trying time for birds, for whom water is essential for drinking and bathing (to keep feathers in top flying and insulating shape). If you have a bird bath, consider adding a heating element. Or...the new "solar sipper" is an option for providing ice-free water without electricity. Cheers!