Less than 1.0mm rain this week, and several warm and windy days since, drying things out. Forest floor debris in higher areas is dry, as is moss on exposed rock. Forest fire hazard rating is High, but no restrictions are in place as yet. Lower areas are still wet and spongey. The last of the icy trails have melted, and the most shaded ground is starting to thaw. Small creeks have slowed. Most of the ice (if not all) is now off Lower Black Sturgeon Lake, and boats and docks are going in. The lake level has risen by 3.5” this past week. No leafing out yet in the poplars or birch. The loons have returned, and the frogs are in chorus.