In DeForest, some see bike use as threat to woodpecker population

Ecosystems and habitats, while they do have the ability to repair themselves and stay balanced, oftentimes are also fragile and can easily be disturbed. A seemingly minor change from the natural order of things can have ripple-like ramifications.

On the Upper Yahara River Trail in DeForest, there is concern from some local citizens about off-trail biking disturbing the habitat of local species, particularly red headed woodpeckers, and a petition has been circulating to register that concern.

“I’ve been an avid bird watcher for 45 years now,” said Ann Marie Preece, who lives next to a section of the trail. “When I moved here in 2017, there were more red headed woodpeckers and less off-trail biking. Since then, there has been more biking and building of trails and ramps, which can scare them out of their nests or deter them from nesting here. My goal is not to keep people from biking on the trail, just to get DeForest to enforce the rules that other parks in Dane County have, which is to keep people on the trail.”

Red headed woodpeckers nest from mid-spring to mid-summer, and their optimal habitat for doing so is known as oak savannas, which are essentially spaced apart oak trees with grassland covering the ground. This particular kind of habitat originally covered roughly 16% of Wisconsin.

According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the population of red headed woodpeckers in Wisconsin has been on a steady decline for 40 some years now, with a 60% to 70% drop in numbers. Among some of the reasons for this decline are 99% of oak savannas having been lost or altered, the loss of snags, fire suppression, and firewood harvest.

For those unaware, a “snag” is any dead or dying tree which is still standing. These are essential for woodpeckers, as they often contain insects that are necessary for their diet. According to the village of DeForest though, there are some measures in place to remedy the situation.

Judd Blau, director of public services for the village, noted that the trail is not posted to keep users from leaving it. But, he said, the village is mindful of wildlife habitat.

"We do care about the birds and wildlife in the community. We host a bird watching walk, and also have a program called 'Birdhouses of DeForest,' where citizens can call in and choose locations around the community for birdhouses to be placed. We also work to manage native areas and get rid of invasive species,” Blau said.

As far as this reporter could find, the trail is posted at least in one location, which is near the trail entrance on South Street. The sign reads, among other rules, “For all users: Stay on the trail. Do not cut across switchbacks or use shortcuts.”

According to Blau, this posting could be in reference to sections that border private property or ecologically sensitive areas, but that he is not aware of any official ordinance requiring people to stay on the trail. The posting of the trail aside, there is a possibility that a middle ground could be reached between bird watchers and bikers.

According to Ryan Brady, a conservation biologist for the Department of Natural Resources, correct planning and funding could allow for a trail or park to accommodate both.

“It’s certainly possible to disturb red headed woodpeckers, and off-trail activity generally has negative consequences, depending on the situation. But with red headed woodpeckers, they are unlikely to be affected by changes to the ground, and unless the off-trail activity is occurring during nesting season, it wouldn’t have that much of an effect on them.”

On a somewhat lighter note, Brady did explain that although the population has been on a steady decline, it has been somewhat stemmed by habitat restoration efforts.

In the end, the trail and surrounding nature are meant for the community to use and enjoy. If you would like to know more details about the trail and what it offers, you can check the Village of DeForest Parks Trails & Forestry section.