Mercer received approximately five to six inches of snow today adding to the three inches of snow on the ground currently. Trails are open for skiing and snowshoeing; however, both activities are rated as marginal.  Trail users should be aware of early season conditions such as low snow depth and wetlands not completely frozen resulting in a “soft” surface.  Additionally, the statewide muzzleloader season is open from Monday, November 28th to Wednesday, December 7th on lands which encompass the MECCA Trail System.  Trail users should wear blaze orange or bright colored clothing.

Grooming operations will be limited until wetlands become frozen to support equipment along with a grooming moratorium on DNR lands until the end of the muzzleloader season.  Long range forecast looks promising with cold temps at night and chances of interment light snowfalls.

Over the past few days the Mercer Area has received a series of light snowfalls coupled with freezing temperatures. Currently we have approximately five inches plus of snow on the ground – just what we want!

However, the Wisconsin Deer Gun Hunting Season opens on Saturday, November 19^th and closes on Sunday, November 27^th. The public lands (Iron County Forest and WI DNR) which the MECCA Trail System traverses are open to hunting; therefore, during this period there will not be any grooming of ski trails. After this period, grooming of ski trails will commence as conditions dictate.  Also, we are monitoring closely the four wetlands the ski trail system crosses to determine if they are frozen enough to support grooming equipment and skiers.