Steady light rains this past week dropped about 22mm of precipitation, much of it absorbed by the ground.  Lower Black Sturgeon lake level is up another 2 inches. Lake residents are assembling dock systems, and one boat was seen out fishing this weekend. Deciduous shrubs and trees are budding, with blooms on birches and willows. Low lying boggy areas are a bit wetter, and small creeks have an increased flow. A little extra water in the ditches earlier in the week is now gone. Grass is green and growing. Tulips, daffodils and other perennials are emerging. Summer songbirds are returning. Looking to enjoy the upcoming warm and dry days, but concerned about the drying effect of the strong winds forecasted. Forest fire risk in the immediate area has been upgraded to moderate.