We are drying out ahead of our normal spring schedule, with several warm spells in March that were 20+ degrees above normal, and only 0.71" precip. Snow is gone, lakes remain ice-covered, and vegetation is dry, as we are about 6 weeks away from a normal leaf-out. Fire danger is high, no open burning, and red flag warning yesterday. D1 drought rating continues, especially long term, as wetlands and some lakes continue to drop down. These areas should be overflowing after snow melt. Birds, including robins, purple finches, juncos and others, are returning. Maple sap run is in full swing, with favorable weather ahead, warm days and freezing nights.