With only 0.16” of rain this week, conditions are near normal for April but trending towards mildly dry.  With the gate now shut, the Pascoag Reservoir has risen to 7’2” but the increase has slowed significantly over the last few days due to lack of rain.  Hiking trails at Sprague farm and Douglas forest have wet spots typical for April, but do seem to be drying out.  Tress are budding out as are our blueberry bushes.  Forsythia has popped open this week and daffodils are also out.  Our peonies are also poking up.  Spring birds like sparrows, robins, warblers and swallows are very busy in the area.  George Washington state park has increased the fire danger level to Medium this week due to recent lack of rain.