Visitors using the Egret Trail boardwalk at Horicon NWR, in 2006, found it to be a very different experience than in past years. 

Due to the second year of summer drought conditions, no available water for pumping, and muskrat holes in the Little Stoney dike, the “floating” boardwalk was transformed into more of a cattail maze.

Refuge staff couldn’t do much about Mother Nature, but the dike was repaired in January 2007. 

Refuge staff placed eight-foot tall sheet piling in the entire length of the 1,500 foot dike for a cost of $49,000.  The small water control structure was also replaced.  Refuge staff will begin filling the pool with water this spring.