Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Belmont Mound Woods (No. 167)

Overview

Location

Within Belmont Mound State Park, Lafayette County. T4N-R1E, Section 34. 80 acres.

Access

From the intersection of U.S. Highway 151 and County Highway G (Liberty Road) in Belmont, go north and west on G 2.5 miles, then north on an access road 0.5 mile to the southern boundary of the natural area. Park along the road.

Description

Description

Belmont Mound Woods features very good examples of southern mesic and dry-mesic forests located on the northern flank of an outlying exposure of Niagara dolomite, one of several such mounds in the Driftless Area. The east central part of the woods is more mesic with sugar maple dominating while larger red oak, basswood, and white ash dominate the remainder of the forest, with some black walnut and ironwood. The forest understory is particularly rich and includes wild leek, blue cohosh, spring-beauty, toothwort, hepatica, may-apple, and bloodroot. An intermittent stream flows northwest through the area adding local habitat variation. The site retains much of its natural character and a diversity of species unlike nearly all other forest tracts in the region, which have suffered from grazing and other disturbances. The forest is habitat for the Cooper's hawk and a plant species of special concern - American gromwell (Lithospermum latifolium). Belmont Mound Woods is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1981.

Maps

The WDNR's State Natural Areas Program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions, and private individuals. Therefore, while the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary accordingly. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the land owner for more specific details.

The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.

• Guidebook Map [PDF, 36 KB]
• Detailed Map [PDF, 401 KB]

Objectives

Site Objectives

Manage the site as an old-growth forest reserve, rare plant habitat site, and as an ecological reference area. Natural processes will determine the structure of the forest. Provide opportunities for research and education on the highest quality native southern mesic old-growth forests.

Management Approach

Native species are managed passively, allowing nature to determine the ecological characteristics of the site. Exceptions include control of invasive plants and animals, maintenance of existing facilities, and access to suppress fires. Salvage of trees after a major wind event is not considered compatible with management objectives.

Site-Specific Considerations

• Site is within Belmont Mound State Park. Access is via an access road. Manipulation/removal of vegetation and soil disturbance should be minimized when maintaining the access road within the State Natural Area.

Activities

Please come prepared for your visit. Amenities vary from site to site with most SNAs being primitive and without facilities. See Guidelines for Visitation for details.

Allowable Activities

Most DNR-owned SNAs allow:

• Hiking
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Trapping
• Skiing

Some exceptions apply. Properties closed to the public or closed to specific use, such as hunting, will be posted.

***For non-DNR-owned SNAs: Additional use guidelines may apply. Please verify any use restrictions with the landowner or contact the SNA Program. Landowners may require additional permits or restrict the number of hunters at a given SNA to provide a quality hunting experience. SNA landowners can be found at the bottom of each SNA description page.

Prohibited Activities

• Horseback riding
• Rock climbing
• Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use
• Collecting of plants (including fruits, nuts, or edible plant parts), animals, fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead

Please note that a permit is required for scientific collection and research on State Natural Areas. For more information, contact Thomas Meyer, State Natural Areas Program Specialist.

For more information on rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Wisconsin's Administrative Code Chapter NR 45 (exit DNR)