Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Bass Lake Preserve (No. 211)

Overview

Location

Iron County. T41N-R4E, Section 29, 30, 32. 963 acres.

Access

From the intersection of State Highways 47 and 182, about 4 miles south of Manitowish, go south and west on Highway 182 7.1 miles, then east and south on Ferry Road 1.5 miles, then east and south on Bearskull Road 2.2 miles, then north on Randall Lake Road 0.5 mile to the entrance road and gate. Walk 0.5 mile into site. This preserve is open to deer hunting: More...

Description

Description

Situated within a landscape of gently rolling pitted outwash, Bass Lake Preserve contains a small, 15-acre, undeveloped soft-water seepage lake, which still retains wilderness characteristics. The lake is slightly alkaline with light brown water of moderate transparency, has a maximum depth of 20 feet, and contains a largemouth bass and panfish fishery. Surrounding the lake is a narrow band of conifer bog of black spruce and tamarack with some white cedar and alder found in the wetlands. The bog supports a wide range of plants including seven-angled pipewort, moccasin flower, and pitcher plant. The conifer bog rises to uplands that are covered by a second growth northern mesic forest of sugar maple and hemlock. These vary in quality with a few stands of old-growth hemlock and super-canopy white and red pine scattered throughout. Other trees include yellow birch, red pine, white pine, jack pine, red maple, and red oak. Birds present include raven, red-breasted nuthatch, pine grosbeak, and osprey. Bass Lake Preserve is owned by The Nature Conservancy and was designated a State Natural Area in 1986.

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.

• Detailed Map [PDF, 146 KB]
• Line Map [PDF, 28 KB]

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)