Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Bear Lake Slough (No. 428)

Overview

Location

Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Ashland County. T41N-R3W, Sections 30, 31. T41N-R4W, Sections 25, 26. 2,277 acres.

Access

The site is best seen by boat. From the intersection of County GG and FS 163, go east on 163 approximately 4 miles, then north on FR 169 one mile to a dirt road on the west side of the road. Follow the dirt road about 0.25 miles to the canoe landing. Canoe downstream to the site.

Description

Description

Bear Lake Slough is a complex of natural features and contains a large tract of mature, mesic hardwood forest with significant old growth hemlock inclusions in a remote setting. Wet-mesic forests of hemlock and cedar are also present and most common. Super-canopy white pines occur in both forest types. Bear Lake, a widespread drainage lake on the East Fork of the Chippewa River, forms the southern boundary of the site. The shoreline is predominantly sand with some gravel and minor areas of rock and muck. Wetland and aquatic features associated with this shallow water lake are significant. Bear Lake slough, an old river channel, still flows during periods of high water. A large island between the slough and the lake’s northern shore is forested with a second growth stand of red and white pine forest on outwash and alluvial deposits. Also present is a variable boreal forest dominated by balsam fir and paper birch. The understory contains an unusual density and diversity of club-mosses. Excellent shrub-carr and large sedge meadows maintained by fluctuating water levels occur along the wetland margins of the upland islands and along the river channel to the northeast. Emergent aquatics in shallow water areas and large beds of wild rice are present at both the inlet and outlet areas. Waterfowl use is heavy during spring and fall migrations. Other aquatic features include Hungry Run, a warm-water drainage stream flowing into the East Fork upstream from Bear Lake. The East Fork Chippewa River is a major drainage stream flowing from Iron County and zigzagging diagonally across the southern portion of Ashland County. Notable species include nesting bald eagles, common loons, spruce grouse, black ducks, and river otter. Fisheries in this segment of the East Fork include a reported lake sturgeon population. Bear Lake Slough is owned by the US Forest Service and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.

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.

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)