Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
East Fork Chippewa River (No. 430)

Overview

Location

Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Ashland County. T41N-R3W, Sections 1, 2, 10-14, 22, 28, 29, 32, 33. T42N-R3W, Sections 35, 36. 1,175 acres.

Access

This site is best seen by water. From the intersection of Highway 13 and County D in Glidden, go south and west on County D about 3.4 miles to Shanagolden. Then continue west on Mertig Road 2.4 miles to the Forest boundary. Continue southwest on FR 167 1.5 miles, then southeast on FR 1285 one mile to a canoe landing. Canoe downstream into the site.

Description

Description

Located along the upper reaches of the East Fork of the Chippewa River, this site includes several mature stands of medium rich, mesic hardwood forest on drumlinized ridges. The forest is dominated by sugar maple with basswood and yellow birch. Inter-drumlin areas are forested with mixed swamp hardwoods with remnant hemlock and yellow birch inclusions on somewhat poorly drained soils. Woodland ephemeral ponds with intermittent drainages are commonly associated with these lowland forest communities. These stands grade down into good quality occurrences of hemlock dominated forest within the river valley. Co-dominants include upland cedar, white pine, white spruce, and yellow birch. Such stands are especially prevalent along the river margin. Also present is a mature white cedar swamp with black spruce and balsam fir with numerous islands forested with red and white pine. Ground flora species include twinflower, American fly honeysuckle, rattlesnake fern, downy rattlesnake-plantain, dwarf red raspberry, and two-seeded bog sedge. Other associated forested wetland communities include an extensive black spruce-tamarack bog, and a narrow, seasonally flooded black ash and silver maple riparian zone, which is characterized by a fern and sedge dominated open understory. Several backwater sloughs are also present, the largest just upstream of Pelican Lake, which is naturally impounded by several sets of rapids downstream. A good diversity of emergent aquatic plants is present within the sloughs and are attractive staging areas for a wide variety of waterfowl and marsh birds during migration. Associated communities include extensive shrub swamps and wet meadow complexes maintained in an open condition by frequent water level fluctuations. In addition to a state-threatened plant, notable species inhabiting the site include bald eagle, river otter, mink frog, Michigan lily, and purple fringed orchid. East Fork Chippewa River 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)