Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Fairyland (No. 474)

Overview

Location

Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Bayfield County. T43N-R6W, Sections 15, 16, 21. 882 acres.

Access

From the intersection of Highway 63 and Highway M in Cable, go east on M approximately 9 miles to the intersection of FR 203.

Description

Description

The core of Fairy Land centers around a relatively undisturbed old growth hemlock hardwood forest situated on the shore of Lake Namekagon at the foot of a prominent interlobate moraine. The old growth stand is imbedded in a large block of mature second growth hardwood forest. Significant inclusions of residual hemlock and yellow birch are present, especially along the shore. Of special interest is the prolific hemlock regeneration with all size classes represented. Associated communities include woodland ephemeral ponds and open bog/sedge meadow. These stands are bordered to the south by a square mile of old, second growth mesic to dry-mesic northern hardwood forest. In addition, one-half mile of undeveloped shoreline is represented in the RNA. Namekagon Lake is an important waterfowl staging area with large numbers of migratory ducks using the lake in spring and fall. The surrounding wetlands provide nesting habitat for American black ducks, mallards, ring-necked ducks, wood ducks, blue-winged teal, hooded mergansers, and a variety of furbearers. The site also provides excellent potential habitat for common loons, which nest on the lake. A long-time eagle territory is located on nearby Paines Island. The undeveloped shoreline habitat also provides excellent nursery habitat and adult cover for muskies, northern pike, and largemouth bass. Surveys on Lake Namekagon revealed the highest numbers of spawning muskies were located in this stretch of shoreline. Other significant animals include merlin (Falco columbarius) and state-threatened red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus). Fairyland 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)