Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Nourse Sugarbush (No. 534)

Overview

Location

Bayfield County. T50N-R4W, Sections 19, 29, 30. T50N-R5W, Sections 24, 25. 480 acres.

Access

From Washburn, go north on Highway 13 9 miles, then west on Whiting Road about 3.8 miles, then north on Jammer Hill Road 0.5 mile. Park along the road. Follow the Bayfield County Chasta ski trail north and east 1.5 miles to the tin shed and cabin located in the heart of the sugarbush. Or from Washburn, go north on Highway 13 10 miles, then north on Ski Hill Road 2 miles to the Ashwabay Ski Center Parking lot. On foot, skis or snowshoe, follow the Sugarbush Trail about 2 miles northwest to the Nourse Sugarbush tin shed and cabin.

Description

Description

Nourse Sugarbush features an old-growth northern mesic forest on the northwest flank of Mt. Ashwabay, a steep-sided hill rising over 700’ above Lake Superior. To the south, the land rises abruptly to the Bayfield outwash sands and supports dry forest and barrens communities. In contrast, although situated on the same glacial outwash, the sugarbush developed in the shadow of Mt. Ashwabay, which protected it from fire. Large hemlock and sugar maple, some towering 100 feet high, dominate the canopy with associated species of yellow birch, basswood, paper birch, and red oak. The understory is composed of ironwood, sugar maple, and balsam fir. The shrub layer is sparse; groundcover includes wild sarsaparilla, hairy sweet cicely, doll’s-eyes, rosy twisted-stalk, intermediate wood fern, partridgeberry, and violets. Densely packed territories of the black-throated blue warbler (Dendroica caerulescens) indicate the forest contains optimal habitat for this rare species. The site has a long history of maple sugaring – for hundreds of years the Ojibwe tapped the large trees for maple syrup production and diagonal slash marks from early sap collecting are still visible on some trees. Nourse Sugarbush was purchased by the Mt. Ashwabay Outdoor Education Foundation and later donated to the State of Wisconsin. It was designated a State Natural Area in 2006.

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, 205 KB]

Objectives

Site Objectives

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

Management Approach

Native species are managed passively, allowing nature to determine the ecological characteristics. Portions of the site are younger forest and are designated as future old-growth that will develop through natural processes. Exceptions include control of invasive plants and animals, and maintenance of existing facilities. Salvage of trees after a major wind event is not considered compatible with management objectives.

Site-Specific Considerations

• Although removal of hazardous trees from over and near trails and access roads are an allowed activity, manipulation/removal of vegetation and soil disturbance should be minimized to the extent possible.
• Utility corridor management occurs sporadically within the utility easement area.
• A deed exception allows specific individuals to use the cabin and land for private maple sugaring during their lifetimes. The activity is for personal use only and is not a commercial operation.

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)