Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Whitman Bottoms Floodplain Forest (No. 173)

Overview

Location

Within Whitman Dam Wildlife Area, Buffalo County. T20N-R12W, Section 34. 154 acres.

Access

From the intersection of Highway 35 and Kamrowski Road, just north of Merrick State Park, go northwest on Kamrowski Road 1.8 miles, then west on a dirt lane marked as a boat landing to a parking lot. Canoe downstream to the area. A 500-FOOT BUFFER ZONE IS POSTED AND PUBLIC ACCESS IS RESTRICTED DURING THE SUMMER NESTING SEASON. CONTACT THE State Natural AreaS PROGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Description

Description

Whitman Bottoms Floodplain Forest contains a mature floodplain forest, a section of Indian Creek, and a large heron rookery. Dominants in the floodplain forest are silver maple and river birch in the canopy; poison ivy, grape, common moonseed, woodbine and wild yam as vines; and wood nettle in the herbaceous layer. Also present are American elm, swamp white oak, green ash, and prickly ash. An established and well-studied rookery of herons and egrets contains about 500 nests and is one of the largest in the state. Cavity-nesting bird species are very well represented and include seven species of woodpeckers and the uncommon prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea). Indian Creek meanders through the natural area; the fishery is quite diverse, including some 62 species. Whitman Bottoms Floodplain Forest is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1982.

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, 181 KB]
• Line Map [PDF, 33 KB]

Objectives

Site Objectives

Manage the site as a floodplain forest reserve, an aquatic reserve, and as an ecological reference area. Natural processes will determine the structure of the forest and stream. Provide opportunities for research and education on the highest quality native floodplain forests.

Management Approach

The native species are managed passively, which allows nature to determine the ecological characteristics of the site. Exceptions include control of invasive plants and animals, maintenance of existing facilities, and access to suppress fires. Salvage of trees after a major wind event is not considered compatible with management objectives.

Site-Specific Considerations

• This site formerly harbored a large rookery of herons and egrets. If another rookery is established, a 500-foot buffer zone will be posted and public access will be restricted during the summer nesting season.

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)