Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Mccarthy Lake And Cedars (No. 293)

Overview

Location

Within Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Ashland County. T43N-R3W, Sections 7, 18. T43N-R4W, Section 12. Ashland County. 363 acres.

Access

From the intersection of State Highways 13 and 77 (east) in Mellen, go south on 77 3.9 miles, then west on FR 184 (Conley Road) 6.2 miles, then south on FR 183 about 3.0 miles, then head southwest on an unimproved hunter-walking trail along Iron Creek (FR 353) to the lake. To access the cedar swamp, continue on FR 183 another 4.3 miles, then go west on FR 182 3.1 miles, then north on unimproved FR 1333 about 0.7 mile. Walk west into the site. A compass and map are recommended to navigate this site.

Description

Description

McCarthy Lake features undisturbed headwater wetlands, streams and McCarthy Lake, a 42-acre shallow, soft water drainage lake in wilderness condition. Surrounding the lake are open wetlands dominated by ericaceous bog and northern sedge meadow while the northeast quarter is forested with old-growth white pine. The wetlands are drained by 2 slow, soft water streams, which flow into McCarthy Lake. The stream outlets are overgrown with alders and flow over a field of large boulders. As such, they have been spared impoundment by beaver and lake water levels are apparently stable. Blunt-leaved pondweed is common with ribbon-leaved pondweed, common pondweed, coon's-tail, and bull-head pond-lily also present. The cedar swamp is primarily old second growth, dominated by white cedar with lesser amounts of yellow birch, paper birch, white spruce, and red maple. The swamp has recovered well from past disturbance although the numerous regenerating cedar seedlings are unlikely to reach sapling size because of the high white-tailed deer population. Characteristic herbaceous species include Canada mayflower, bluebead lily, goldthread, and bunchberry. Migratory waterfowl use is high with nesting black ducks, blue-winged teal, and wood ducks. Raptors include bald eagle, sharp-shinned hawk, and the state-threatened red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus). Other rare birds include black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus), yellow-bellied flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) and gray jay (Pesisoreus canadensis). Mollusks present include the floater and fingernail clams while mink and green frogs are among the amphibians known to inhabit the area. McCarthy Lake is owned by the USDA Forest Service and was designated a SNA in 1996.

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, 131 KB]

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)