Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
English Lake Hemlocks (No. 423)

Overview

Location

Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Ashland County. T44N-R3W, Sections 8, 9. 155 acres.

Access

The site is located 5 mile west of Mellen, WI. Access is via County Highway GG west 4 miles to Forest Road 1382 (Best Road). The turn right on FR 1382, and left after 0.3 miles on a private home access road for 0.5 miles to the site.

Description

Description

English Lake Hemlocks contains an excellent example of upland and swamp hemlock and white cedar forest with an intact gradient from upland to lowland. Most dramatic is the reproduction of both species with all age classes present. Average diameter for dominant hemlock is 14-18 inches with trees greater than 24 inches common. The core of the site is northern mesic and wet-mesic forest dominated by an overstory of large diameter hemlock, white cedar, yellow birch, a few scattered white pine, red maple and sugar maple. The understory is relatively open with young hemlock and cedar, Canada yew, and mountain maple. Ground flora species include wood ferns, American starflower, bunchberry, wood sorrel, and other TMC species. Along the shore of English Lake is a stand with old-growth features, which is bordered by a conifer swamp to the south. Other notable features include shaded rock outcrops; Canada yew; large diameter red maple and sugar maple, and yellow birch. English Lake itself has excellent aquatic plant life including several large bulrush (Scirpus) beds adjacent to the site. English Lake is a soft-water drainage lake. Common fish species include muskellunge, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, perch, and pumpkinseed. Breeding birds include yellow-bellied flycatcher, winter wren, hermit thrush, veery, Nashville warbler, ovenbird, and northern waterthrush. English Lake Hemlocks 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)