Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Drummond Woods (No. 427)

Overview

Location

Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Bayfield County. T45N-R7W, Sections 23, 25-28, 33-36. 2,361 acres.

Access

rom Drummond, go east on US Highway 63 2.2 miles. The site lies north and south of the highway and is located along both sides of Highway 63 starting at the north edge of Drummond and extending north along the highway for four miles.

Description

Description

Drummond Woods contains older growth northern mesic hardwoods with a significant hemlock component, often with diameters up to 40 inches. On hummocky, rolling terrain is a hemlock-dominated old-growth forest with super-canopy white and red pine, large snags, and coarse woody debris. Associated hardwoods include sugar maple, yellow birch, paper birch, and basswood. Wet pockets of black ash and red maple are present, as are a few scattered ephemeral ponds. The understory is sparse with tree saplings and American fly honeysuckle, beaked hazelnut, and leatherwood. Characteristic herbs include Canada mayflower, intermediate wood fern, northern tree club-moss, shining club-moss, and rough leaved rice cut grass. Wetter areas with a hemlock canopy have a groundlayer of three-leaved goldthread, mountain wood sorrel, and yellow blue-bead lily. The site is easily accessible by US Highway 63 and has both an interpretive trail and a portion of the North Country Scenic Trail allowing easy access for the public to view and enjoy old-growth forest. Other important features include hemlock regeneration in early successional forest; ephemeral ponds; and super canopy white pine. Drummond Woods 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)