Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Pope Lake (No. 194)

Overview

Location

Within Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca County. T21N-R11E, Section 5 N½. 80 acres.

Access

From the junction of Highways 10 and 54 in Waupaca, go west on 54 4.5 miles, then south on Hartman Creek Road to the State Park office and get a park map. The best access is via the hiking trail from the Hartman Lake beach parking lot. A STATE PARK STICKER IS REQUIRED.

Description

Description

Pope Lake is a 14-acre undeveloped lake with a diversity of aquatic vegetation. It is the only undeveloped water body in the heavily developed Chain-o-Lakes. The marl-bottomed hard water lake has a maximum depth of 40 feet and contains chara, spatterdock, wild celery, and a good variety of pondweeds. Most of the adjacent wetlands are a northern wet forest of tamarack, poison sumac, and winterberry, but alder thicket is also found along the channels and the lake shore. Several upland islands support a northern dry-mesic forest of white pine and white and red oaks. Common bird species found near the lake are green-backed heron, great blue heron, sora, great crested flycatcher, eastern wood peewee, black capped chickadee, and goldfinch. Pope Lake is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1984.

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, 143 KB]
• Line Map [PDF, 44 KB]

Objectives

Site Objectives

Manage the site as an aquatic and wetland preserve, an oak savanna restoration site, and as an ecological reference area. Natural processes will determine the structure of the aquatic and wetland communities, along with prescribed vegetation manipulation in the wetlands and uplands. Also, provide opportunities for research and education on the highest quality native ecosystems.

Management Approach

The lake and associated wetlands are managed passively, which allows nature to determine their ecological characteristics. The forested uplands will be restored to oak savanna to allow the long-term survival of savanna plants that have managed to persist there. The native dominant savanna tree species (primarily oaks) are managed passively. However, some thinning of the canopy, understory manipulation and shrub control via harvest, brushing or fire may be needed to mimic natural disturbance patterns. The mostly passive canopy management and understory manipulation will determine the ecological characteristics of the forested uplands. Water quality BMPs will be followed during savanna restoration activities. Other allowable activities throughout the site include control of invasive plants and animals, maintenance of existing facilities, salvage of timber after storms, and access to suppress wildfires.

Site-Specific Considerations

• Although removal of hazardous trees from over and near trails is an allowed activity, manipulation/removal of vegetation and soil disturbance should be minimized to the extent possible.
• The trail and bridge are designated use areas and they need to be maintained to standards.

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)