Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Milwaukee River Floodplain Forest (No. 253)

Overview

Location

Within Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, Washington County. T12N-R19E, Sections 14. 119 acres.

Access

From the intersection of U.S. Highways 45 and State Highway 28 East in Kewaskum, go east on 28 1.9 miles, then south on Oak Drive Road 1.2 miles. The site lies about 0.1 mile west of the road.

Description

Description

The Milwaukee River Floodplain Forest features a bottomland hardwood forest with small upland islands located along the East Branch of the Milwaukee River. The site also contains dry-mesic forest and shrub-carr. The well-structured floodplain forest is dominated by large silver maple and green ash with other lowland trees including hackberry, black ash, and bur oak. Just east of the river are small upland islands with sugar maple and beech. The herbaceous groundlayer dominants include reed canary grass, bedstraw, sensitive fern, water parsnip, and green dragon. Also present is the special concern plant species American gromwell (Lithospermum latifolium). In areas with canopy gaps, the openings are quite brushy and dense with dogwoods, prickly ash, and hawthorn. Several spring runs are also present. Animal species of concern are the state-threatened longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis), and greater redhorse (Moxostoma valenciennesi). Bird life includes blue-gray gnatcatcher, brown creeper, wood thrush, and great-horned owl. Milwaukee River Floodplain Forest is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1992.

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, 200 KB]

Management

Site Objectives

Manage the site as a floodplain forest reserve, as an aquatic reserve and wetland protection site, and as an ecological reference area. Natural processes will determine the structure of the forest and associated shrub-carr. 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

• The eight-acre old field will be allowed to be invaded by native dry-mesic/mesic forest species.

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)