Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Bass Hollow (No. 270)

Overview

Location

Juneau County. T14N-R4E, Sections 16, 21. 212 acres.

Access

From the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and State Highway 58 in Mauston, go southeast on 12 1.9 miles, then south on County Highway K 7.1 miles, then east on Cowan Road about 0.7 miles. The natural area lies northwest and southeast of the road. Or continue on K 0.5 mile past Cowan Road to a parking area for Bass Hollow Recreational Area.

Description

Description

Located in a deep, cliff-lined coulee, Bass Hollow contains an undisturbed forested gorge of mesic hardwoods with sugar maple, basswood, and red oak. Other trees include yellow birch and black ash found in springy areas. Hemlock occupies north-facing cliffs. This site features one of the largest blocks of undisturbed southern mesic forest in the state. The topography is very steep with sandstone cliffs rising over 100 feet high in some places. The upper slopes and ridge tops support a dry to dry-mesic forest of red and white oaks, big-tooth aspen, and black cherry. The ground layer is diverse and contains the rare plant species - nodding pogonia (Triphora trianthophera), and autumn coral-root (Corallorhiza odontorrhiza). Other herbaceous plants include doll's eyes, blue cohosh, wild geranium, hepaticas, early meadow rue, mayapple, sweet cicely, lady fern, fragile fern, and silvery spleenwort. Bass Hollow is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1999.

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, 136 KB]

Objectives

Site Objectives

Manage the site as a southern mesic and dry-mesic forest reserve and as an ecological reference area. Natural processes and prescribed understory manipulation (see below) will determine the structure of the forest. A portion of the site has old field species and pine plantations. These will be managed over the course of time to develop contiguous forest blocks and eventually converted to hardwoods. Provide opportunities for research and education on the highest quality native southern mesic and dry-mesic forests.

Management Approach

In the dry-mesic forest, the native dominant tree species (primarily oaks) are managed passively. However, 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 dry-mesic forest. In the mesic forest, native species are managed passively, allowing nature to determine their ecological characteristics. The old field areas will be planted to southern hardwood species. The pine plantation will be managed over several years to thin the plantation and eventually convert to hardwoods. Across the entire site, allowable activities 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

• Mesic forest species will be allowed to invade the old field, and will be augmented with planting.
• The plantation will be thinned and harvested, and conversion to southern mesic forest will be promoted.
• Roadside easement area may be managed sporadically by township.
• 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.

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)