Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Yellow River Oxbows (No. 361)

Overview

Location

Juneau County. T17N-R4E, Sections 5, 6. T18N-R4E, Sections 31, 32. 820 acres.

Access

The area is best viewed by boat. For walk-in access, from the intersection of Highways 21 and 80 in Necedah, go east on 21 about 1 mile, then south on G 6.5, then west on 30th Street 2 miles, then north on 17th Avenue 0.6 mile to a hiking trail leading west into the natural area.

Description

Description

Yellow River Oxbows contains a floodplain forest of silver maple, green ash, swamp white oak, and river birch. Canopy associates are cottonwood, red oak, box elder, yellowbud hickory, red maple, American elm, basswood, and black ash. The low sandy ridges, slightly higher than the surrounding floodplain support white oak, bur oak, shagbark hickory, black cherry, and white pine. The presence of scattered, large, native conifers within a lowland hardwood community is unique and rare in Wisconsin. The shrub layer varies in density from sparse to impenetrable. Common species include buttonbush, gray dogwood, red-osier dogwood, prickly ash, and winterberry. Lianas of wild grape and woodbine are frequent. Poison ivy occurs sporadically, as groundcover, tall shrub, and a robust vine. Herbs typical of the floodplain include wood nettle, gray-headed coneflower, cinnamon fern, green dragon, cardinal flower, and numerous sedges. Near-level topography and sandy soils characterize the Yellow River watershed. The river meanders and turns frequently creating oxbow lakes, cut-off and running sloughs, and small ponds within the floodplain. Many rare, uncommon, and declining animal species have been documented in the Yellow River Bottoms with many being sensitive to the size, isolation, and quality of the habitat. Species include Blanding turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea), prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea), sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis), and Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla). Yellow River Oxbows is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2002.

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, 150 KB]

Objectives

Site Objectives

Manage the site as a reserve for floodplain forest, as an aquatic reserve, and as an ecological reference area. Natural processes will determine the structure of the forest. Provide opportunities for research and education on the highest quality native floodplain forest ecosystems.

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

• Roadside easement area may be managed sporadically by township.
• Upland areas are managed to perpetuate northern dry forest.

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)