Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Rice Lake (No. 40)

Overview

Location

Within the Thunder Lake Wildlife Area, Oneida County. T38N-R10E, Sections 3, 4. T39N-R10E, Sections 33, 34. 1030 acres.

Access

From the intersection of U.S. Highway 45 and County Highway A in Three Lakes, go north on Highway 45 1 mile, then west on Rice Lake Road 2.4 miles to the east shore of Rice Lake. Best access is by canoe.

Description

Description

Rice Lake is a large, shallow, soft water drainage lake, with outstanding wild rice production which varies from year to year depending on the lake level. Surrounding the lake are a sedge meadow, well-anchored in muck and composed mainly of blue-joint grass, sedges, cat-tail, and bulrushes and an alder thicket dominated by alder, willow, and bog birch. A poor fen with black spruce islands is located north of Rice Lake; black spruce, tamarack, black ash, and alders are present to the south and west. Also present is a 50-acre upland island south of Rice Lake containing red maple, white birch, and balsam fir with scattered hemlock and white pine. Birds found here are typical of sedge meadows and marshes: sedge wren, common yellowthroat, swamp sparrow, red-winged blackbird, and the uncommon LeConte's sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii). Some of the more unusual but regular visitors include great blue heron (Ardea herodias), black tern (Chlidonias niger), and Sandhill crane. The area is also a waterfowl refuge. In spring, large numbers of mallards, black ducks, and ring-necked ducks use the lake and in fall, large concentrations of diving ducks can be observed. In addition, the federally threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and state-threatened osprey (Pandion haliaetus) nest and feed in the area. Other inhabitants include muskrat, mink, beaver, and otter. Rice Lake is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1965.

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.

• Guidebook Map [PDF, 56 KB]
• Detailed Map [PDF, 170 KB]

Objectives

Site Objectives

Manage the site as a reserve for poor fen, sedge meadow and alder thicket, as an aquatic and wetland reserve, and as an ecological reference area. Natural processes and the application of fire in the sedge meadow will determine the structure of the wetlands and lake. Provide opportunities for research and education on the highest quality native ecosystems.

Management Approach

The native species are managed mostly passively, which allows nature to determine the ecological characteristics of the site. Exceptions include control of invasive plants and animals, ditch closure, maintenance of existing facilities, and access to suppress fires. Also, brush control via harvest, brushing or fire may be needed to mimic natural disturbance patterns in the sedge meadow. Salvage of trees after a major wind event is not considered compatible with management objectives.

Site-Specific Considerations

• The area is a year-round waterfowl refuge and no hunting of waterfowl is allowed.
• Although removal of hazardous trees from over and near trails and boardwalk is an allowed activity, manipulation/removal of vegetation and soil disturbance should be minimized to the extent possible.
• Augmentation of the wild rice population can be considered after scientific review.
• Stream meanders may be restored by plugging ditches, moving soil, and revegetating with appropriate native wetland species.
• Boat dock may be permanently removed.

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)