Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Chippewa Trail (No. 440)

Overview

Location

Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Vilas County. T40N-R4E, Sections 17, 20, 21, 28, 29. 897 acres.

Access

This site is located 15 miles west of Woodruff and 20 miles east of Park Falls, WI. Access is via State Highway 70 to Forest Road 509 (Chippewa Trail).

Description

Description

Chippewa Trail features a mosaic of northern mesic, dry-mesic, wet-mesic and wet forest and open bog communities with small acid bog ponds. Overall, the forest is of natural origin that, if allowed to age without manipulations, will increase in naturalness and approach old-growth condition. Significant upland forest types include older growth hemlock and hemlock hardwoods, along with mature white and red pine forest that has significant white pine reproduction. What is exceptional about this site is the evidence of natural processes functioning including successional changes, natural levels of disease, and natural regeneration of native species. The undisturbed kettle bog complex consists of a small, shallow soft-water seepage lake, sphagnum moss mat, ericaceous shrubs, sedges, and scattered small swamp conifers. Ground flora includes rattlesnake manna grass, tussock cotton grass, moccasin flower, marsh cinquefoil, bog buckbean, and rose pogonia. Throughout this site, community integrity is sustained and at nearly 900 acres, it approaches a size in which landscape functions and processes can occur. This site is also linked to the nearby Headwaters site at its north end and several other sites including Memorial Grove Hemlocks and Tucker Lake SNAs and small sites on Lower Rice Creek, Squaw Creek, and Amik Lake. Together, these comprise an important resource for preserving intact native communities. Chippewa Trail is owned by the US Forest Service and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.

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.

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)