Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
North Otter Creek (No. 448)

Overview

Location

Located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Forest County. T36N-R14E, Sections 7, 18. 724 acres.

Access

The site is located between Crandon and Laona approximately 2 miles north of Highway 8. From the intersection of Highway 8 and US Highway 55, go east on Hwy 8 5 miles, then north on Otter Creek Road 0.65 miles, then northeast on Margies Road 2.4 miles, then west on FR 2379 0.6 miles. The site lies northeast and southwest of the road.

Description

Description

North Otter Creek features a fairly extensive hemlock hardwood forest dominated by large sugar maple and eastern hemlock with basswood, and yellow birch. Situated in hummocky topography, these stands form the bulk of the upland acreage of the complex. Lower areas along stream segments are often forested with hemlock and northern white cedar. Lowland community types include an area of old-growth white cedar in the northeast corner of the complex. Tiny spring holes feed a small creek which flows through this stand. Other lowland community types include sedge meadow, shrub-carr, alder thicket, and black spruce-tamarack swamp. The riparian areas along the stream corridor are very diverse. One of the most interesting areas contains springs that originate in the uplands and that feed small spring ponds which in turn feed a small creek which then flows north into North Otter Creek. The opening along the stream corridor originated from beaver activity and now is an interesting mix of sedge meadow, alder thicket, and shrub-carr. This diverse complex supports numerous rare plants and animals. North Otter Creek 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)