Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Diamond Roof (No. 454)

Overview

Location

Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Langlade and Oconto Counties. T33N-R14E, Sections 10-15, 21, 22, 27, 28. T33N R15E, Section 18. 1,466 acres.

Access

Most of the complex is within the north-east corner of Langlade County. From the intersection of State Highway 32 and County Highway T in Townsend, go north on Highway 32 3.9 miles, then south and west on FR 2123 (Diamond Roof Road) 3.3 miles to McCaslin Brook. Follow the creek west into the site. Or continue on Diamond Roof Road another 2.8 miles, then northwest on Ada Lake Road (FR 2357) 0.9 miles to Nine Mile Creek. Follow the creek north or south into the site. A map and compass are recommended.

Description

Description

Diamond Roof features upland hardwoods, fast rocky creeks, mixed conifer swamp, and lakes and spring ponds. The northern hardwood forest has a diverse assemblage of sugar maple, basswood, and either white ash or yellow birch. Other canopy species include paper birch, black cherry, ironwood, American elm, bitternut hickory, beech, and the uncommon butternut. Three creeks occur in the complex: Sasacat Creek, Nine Mile Creek, and McCaslin Brook that supports the rare Braun’s holly fern (Polystichum braunii). The stream canopy contains common sugar maple, basswood, and white ash. Other tree species are balsam fir, yellow birch, black ash, red maple, white cedar, and hemlock. The creeks have an occasional shrub layer, but understory trees are common. Common riparian groundlayer species are lady fern, intermediate wood fern, naked miterwort, twin-leaf miterwort, and bulblet fern. Course woody debris is frequent to occasional within the creeks. Surrounding the creeks are lowland conifer swamps and northern wet-mesic forest dominated by white cedar with black spruce, balsam fir, and yellow birch. Much of the conifer swamp contains abundant understory trees featuring branches that make passage difficult. Of note is the presence of the state-threatened marsh valerian (Valeriana uliginosa). Additional water resources include McCaslin Spring and Upper and Lower Hiwanka Lakes, both of good, undisturbed, quality. Diamond Roof 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)