Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Kieper Creek (No. 477)

Overview

Location

Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Florence County. T40N-R16E, Sections 27, 28, 33, 34. 871 acres.

Access

From Florence, go ca 10.5 miles west on STH 70 to FR 3895, turn south on FR 3895 for access to the east half of the site. Or travel 1.5 miles farther west on STH 70 to FR 2154, turn south, go 0.3 miles to FR 3894, which provides access to the west and south portions of the site.

Description

Description

Of primary ecological importance at Kieper Creek is the great variety and high quality wetlands associated with the mineral-rich Kieper Creek. These range from rather typical tamarack/black spruce swamps to a small spring pond surrounded by an unusual open fen-type vegetation. White-cedar swamps border much of the creek, replaced in places by sedge meadows with good species diversity. Beginning at the north edge of the site, in a mixed wetland of alder, willow, and various tree species, the stream soon forms a defined channel that passes through small sedge meadows and mixed conifer swamps of tamarack and black spruce, gradually giving way to white-cedar dominated forests. Two spring ponds, bordered by open shrubby areas of ericads, bog birch, and sweet gale, are found in these upper reaches of the stream. The midsection of Kieper Creek boasts a large sedge meadow that is apparently kept open by periodic damming of the stream by beavers. This meadow contains a surprisingly rich mix of sedges, grasses, and broadleaf species that are somehow able to survive the flooding or else quickly recolonize after water levels recede. Kalm’s lobelia is very common here. The lower section of the stream contains another small spring pond that is surrounded by an open area supporting an interesting and rather unusual calcium-loving flora. Species occurring here include Kalm’s lobelia, spurred gentian, Labrador bedstraw, marsh bellflower, Canada anemone, Carex flava and several other unidentified Carex species, bluejoint grass, northern bladderwort, and soft-stem bulrush. Associated with this spring pond is a small but good-quality cedar swamp containing several orchid species. Short portions of the lower stream contain fast-flowing water and numerous boulders. Also important are three good-sized blocks of hardwoods that are minimally fragmented by aspen clearcuts. Though some of these stands are composed mainly of pole hardwoods, predominantly sugar maple and basswood, small pockets of older hemlock-hardwoods are scattered throughout the complex. Kieper 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)