Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Haymeadow Flowage (No. 482)

Overview

Location

Within Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Forest County. T39N-R12E Sections 3-10, 17, 18. T40N-R12E, Sections 26, 33, 34, 35. 1,935 acres.

Access

From Eagle River, ca 12 miles west on STH 70, and ca 4 miles south on forest roads. Bordered by Sevenmile Lake and FR 2435 on west; FR 2179 on north and east. Several old logging roads and recreational trails provide access to various parts of the site.

Description

Description

Haymeadow Flowage features a core of open and wooded wetland communities associated with the Haymeadow Creek and Flowage. Of note are old-growth hemlock-hardwood stands that are rare on this landtype on the Nicolet. There is good representation of the mature and seral stage forest communities that naturally occur on these rather dry and nutrient-poor habitat types. Wetlands range from open water and areas of cattails and floating sedge hummocks in the flowage proper, to black spruce muskeg-type bogs, mainly to the north of Haymeadow Creek. Several mixed conifer swamps with significant white-cedar components are scattered throughout the site, though none contain extensive areas of closed-canopy white-cedar. A high-quality open bog with two small bog lakes and a population of dragon’s-mouth (Arethusa bulbosa) is located on the north edge of the complex. Several large red pine-dominated islands occur within the wetland matrix. Surrounding uplands are generally rolling pitted sandy outwash with some steep slopes bordering lowlands. A variety of communities occur, from stands of old growth hemlock-hardwoods to healthy younger mixed forests of red and white pine, red oak, red maple, and paper birch on the dryer, sandier soils. Most of the better upland stands are north of Haymeadow Creek, often in fairly narrow bands on steep slopes bordering lowlands. Ecological gradients are generally intact. Most upland stands have a mature pine component, often super-canopy white pine, with 26-30 inches in diameter fairly common in a few stands. Hemlock sizes are comparable, with one measured at 40 inches in diameter. The best stands exhibit a pronounced old-growth structure. Rare species include northern currant (Ribes hudsonianum), Canada yew (Taxus canadensis), yellow-bellied flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris), and Nashville warbler (Vermivora ruficapilla). Haymeadow Flowage 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)