Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Thunder River Swamp (No. 488)

Overview

Location

Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Oconto County. T33N-R17E Sections 2, 10, 11, 14, 15. 638 acres.

Access

The site occupies 9 square miles in the northeast corner of Oconto County, approximately 4 miles north and 8 miles east of Lakewood, Wisconsin. From Highway 32 and County F in Lakewood, go east and north on County F 3.1 miles, then east on Smyth Road 4 miles, then north on Holt Ranch Road 0.7 miles, then east on Bucks Ranch Road 1 mile, then north on N. Fork Road 2.1 miles. Walk east into the site.

Description

Description

The Thunder River Swamp complex contains both upland and lowland areas of exceptional quality. Three habitat types (PMV, ATM, and AQVib) are found within 260 acres of upland forest. One of the included stands contains minimally disturbed old growth white pine, and is a known nesting site for red-shouldered hawks and great blue heron. The high quality lowland swamps found here are mostly white cedar with smaller areas of mixed conifer swamp and alder thickets and support numerous rare plant species. The best quality cedar swamp is located at the south end of the complex, along the Thunder River. The canopy here is white cedar, with less understory balsam fir and black spruce than other areas. The groundlayer is especially diverse. The Thunder River and three unnamed creeks, with associated narrow riparian communities, occur along or within the swamps of the complex. One small stream begins with a large spring pond headwater and continues for a mile and a half, connecting with the North Fork of the Thunder River. Another connects with Caldron Falls Reservoir. Upland areas include both northern dry-mesic and northern mesic forest. The northern dry-mesic forest is dominated by white pine, sugar maple, and paper birch with red maple, and aspen. Also present is a northern mesic forest of paper birch, red oak, and sugar maple. Several large stands within this forest, typed as "cedar-aspen-paper birch", are a matrix of small conifer swamp and mixed upland hardwood areas. Thunder River Swamp 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)