Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Papoose Creek Pines (No. 503)

Overview

Location

Within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Vilas County. T42N-R5E, Sections 2, 3, 4. 563 acres.

Access

From the intersection of State Highway 51 and County W in Manitowish Waters, go north on W 2.1 miles, then east on County K 1.2 miles. The majority of the site lies north of the road.

Description

Description

The sandy-soiled flats bordering Papoose Creek support a medium-aged but representative dry-mesic to dry forest dominated by red pine and white pine. Canopy associates include red oak, paper birch, red maple, and near the creek, white spruce and balsam fir. The natural origin pines are approximately 80 to 100 years old, well-stocked and contain a diverse shrub and ground layer. Most mature stands have medium-large trees up to 15 inches, and a moderate shrub layer of beaked hazelnut, over bracken fern, barren strawberry, big-leaved aster, and wintergreen. Other characteristic understory species include princess’ pine, pipsissewa, trailing arbutus, and gay-wings. Near the creek where white spruce is common, the groundlayer includes three-leaved goldthread, twinflower, and bunchberry. Bordering the fast-flowing creek is a mixed shrub swamp of alder, sweet-fern, spiraea, and willows. Bird life includes evening grosbeak, pine siskin, red crossbill, Nashville warbler, pine warbler, hermit thrush, and golden-crowned kinglet. Papoose Creek Pines is owned by the DNR 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.

• Detailed Map [PDF, 231 KB]

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)