Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Kelly Lynn Bog (No. 528)

Overview

Location

Within the Langlade County Forest. T34N-R9E, Sections 1, 12. T34N-R10E, Sections 5-8. 774 acres.

Access

From the intersection of Highway 45 and Enterprise Lake Road in Elcho, go west on Enterprise Lake Road 1.4 miles, then west on Moccasin Lake Road 3.2 miles, then north on Perch Lake Road 0.8 mile to the junction with Boar's Nest Lane. Bear right on a 2-track lane and continue north 0.6 miles to a culvert crossing separating two large bogs. Park just past culvert crossing and walk east into bog. To access the west unit, from Perch Lake Lane continue on Moccasin Lake Road nearly one mile, then go north on an access road 1.3 miles. Walk north 0.2 miles into the site.

Description

Description

Kelly Lynn Bog is a large wetland complex comprised of two units with open bog as the primary feature. Other natural community types are northern wet forest, northern sedge meadow, and several shallow, soft-water seepage lakes. Stunted black spruce dominates the bog and in some areas the trees are more densely clustered and form a closed canopy conifer forest. The seepage lakes occur on the southern margin of the area and are surrounded by eskers, kames, and various glacial features. The lake margins support floating bog mats and a great diversity of plant species including the rare dragon’s-mouth (Arethusa bulbosa). Compared to the west unit, the eastern unit is a more open community. Species composition indicates the flow of mineral water permitting the development of a forested fen. Breeding birds include olive-sided flycatcher, least flycatcher, yellow-throated vireo, Cape May warbler, Canada warbler, mourning warbler, black-and-white warbler, and ovenbird. Kelly Lynn Bog is owned by Langlade County and was designated a State Natural Area in 2006.

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, 213 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)