Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Rib Mountain Talus Forest (No. 532)

Overview

Location

Within Rib Mountain State Park, T28N-R7E, Sections 8, 17. 215 acres.

Access

From the County N exit of Highway 51/I-39, go west on County N 0.2 miles to Park Road. Follow the road 2.3 miles to a parking area. Hiking trails wind through the site.

Description

Description

Rib Mountain Talus Forest is a unique site that supports three rare plant species found among the scattered quartzite rocks on the south side of Rib Mountain. Formed 1.5 billion years ago and standing 640 feet above the surrounding landscape, the mountain is composed of a single large block of quartzite, as are its two nearest neighbors, Mosinee Upper Hill and Hardwood Hill. Rib Mountain is actually a monadnock, a general term for a conspicuous hill that stands above the surrounding plain on account of the resistance of the rock of which it is composed. Being made of hard, durable quartzite, Rib Mountain has thus resisted being worn down to the same degree as the surrounding rocks. The site supports an extensive second-growth mesic forest of sugar maple, paper birch, red oak, and big-tooth aspen. Larger trees present in patches or as individuals including basswood, white ash, red maple, and yellowbud hickory. Scattered conifers are occasionally present but are greatly reduced from their historic abundance. Richer areas support groundlayer plants such as Virginia water-leaf and maidenhair fern while areas with thin soils where quartzite outcrops and talus occur contain plants associated with drier and generally more infertile conditions. Unique microhabitats within crevices of the jumbled talus support rare plants including purple clematis (Clematis occidentalis), Missouri rock-cress (Arabis missouriensis), and the state-threatened drooping sedge (Carex prasina). Rib Mountain Talus Forest is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2005.

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, 251 KB]

Objectives

Site Objectives

Manage the site as a talus forest reserve and an ecological reference area. Natural processes will determine the structure of the forest. Provide opportunities for research and education on the highest quality talus forest.

Management Approach

Native species are managed passively, allowing nature to determine the ecological characteristics. Exceptions include control of invasive plants and animals, and maintenance of existing facilities. Salvage of trees after a major wind event is not considered compatible with management objectives.

Site-Specific Considerations

• Although removal of hazardous trees from over and near trails is an allowed activity, manipulation/removal of vegetation and soil disturbance should be minimized to the extent possible.
• High deer populations may require exclosures be placed around rare plants to prevent browsing.

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)