Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Johnson Falls (No. 557)

Overview

Location

Within the Peshtigo River State Forest, Marinette County. T32N-R19E, Sections 4, 5. T33N-R19E, Sections 33, 34. 210 acres.

Access

From the intersection of County Highway A and W in Crivitz, go north and west on County A 6.1 miles, then east and north on Newton Lake Road 1.8 miles, then west on High Falls Road 1.9 miles. The site is located on both sides of a 1.5 mile section of the Peshtigo River below the Johnson Falls Dam.

Description

Description

Located on sandy outwash, Johnson Falls is located along both sides of a 1.5 mile section of the Peshtigo River. Here the river flows through a narrow, rocky to sandy-bottomed valley with steep slopes and gently rolling sandy plains above the valley. Below the Johnson Falls Dam are mature forests situated on the steep, sandy slopes and on old river terraces. Mature dry-mesic pine and oak forest and a white cedar dominated wet-mesic forest are the dominant features. The wet-mesic forest contains some cedars exceeding 15 inches in diameter. Common canopy associates are balsam fir, and black spruce with paper birch, white spruce, basswood, white pine, black ash, hemlock, and red maple. The ground layer is diverse and contains species such as three-leaved goldthread, orange jewelweed, naked miterwort, dwarf red raspberry, wild sarsaparilla, American spurred-gentian, and various sedges. Sphagnum mosses form an extensive carpet in some parts of the stands. Seeps and spring runs occur at the slope base and these areas support dense masses of bulblet bladder fern, golden ragwort, cinnamon fern, and common oak fern. Two plants of special concern are present including sheathed sedge (Carex vaginata). The sandy uplands contain some areas of high quality white and red pine forest and more open areas support the rare Deam’s rockcress (Arabis missouriensis). Also present is a granitic bedrock outcrop with a relatively undisturbed glade and dry cliff community on the slopes and uplands on the northeast side of the river. Hill’s oak, with red maple, white oaks, white pine and jack pine are the primary trees present. The sparse shrublayer is comprised of hazelnut and early low blueberry while the ground flora contains poverty oatgrass, Pennsylvania sedge, big bluestem, and little bluestem. Lichens and mosses are common on exposed bedrock and thin soil. Johnson Falls 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, 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)