Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Muddy Creek Sedge Meadow (No. 571)

Overview

Location

Within Big Beaver Wildlife Area, Dunn County. T27N-R11W, Section 5. T28N-R11W, Section 32. 195 acres.

Access

From the intersection of County H and University Street in Elk Mound, go south on H 1.3 miles, then west on 490th Avenue one mile, then south on 890th Street 0.35 miles, then west on 470th Avenue 1.2 miles to a parking area west of the road. A 2nd parking area is located another 0.2 miles down the road. Walk west into the meadow.

Description

Description

Muddy Creek Sedge Meadow contains a unique species composition that comprises nearly equal parts of northern and southern sedge meadow species. This fact stems from the site’s location near the botanical transition zone of Wisconsin where both more typically northern and southern species can be found together on the landscape. Most sedge meadow indicator species are present including tussock sedge and bluejoint grass. Other herbaceous plants include swamp thistle, boneset, joe-pye weed, fowl manna grass, sweet grass, turtlehead, swamp loosestrife, and swamp goldenrod. A late summer survey produced numerous sedge wrens and bobolinks indicating the site’s potential to support large breeding populations. Both species are of Greatest Conservation Need in Wisconsin. Management practices will include prescribed fire and brushing to remove invading woody species and protect the nesting habitat for these birds. Muddy Creek Sedge Meadow is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2008.

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, 154 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)