Hedmark Pines

State Natural Area (No. 453)

Location: Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Florence County. T38N-R15E, Sections 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24; T38N-R16E, Sections 18, 19. 805 acres.

Access: This site occurs approximately 7 miles east and 2 miles north of Newald, Wisconsin. The complex includes about 2 to 3 miles of the Popple River. The site is accessible from Highway 139 and Forest Roads 2159B, 2217, 2398, and 2834.

Description: The highlight of Hedmark Pines is the natural origin pine occurring along the Popple River with most late successional stands containing a canopy of pure red pine. Super-canopy pines are found within younger forest. The groundlayer has abundant pine needles and a relatively sparse vegetation of bracken fern, Canada mayflower, twinflower, early low blueberry, partridge berry, and cow wheat. Three included small watersheds along the Popple River contain examples of northern sedge meadow, alder thicket, shrub-carr, and open bog communities. The rare yellow water crowfoot (Ranunculus gmelinii var. hookeri), is found within the complex. Also present is a quality jack pine stand, which contains an interesting groundlayer with Cladonia, nodding lady’s tresses, and pale panic grass (Dicanthelium xanthophysum). The complex also contains approximately three miles of the Popple River. Riparian areas along the river include both open northern sedge meadow and narrow floodplain forest with occasional silver maple and green ash. All streams within the complex include both submerged and emergent aquatic communities. Hedmark Pines is owned by the US Forest Service and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.