Pine and Popple Wild Rivers Conditions

Conditions as of Wednesday, September 16, 2009:

Nature

The big story is leaf color, which is probably around 15 percent of peak. There are some nice blackberries [exit DNR] available in areas.

Wildlife and Hunting

Bucks have been rubbing the velvet off their antlers; does and fawns are still viewed readily. Hunting seasons are open, so you might want to wear high visibility clothing. Ruffed grouse, black bear, and archery deer are the most popular targets.

Rivers

We have had no measurable precipitation in September; the last rain fell on August 29. Water levels are low, low, low. Boating is challenging, and fishing is necessarily limited to areas with water deep enough to hold fish. Anyone wishing to kayak or canoe the Pine River is encouraged to wear water shoes, good quality sandals, or some other kind of footwear, because walking across rocky stretches is a must.

Folks that want to get out on the Pine with watercraft would do best to put in downstream of the Oxbow takeout--the carry-in access on Johnson Creek road might be a good bet.

Trails and Roads

The trails that access waterfalls on the property are undeveloped, which means they have not been leveled, they are primitive and soil surfaced. Suitable hiking boots and a good walking stick are recommended.

All access roads are open and accessible, although a vehicle with good clearance is recommended, and four-wheel drive is preferred for some of the more remote locations.

Camping

The property has three campsites available for free by river users. The campsites can be reached only by the river. Each site has a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table. All three campsites are open for use on a first-come, first-served basis.

More Information

The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center (on State Highway 70 in Florence) is open six days a week, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The center is closed on Sundays. Staff are available to answer questions and provide property maps, canoeing and field guides, and other information. License sales are also available.

We do not have a volunteer group, but would be willing to consider developing one if there was interest. Anyone interested in volunteering to help with brushing/maintaining portages, accesses, or other river property needs should contact manager.

Contact

To comment or get more information about the Pine and Popple Wild Rivers contact:

The Florence Natural Resource and Wild Rivers Interpretive Center [exit DNR]
4793 Forestry Drive
Florence, WI 54121
(888) 889-0049 (toll free)

Jeremy Holtz, Wild Rivers Manager
4842 Forestry Drive (corner of U.S. Highway 2 and State Highway 101)
Florence, WI 54121
(715) 528-4400 ext. 119
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am to 4:30 p.m.

In case of emergency, contact:

Forest County Sheriff — 911 or (715) 478-3331
Florence County Sheriff — 911 or (715) 528-3346