State Natural Areas_Content Page_Browntown Oak Forest_23

Browntown Oak Forest

No. 23

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Photo by Thomas A. Meyer/DNR

 

Browntown Oak Forest occupies the north-facing slope of a St. Peter sandstone ridge in Wisconsin's Driftless Area and contains excellent examples of southern dry and dry-mesic forests. On the ridge top and slopes the soil type is a shallow Dodgeville silt loam. The lower edge has sandstone outcrops and falls steeply 50 feet to a low plain of Northfield sandy loam.

This variation in soil type and topography fosters a range in plant communities from a dry-mesic forest dominated by red oak on the upper slope to a dry forest dominated by white and black oaks on the sandstone outcrops and lower plains. Smaller amounts of bitternut hickory, basswood, black cherry, and walnut are present.

The numerous sugar maple saplings and abundance of spring ephemerals indicate a gradual shift to a more mesic nature. Bird life is varied with these uncommon species regularly found: tufted titmouse, blue-gray gnatcatcher, yellow-throated vireo, and orchard oriole. Browntown Oak Forest is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1953.

Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. Trails, if present, are typically undesignated footpaths. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map under the Maps tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.

The good majority of SNAs are isolated and have few or no facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and lanes are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A GPS unit or compass and a detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.

Entrance fees: Except for Parfrey's Glen, the Cambrian Outlook in the Dells of the Wisconsin River, SNAs within State Parks and some within State Forests, all other DNR-owned SNAs do not have any admission fees. For more information, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45. For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.

Allowable activities: DNR-owned land

The activities listed below are generally allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted above and posted with signs on the property site.

  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Cross country skiing
  • Hunting
  • Trapping
  • Scientific research (permit required)
  • Outdoor education
  • Wild edibles (What is this?)
  • Pets (Rules)
  • Wildlife viewing

Prohibited activities: all SNAs

  • Camping and campfires
  • Collecting of animals (other than legally harvested species), non-edible fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material alive or dead.
  • Collecting for scientific research requires a permit issued by the DNR
  • Collecting of plants including seeds, roots or other non-edible parts of herbaceous plants such as wildflowers or grasses
  • Geocaching
  • Horseback riding
  • Rock climbing
  • Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use.

For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR].

Location

Within Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area. Green County. T1N-R6E, Section 3. 34 acres.

Driving directions

From the intersection of Highways 11 and 81 at the west edge of Monroe, go west on 11, 6.2 miles, then south on Allen Road 0.25 miles to the eastern boundary of the site. A parking area is located at the southeast corner.

The DNR'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. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. 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 landowner 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. To create your custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's Mapping Application.

Property map [PDF]

Browntown Oak Forest is owned by: Wisconsin DNR