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Holmboe Conifer Forest

No. 79

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Photo by Aaron Carlson

 

Holmboe Conifer Forest features a variety of old-growth northern forest types on very steep morainal topography along the south bank of the Pelican River. A hemlock forest occupies the north-facing and lower ridge slopes. The drier sites are wooded with white and red pines, white birch, and a mixture of northern hardwoods. The north-central portion is occupied by a black spruce and tamarack wet forest. Canada yew occurs along a seepage area located between the Moraine hills on the south and the swamp conifer forest near the river. Holmboe Conifer Forest is owned by the Northwoods Land Trust and was designated a State Natural Area in 1983.

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. If a developed trail is present, it will usually be noted on the SNA map and/or under the Maps tab. A compass, topographic map, or 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 valuable tools for exploring larger SNAs.

Non-DNR lands

Entrance fees: For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.

Hunting and trapping

This is a non-DNR-owned SNA: Opportunities for hunting and trapping depend on the landowner. Please contact them directly to find out about their rules for hunting and trapping. You can find a link to other owner websites under the Resources tab.

Other activities

Other allowable activities such as - but not limited to camping, geocaching and bicycling are determined by the landowner. Please contact them directly or visit their websites for details.

Location

Oneida County. T36N-R9E, Section 7. 33 acres.

Driving directions

From the intersection of Business Highway 8 and Highway 17 on the south side of Rhinelander, go north on Boyce Drive (Bus. 17) for about 0.3 miles. Parking access is in the lot behind the Taylor Park nursing home facility on the east side of Boyce Drive, just south of the Pelican River bridge. Hike east to the property sign with trail maps.

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]

Holmboe Conifer Forest is owned by: Northwoods Land Trust