Photo by D. Feldkirchner
Within Governor Knowles State Forest and along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Burnett County. T39N-R19W, Sections 16, 17, 20, 29, 30, 31. 498 acres.
Brant Brook Pines is an old-growth stand of large red pines along the St. Croix River estimated to have originated in the mid 1880's. The northern dry-mesic forest is dominated by red pine with white and jack pines, Hill's oak, basswood, large-toothed aspen, and white birch. A narrow swale of black ash nearly divides the area. On the elevated river terrace above the pines is a dense forest of small oaks while a more mature swamp hardwood forest of oak, black ash, and red maple occurs on the low terrace below the pines. The herbaceous layer contains numerous fern species including bracken, spinulose wood, and ostrich along with common early summer species such as wild geranium and columbine. Brant Brook, a steep gradient, sandy-bottomed stream deeply incised into the river terrace flows through the site. Fed by numerous seeps, the narrow cold water stream supports native brook trout. Brant Brook Pines is owned by the National Park Service and the DNR. It was originally designated a State Natural Area in 1979 and expanded in 2002 to include the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
From the intersection of County Highways F and D at the north edge of Grantsburg, go north on F 3.5 miles, then west on Bloom Road 2 miles, then north on Gile Road 0.75 miles to the Brant Brook Pines Ski Trail parking lot at the right angle corner. Follow the hiking/ski trail northwest into the area.
Brant Brook Pines is owned by:
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 own custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's mapping application.
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 and/or under the "Access" 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 detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.
This SNA has multiple landowners: Opportunities for hunting and trapping depend on the land owner. In general, most DNR-owned land allows hunting and trapping. Partner-owned land may have other rules (for example, university-owned lands do not allow hunting or trapping). 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 "Resource links" heading above. More details regarding allowable uses on the non-DNR land may be found under the "Access" tab above, if available.
In general, the activities listed below are allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted under the "Access" tab above and posted with signs on site.
For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR]