Photo by Thomas A. Meyer/DNR
Jefferson County. T6N-R13E, Sections 17, 20, 21. 452 acres.
Red Cedar Lake is a large, relatively undisturbed shallow lake containing an abundance of submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation. The irregularly shaped 370-acre hard water seepage lake is located in a marshy pocket of the terminal moraine. Although it has a maximum depth of six feet, 90% of the lake is less than three feet deep. The lake and extensive surrounding wetlands have a diverse submerged and emergent aquatic flora providing excellent habitat for numerous species of waterfowl and marsh birds. Plant species include watershield, pickerelweed, whorled water milfoil and common bladderwort. Cat-tails and soft-stem bulrush dominate the surrounding wetlands. Waterfowl use is extensive with an average of 60 breeding pairs of nine species. Numerous marsh birds also nest here including some uncommon species: yellow-headed blackbird, American bittern, least bittern, great blue heron, green heron, and coots. Red Cedar Lake is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1984.
From the intersection of U.S. Highways 12 and 18 in Cambridge, go east on 12 3.2 miles, then south on Brosig Lane 0.1 miles to a parking area and boat launch. The lake is best seen by canoe or kayak. Follow the dredged channel south into the eastern lobe of the lake. Be advised that aquatic growth can be quite thick on the lake's surface, making navigation back to the channel challenging. Please take note of the exit location before venturing out, or use a GPS unit.
Red Cedar Lake 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.
Entrance fees: Excepting 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 fee. 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.
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.
Although a handful of sites allow activities like primitive camping (e.g. Lower Chippewa River on sand bars) or horseback riding (e.g. S. Kettle Moraine), the activities listed below are generally prohibited on DNR-owned SNAs.
For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR]