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Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program Flambeau Wetlands (No. 587)

Flambeau Wetlands

Photo by Ryan Magana


Overview

Location

Within the Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, Iron County. T41N-R2E, Section 4. 60 acres.

Description

Description

Located just north of the Flambeau River, this site features an old growth stand of Boreal Forest which displays no evidence of past logging. Large diameter white pine dominates this portion of the site with white spruce, white cedar and red pine found as secondary canopy associates. Other Boreal Forest tree species present include paper birch and balsam fir along with shrubs such as hazelnut, ironwood and mountain maple. Groundlayer plants that are typical of northern Wisconsin include starflower, bunchberry and Canada mayflower. A rocky slope containing forested seeps that drain south to the Flambeau River forms another interesting feature of the SNA. Also found at this site is an area of Northern Mesic Forest that was affected during a tornado in 2010 and was subsequently salvaged, leaving a fairly open canopy and dense regeneration of sugar maple in the understory. In the northwest portion of the SNA, the site transitions to a lowland forest and brush community. This mix of black spruce, cedar, tamarack, black ash and alder continues to the south and west of the site. Flambeau Wetlands is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2008.

Access

Driving directions

From Butternut, go east on County F about 13.5 miles, then southeast on Turtle Flambeau Dam Road 2.3 miles, then south 0.5 miles to the boat landing. Walk west along the Flambeau River 1.2 miles to the site.

Ownership

Flambeau Wetlands is owned by:

  • WDNR

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 own custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's mapping application.

Recreation

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.

Allowable activities

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.

  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Cross country skiing
  • Hunting
  • Trapping

Prohibited activities

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.

  • 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
  • Drones: Flying-related activities, including the use of drones, hang-gliders and model airplanes, are prohibited. Permission may be issued by the SNA Program for the use of drones for educational or research purposes.
  • 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]

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Last revised: Monday, March 27, 2023