Photo by Josh Mayer
Within Mud Lake Wildlife Area, Columbia County. T11N-R10E, Sections 14, 23. 131 acres.
Mud Lake Forest and Ponds contains a large block of mature southern dry-mesic forest dominated by white oak (15-25 inch DBH) with red oak and shagbark hickory as canopy associates. The white oaks create a tall, sprawling and closed canopy with large spaces in the subcanopy layer that is ideal for flycatching and aerial-sallying birds, including a state-threatened species. The shrub layer is sparse with evidence of previous removal of the invasive common buckthorn. The ground flora is dominated by pointed tick-trefoil and the herbaceous invasive, Japanese hedge parsley. Other species include lady fern, hog-peanut, wild coffee, Jacob’s ladder, and garlic mustard. Within the forest are a series of ephemeral ponds that appear to be hydrologically connected to Mud Lake and add habitat diversity to the site. As part of the Northern Empire Prairie Wetlands Important Bird Area, this SNA offers good opportunities for managing for forest interior birds that require large blocks of forest in an otherwise agricultural and urban landscape. Mud Lake Forest and Ponds is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2012.
From the intersection of State Highway 16 and County Trunk C in Rio, go south on C 1 mile, then west on Drake Road 1.5 miles, then south on Tollefson Road 0.6 miles.
Mud Lake Forest and Ponds 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]