Photo by Ryan Magana
Within the Totagatic Wild River Property, Washburn County. T41N-R13W, Sections 3, 4. T42N-R13W, Section 33. 239 acres.
The major feature of Totogan Pines is a maturing stand of northern dry-mesic forest in the southern portion of the site, found along a winding stretch of the Totagatic River. The forest is dominated by red pine averaging 16 inches in diameter with some individuals over 20 inches. This pine stand is of natural origin, a rare occurrence in this part of the state, especially with trees of this size. The forest also contains occasional white pine and scattered to moderately dense northern pin oak and red maple. Big-tooth aspen and paper birch are widely scattered throughout. Overall shrub density is low. Herbaceous vegetation is common and includes cow-wheat, Canada mayflower, whorled loosestrife, and American starflower. The riparian zone is almost exclusively steep banks dominated by jack and red pine with lesser amounts of bur oak. Small terraces are occasionally present and contain bur oak with northern pin oak as an associate. The groundlayer of the riparian terrace is dominated by wetland species such as bluejoint grass, false dragonhead, and poison ivy. The northwest portion of the site contains a wetland complex including forested seeps running into an oxbow lake, and spring runs bordered by bands and pockets of northern sedge meadow and alder thicket. The springs and spring runs originate in a tamarack swamp, in places mixed with swamp hardwoods and black spruce. The central part of the site contains a relatively open landscape that has been harvested in the recent past. Scattered red pine is present along with occasional aspen and pin oak saplings. The shrub layer is dominated by dense waist-high hazelnut. Between the hazel thickets are patches of open barrens with a groundlayer of species including big bluestem, little bluestem, hoary puccoon, rough blazing star, western sunflower, long-leaved bluets, butterfly weed, and harebell. Totogan Pines is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2017.
From the intersection of US 53 and State Highway 77 in Minong, go west on 77 0.8 miles, then north on County I 0.8 miles, then west on Nancy Lake Road 5 miles, then southwest on Peninsula Road 0.75 miles, then south on Deeper Lake Road 0.6 miles, then continue south on Banks Lake Road approximately 1.5 miles to a logging road. Walk south past a berm and through a harvested area into the site.
Totogan 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.
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]