North Central Forest Ecological Landscape

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North Central Forest ecological landscape

Attributes and Characteristics Legacy Places Running across much of northern Wisconsin, this ecological landscape encompasses what BD Bad River PG Penokee - Gogebic many residents refer to as the “north woods.” BR Black River Range Lying on top of the end and ground moraine left BI Blue Hills PA Pershing Area by the glaciers about 12,000 years ago, these vast Peshtigo River northern hardwood forests support a variety of BL Border Lakes Region PE wildlife, including many that need large blocks CN Chequamegon - Nicolet PP Pine - Popple River of habitat to survive. Although there are very National Forests PI Pipestone Hills few large lakes on this ground moraine, many large wetlands, small creeks, rivers, and small CH Chippewa Flowage PR Prairie River kettle lakes occur throughout. Soils are primarily CL Chippewa Glacial Lakes SO Somo River acid silt loams, often rocky, and poorly drained. Deerskin River Thornapple - Brunet Areas of loam and loamy sand are also present. DK TP River Woods Many of the state’s major rivers, such as the EC East and West Branches Flambeau, Chippewa, Wolf, Peshtigo, and Brule- of the Eau Claire River TH Timm’s Hill Menominee rivers, originate in the North Central ER Eau Claire River TF Turtle - Flambeau Forest. The exceptional water quality and aquatic FR Flambeau River State Forest Flowage GF Gile Flowage UC Upper Chippewa Lake Superior River Superior GM Goodman Forest BAYFIELD UF Upper Forks of the t Queen

r MT HH Harrison Hills DOUGLAS Flambeau River

Robe Michigan BD GF HB Haugen - Birchwood Lakeland PG UW Upper Wisconsin Chippewa Flowage ER MO JR Jump River ASHLAND BL River NR IRON SAWYER LA Langlade Moraine CN VILAS Upper Wolf River TF DK UP NF CH UF FLORENCE MR LH Laona Hemlock Hardwoods WC Weyerhauser WASHBURN CN PI TP GM PP LO Lost Lake Bog Cedar Swamp UF WF FOREST HB FR CN UC LO ONEIDA MF MR Menominee River WF Willow Flowage

PRICE BI LH MARINETTE RUSK SO MF Monico Forest YC Yellow (Chippewa) PR PE WC TH HH UP MT Montreal River River BARRON JR CN UW EC LINCOLN MO Moose Creek Hemlock Woods CL PA LA TAYLOR LANGLADE BR Namekagon River YC NR DUNN CHIPPEWA OCONTO MENOMINEE Wausau NF North Fork of MARATHON CLARK the Chief River Eau Claire SHAWANO

EAU CLAIRE

78 Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape Wisconsin Land Legacy Report North Central Forest Central North North Central Forest diversity of these rivers is a result of the as elk, wolves, bear, bobcats, and pine martens, heavily forested landscape. The major land as well as many birds like northern goshawk, ecological landscape Key characteristics: use is pulp and sawlog production with red-shouldered hawk, and spruce grouse. » Wild lakes and rivers only a limited amount of agriculture, This ecological landscape and the Northwest » Large working forests mostly small dairy farms. Lowlands are probably the only places in Wisconsin » Large acreage of public land Over the last several decades, this area with enough public land to manage a broad scale » Headwaters of Chippewa, Flambeau, Jump, Wolf, has experienced tremendous growth in second- “shifting mosaic” of forests—that is, forests at a and Menominee Rivers home development and a trend to significantly variety of successional stages, with different age smaller parcel sizes. Although most of this new structures and species compositions, in different Size: housing is centered on lakes, flowages, and patch sizes. At present, older forests and conifers » 9,540 square miles rivers, even areas without water frontage are are under-represented in this landscape. » 6,107,100 acres increasingly being subdivided and developed. (17.0% of Wisconsin) Recreation Uses and Opportunities Population: Conservation Needs and Opportunities With the large amount of public land in this area, » 139,000 The existing vegetation is primarily hard- the North Central Forest is a very popular vacation (2.6% of Wisconsin’s population) wood forest. Aspen and birch dominate younger and outdoor recreation destination. The uplands forests; older forests are typically comprised draw hunters, wildlife watchers, snowmobile and Notable species: of a mix of sugar maple, basswood, red maple, ATV riders, off road bikers, skiers, and horseback » Elk and other hardwoods. Hemlock, white pine riders, among others. The rivers, streams, lakes, » Timber wolf and red pine are present in varying densities and flowages attract anglers, boaters, kayakers, » Bobcat » throughout the landscape. Tamarack, white- and canoeists from throughout the Midwest. Pine marten » Fisher cedar, black ash, and black spruce are present Given the extensive public ownership here » Black bear in the conifer swamps. Many large wetlands are and the adjacent Northern Highlands ecological » Muskellunge associated with the kettle lakes and streams. landscape, this is one of the best areas in the » Brook trout This landscape offers opportunities to state to provide a diverse set of long distance » Northern redbelly dace manage large blocks of forest land, ranging and loop trails for both motorized and non- » Bald eagle, osprey, R file N from northern mesic to hardwood swamps, for motorized forms of recreation. Some key common loon » species adapted to predominantly unfragmented gaps occur between existing public lands. Neotropical migrant songbirds

Wisconsin D » Spruce and Ruffed Grouse landscapes. These include several mammals, such » Goshawk Fisher (Martes pennanti) » Sugar maple » Eastern hemlock Figure 56: Land cover of the North Central Forest Figure 57: Public conservation and other land ownership Figure 58: Land cover of public conservation lands » Goblin fern in the North Central Forest in the North Central Forest » Braun’s holly-fern » Fairy slipper Urban Agriculture Natural communities: 0% Agriculture Urban Open Water 0% 0% Grassland 4% 5% County Forest Open Wetland (See Appendix B for descriptions) Grassland 2% Open Wetland 15% 10% » Alder thicket 5% Shrubland 10% 1% » Bedrock glade Shrubland 1% State » Dry and moist cliffs 4% Forested » Forested Wetland Emergent aquatic Wetland 16% » Ephemeral pond 12% » Hardwood swamp (Northern) » Northern mesic forest Federal » Northern sedge meadow Other 19% » Northern wet-mesic forest Forest 62% 63% (private land, roads, Forest » Northern wet forest schools, cemetaries, 71% » Open bog military lands, etc.) » Submergent aquatic

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape 79 North Central Forest Central North North Central Forest 80 Figure 59a: 59a: Figure

Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape Ecological by Places Legacy Superior Legacy Places and public conservation lands of the North Central Forest Central North the of lands conservation public and Places Legacy 13 Legacy Places and public conservation lands Washburn

North Central Forest 2 Ashland 2 13 MT

122 Hurley Montreal 41 BD 13 GF

169 PG 27 10 8 77 Mellen 37

ER 18 63 1 3 20 8 2 5 NR 34 1 MO

35 18 33 CN TF 77 36 77 13 17 53 7 15 Hayward NF 8 63 14 UF CH Park Falls

70 1 Spooner PI 70 12 TP 13 1 2 UF 1 16 Shell 22 Lake 40 40 FR CN HB 48 15 Phillips LO UC 27 13 r 29 ve Ri u a 53 e b 31 m 13 BI a l

Cumberland 14 40 8 48 Rice 63 Lake 2 25 Ladysmith Barron 8 TH WC River

27 Jump C hi 27 pp e 39 Chetek w a River 53 JR 1 CN PA CL 24 4 9

6 Cornell Medford 64 64 BR 64 Bloomer 25 YC 13

12 40 Chippewa Stanley Thorp Owen Abbotsford Falls 29 94 29 Colby Menomonie 53

Eau Claire Altoona 73 12 27 Greenwood 25 Public Conservation Lands Loyal

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Legacy Land Wisconsin 94 State Augusta Marshfield Durand Federal Mondovi County Forest Osseo Neillsville

Miles 0 2.5 5 10 Wisconsin L Wisconsin Figure 60a: 60a: Figure

2 Superior a Legacy Places and land cover of the North Central Forest Central North the of cover land and Places Legacy n 13 d L d Legacy Places and landWashburn cover e g a

c 2

y Re y North Central Forest LAKE SUPERIOR Ashland WATERSHED p 2 o r

t 13 MT

122 Hurley

Montreal BD GF 13 169 PG 27 Mellen 77

ER 63

ST. CROIX WATERSHED NR MO

CN TF 77 77 13 53 Hayward NF 63 UF CH UPPER CHIPPEWA Park WATERSHED Falls

Spooner PI 70 70 TP

Shell UF Lake 27 40 FR CN HB Phillips LO 48 UC

53 BI 13

Cumberland 40 8 48 Rice 63 Lake 25 Ladysmith Barron 8 TH WC 27 LOWER CHIPPEWA Chetek WATERSHED JR CN PA CL Legacy Places BD Bad River 53 Cornell Medford 64 BR Black River 64 BR 64 BI Blue Hills Bloomer CN Chequamegon-Nicolet 25 YC National Forests 13 CH Chippewa Flowage CL Chippewa Glacial Lakes ER Eau Claire River 12 FR Flambeau River State Forest 40 Chippewa Stanley Thorp Owen Abbotsford GF Gile Flowage Falls Land29 Cover HB Haugen-Birchwood Lakeland 94 29 JR Jump River Urban Colby LOMenomonie Lost Lake Bog 53 UPPER WISCONSIN MT Montreal River Agriculture Eau 73 CENTRAL Lega MO Moose Creek Hemlock Woods Claire Altoona WATERSHED NR Namekagon River Grassland c y Pl y NF North Fork of the Chief River 12 27 Greenwood Shrubland a PG Penokee-Gogebic Range ces ces 25PA Pershing Area Loyal

b Forest

y Ecological Landscape Ecological y PI Pipestone Hills TP Thornapple-Brunet Augusta Open Water River Woods BLACK RIVER Marshfield DurandTH Timm’s Hill WATERSHED TF Turtle-Flambeau Flowage Open Wetland Mondovi UC Upper Chippewa River Osseo UF Upper Forks of the Neillsville Forested Wetland Flambeau River

WC Weyerhauser Cedar Swamp Miles 94 YC Yellow (Chippewa) River 0 2.5 5 10 81

North Central Forest North Central Forest 82 Figure 59b: 59b: Figure

Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape Ecological by Places Legacy Legacy Places and public conservation lands Forest Central North the of lands conservation public and Places Legacy North Central Forest

Michigan 37

8 BL 11

47 45 36 51 23 17 17 DK

Menomin ee Eagle River 70 MR 2 R iv 70 70 er 1 er iv CN R ne 30 Pi 26 GM PP 55 4 1 6 47 WF CN 42 32 17 MF P e s h t Rhinelander ig 12 o 19 River r e 11 iv Crandon R 8 LH r Rive 7 8 lf in o SO ns W o c is 51 W

Tomahawk 86 PE 1 PR 55 HH 45 5 10 17 16 9 UP 32 38 28 21 UW EC EC 25 3 LA 52

Merrill 64 64 Antigo 64

32 52 47 Wausau Legacy Places BL Border Lakes Region Schofield 45 CN Chequamegon-NicoletGillett 22 National Forests Oconto DK Deerskin River Falls 29 EC East and West Branches of the Eau Claire River Mosinee GM Goodman Forest Shawano HH Harrison Hills LA Langlade Moraine LH Laona Hemlock Hardwoods Public Conservation Lands 22 Menominee River

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Legacy Land Wisconsin MR Marion State MF Monico Forest 39 PE Peshtigo River Clintonville Federal PP Pine-Popple River PR Prairie River 66 45 SO Somo River County Forest 49 Green Upper Wisconsin River UW Seymour Bay UP Upper Wolf River Miles Stevens 0 2.5 5 10 Point WF Willow Flowage Manawa Wisconsin L Wisconsin Figure 60b: 60b: Figure a Legacy Places and land cover of the North Central Forest Central North the of cover land and Places Legacy n

d L d Legacy Places and land cover e g a c

y Re y North Central Forest p o r t

Michigan

UPPER CHIPPEWA 47 WATERSHED 45 51

17 DK

Eagle 70 MR River 2 70 70 CN GM UPPER WISCONSIN NORTH PP WATERSHED 55

47 32 WF CN 17 MF Rhinelander

Crandon 8 LH 8 SO 51

Tomahawk 86 PE PR 55 HH

17 45 UP GREEN BAY 32 WATERSHED UW EC EC

LA 52

64 Merrill 64 Antigo 64

UPPER WISCONSIN CENTRAL 55 WATERSHED

32 52 47 Wausau Land Cover

Urban Schofield 45 WOLF RIVER Gillett 22 WATERSHED Oconto Agriculture Falls

29 Lega Grassland Mosinee c

y Pl y Shawano Shrubland a ces ces Forest

b 22 y Ecological Landscape Ecological y Open Water Marion

39 Open Wetland Clintonville 45 66 Forested Wetland 49 Green Seymour Bay Miles

Stevens 0 2.5 5 10 Point

83 Manawa

North Central Forest North Central Forest 84 ecological landscape North Central Forest

Property Map# Public Conservation Lands State

s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s 40 24 22 34 28 26 23 25 30 27 29 36 42 38 39 37 32 33 35 41 31 20 21 15 14 13 12 11 10 19 18 17 16

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape Ecological by Places Legacy Kimberly Clark State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Clark Kimberly Upper Wolf River State Fishery Area Fishery State River Wolf Upper Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area Waters Scenic Flambeau Turtle Rivers Wild Pine-Popple Northern Highland-American Legion State State Forest Legion Highland-American Northern Spring Creek State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Creek Spring Area Fishery State Creek Eddy Grindstone Creek State Fishery Area Fishery State Creek Grindstone Area Natural State Lake Dunn Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area Natural State Barrens Eagle Spread Niebauer Springs Fishery Area Fishery Springs Niebauer Pershing State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Pershing Underwood State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Underwood Miscellaneous Lands Miscellaneous Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Waters Scenic Flowage Willow Silvernail State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Silvernail Washington Creek State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Creek Washington Moose Lake State Natural Area Natural State Lake Moose Totagatic Lake State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Lake Totagatic Area Wildlife State Creek Potato Totagatic State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Totagatic New Wood State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Wood New Totagatic Highlands Hemlock State Natural Area Natural State Hemlock Highlands Totagatic Area Wildlife State Marsh Peters Weirgor Springs State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Springs Weirgor Little Rice State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Rice Little Area Wildlife State Swamp Kissick Lake Evelyn State Natural Area Natural State Evelyn Lake Hay Creek-Hoffman Lake State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Lake Creek-Hoffman Hay Forest State River Flambeau Park State Falls Copper Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area Recreation State Moraine Chippewa Flowage Chippewa Area Wildlife State River Chief Park State Island Brunet Area Wildlife State Brook Bog Land Public of Commissioners of Board Area Wildlife State Cross Bill Area Fishery State Lake Beverly Area Fishery State Creek Benson Tom Lawin State Wildlife Area Wildlife State Lawin Tom Area Fishery State River Prairie White River State Fishery Area Fishery State River White

Name

2 2

2 2 2

ie(acres) Size 2

12,605 15,965 13,920 90,135

5,890 2,860 2,660 2,060 9,380 1,640 8,790 1,960 5,930 7,440 8,570 1,050 2,760 1,630 4,100 1,070 2,015 1,740 1,190 1,170 940 340 560 980 300 200 280 220 450 930 160 265 920 525 275 410 315 515 - - 1

4 3 2 1 TOTAL C Federal Property Map#

Actual acres owned in in owned acres Actual Locations and sizes of county owned parcels enrolled in the Forest Crop Law are presented here. here. presented are Law Crop Forest the in enrolled parcels owned county of sizes and Locations easements, non-point and streambank towers, fire hatcheries, fish sites, access public Includes Landscape(s). Ecological adjacent within falls also property This is not readily available and is not included here, except for some very large properties. large very some for except here, included not is and available readily Landscape not is Ecological this in parks local and county other of sizes and locations on Information Landscape. Ecological this within acres 100 than fewer with properties and properties small acres, 100 under programs, area natural and forestry, fishery, wildlife, statewide under acquired lands s s s s s s s s s ounty Forest ounty s s s s s s s s s s s 11 12 13 15 10 18 16 14 17

8 7 6 5 3 2 1 2 1 9 4

Taylor County Forest County Taylor Rusk County Forest County Rusk Oneida County Forest County Oneida Lincoln County Forest County Lincoln Iron County Forest County Iron Forest County Forest Forest County Florence Forest County Douglas Forest County Bayfield Forest County Barron Forest County Ashland Riverway Scenic National Croix St. Forests National Chequamegon-Nicolet Langlade County Forest County Langlade Forest County Chippewa Vilas County Forest County Vilas Forest County Price Forest County Marinette Washburn County Forest County Washburn Forest County Sawyer 4 this

Ecological Landscape. Ecological

Name 2

2 2

2 2 2

2 2

ie(acres) Size 2,335,195 1,186,860 150,370 110,630 86,500 56,850 28,230 36,450 32,830 86,920 74,940 10,690 15,260 88,010 13,330 90,160 31,410 3,390 4,240 5,210 6,610

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest National Chequamegon-Nicolet Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Legacy Land Wisconsin

jOHN sEHR North Central Forest The Hills are popular destinations for hunters, BD Bad River anglers, snowmobilers, hikers, and skiers. Given CN Chequamegon - Nicolet ecological landscape the size of the area, maintaining the large forested See the Superior Coastal Plains National Forests landscape here might allow multiple recreation ecological landscape. Size ...... Large uses, including both motorized and quiet Protection Initiated...... Substantial activities, to successfully coexist. Protection Remaining...... Limited BR Black River Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 0 See the Forest Transition BL Border Lakes Region Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 0 0 ecological landscape. Size ...... Large Over 80% of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Protection Initiated...... Moderate Forests occurs within the North Central Forest Protection Remaining...... Moderate ecological landscape, covering an area close to BI Blue Hills Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 0 1.2 million acres. The National Forest occurs Size ...... Large Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 primarily on glacial moraines and till plains Protection Initiated...... Substantial with loamy soils that provide mesic and wet- Vilas, Oneida, and Iron Counties harbor Protection Remaining...... Limited mesic conditions. Forests are predominantly one of the highest concentrations of lakes Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 aspen and northern hardwoods, with some red in the world. Although most of the privately Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 0 pine plantations and wetlands. Northern hard- owned lake shoreline in these counties is A large, very old quartzite outcropping forms wood forests provide habitat for a number of developed, a pocket of mostly undeveloped or the Blue Hills. The Hills support an extensive mesic herbaceous plant species, and for forest lightly developed lakes exists along the border forested tract intermingled with lakes, wetlands interior birds during the breeding season. Aspen with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. These lakes and a number of high quality streams. The Hills forests provide habitat for early-successional support an unusually diverse and high quality are a potential link between the Chippewa wildlife species, and offer opportunities for ruffed assemblage of aquatic natural communities. Moraine to the south and the large forest blocks grouse and woodcock hunting. Hiking, camping, The surrounding uplands harbor a high quality to the north. Although little farmland exists hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, biking, forest complex with several patches of old- within the area, agriculture is a dominant snowmobiling, and off road vehicle riding are growth. Numerous rare species are known land use to the south and west. among the many popular recreation activities. to occur here, particularly birds and plants. The Blue Hills support a high quality, second Off road vehicle use has been permitted on most The Border Lakes Region is flanked by the growth forest. Dominant tree species include of the Chequamegon National Forest, but restricted Northern Highland-American Legion State sugar maple, red oak, aspen, and basswood, to roads posted for such use on the Nicolet National Forest, several large County Forest properties, although the topography of the area provides Forest. Current guidelines for off road vehicles the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and a diversity of microclimates that support a wide are being revised as part of the National Michigan’s Ottawa National Forest (home of variety of trees and other plants. The Hills har- Forest planning process. the Sylvania Wilderness Area). The Nature bor many birds dependent on forest interior While the Chequamegon and Nicolet portions Conservancy is actively working with landowners conditions. In addition, numerous coldwater, of the National Forest are similar in geologic in the area on a variety of conservation projects. high-gradient streams originate in the Hills and origin and forest cover, there are some notable s r support productive brook trout fisheries. Within The Border Lakes Region represents one features unique to each. The Chequamegon Wabe h the hilly landscape there are a number of small, of the last opportunities in Wisconsin to protect contains a portion of the Penokee-Gogebic Range, Hug mostly undeveloped lakes and impoundments a reasonably large cluster of wild lakes. Lying noted for its steep topography and relatively at the heart of several large blocks of public Learning the wonders of nature firsthand that provide fishing for species such as bass, contiguous northern hardwood forest cover, northern pike, and panfish. Several large felsen- property, the area could provide low-impact which provides interior forest habitat for species meers (talus slopes that generate a consistent recreation activities in a very remote setting. that require large extensive forests. Much of the upwelling of cold air from their base and support Several portions of this area are held in large area around Clam Lake is a drumlinized ground a number of rare plants and invertebrates), ownership blocks, which have been integral moraine, with wetland forests in the low-lying along with other important geological and to maintaining the character of the area. Some areas between the drumlins. Wilderness areas archaeological features, are also found here. of the lakes currently receive minimal fishing on the Chequamegon include the Rainbow Lake pressure and, as such, offer an opportunity Maintaining the large forested landscape will Wilderness of 6,583 acres, and the Porcupine for a variety of research projects. be critical to meet the area’s conservation potential, Lake Wilderness of 4,446 acres, both located near particularly the full range of forest age classes Protecting this unique mosaic of lakes, wet- Drummond. The North Country Trail passes and patch size. Reducing habitat fragmentation lands and upland forests—with its significant between the towns of Drummond and Mellen, could enhance populations of forest dwelling birds. water quality, fisheries, wildlife, and forest and a number of other recreational trails are Although a considerable portion of the Blue Hills resources—will be important to maintaining available for Forest visitors. The Medford Ranger is within county forest programs, many key the biological diversity and recreational District is disjunct from the rest of the Forest, areas remain unprotected. opportunities of northern Wisconsin. and its more southern location leads to the

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape 85 North Central Forest Central North North Central Forest presence of species less common on the rest of the Chequamegon-Nicolet. It also provides ecological landscape CL Chippewa Glacial Lakes a significant forested patch in an area more Size ...... Large fragmented by development and agriculture. Protection Initiated...... Substantial On the Nicolet, a large contiguous forested area Protection Remaining...... Moderate made up of aspen and northern hardwoods occurs Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 near Laona, and has been identified as an area Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 0 0 Legacy Places where management for forest interior species is This rugged, wooded terrain contains numerous feasible. A very large area of continuous National elo

ephemeral wetlands, bogs, kettle lakes, and large dr e Forest ownership is found in the Eagle River seepage lakes that have little or no development. N Dan Ranger District on a drumlinized ground moraine This area also contains an excellent representation where upland forests are interspersed with lowland of a variety of glacial features including moraines, Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) conifers. There are also opportunities to coordinate eskers, ice block depression lakes, ice-walled management of large landscapes across the state lake plains, and a glacial meltwater channel. boundary into the Ottawa National Forest in Upper Forests in portions of the area are very high EC East and West Branches Michigan. Several wilderness areas are found on quality and contain a high diversity of of the Eau Claire River the Nicolet, including the Blackjack Springs and forest interior bird species. Size ...... Medium Headwaters Wildernesses near Eagle River that Existing land protection and management Protection Initiated...... Moderate together occupy 23,800 acres, and the Whisker efforts occurring within the Ice Age Reserve and Protection Remaining...... Moderate Lake Wilderness of 7,500 acres near Florence. Chippewa County Forest could be substantially Conservation Significance...... 0 0 enhanced to create a landscape linkage between Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 Chippewa Flowage these properties and existing public ownership Originating in the large wetlands and small lakes CH in the Blue Hills of Sawyer, Barron, and Rusk Size ...... Large near Kempster, these streams are productive trout Counties. Protection efforts in the Chippewa Protection Initiated...... Substantial waters. The large wetland in the headwater area, Glacial Lakes area could provide quality hunting, Protection Remaining...... Limited known as Bogus Swamp, is a high quality open hiking, wildlife watching, paddling, and fishing Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 bog that supports rare butterflies and a diverse opportunities for the numerous residents in Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 0 assemblage of plants. The water quality in the the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls areas. East Branch in particular has improved recently This 15,000-acre impoundment hosts a Given its close proximity to US 53, it is and is supporting higher numbers of trout. There seemingly endless maze of islands, points, also easily accessible to many others. are several public properties located in these bays and channels. With over 230 miles of corridors, including Langlade County Forest, mostly undeveloped shoreline and 200 islands, the old Crystal Springs Hatchery, Peters the Chippewa Flowage is one of the state’s most DK Deerskin River Marsh Wildlife Area and some scattered spectacular waterbodies. Forests of aspen, birch, Size ...... Medium fishery properties. pine and oak line much of the shore and the Protection Initiated...... Moderate surrounding rolling landscape. Herons, eagles, Protection Remaining...... Limited oto.com h loons and waterfowl are commonly seen. Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 ER Eau Claire River

tammp Since it was initially dammed in 1923, the Recreation Potential ...... 0 S See the Northwest Sands flowage has drawn visitors from throughout the The Deerskin River is a cold water stream ecological landscape. Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) strikes with a vengeance Midwest. Fishing, in particular for muskellunge, containing Class I and Class II trout waters is a prized activity. Walleye, pike, perch and crappie in different reaches. Much of the upper part are also popular among visitors. The flowage has of the river goes through the Nicolet National 18 island camping sites that create a unique Forest; the middle and lower reaches flow wild and uncrowded experience. through private parcels. The river corridor includes impoundments at Long Lake and Scattering Rice Lake. A dam that held the former Deerskin Flowage has recently been removed, restoring wetlands and the natural streambed.

86 Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape Wisconsin Land Legacy Report North Central Forest Central North North Central Forest ecological landscape FR Flambeau River State Forest GM Goodman Forest HB Haugen - Birchwood Size ...... Large Size ...... Medium Lakeland Protection Initiated...... Substantial Protection Initiated...... Limited Size ...... Medium Protection Remaining...... Limited Protection Remaining...... Substantial Protection Initiated...... Moderate Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 Protection Remaining...... Moderate Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 0 0 Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 The Flambeau River State Forest is dominated This area is part of the headwaters of the Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 by northern hardwood species such as sugar and Pike and Peshtigo Rivers and contains large Lying between Lake Chetak and Long Lake red maple, yellow birch, aspen, and white ash. blocks of managed forest. The general topogra- is an area of kettle lake topography containing The North and South Forks of the Flambeau phy of the area is gently rolling. The soils have an exceptionally high density of small, mostly River combine within the forest to provide over textures of fine sandy loam to silt loam and undeveloped lakes. It was formed primarily while 75 miles of nearly uninterrupted natural beauty support nutrient-rich habitat types. the Chippewa lobe of the most-recent continental and whitewater excitement. Canoeing and fishing Numerous streams originate in this area, glaciation was melting back from its maximum are popular river-based activities, while hunting many lined with swamp conifer stands or open extent. The lakes formed when large, buried blocks and snowmobiling are the most popular land- boggy meadows. Forest management practices of glacial ice melted and left deep depressions. based recreation activities on the State Forest. that perpetuate the “big woods” feel of the area The surrounding wooded uplands support many Muskellunge, sturgeon, trout, walleye, bass, would help maintain the area’s character as rare birds. Some of the area is owned and managed and panfish occur in the river. well as the water quality in the Pike and as County Forest. Many of the small lakes in Several large blocks of land, much in County Peshtigo River systems. This area provides the County Forest are accessible only by foot Forest or industrial forest ownership, surround a link between the Nicolet National Forest and provide a remote, wilderness experience the Flambeau River State Forest. Maintaining and Marinette County Forest. for visitors. Fishing in these lakes, many these large blocks of working forest would help of which are less than 30 acres in size to buffer the state forest, offer excellent outdoor but more than 25 feet deep, is excellent. recreation opportunities, and provide an impor- HH Harrison Hills Extending a protected corridor south to near tant source of wood fiber for paper and lumber. Size ...... Medium Birchwood and west to Haugen could alleviate III Downstream from the State Forest critical Protection Initiated...... Substantial user conflicts currently occurring on the Tuscobia habitat exists for several threatened and endan- Protection Remaining...... Limited

Hanson State Trail, which passes south of this area. Such w e gered species of fish, mussels, and dragonflies. Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 dr a corridor could provide a scenic alternative route n A Two flowages and the surrounding uplands Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 for the Ice Age Trail and protect similar kettle provide opportunities for fishing, boating, Hiking the Ice Age Trail in the Harrison Hills Located at the eastern end of the Perkinston topography formed by the Lake Superior lobe. picnicking and camping. Many stretches recessional moraine, this area contains a mix of the lower river are undeveloped or lightly of numerous, small kettle lakes interspersed with developed, with extensively forested shorelines. northern hardwood forest. The hilly topography JR Jump River provides a variety of habitat conditions. Most Size ...... Large of the area is forested with early successional Protection Initiated...... Limited GF Gile Flowage hardwoods and aspen. A large percentage Protection Remaining...... Substantial Size ...... Small of the area is within Lincoln County Forest. Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 Protection Initiated...... Limited Several high quality coldwater streams that Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 Protection Remaining...... Moderate support healthy trout populations originate in The Jump River system drains a predominantly Conservation Significance...... 0 0 the area, including the Prairie River, and Big Pine, forested landscape, although some farmland is Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 Little Pine, and Green Meadow Creeks. Only about present. Many of the headwater creeks drain from The Gile Flowage is a large reservoir with a 10 miles from STH 51, the area is relatively easily and flow through large wetland complexes. As the relatively undeveloped shoreline that provides accessible to residents of Merrill, Wausau, and North and South Forks of the river gain volume,

ANGE fishing, hunting, trapping, boating, camping and other cities to the south. they also pick up speed as they pass through higher l T R swimming opportunities. The surrounding land BE

R gradients. The entire river corridor has remained hE is a mix of northern conifer and northern hard- largely intact and supports a diverse aquatic wood forest. The Gile Flowage has been desig- Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) community structure with several rare elements nated an Outstanding Resource Water. and few problems with exotic species.

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape 87 North Central Forest Central North North Central Forest The Jump River and its two forks support a Lying west of Laona are several lakes surrounded diverse assemblage of species including several by mature hemlock-hardwood forest. These woods, ecological landscape MT Montreal River rare insects, fish, and reptiles. In-stream habitat which continue north to the Peshtigo River, offer Size ...... Medium throughout the system is excellent. Lake Sturgeon, one of the best opportunities in the state to manage Protection Initiated...... Limited moving up from the Chippewa River, are present. for old-growth characteristics. Species that do best Protection Remaining...... Substantial This medium-large river system provides in large blocks of mature forest, such as black- Conservation Significance...... 0 0 excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities throated green warbler, northern goshawk, Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 and bobcat are common here. with whitewater occurring in some segments, Two main forks draining out of the northern particularly near the confluence of the North and highlands feed the Montreal River. After cutting South Forks. The river also provides a connection Lost Lake Bog through the Penokee-Gogebic Range, the river’s between the Chippewa River corridor and the LO considerable drop provides a spectacular valley Size ...... Small Chequamegon National Forest. The river and studded with whitewater, waterfalls, and steep Protection Initiated...... Limited the two forks flow through extensive industrial cliffs. Of particular note is a two mile stretch, the Protection Remaining...... Moderate forest lands. Maintaining these large blocks Montreal Canyon, where the river has cut through Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 of habitat will be critical to meeting multiple conglomerate, shale and sandstone, forming Recreation Potential ...... 0 economic, ecological, and recreation goals. steep cliffs over 200 feet high. The Saxon and This large, mostly undisturbed tamarack Superior Flowages lie upstream and downstream, and spruce swamp provides habitat for many respectively, from the canyon and directly influence LA Langlade Moraine rare species. The bog provides nesting habitat water levels. Primary hardwood species in the Size ...... Medium for many Neotropical migrant birds, in addition valley include red oak, aspen, sugar and red maple, Protection Initiated...... Moderate to harboring some boreal bird species, such as paper and yellow birch, and basswood. The most Protection Remaining...... Substantial boreal chickadee and gray jay. The full range of common conifers include red and white pine, white Conservation Significance...... 0 0 species that typically utilize spruce and tamarack cedar, hemlock, fir, and spruce. The canyon harbors Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 bogs is found here. Recreational opportunities

r several rare species, with some cedar and spruce

eye may be limited in summer, due to the wet nature M Like the Kettle and Chippewa Moraines, this clinging to the sides of the canyon walls. of the area. More extensive recreation may omas area contains excellent examples of the glacial From the Penokee-Gogebic Range downstream Th be possible when the ground is frozen. landforms associated with recessional moraines, to Lake Superior there is little access to the river Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonary) although very few kettle lakes are found here. Immediately to the north of the bog is a high and as a result it has considerable wilderness The undulating terrain harbors mostly early quality reach of the Elk River between Musser character. The river’s fast moving water supports successional forest dominated by aspen. The and Duroy lakes. The river is bordered by second- an excellent coldwater fishery of brook, brown Evergreen River and Evergreen Creek drain growth red and white pine. The Elk River harbors and rainbow trout. During the spring, steelhead the south side of the area, both of which numerous rare aquatic invertebrates. and salmon move into the stretch from Lake support good trout populations. Superior to Superior Falls. Warmwater species, The Langlade Moraine lies between several particularly northern pike, muskellunge, and large forested tracts owned by the county and MR Menominee River walleye, may be found in the vicinity of the two the Nicolet National Forest. The Wolf River bor- See the Northeast Sands flowages. The river is a popular whitewater ders the area on the north. Protecting some key ecological landscape. kayaking and canoeing destination. places between existing public lands could create a very large area providing hunting, fishing, trail use, and other recreational opportunities within MF Monico Forest MO Moose Creek about two hours of the large population in the Size ...... Medium Hemlock Woods Fox Valley. Much of the area is currently Protection Initiated...... Limited Size ...... Small in industrial forest ownership. Protection Remaining...... Substantial Protection Initiated...... Limited ange

L Conservation Significance...... 0

t Protection Remaining...... Substantial r

be Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 r Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 0 He LH Laona Hemlock Hardwoods This large block of woods sits between the Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 Size ...... Small Northern Oriole (Icterus galbula) Nicolet National Forest, Northern Highland- This is one of the largest blocks of mature Protection Initiated...... Limited American Legion State Forest, and a large to old-growth hemlock-hardwood forest known Protection Remaining...... Substantial block of county forest. These and adjoining to occur in Wisconsin with two State Natural Areas Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 woods support a diverse set of forest interior currently protected within the area. The woods Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 birds, many uncommon. Although many large are adjacent to Iron County Forest and the Turtle- wetlands are present, the area could support Flambeau Flowage and an opportunity exists a range of recreation activities.

88 Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape Wisconsin Land Legacy Report North Central Forest Central North North Central Forest fallow farmland, open wetlands, and scattered small parcels of northern and swamp hardwood ecological landscape PG Penokee - Gogebic Range Size ...... Large forest. Much of the land between the two existing Protection Initiated...... Substantial tracts contains a significant amount of former farmland that is now reverting to a more natural to have several thousand acres of old-growth Protection Remaining...... Moderate state. The Fisher River, and associated tributaries, forest in one unbroken block. Many rare plants Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 0 which support several rare, threatened and are found in the area and the forest is also Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 endangered species, runs through the area. an important warbler breeding area. Extending approximately 25 miles through Maintaining the open space between the existing The Moose Creek Hemlocks are part of a Ashland and Iron Counties, the Penokee-Gogebic sections of the Wildlife Area and the Chequamegon much larger, high quality forested landscape Range consists of two narrow, relatively steep and National Forest just to the east would facilitate running from the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage north parallel ridges that dominate the local landscape. species movement, simplify management opera- to the Penokee-Gogebic Range. Much of this larger The ridges, rising several hundred feet above tions, and maintain (and potentially increase) area is very wild (it is perhaps the best moose the surrounding plains, are composed of quart- recreation opportunities. habitat in the state) and, although development zite and metamorphic rocks containing significant pressure is increasing, it is currently owned iron concentrations. Popular recreation activities primarily by industrial forest companies in the area include whitewater canoeing and Peshtigo River and Iron County Forest. kayaking, hunting, fishing and hiking. PE The Penokee-Gogebic Range supports a high See the Northeast Sands quality forest matrix with several patches of old ecological landscape. NR Namekagon River growth hemlock-hardwood forest. Several high See the Northwest Sands quality rivers, including the Bad, Tyler Forks, Pine - Popple River ecological landscape. Potato and Montreal, cut through the range. PP

Waterfalls occur as these rivers pass over resistant See the Northeast Sands r eye

rock ledges and attract many visitors. The large ecological landscape. M

forest block supports a number of uncommon and omas

NF North Fork Th of the Chief River rare birds, particularly warblers. The topography of the area and the variety of soil conditions result PI Pipestonte Hills Calypso Orchid (Calypso bulbosa) Size ...... Small in a wide range of habitat that supports a diverse Size ...... Medium Protection Initiated...... Moderate Protection Initiated...... Limited Protection Remaining...... Limited assemblage of species and natural communities. Protection Remaining...... Substantial This river complex comprises the Big Somo Conservation Significance...... 0 The Range acts as an ecological corridor between Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 and Little Somo Rivers, along with Hay Creek. Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 the Chequamegon National Forest and the national Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 All eventually flow into Lake Mohawksin at The North Fork of the Chief River flows from forests in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This This area contains a large block of forest repre- Tomahawk. These good quality streams harbor the Tiger Cat Flowage south to the Chippewa corridor is an important travel route for moose and sentative of northern hardwoods and harbors all trout in their headwaters. The watersheds are Flowage and provides an important muskellunge wolves to and from the Upper Peninsula. The area’s the glacial landforms of the area. The forest is wooded and quite wild. Numerous riffles and spawning area for the Chippewa Flowage. The highly varied topography offers many opportunities mostly roadless and provides habitat for a wide rapids exist in the rivers and help support a variety surrounding area is characterized by generally to maintain a mosaic of forest habitats. Although variety of “big woods” species, including a large of aquatic life. Protection of the river corridor could rolling till plains with moderate slopes and ridges. a significant portion of the Penokee-Gogebic Range portion of the hardwood forest birds known connect several County Forest properties. Upland forest types include aspen, white birch, is in county forest, mining companies also own to occur in northern Wisconsin. Given its size, northern hardwoods, and balsam fir with scattered large acreage. Much of the area has been mined the full range of forest recreation activities pockets of hemlock and white pine. Lowland forests for iron ore in the past. could be considered for this site. TP Thornapple - Brunet include black ash, balsam fir, tamarack, black River Woods spruce, white cedar, and alder. PA Pershing Area Size ...... Large The existing Chief River State Wildlife Area Size ...... Medium PR Prairie River Protection Initiated...... Moderate protects some of the riparian zone and provides Protection Remaining...... Moderate Protection Initiated...... Substantial See the Forest Transition habitat for many northern wildlife species. 0 0 0 Protection Remaining...... Limited ecological landscape. Conservation Significance...... Current management focuses on providing 0 0 Conservation Significance...... 0 0 Recreation Potential ...... hunting, wildlife watching, fishing, snow- Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 This large forest block southeast of Winter con- mobiling, and day walking opportunities. The Pershing Wildlife Area consists of two large SO Somo River tains mature northern mesic forest and northern and separate tracts, encompassing approximately Size ...... Medium hardwood swamps. The area has no paved roads 7,400 acres, which are intensively managed for the Protection Initiated...... Moderate and very few gravel ones, making it one of the production of sharp-tailed grouse and waterfowl. Protection Remaining...... Moderate state’s most remote areas. American marten 0 The surrounding area is a mix of active and Conservation Significance...... Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape 89 North Central Forest Central North North Central Forest support forests of aspen, birch, maple and other Although nearly all of the shoreline is privately northern hardwoods. Scattered through the area owned, the Chippewa River provides an excellent ecological landscape are some pockets of old-growth hemlock and pine large, quiet river experience. The area around the that provide excellent nesting habitat for eagles and confluence of the Chippewa and Flambeau Rivers osprey. Many grass openings have been created and is particularly scenic and could provide multiple appear to be colonizing here and occasionally maintained to increase the variety of wildlife in the recreation opportunities including camping, wildlife moose are reported. The Thornapple and Brunet area, particularly game species. In addition to deer, watching, and many trail uses. Between Lake Rivers flow through the area and form ecological bear, fisher, beaver, and otters, wolves and moose Holcombe and Eau Claire, the river shoreline connections between the Chequamegon National are occasionally seen on the property. The Flowage is more heavily developed, but is still scenic and Forest and Sawyer County Forest. The Flambeau has the highest density of breeding pairs of eagles, very popular. The short stretch between Chippewa River State Forest lies to the east. The area osprey, and common loons in Wisconsin. Falls and Eau Claire harbors numerous sandstone presents a unique opportunity to maintain a large outcroppings. White cedar, hemlock and white wild tract that could support primitive camping, State ownership includes 114 miles of shoreline and pine are prevalent throughout this stretch. hunting, canoeing, and other low-impact activities. 195 islands. With 60 campsites accessible only by boat, the flowage offers a unique, remote setting for boaters and paddlers. Fishing for black crappie, Upper Forks of TH Timm’s Hill smallmouth bass, muskellunge, and in particular UF Size ...... Medium walleye, is excellent throughout the flowage. the Flambeau River Protection Initiated...... Substantial Size ...... Large Protection Remaining...... Moderate Protection Initiated...... Limited

Protection Remaining...... Substantial onaas Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 UC Upper Chippewa River F les

Size ...... Large Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 0 r Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 a Protection Initiated...... Limited Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 0 Ch The highest point in the state, Timm’s Hill is Protection Remaining...... Substantial within a county park. Protection could be expanded This area consists of the stretches of the North Indian-pipe (Monotropa uniflora) Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 0 to the surrounding area, which harbors many small and South Forks upstream from the Flambeau Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 0 Swamp.” These large blocks of forest help to lakes and extensive forest including old-growth River State Forest. These parallel river corridors maintain the ecological corridor along the North hemlock. The steep-sided hills harbor different From the Chippewa Flowage downstream provide an opportunity to link the state forest and South Forks, offer excellent outdoor recreation plants and animals depending on their slope and to Eau Claire, the Chippewa River corridor with the Chequamegon National Forest, the opportunities and provide an important source aspect. These steep slopes continue down below provides extraordinary ecological and recreation Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, some county forest of wood fiber for paper and lumber. many of the lakes in the area and form very severe values. As with several of the other large river lands, and several large State Wildlife Areas. underwater shelves. As a result, these “meromictic” systems in the state that run north-south, the The North Fork provides one of the longest lakes are exceptionally deep for their small surface Chippewa has a storied history and played a major river wilderness experiences in the state. Cur- area and can become permanently stratified (i.e., role in native cultures as well as the logging and rently, river users can paddle from the Northern UW Upper Wisconsin River they do not fully “turn over” in the spring and fall) fur trade eras. The river, the riparian forest, and Highland-American Legion State Forest, through See the Northern Highlands resulting in unusual chemical properties. The area adjacent wetlands act as a natural travel corridor the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, and down to the ecological landscape. contains many recreation opportunities for public for animals as they move about locally and as Flambeau River State Forest. Significant portions enjoyment including lake access, trails, observation they pass between the northern forest and of this 65-mile stretch are in public ownership and platforms, and hunting. the Mississippi River valley. managed to provide a wild setting along the water. UP Upper Wolf River Numerous clean, clear rivers and streams Most of the land between the public properties Size ...... Large feed the Chippewa, resulting in a river with is in industrial forest production, which contri- Protection Initiated...... Substantial TF Turtle - Flambeau Flowage very sizable flow and uncommon quality. Not butes to the river’s remote nature. Protection Remaining...... Moderate Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 0 Size ...... Large surprisingly, a diverse array of rare aquatic The South Fork of the Flambeau is much Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 0 Protection Initiated...... Substantial species are found in the river including the more dependent on surface water drainage Protection Remaining...... Limited purple warty-back mussel, pygmy snaketail with the flow varying dramatically based on The Wolf River is Wisconsin’s largest trout Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 0 dragonfly, wood turtle, greater redhorse, and precipitation. The South Fork originates in the water. Its beauty and significant whitewater Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 0 0 long-ear sunfish. It is this quality and flow that Chequamegon National Forest and joins the North attract anglers and paddlers from throughout the Created by a dam at the confluence of the Turtle draw so many recreationalists, primarily canoers, Fork in the Flambeau River State Forest. Unlike Midwest. From its headwaters in Forest County and Flambeau Rivers, this 14,000-acre flowage kayakers and anglers. Fishing is superb with the North Fork, the private lands between the down to the Menominee Reservation, the river is one of northern Wisconsin’s most popular small and large mouth bass, walleye, muskel- public properties are in relatively small ownership corridor contains excellent examples of old growth backcountry destinations. Surrounding the flowage lunge, northern pike, channel catfish, and parcels with little industrial forest production. forest. The Upper Wolf offers the opportunity a variety of panfish present. A sizable lake to link the Menominee Reservation and its are over 18,000 acres of state-owned land that Several very large blocks of working forest sturgeon population exists. tremendous natural resource base with lie adjacent to and between the Upper Forks. the Nicolet National Forest. These blocks include typical northern hardwood forests, aspen stands, bogs and the “Million Acre

90 Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape Wisconsin Land Legacy Report North Central Forest Central North North Central Forest ecological landscape WC Weyerhauser Cedar Swamp Size ...... Small Other Areas of Interest Protection Initiated...... Limited Big Island-Nelson Lake Mosquito Brook Starting in Pine Lake, the upper stretch of the Protection Remaining...... Moderate (Sawyer County) (Sawyer County) Wolf River winds through several large, high Conservation Significance...... 0 0 Nelson Lake, a 2,500-acre flowage located This area, to the north and east of Hayward, quality wetlands, some of which contain wild rice. Recreation Potential ...... 0 in northwest Sawyer County, is famous for provides excellent fishing and hunting opportunities. After passing through several lakes, the river This is the largest remaining cedar swamp its walleye and panfish. A large portion of the Mosquito Brook, a 3-mile long Class I trout stream, gains considerable volume and speed. Although in western Wisconsin south of the Bois Brule remaining undeveloped privately-owned shoreline originates from an unnamed lake and is fed by is found on Big Island, the largest island in this lake. much of the immediate river corridor is in public River. The cedars grow along seepage areas springs along its banks. Brook trout are abundant This island is approximately 550 acres, about half throughout its length. The banks are forested ownership, some important stretches are not a few miles south of the Blue Hills and are most of which is owned by Sawyer County. The shoreline, with second growth conifers and hardwoods. formally protected. Some of the highest quality likely integrally connected via groundwater. Many however, is primarily in private ownership that portions are within industrial forest ownership. rare plants and Neotropical migrant birds are is receiving increased development pressure. The North Otter Creek Enlarging the width of the protected corridor found here during the summer. Seepage areas and riparian edge contains typical upland to lowland (Forest County) would significantly increase its ecological value. springs provide water to small streams emanating plant communities except for the west side of the This is a Class I trout stream and is a very Important tributaries include Swamp and from the slopes. Recreational opportunities may island where a stand of wild rice is present. important tributary to the Peshtigo River. This stream is one of the best brook trout Nine-mile Creeks, and the Hunting, Evergreen, be limited to low-impact activities because Bootjack Bog fisheries in Forest County. Much of this and Lily Rivers. All contribute to the Wolf River’s the land is very wet. (Oneida County) area is within industrial forest ownership. excellent water quality. Of particular interest Adjacent to Chequamegon National Forest, to many residents is Swamp Creek, known this very large, undisturbed wetland complex South Fork of Main Creek as the Little River of Medicines by the Chippewa. WF Willow Flowage contains two high quality lakes and numerous (Rusk County) The creek, the surrounding hills, and the wild See the Northern Highlands headwater streams. The area is very remote. This spring fed stream supports a healthy brook trout population as well as a diverse non-game fish rice beds—particularly the extensive beds in ecological landscape. Couderay River Rice Lake—have played central roles in the community. The stream flows through northern (Sawyer County) hardwood and softwood forests and moderately cultural, spiritual, and economic lives of the Most of the river flows through forested land, developed agricultural lands. Parts of the existing native Chippewa community. This area has Yellow (Chippewa) River YC with predominantly wild shorelines. This river creek have been restored through intensive been the focus of considerable interest and Size ...... Medium supports several endangered species and is a major in-stream habitat improvement. controversy since the announcement in 1976 Protection Initiated...... Limited tributary to the Chippewa River. The river drains of the discovery of a highly concentrated Protection Remaining...... Moderate several high quality lakes including Grindstone, Springstead Area Woods metallic mineral deposit south of Crandon. Conservation Significance...... 0 0 0 Whitefish, Lac Courte Oreilles and Sand Lake (Iron County) in Sawyer County. This block of high quality woods, lakes, and White water rafting and kayaking are popular Recreation Potential ...... 0 0 wetlands lies between the Hay Creek-Hoffman activities on the Upper Wolf. Between Pearson The Yellow River is a large tributary of the Elvoy and Brule Creeks Lakes Wildlife Area, Turtle Flambeau Flow- and the Menominee Reservation are dozens of Chippewa River located in Chippewa and Taylor (Forest County) age, and the Chequamegon National Forest. rapids. The river corridor is also extensively used Counties. The main river harbors over 40 miles These Class I trout streams contain a native The area is heavily used by wildlife moving for trout fishing, hunting, trapping, and wildlife of free-flowing, medium to high gradient, riverine brook trout fishery with Elvoy Creek harboring between these large public properties. the only known naturally reproducing brown trout watching. The potential abandonment of the habitat with numerous small coldwater, coolwater Weirgor Springs rail line that borders the river for several miles and warmwater tributaries. Upland vegetation fishery in Forest County. These creeks are very (Sawyer County) in Langlade County offers the opportunity to consists of deciduous and coniferous forest; low important tributaries to the Brule-Menominee River and add significantly to the system’s trout fishery. Weirgor Springs form the headwaters connect this corridor with the larger regional land vegetation consists of floodplain forest, alder of Little Weirgor and Beaver Creeks, two and statewide trail systems. thicket and various other wetland communities. Montagne Creek excellent trout streams. Aspen and northern Although distant from this area, these The surrounding area is a mixture of private Headwater Woods hardwoods dominate the surrounding upland waters eventually flow into Lake Winnebago, recreational and agricultural land. The Yellow (Florence County) forests. Several spring ponds are present. the source of water for the Oshkosh, Neenah, provides an opportunity to connect the Taylor This area contains a mosaic of mature hemlock- The Weirgor Springs State Wildlife Area Menasha, and Appleton municipal water systems. County section of the Chequamegon National hardwood forest (hemlock, sugar maple, yellow protects some of this area and could be As a result, water from this area may affect the Forest with the Chippewa River corridor. birch), wild lakes, old-growth cedar swamp, high the foundation of a protected corridor quality brook trout streams, and wild rivers. The between the Blue Hills and the Couderay raw water quality of those municipal systems, area is adjacent to the Whisker Lakes Wilderness and Chippewa Rivers. which provide drinking water for approximately area and is an important bird nesting area. 162,000 customers.

Wisconsin Land Legacy Report Legacy Places by Ecological Landscape 91 North Central Forest Central North