Governor Knowles State Forest Visitor
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Governor Knowles State Forest Visitor Governor Knowles State Forest ● Grantsburg, WI 54840 ● 715-463-2898 ● www.dnr.wi.gov The State Forest Established in 1970 as the St. Croix River State Forest, the forest was re-designated the Governor Knowles State Forest in 1981 to recognize former Governor Warren P. Knowles for his administration’s progress in conservation. The forest acts as an extended resource protection zone for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The forest is 55 miles long and up to two miles wide, and encom- passes 32,500 acres. Four thousand acres were donated by the Northern States Power Company in 1971 to form the nucleus of the forest. A primary objective of the state forest is the preservation and protection of the St. Croix River and its valley; however, man- agement of the forest provides multiple benefi ts. Management practices empha- size scenic beauty, water quality protec- tion, wildlife habitat, forest production and recreation. A designated wilderness zone buffers the Riverway throughout the length of the forest. Six designated State Natural Areas within the forest preserve unique biotic communities. Hiking the River Valley—Two hiking trails stretch along the St. Croix River, one on the north end and one on the south end of the property with parking lots at major road intersections. They meander along the top of the bluffs overlooking the St. Croix Trade River Horse Trail River and occasionally swing down onto the banks of the river. There are two trails and income. The management practices that pass through unique biotic plant com- are selected to produce forest products Emergency Information munities: the Cedar Interpretive Trail and in a manner compatible with recreation, aesthetics, wildlife, fi sheries, and water- the Brandt Pine Interpretive Trail. They For Emergencies Sheriff’s Department: represent two of our six natural areas on shed protection. Fall Colors—Mid-September through In Burnett and Polk Counties Burnett County (715) 349-2121 the Governor Knowles State Forest. Steep call 911. Polk County (715) 485-3131 climbs or descents, short foot bridges, and the end of October is the period when stairways may be encountered. cool dry weather signals the approach Disturbances Camping—The St. Croix Family of winter. Oaks, ashes, maple and aspen Campground is a rustic campground with cease the production of green tinted chlo- In case of a civil disturbance, notify the campground host, DNR offi ce, or if 30 sites. It is located on Highway 70 just rophyll, during this time. The naturally necessary phone the Burnett Sheriffs Offi ce. Be sure to write down auto license east of the St. Croix River bridge. Sites are present reds, yellows, and browns show numbers, make and model of cars, campsite numbers, etc. available on a fi rst come–fi rst serve basis through to produce a myriad of beautiful with self registration and fee required. colors. Viewing is enhanced by fi nding Information The Sioux Portage Group Campground an elevated overlook or traveling down serves larger camping parties and is back-country roads. Winter Recreation—During the Please contact the state forest offi ce if you have any located on the northern end of the state questions, concerns, or suggestions. forest. It is available by reservation only winter months the Brandt Pines trails through state forest headquarters. The become cross-country ski trails winding Governor Knowles State Forest National Park Service Trade River Equestrian Campground through rolling hills and river valleys. The 325 Hwy 70, P.O. Box 367 P.O. Box 708 is on the south end of the forest and has southern half of the state forest has 32.5 Grantsburg, WI 54840 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 traditionally been used by horseback miles of snowmobile trail which serve as Phone: (715) 463-2898 Phone: (715) 483-3284, ext. 638 riders. The site is primitive with minimal the main connection between Burnett and facilities. There is a fee, and self-registra- Polk counties’ trail systems. For snowsho- tion is required. Backpack Camping is ers, the primitive areas offer solitude and allowed at developed sites by getting a tranquility surrounded only by the forest’s Special Camp Registration Permit at the winter inhabitants. forest headquarters. The sites are primi- Canoeing the St. Croix—The St. tive and located along both the north and Croix River winds its way through a wild south segments of the Gov. Knowles State and scenic countryside from its origin in Forest Hiking Trail. a Spruce-Tamarack swamp near Upper Sustainable Forest Management— St. Croix Lake. The river system varies Forests continue to grow, age and evolve from swift and rocky whitewater to placid over time. We strive to maintain a healthy fl owages. vigorous forest by managing the resource A typical day of canoeing will take through thinning, harvesting and refor- you about 20 miles, that is, unless you estation. The maturing forest produces decide to explore an island or two, or wet an annual harvest of pulpwood and a fi shing line in some of the quiet bays lumber. These wood products provide and backwaters. Primitive campsites can raw resources for the paper and lumber be found along the shore and on many industry, which ranks among the top three islands. Water must be purifi ed before in northern Wisconsin in providing jobs drinking and fi rewood is scarce. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Sioux Portage Group Campground 2 Governor Knowles State Forest Visitor Governor Knowles Staff The staff on the Governor Knowles forest. The state forest also has 3–5 State Forest consists of 3 full time seasonal employees. The staff primarily employees: the Forest Superintendent focuses its efforts towards customer is responsible for the over-all manage- service and safety. The state forest staff ment and supervision of the forest, a hopes that your visit to the Governor Forester handles the forest management Knowles State Forest is an enjoyable program, and a Ranger works with the one. If you have any questions, please recreation and law enforcement on the contact us at the forest headquarters. “Remember…Only You Can Prevent Wildfi res!” Bald Eagles The Governor Knowles State Forest is home to a large population of bald eagles. You’ll likely catch a glimpse of one of these magnifi cent birds while hiking along the shores or canoeing on the river. Bald eagles are large, dark brown birds of prey that do not acquire the distinctive white head and tail until they are adults at fi ve years of age. Bald eagles in Wisconsin weigh eight to fourteen pounds, with a wingspread of up to seven feet. Eagles have keen vision (four to eight times greater than ours), are swift and agile fl yers, and possess powerful beaks and talons. All of these features combine to make the eagle a highly successful predator. When And Where Do They Nest?—Adult bald eagles return to build and repair nests from February to March. One to three eggs are laid in March and April. The eggs hatch usually in early May after thirty-fi ve days of incubation. The young eagles remain in the nest eleven to twelve weeks before they take their fi rst fl ight; the last of the young leave the nest by late July or mid-August. For about two months after their fi rst fl ight, the young still frequently return to the nest site and receive food from Safe Campfi re: Solely used for cooking Unlawful Campfi re: Used for eliminat- their parents. and warming. Only clean dry wood is ing garbage or trash. Oily substances, Bald eagles build their nests in tall trees that tower above the forest, located close allowed! plastic, rubber, aluminum, treated paper to a river or lake. Their nests are usually in white pines, but other tree species are used or cardboard is not allowed! as well, such as red pine, yellow birch, maple and aspen. The nest is a large mass of sticks about three feet deep and fi ve feet across, placed near the top of the tree. Some bald eagles will use the same nest every year, while others will alternate from year to year among two or three different nests in their breeding Campfi re Safety territory. Some breeding territories have been used for over fi fty years. What Do Bald Eagles Eat?—Wisconsin’s lakes and streams provide an abundant If a fi re is desired and conditions are favorable, use an existing fi re ring supply of fi sh—the favorite food of bald eagles. Suckers, bullheads and northern pike or charcoal grill. make up most of their diet, but bald eagles are resourceful hunters and will feed on 1. Keep tents and gear at least 10 feet away from the fi re. waterfowl, shorebirds, and even turtles. They may also take mammals such as baby muskrats and beavers. In winter, eagles scavenge winter-killed deer and small fi sh 2. Never leave your campfi re unattended and always have a shovel and bucket provided by ice fi shermen. While hunting their prey, bald eagles will perch in trees of water on site. along the shorelines of rivers, bays, marshes, lakes and ponds. 3. When fi nished, drown your campfi re thoroughly with water and stir the Management—Bald eagles are sensitive nesters that require undisturbed conditions ashes. during late March, April and May. The state forest works to protect eagle nests by 4. Scrape all embers off of the partially burned sticks and logs. routing recreation trails and facilities away from eagle nests. Timber sales are planned to protect nest sites and provide abundant perch trees.