Rapid Ecological Assessment for the Wildlife Areas within the Southern Washburn, Polk, and Barron County Planning Group

An Addendum to the 2011 “Rapid Ecological Assessment for the Fishery Areas within the Southern Washburn, Polk, and Barron County Planning Group”

Properties included in this report are:

Washburn County Polk County Barron County

Beaver Brook Wildlife Area Balsam Branch Wildlife Area Loon Lake Wildlife Area Joel Marsh Wildlife Area New Auburn Wildlife Area Loon Lake Wildlife Area McKenzie Creek Wildlife Area Rice Beds Creek Wildlife Area

Wisconsin’s Natural Heritage Inventory Program Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707

March 2017 PUB- NH-857 2017

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 1 Acknowledgments We extend our appreciation to property managers Michelle Carlisle, Nancy Christel, Pete Engman, Paul Heimstead, Ryan Magana, Kevin Morgan, and Kyle Young for their support and assistance.

Primary Author: Amy Staffen

Contributors:

 Abner Jacobson – report assistance

 Andy Clark – natural community surveys

 Kevin Doyle – surveys for rare plants and natural communities; botany data processing; report contributions

 Ryan Magana – surveys for herps, Ephemeral Ponds, and natural communities; report contributions

 Ryan O’Connor – inventory coordination, ecology data processing, report contributions

 Kurt Schmude – aquatic invertebrate surveys

 Amy Staffen – surveys for birds, rare plants and natural communities

 Richard Staffen – surveys for birds, herps, and Ephemeral Ponds; zoology data processing; inventory coordination; report contributions

Cover photos (all by Amy Staffen): Top – Poor Fen at Tula Lake SNA with Black Spruce Bog and upland forest in the background; Lower left – Northern Dry-mesic Forest at Rice Beds Creek WA; Lower right – Flowage at dawn at Loon Lake WA.

2 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 4

Description of the Study Area ...... 7

Regional Ecological Context ...... 9

Vegetation ...... 12 Rare Species and High Quality Natural Communities of the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas ...... 18

Management Considerations and Opportunities to Conserve Biodiversity ...... 19 Wetlands and Aquatic Features ...... 19 Habitat for Breeding and Migratory Birds...... 23 Opportunities to Conserve Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and Rare Plants ..... 24 Invasive Species ...... 26

Game Species of the SWPB-WA ...... 30

Primary Sites: Site-specific Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation ...... 32

Future Needs ...... 33

References ...... 35

Species List ...... 36

Appendices

NHI Rapid Ecological Assessments normally have a standardized set of Appendices as listed below. For Appendix A, B, D, and F, see the 2011 REA (WDNR, 2011).

A. Natural Heritage Inventory Methods Overview (See 2011 REA) B. Map of Conservation Opportunity Areas for the North Central Forest and Northeast Sands Ecological Landscapes (See 2011 REA) C. Documented rare species and high-quality natural communities for the Wildlife Areas within the Southern Washburn, Polk, and Barron County Planning Group listed by property……………...….37 D. Descriptions for Rare Species and High Quality Natural Communities Documented on the Wildlife Areas within the Southern Washburn, Polk, and Barron County Planning Group (See 2011 REA) E. Species of Greatest Conservation Need of the Wildlife Areas within the Southern Washburn, Polk, and Barron County Planning Group …...... ….39 F. Wisconsin Natural Heritage Working List Explanation (See 2011 REA) G. Primary Sites within the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas Planning Group…...……………………………………………………………………………………………46

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 3 Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas At a Glance

Exceptional Characteristics of the Study Area  Wetlands and Aquatic Features. Streams and aquatic features figure prominently in the SWPB-WA properties, and include high-quality streams, extensive and diverse types of wetlands, springs and seeps, and undeveloped wilderness lakes. These features support diverse plants and wildlife, including some that are rare (e.g., rare aquatic invertebrates, frogs and turtles).  Habitat for Breeding and Migratory Birds. Significant opportunities to manage for three distinct assemblages of breeding birds exist on the SWPB-WA, including grassland birds (e.g., Henslow's Sparrow), marsh birds (e.g., American Bittern), and colonial water birds (e.g., Black Tern).

Site Specific Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation Five ecologically important sites, or “Primary Sites,” were identified at the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas. “Primary Sites” are typically delineated because they encompass the best examples of 1) rare and representative natural communities, 2) documented occurrences of rare species populations, and/or 3) opportunities for ecological restoration or connections. These sites warrant high protection and/or restoration consideration during the development of the property master plan.  New Auburn Wetlands (includes New Auburn Sedge Meadow SNA). This vast expanse (over 700 acres) of Northern Sedge Meadow and Alder Thicket provides important habitat for nesting and migratory marsh birds and waterfowl, including some that are rare.  Tula Lake Upland Forest and Peatlands (includes Tula Lake SNA). This complex of wild seepage lakes, Poor Fen, Black Spruce Swamp and upland pine-oak forest spans over 600 acres, supporting rare forest raptors, warblers, herptiles, and invertebrates.  McKenzie Creek Headwaters. This 300+-acre primary site features a wild lake, creek, forested and open wetlands, springs, seeps, and upland forest. The site plays an essential role in maintaining the health of the Clam River Watershed and associated riparian ecosystems, and supports diverse birds of upland forest and shrubby wetlands.  Loon Lake Woods SNA. This 71-acre site supports a shady Southern Mesic Forest of sugar maple and basswood, with large red, white and burr oaks. Older successional stages of this forest type are poorly represented in this region, highlighting the significance of this site. A rare aquatic invertebrate is associated with Ephemeral Ponds here.  Rice Beds Creek Swamps and Meadows. This 819-acre site harbors a large wetland complex that lies at the convergence of the Apple River and Rice Beds Creek. Vast tracts of Hardwood Swamp support over 130 plant species and forest interior birds, while an extensive swathe of sedge meadow and alder thicket straddle Rice Beds Creek, providing important habitat for nesting marsh birds.  Beaver Brook. This primary site captures 2.8 miles of the Beaver Brook corridor, and is one of the most botanically diverse sites in the Northwest Sands Ecological Landscape. Upland and lowland forest, extensive areas of Alder Thicket, pockets of Emergent Marsh, scattered spring ponds, and abundant groundwater upwellings support diverse wildlife. Patches of older and old-growth Northern Dry-mesic Forest occur on the site.

4 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Introduction Purpose and Objectives

The Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) program completed a Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) for the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Fishery Areas in July 2011. That report provides baseline information for property master planning, highlighting ecological issues and opportunities to conserve biological diversity. Seven wildlife areas (WA) within this same tri-county area overlap closely with the fishery areas described in the 2011 REA in terms of geographical location, ecological landscapes, rare species, natural communities, management opportunities and conservation actions. The NHI program completed a rapid ecological assessment of those seven wildlife areas in 2016. This document presents a summary of the 2016 wildlife areas assessment, and in particular stresses conservation themes and opportunities that are unique from those presented in the 2011 REA (WDNR 2011). Since this document is meant to serve as an addendum to the SWPB 2011 REA, please refer to that document for more detailed information. Although the format for NHI REAs has changed slightly since 2011, attempts were made to make the format of this report match as closely as possible that of the 2011 REA, to make it easier for readers to compare and combine information as needed. Properties included in this current assessment are as follows:

 Balsam Branch WA  McKenzie Creek WA  Beaver Brook Wildlife Area (WA)  New Auburn WA  Joel Marsh WA  Rice Beds Creek WA  Loon Lake WA  Tula Lake SNA  Loon Lake Woods State Natural Area (SNA)

The primary objectives of this project were to collect biological inventory information relevant to the development of master plans for the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas (SWPB-WA) and to analyze, synthesize and interpret this information for use by the master planning team. This effort focused on assessing areas of documented or potential habitat for rare species and identifying natural community management opportunities.

Survey efforts for the SWPB-WA were limited to a “rapid ecological assessment” for 1) identifying and evaluating ecologically important areas, 2) documenting rare species occurrences, and 3) documenting occurrences of natural communities with high ecological integrity. There will undoubtedly be gaps in our knowledge of the biota of this property, especially for certain taxa groups; these groups have been identified as representing either opportunities or needs for future work. Inventory data collected through this effort is a starting point for adaptive management of the SWPB-WA and should be revisited as opportunity allows and updated when new information becomes available.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 5 Overview of Methods

For detailed background on Wisconsin’s NHI program and methodology, please see the 2011 SWPB REA (WDNR 2011).

The most recent taxa-specific NHI field surveys for the study area were conducted during 2016. Survey locations were identified or guided by using recent aerial photos, USGS 7.5’ topographic maps, various Geographic Information System (GIS) sources, information from past survey efforts, discussions with property managers, and the expertise of several biologists familiar with the properties or with similar habitats in the region. Based on the location and ecological setting of properties within the SWPB-WA, key inventory considerations included the identification of high-quality open and forested wetlands and upland forests, as well as the location of habitats that had the potential to support rare species. With the exception of the Beaver Brook DOT mitigation site, private lands, including easements, surrounding the SWPB-WA were not surveyed.

The 2016 NHI surveys were limited in scope and focused on documenting natural communities with high ecological integrity, rare plants, breeding birds (terrestrial, marsh, forest raptors), aquatic invertebrates, and herptiles. The results from these surveys were used, along with other information, to identify ecologically important areas (Primary Sites) of the SWPB-WA (see pages 49-65).

Background on Past Efforts

Various large-scale research and planning efforts have identified a number of locations within the SWPB as being ecologically significant, most of which are detailed in the 2011 REA (WDNR 2011). Several examples that are unique to the SWPB-WA are described below:

Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan: Conservation Opportunity Area Conservation Opportunity Areas (COA) are places in Wisconsin containing ecological features, natural communities, or Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) habitat for which Wisconsin has a unique responsibility for protection when viewed from the global, continental, upper Midwest, or state perspective. The Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan (WAP; WDNR 2006b) identifies one Conservation Opportunity Area (COA) within which two SWPG-WA properties occur:  McKenzie Creek and Rice Beds Creek WAs lie within the Straight Lake COA. This COA features regionally significant complexes of oak forest and lakes, including good-quality examples of Northern Mesic Forest, Northern Dry-mesic Forest, Southern Dry-mesic Forest, Northern Wet Forest, and Inland Lakes. It is recognized as important for its large blocks of predominately older northern forest, and for providing habitat for a variety of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), including forest raptors, forest interior birds, forest mammals, marsh birds, herptiles, and aquatic invertebrates.

Legacy Places The Land Legacy Report (WDNR 2006a) was designed to identify Wisconsin’s most important conservation and recreation needs for the next 50 years.  Rice Beds Creek WA and Loon Lake WA fall within the Apple River Land Legacy Site. This area occupies the upper stretches of the Apple River, and supports a variety of grasslands,

6 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment wetlands, numerous small glacial pothole lakes, and hardwood forests. North of Rice Beds Creek WA are large blocks of northern hardwood forest with old-growth characteristics.  McKenzie Creek WA is part of the Clam River Land Legacy Site. The Clam River is a lightly developed, 55-mile-long river that runs through a variety of habitat types including forests and barrens. McKenzie Creek WA lies within the headwaters area, which is known for excellent trout fishing.

Special Management Designations

State Natural Areas State Natural Areas (SNA) are places on the landscape that protect outstanding examples of native natural communities, significant geological formations, and archaeological sites. Designation confers a significant level of land protection through state statutes, administrative rules, and guidelines. State Natural Areas within the SWPB-WA are as follows:  Tula Lake SNA is a 160-acre site that occurs within McKenzie Creek WA.  Loon Lake Woods SNA is a 59-acre site within Loon Lake WA.

TNC Lakes Portfolio In 2014, The Nature Conservancy identified a ‘portfolio’ of lakes for Wisconsin that represent high quality examples of each lake type (Blann and Wagner 2014). The project aims to support prioritization of strategies for protection, maintenance, and restoration of Wisconsin’s diversity of lake ecosystems. Several lakes at Loon Lake WA were identified as Portfolio sites.

Description of the Study Area Location and Size

The SWPB-WA is located in northwestern Wisconsin (Map A) and is made up of seven properties totaling 16,452 acres. This includes:  Balsam Branch WA (173 acres) is located in southeastern Polk County about 11 miles southeast of Saint Croix Falls.  Beaver Brook WA (1,896 acres) is located in southwestern Washburn County less than one mile southeast of Spooner.  Joel Marsh WA (1,309 acres) is located in southeastern Polk County about two miles west of Turtle Lake.  Loon Lake WA (3,151 acres) is located mostly in Barron County with a small portion in Polk County between Turtle Lake and Cumberland.  McKenzie Creek WA (5,547 acres) is located in Polk County less than one mile south of Clam Falls.  New Auburn WA (1,162 acres) is located in Baron County about four and a half miles south of Chetek.  Rice Beds Creek WA (3,211 acres) is located in Polk County about eight miles northwest of Turtle Lake.

All acreages are based on fee simple ownership from DNR Facilities and Lands GIS records as of December 2016; acreage may not include easements, leases and some permanent water bodies.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 7

8 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Regional Ecological Context Similarly to the fishery areas highlighted in the 2011 REA, the SWPB-WA properties are located almost entirely within the Forest Transition Ecological Landscape (Fig. 1); just a tiny part of Beaver Brook WA extends into the Northwest Sands Ecological Landscape. For more information on the Forest Transition Ecological Landscape, see the 2011 REA (WDNR 2011).

Land Type Associations (LTAs) of Wisconsin are mapped based on the associations of biotic and environmental factors which include climate, physiography, water, soils, air, hydrology, and potential natural communities. The majority of the SWPB-WA properties fall within the Late St. Croix Moraines LTA (Map B), which is described in detail in the 2011 REA. Those that are unique to the SWPB-WA include the following: New Auburn WA falls within the Chetek Plains and New Auburn Moraines LTAs, and a small part of McKenzie Creek WA lies within the Polk Basalt Moraines LTA:

 Chetek Plains (212Qb04). The characteristic landform pattern is nearly level outwash plain with terraces, fans, and sandstone hills common. Soils are predominantly well Figure 1. Ecological Landscapes in drained sandy loam over outwash. The majority of New relation to the Property Group. Auburn WA falls within this LTA.  New Auburn Moraines (212Qb06). The characteristic landform pattern is rolling moraine with pediments common. Soils are predominantly moderately well drained silt loam over dense, acid sandy loam till or sandstone. Approximately 200 acres in the southeast part of New Auburn WA lie within this LTA.  Polk Basalt Moraines (212Qa03). Landform pattern is undulating, rolling collapsed moraines intermixed with ice-walled lake plains, bedrock knolls and ridges. Soils are predominantly well drained sandy loam over dense, acid sandy loam till or igneous/metamorphic bedrock. Approximately 1,300 acres in the western part of McKenzie Creek WA, including Tula Lake State Natural Area, lie within this LTA.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 9

10 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Physical Environment The glacial geology, landforms, and soils of the SWPB-WA remain consistent with those described in the 2011 REA (WDNR 2011). While the general hydrology of the study region is also consistent with that described in the previous REA, a number of important waterbodies associated with the SWPB-WA merit special attention here.

A number of coldwater streams in the SWPB-WA have exceptionally high water quality, including McKenzie Creek (Class I and II trout stream in places, as well as an Outstanding Resource Water), Beaver Brook (Class I trout stream fed by 10 spring ponds), and Rice Bed Creek (Class II trout fishery as it flows through the northern unit of the namesake wildlife area, as well as the northern quarter of the southern unit). In addition, two headwater streams occur within the property group, including Rice Bed Creek and McKenzie Creek.

Undeveloped lakes are becoming increasingly rare in this part of the state, thus their abundant representation in this property group is significant. McKenzie Creek and Loon Lake WAs are particularly rich in small seepage lakes. Large impoundments at Joel Marsh, Loon Lake, and McKenzie Creek WAs are also major landscape features.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 11 Vegetation See the 2011 REA for an applicable description of the historical vegetation of the SWPB-WA (WDNR, 2011; pp. 21-22). A summary of current vegetation of the SWPB-WA follows.

Each one of the SWPB-WA properties harbors a mosaic of habitats capturing a continuum from stream to wetlands to uplands. Wetland types run the gamut from Floodplain Forest and Northern Tamarack Swamp to Alder Thicket, Emergent Marsh, Poor Fen, Open Bog and Northern Sedge Meadow. Upland cover types include Surrogate Grassland and upland forest dominated by oaks (Quercus spp.), aspen (Populus spp.), or a mix of northern hardwoods and pines. Shallow seepage lakes punctuate the landscape mosaic at a number of the properties as well, supporting diverse aquatic plant communities. Descriptions of the dominant cover types as well as examples of natural communities with high ecological integrity on the property group are described below.

Upland Forest – Northern/Southern Dry-mesic Forest and Northern Mesic Forest The largest WisFIRS cover types in the property group are northern hardwoods, aspen, and oak, capturing approximately 60% of the total area (the “Oak” cover type represents approximately 25%). On the SWPB-WA, the most common upland forest type is dry-mesic forest, which occurs on gently rolling morainal topography on sandy loams or loamy sands. Pockets of rich loamy soils on glacial till plains and moraines also harbor mesic forest.

Due to the position of the property planning group within the Tension Zone, both southern and northern elements may blend here, thus wide-ranging canopy trees such as red oak (Quercus rubra), sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and American basswood (Tilia americana) may be joined by southern species such as white oak (Quercus alba; common in Southern Dry-mesic Forest) and northern species such as white pine (Pinus strobus), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), and red pine (Pinus resinosa), which are more typical of Northern Dry-mesic Forest).

In the 2015 update of Wisconsin's Wildlife Action Plan, northern forest natural communities were subdivided into seral stages based on the progression from young forest to mature forest following harvesting or a major natural disturbance (Tables 1 and 2). These subdivisions were created to help illustrate the relative impact of the wide range of possible forest types on SGCN habitat; see the “Northern Forest Communities” webpages on the WDNR website for more details, or Appendix E of this report for the greatest opportunities for SGCN conservation in upland forests and other community types on the SWPB-WA. In describing these forest seral stages, it is recognized that they exist and persist on the landscape due to a marked range of conditions depending on the nature and intensity of forest management. Managers are encouraged to adopt a balanced approach that takes into account the need for large blocks of older forest as well as areas of mid-seral and young-seral forest, which would benefit the most SGCN.

12 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Table 1. Three seral stages of Northern Dry-mesic Forest1 Source: Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan (WDNR 2015). DBH = diameter at breast height; CWD = coarse woody debris

Seral Stages DBH Stand Canopy Subcanopy Layering Structural Diversity Development Stage Late Seral (Old- 12- Understory Re- Well-developed canopy, Moderate Size and age diversity of High, with numerous snags growth Forest, 24"+ initiation stage to with diverse species such subcanopy, with trees are high, which are and CWD. Older Forest) Old Growth stage as northern red oak, white shade-tolerant spp strong contributors to pine, red pine. Also red such as white pine, habitat for SGCN. maple, paper birch and red maple. aspen. Mid-Seral 5-11" Stem Exclusion Moderate to well- Moderate to well- Often even-aged, but Snags and CWD are stage to developed canopy, often developed multiple age classes typically sparse unless Understory Re- with lower species subcanopy, with red starting to develop, intentionally retained by initiation stage diversity of tree species, maple, aspen, birch, though not as complex previous management. with northern red oak, red eastern hop- as Late Seral stands. maple, white pine. Also hornbeam, aspen and birch in small musclewood. patches. Red pine in some landscapes. Young Seral 1-5" Stand Initiation Ranges from dog-hair Usually none. Usually even-aged with Low. Snags and CWD may stage, followed by thicket to, very dense a single layer of young or may not be present Stem Exclusion canopy of short, young trees, unless scattered depending on stand origin stage white pine, red pine, red older trees have been and management history. oak, black oak, red maple, retained. aspen, and birch.

1 Stands with more than 50 percent aspen by basal area fall into the "Aspen-Birch" habitat type. For stands dominated by planted conifers, refer to the "Conifer Plantation" type.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 13

Table 2. Four seral stages of Northern Mesic Forest2 Source: Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan (WDNR 2015). DBH = diameter at breast height; CWD = coarse woody debris

Seral Stages DBH Stand Canopy Subcanopy Layering Structural Diversity Development Stage Late Seral 15- Old Growth Well-developed, with sugar All tree sizes and age High. Abundant snags, (Old-growth 24+" stage maple, basswood, red oak, yellow classes present, cavity trees, CWD in Forest, Older birch, white ash. Hemlock and creating complex, various stages of Forest) white pine occur as scattered multi-layered canopy. decomposition. individuals or in small groves. Old-growth canopy White pines occupy supercanopy. trees can be75-300 years old. Mid-Seral 11-15" Understory Re- Moderate to well-developed, with Moderate to well- Occasional older trees Stands lack complex initiation stage sugar maple, basswood, red oak, developed. Young may be present. Young structural diversity of Late American elm, white ash, yellow saplings may be saplings may be Seral stands. If trees are birch. Also scattered groves of present. present. allowed to age beyond hemlock. rotation age, stands may acquire snags, CWD, and multi-aged structure. Early Seral 5-11" Stem Exclusion May have high canopy cover, but May be even-aged or Snags and CWD are stage lack the larger trees as well as tree two-aged, fitting into typically sparse except for species diversity of later seral what foresters term the legacy trees. stands. Sugar maple is often "stem exclusion phase" dominant, also red oak, red maple, as competition inhibits basswood, white ash. Also aspen new saplings and and birch in small patches. shrubs. Young Seral 1-5" Stand Initiation Low diversity of tree species, with Typically low, unless stand stage sugar maple, aspen and birch. originates from blow-down Other northern hardwoods may be and salvage logging doesn't present (e.g., red oak, red maple, occur). Snags and CWD basswood, white ash). may or may not be present depending on stand origin and management history.

2 Stands with more than 50 percent aspen by basal area fall into the "Aspen-Birch" habitat type. For stands dominated by planted conifers, refer to the "Conifer Plantation" type.

14 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment The majority of upland forest on the SWPB-WA is comprised of young and mid-seral dry-mesic and mesic forest. Scattered small areas of older (“late seral”) Northern Mesic Forest also occur on the property group. Diversity of tree species, sizes and age classes in all strata is an indicator of high ecological integrity that can support diverse plants and wildlife and have greater adaptive capacity in response to natural disturbances. Maintaining or restoring some lands to more closely resemble historical conditions within actively managed lands can help conserve important elements of biological diversity. Five areas on the SWPB-WA have been identified as supporting upland forest with high or moderate ecological integrity:

 At McKenzie Creek WA, over 600 acres of mid- to late seral Northern Dry-mesic Forest occurs south of County Highway W. The forest tracts near Tula and Margaret Lakes represent the highest quality examples of this community type on the property group in terms of providing diverse habitat for SGCN and rare plants. The forest here has characteristics of late seral forest, including complex layering, diverse tree size and age classes, and structural diversity. Large tracts of contiguous mid-seral dry-mesic forest continue all the way to the south boundary of the wildlife area, where the forest plays a particularly important role in protecting the headwaters area of McKenzie Creek. A variable forest canopy is created by 9- to 32-inch DBH red oak, white oak, sugar maple and American basswood. Large white pines (24-36 inch) also occupy the canopy as well as the supercanopy. A moderately diverse ground layer includes conservative species such as blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), leatherwood (Dirca palustris), and miterwort (Mitella diphylla). Two primary sites in this area feature parts of this important forest block: Tula Lake Upland Forests and Peatlands and McKenzie Creek Headwaters.  Stands of late seral Northern Dry-mesic Forest, including natural origin white and red pine, occur at the south and north ends of the Beaver Brook Primary Site (within Beaver Brook WA; see pages 62-64). Older age class natural origin white and red pine stands are uncommon within the Forest Transition Ecological Landscape.  Over 500 acres of Northern Dry-mesic Forest are found at Loon Lake WA with additional forest lands continuing on adjacent private lands. Here, the forest composition is similar to those described above, but the diversity of tree age and size classes is lower, there are fewer native ground layer species, and regeneration of canopy dominants (especially oak) is very limited. Patches of mid-seral forest are interspersed here with young seral patches that have been intensively logged. This forest is particularly important for protecting the numerous small seepage wilderness lakes and wetlands that occur within this unique landscape of kettles and moraines.  Another forest area at Rice Beds Creek WA south of County Highway G is significant for its large size (600+ acres) and good landscape context, but also similar to the stands at Loon Lake WA in terms of structure, age class, and composition (mostly mid-seral with young patches). This block was typed as Southern Dry-mesic Forest, mainly due to the absence of pines.  Loon Lake Woods SNA supports mid- to late seral Northern Mesic Forest of sugar maple and basswood, with large red, white and burr oaks (Quercus macrocarpa) also contributing to this forest's dense canopy. This forest shows characteristics of older forest, including some trees as large as 20 inches dbh, a mix of tree sizes and age classes, abundant coarse woody debris, and “pit-and-mound” microtopography. A rich ground flora includes ephemerals such as large- flowered trillium and wild leek (Allium tricoccum). Older successional stages of Southern Mesic Forest are poorly represented in this region, highlighting the significance of this site.  At New Auburn Wildlife Area, a small tract of mid- to late seral Northern Mesic Forest supports large sugar maple, basswood and red oak with a rich ground flora. The site’s small size and large amounts of habitat edge make it vulnerable to harmful disturbances such as non-native invasive species, windthrow, and runoff.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 15

Emergent Marsh Emergent Marsh occupies approximately 15% of the property group area, with particularly large tracts at Joel Marsh and Loon Lake WAs associated with flowages. These marshes occur where there is permanent standing water, and are dominated by cattails (Typha spp.), bulrushes (especially softstem bulrush [Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani]), bur-reeds (Sparganium spp.), and arrowheads (Sagittaria spp.). These provide significant habitat for numerous bird and herptile species as well as offer important ecosystem services such as filtration of runoff and flood mitigation.

Open and Brushy Wetlands This broad cover type occupies approximately 10% of the area on the property group, and includes Northern Sedge Meadow, Alder Thicket, and Poor Fen.

Northern Sedge Meadow and Alder Thicket. In this property group, sedge meadows and Alder Thickets occur along the margins of streams, and are dominated by broad-leaved sedges such as common yellow lake sedge (Carex utriculata) or lake sedge (C. lacustris), along with bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis), soft-stem bulrush, and a variety of forbs such as water smartweed (Persicaria amphibia), orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). In undisturbed settings, Alder Thickets typically occupy areas that are transitional between sedge meadows and forested wetlands or uplands. Past drainage of open wetlands in places has fostered artificial development of these lowland shrub communities, however (e.g., in parts of New Auburn WA). The ground layer species of Alder Thickets are largely typical of sedge meadow, but native shrubs (especially speckled alder [Alnus incana]) can create moderate to deep shade. Two areas on the SWPB-WA have been identified as supporting Southern Sedge Meadow and Alder Thicket with high ecological integrity:  New Auburn WA (New Auburn Wetlands Primary Site)  Rice Beds Creek WA (Rice Beds Creek Swamps and Marshes Primary Site)

Poor Fen. Poor Fen is a weakly minerotrophic peatland that has deep Sphagnum and higher plant diversity than that of Open Bog communities. Species typical of fens on the SWPG-WA include cotton- grasses (Eriophorum spp.), woolly-fruit sedge (Carex lasiocarpa), purple pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea), round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), and pod grass (Scheuchzeria palustris). Three areas on the SWPB-WA have been identified as supporting Poor Fen with high ecological integrity:  McKenzie Creek WA at Marsh Lake, Tula Lake and Dinger Lake.

Lowland Forest Lowland forests occur on more than 10% of the study area, and include Hardwood Swamp, Black Spruce Swamp, and Northern Tamarack Swamp.

Hardwood Swamp. Northern Hardwood Swamp is a deciduous forested wetland that occurs along streams or in insular basins. The dominant tree species is black ash (Fraxinus nigra), but in some stands red maple, yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), and American elm (Ulmus americana) are also important. The tall shrub speckled alder may be locally common. Gooseberries and currants (Ribes spp.) are also characteristic shrubs of these swamps. Vines may also be important, especially Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron spp.). The herbaceous flora is often diverse and may include many of the same species found in Alder Thickets, including marsh-marigold (Caltha palustris), orange jewelweed, wood nettle (Laportea canadensis), and numerous fern, grass, and sedge species. One area on the property group was recognized for supporting Hardwood Swamp with high ecological integrity:

16 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment  At Rice Beds Creek WA, over 360 acres of Hardwood Swamp extends north, west and east from the confluence of the Apple River and Rice Beds Creek. Black ash is the dominant canopy tree here, along with lesser amounts of yellow birch and red maple. Over 130 plant species grace the mucky forest floor, including numerous fern, lily, and sedge species. This forest block is part of the Rice Beds Creek Swamps and Marshes primary site.

Black Spruce Swamp. Black Spruce Swamp is a forested wetland community characterized by a relatively dense canopy of black spruce (Picea mariana) and tamarack (Larix laricina) growing over deep beds of Sphagnum. The associated ground flora is relatively low in diversity due to the high acidity, cold ambient temperatures, short growing season, and low nutrient levels typical of this community. On the SWPB-WA, these include shrubs such as Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum), leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), and bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia), herbs such as false mayflower (Maianthemum trifolium) and purple pitcher-plant, and various sedges and cotton-grasses. One area on the SWPB-WA was recognized for supporting Black Spruce Swamp with high ecological integrity:  Beyond the fen margins of Tula and Marsh Lakes at McKenzie Creek WA lies a Black Spruce Swamp where small-diameter black spruce and tamarack create 35-65% canopy cover over a deep Sphagnum mat with scattered bog shrubs such as Laborador tea, leather leaf and bog rosemary, along with occasional tufts of rusty cotton-grass (Eriophorum virginicum) and other wetland herbs. This is part of the Tula Lake Upland Forests and Peatlands Primary Site.

Surrogate Grassland Lastly, surrogate grasslands are maintained on about 5% of the total study area, and comprise mostly former agricultural lands that have been planted to prairie; a subset is dominated by non-native cool- season grasses.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 17 Rare Species and High Quality Natural Communities of the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas Rare species and high-quality natural communities have been documented at the SWPB-WA (Table 3). Other rare or declining species may be present on the SWPB-WA that escaped detection during surveys. All species listed below are Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), and are tracked by NHI.

Table 3. Documented rare species and high-quality natural communities of the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas Planning Group

For an explanation of state and global ranks, as well as state status, see Appendix F of 2011 REA. State Rank and Listing Status is based on Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) Working List updates (WDNR, 2016). Bird occurrences refer only to breeding activity. *Observation did not meet criteria for mapping in NHI database.

Common Name Scientific Name Last State Global State Observed Rank Rank Status Date Birds American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus 2016 S2S3B G4 SC/M Black Tern Chlidonias niger 2016* S2B G4 END Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus 2016 S2S3B G5 SC/M Brewer’s blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus 2016 S2S3B G5 SC/M Cerulean Warbler Setophaga cerulea 2016 S2S3B G4 THR Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna 2016 S2S3B G5 SC/M Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera 2016 S3B G4 SC/M Henslow's Sparrow Ammodramus henslowii 2016 S2S3B G4 THR Le Conte's Sparrow Ammodramus leconteii 2016 S2S3B G4 SC/M Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus 2016 S3B G5 SC/M Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis 1983 S2B,S2N G5 SC/M Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus 2016 S3B,S2N G5 m-SIN Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes 2016 S3B G5 SC/M erythrocephalus Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus 2016 S3S4B,S1N G5 THR Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta 2016 S2B G5 SC/M Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina 2016 S4B G5 m-SIN Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus 2016 S1S2B G5 SC/M xanthocephalus Reptiles Blanding's Turtle Emydoidea blandingii 2013 S3S4 G4 SC/P Prairie Skink Plestiodon septentrionalis 2016 S3 G5 SC/H Amphibians Four-toed Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum 2016 S3? G5 SC/H Mink Frog Lithobates septentrionalis 2016 S3 G5 SC/H Mammals Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus 2013* S2S4 G5 THR Little Brown Bat Myotis lucifugus 2011* S2S4 G3 THR

18 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Common Name Scientific Name Last State Global State Observed Rank Rank Status Date Silver-haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans 2013* S3 G3G4 SC/N Dragonflies and Damselflies Sioux (Sand) Snaketail Ophiogomphus smithi 2013 S2 G2G3 SC/N Swamp Darner Epiaeschna heros 2011 S2S3 G5 SC/N Natural Communities Alder Thicket Alder thicket 2016 S4 G4 NA Black Spruce Swamp Black spruce swamp 2016 S3? G5 NA Ephemeral Pond Ephemeral pond 2013 SU GNRQ NA Hardwood Swamp Hardwood Swamp 2016 S3 G4 NA Lake--Shallow, Soft, Lake--shallow, soft, 2016 S4 GNR NA Seepage seepage Lake--Soft Bog Lake--soft bog 1984 S4 GNR NA Northern Dry-mesic Forest Northern dry-mesic forest 2016 S3 G4 NA Northern Mesic Forest Northern mesic forest 2009 S4 G4 NA Northern Sedge Meadow Northern sedge meadow 2016 S3 G4 NA Poor Fen Poor fen 2016 S3 G3G4 NA Southern Dry-mesic Forest Southern dry-mesic forest 2016 S3 G4 NA Southern Mesic Forest Southern mesic forest 2012 S3 G3? NA Plants Pale Green Orchid Platanthera flava var. 2016 S2 G4?T4Q THR herbiola Robbin’s Spike-rush Eleocharis robbinsii 2016 S3 G4G5 SC Snail-seed Pondweed Potamogeton bicupulatus 2016 S2 G4 SC

Management Considerations and Opportunities to Conserve Biodiversity

Many of the conservation themes presented in the 2011 REA pertaining to the SWPB fishery areas also apply to the SWPB wildlife areas. Examples of how SWPB-WA sites relate to these themes is presented below. For more details on these themes, please see the 2011 REA (WDNR, 2011; pp. 25-30).

Wetlands and Aquatic Features Similarly to the SWPB fishery areas, streams and aquatic features figure prominently in the SWPB-WA properties, and support a variety of rare and declining species. Important and unique examples on the SWPB-WA are described below (Table 4). For more details on this theme, see the 2011 REA (WDNR, 2011; p. 26).

A number of streams in the SWPB-WA have good water quality due to the fact that the surrounding wildlife areas protect them from harmful runoff from agricultural lands in the region. McKenzie Creek, for example, is completely protected from start to end within its namesake wildlife area, and is a Class I and II trout stream in places, as well as an Outstanding Resource Water. Beaver Brook is also a Class I

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 19 trout stream fed by 10 spring ponds. Rice Bed Creek is a Class II trout fishery as it flows through the northern unit of the namesake wildlife area, as well as the northern quarter of the southern unit.

Two headwater streams occur within the property group, including Rice Bed Creek and McKenzie Creek. These streams are essential to the health of the Upper Apple River and Clam River Watersheds (respectively) and associated riparian ecosystems: They keep sediment and other pollutants out of the stream's lower reaches, they provide vital organic and inorganic elements that support ecosystems downstream, and they support diverse and unique plants and animals that are specially adapted to the physical and chemical conditions associated with this habitat complex (Kaplan et al. 2008).

Table 4. Significant aquatic features of the Southwest Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas. Property Name Significant Areas Features within Property Beaver Brook WA Beaver Brook Primary One-mile-long swathe of Alder Thicket, Floodplain Site Forest, ten spring ponds supports several rare bird species. Beaver Brook WA DOT Mitigation Important example of a commercial cranberry bog Wetland undergoing ecological restoration. Beaver Brook WA Harrison Lake Wilderness lake with fringe of Northern Sedge Meadow Beaver Brook WA Wetland in northwest Poor Fen, Tamarack Swamp, Alder Thicket, open corner near public water. Rare frog. access point Loon Lake WA Flowages with extensive Emergent Marsh and open Joel Marsh WA water habitats for rare marsh and colonial water birds. Loon Lake WA Loon Lake Hardwoods Ephemeral Ponds support rare dragonfly. SNA Loon Lake WA South and east of Patches of Black Spruce Swamp, Tamarack Swamp, Loon Lake (Fig. 3) Northern Sedge Meadow, Emergent Marsh, Submergent Marsh and Poor Fen scattered throughout a large complex of wilderness lakes. Rare aquatic plants and frog. McKenzie Creek WA McKenzie Creek, Outstanding Resource Water, trout stream, supports Clam Falls Flowage rare dragonflies. McKenzie Creek WA Tula Lake Upland Peatlands of high ecological integrity including Poor Forests and Peatlands; Fen and Black Spruce Swamp. Undeveloped small Dinger Lake; Margaret seepage lakes and Ephemeral Ponds. Rare Lake salamander and flies. New Auburn WA New Auburn Over 700 acres of Northern Sedge Meadow with Wetlands Primary Site pockets of Emergent Marsh, patches of Alder Thicket, and areas of open water. Rare marsh and grassland birds. Rice Beds Creek WA Rice Beds Creek Over 200 acres of Hardwood Swamp with high Swamps and Meadows ecological integrity along with extensive tracts of Primary Site Northern Sedge Meadow and Alder Thicket. Rare marsh and grassland birds.

20 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Extensive wetlands on the SWPB-WA are associated with streams, as well as springs, spring seeps, forested seeps, insular basins, and impoundments, and include both open and forested types. They serve to slow the release of water during storms (thus minimizing flooding), filter nutrients and pollutants that are carried in runoff, and provide moisture banks during low water periods or droughts. Riparian wetlands also provide vital habitat to many animals (e.g., the Special Concern Blanding’s turtle [Emydoidea blandingii]), as well as natural corridors for their migration.

Undeveloped lakes are becoming increasingly rare in this part of the state, thus their abundant representation in this property group is also significant. Those lake and wetland areas that hold the highest ecological integrity or importance as wildlife habitat on the property group are described below (Table 3). Many of these areas fall within primary sites, which are described in greater detail in the next major section within this report.

At Loon Lake WA, a complex of 17 shallow seepage lakes occurs within a rolling forest landscape (Fig. 2), including four that were identified as high priorities for conservation by The Nature Conservancy (Blann and Wagner 2014). Wetlands occur in zones around the lakes: Northern Sedge Meadow in shallower waters, Emergent and Submergent Marsh in deeper embayments, and Floating-Leaved Marsh in the deepest waters. Sphagnum mats with Poor Fen, Open Bog or Northern Tamarack Swamp also occupy some lake margins and kettle depressions. Several rare species are associated with these lakes and wetlands, including two rare plants and one amphibian. This area is only accessible on foot, providing diverse opportunities for conservation of these important aquatic communities and associated plants and animals.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 21

Figure 2. The wild lakes region at Loon Lake WA supports diverse aquatic and wetland habitats. Lakes are outlined in aquamarine. Lakes identified as high priority for conservation by The Nature Conservancy (2014) are denoted with a solid aquamarine color (all are unnamed, so Water Body Identification Codes provided instead). Conservation of lakes, streams and wetlands. Nutrient enrichment and sedimentation are among the leading causes of stream, lake and wetland degradation, and can be reduced using various approaches:  To slow the flow of harmful runoff into streams during snowmelt and rain events, maintain or promote diverse tree species in mid- and older age classes, along with appropriate shrub and groundlayer vegetation, in upland riparian corridors and associated slopes and terraces. In particular, a mixture of hardwoods and conifers reduces snowmelt rates, minimizes sedimentation, and maximizes water quality. (Note: Naturally open sandy banks should not necessarily be reforested, as they provide critical nesting habitat for turtles.)  To protect water quality in wilderness lakes on the SWPB-WA, maintain or restore wetlands that are directly or partially connected to them.  Follow forestry best management practices (BMPs) for water quality (WDNR, 2010b), and consider additional buffers around sensitive riparian and wetland habitats.  Work with municipal planners, developers, businesses, and local zoning boards to increase groundwater infiltration practices and decrease storm water input from impervious surfaces (parking lots, etc.) through techniques such as the installation of bioswales.

Hydrologic alteration is another significant threat to streams and wetlands, and can be mitigated with the following actions:  Identify priority groundwater recharge areas that supply wetlands, springs, and streams.

22 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment  Conduct groundwater quantity and/or quality monitoring, stream flow, and lake levels in areas where groundwater dependent species and communities are in close proximity to areas with high demand on groundwater resources.

Habitat for Breeding and Migratory Birds Opportunities to manage for three distinct assemblages of breeding birds exist on the SWPB-WA, including grassland/shrubland birds, marsh birds, and colonial water birds (Table 5). In addition to the detailed information provided below on managing for these suites of species, see the 2011 REA (WDNR, 2011; p. 25) for related opportunities on the SWPB Fishery Areas.

Table 5. Significant conservation opportunities for rare or declining breeding birds on the Southwest Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas Planning Group Bird Assemblage Species tracked by NHI that breed Suitable SWPB-WA Properties on SWPB-WA (state rank*) Grassland Birds bobolink (SC) Loon Lake WA eastern meadowlark (SC) New Auburn WA western meadowlark (SC) Rice Beds Creek WA Henslow’s Sparrow (Thr) LeConte’s Sparrow (SC) northern harrier (SIN) Shrubland Birds golden-winged warbler (SC) Balsam Branch WA Beaver Brook WA Loon Lake WA McKenzie Creek WA New Auburn WA Rice Beds Creek WA Marsh Birds and American bittern (SC) Loon Lake WA Colonial Water Birds northern harrier (SIN) Joel Marsh WA yellow-headed blackbird (SC) New Auburn WA black tern (END) *END = Endangered, THR = Threatened, SC = Special Concern, SIN = Species with information needs.

Grassland Birds. Since the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) began in 1966, grassland birds have declined more steeply than any other group of birds in North America and the Midwest (Askins et al. 2007). There are two types of open habitats that support grassland bird species on the SWPB-WA: Surrogate Grassland and Northern Sedge Meadow. Surrogate Grasslands were historically cleared, drained, plowed and/or heavily grazed and later replanted with non-native cool-season grasses or native prairie plants. There are large areas of surrogate grassland at Loon Lake WA, the most productive area of which lies in the northwest part of the property (Fig. 3). At this site, rare and declining birds such as both meadowlark species (Sturnella neglecta and S. magna), Henslow’s sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii), Le Conte’s sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii), and bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) are regularly seen during breeding season. At New Auburn and Rice Beds Creek WAs, there are extensive swathes of Northern Sedge Meadow that also support vulnerable species such as northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) and Le Conte’s sparrow. Brushy thickets within or along the edges of these open habitats at all three sites provide important habitat for shrubland birds including the golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera). Restricting brushy areas to discrete thickets and edges, along with removal of tall trees within core habitat areas, will further promote habitat for these declining species. When managing for grassland birds, the minimum recommended size for a habitat block is 250 acres (Sample and Mossman 1997). Blocks of managed grassland can be even smaller, however, if they are surrounded by compatible open cover types, even if they have limited value for grassland birds (e.g., pasture, grassy hayfields, idle

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 23 grasslands, reed canary grass-dominated meadows). Promoting large open landscapes and rotating management spatially and temporally using a variety of management techniques (e.g., brushing, prescribed fire, mowing, herbicide application) can benefit the greatest number of species by creating a variety of habitat structures.

Figure 3. Grassland bird habitat with highest productivity on the SWPB-WA occurs at Loon Lake Wildlife Area (yellow highlighted area). Clearing trees in area delineated with brown polygon could expand habitat area and remove avian predator perches.

Marsh and Colonial Water Birds. Large expanses of Emergent Marsh, Northern Sedge Meadow, and open water impoundments provide important habitat for marsh bird and colonial water bird species during breeding season. Diverse bird species may also use these sites during migration, including waterfowl and shorebirds. Runoff from agricultural lands and roads adjacent to these sites may contribute to overgrowth of cattails and non-native invasives, potentially diminishing habitat for birds by reducing diversity of food sources and nesting habitats. Initiatives to promote diversity in native plant species, habitat structure (open water, wetland, shrubland, grassland) and food sources (aquatic tubers, mudflat colonizers, etc.) will benefit birds who utilize these habitats during migration and breeding season.

Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan: Opportunities to Conserve Species of Greatest Conservation Need and Rare Plants The Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan (WDNR 2015) notes Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) associated with each Ecological Landscape. Species of Greatest Conservation Need are animals that have low and/or declining populations that are in need of conservation action. They include various birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates (e.g., dragonflies, butterflies, and freshwater mussels) that are:  Are already listed as threatened or endangered;  Have few, low, or declining populations, and/or threats their populations or habitats;  Are stable in number in Wisconsin, but declining in adjacent states or nationally;

24 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment  Have biological, genetic or ecological characteristics that place them at risk or make them vulnerable to decline.

There are 67 SGCN and 53 rare plants significantly associated3 with the Forest Transition Ecological Landscape. This means that these species are (and/or historically were) significantly associated with this Ecological Landscapes, and that restoration of natural communities with which these species are associated would significantly improve their conditions. For a complete list of which SGCN and rare plant species occur on the SWPB-WA, please see Appendix C.

The Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan also identifies conservation opportunities by highlighting the natural communities in each Ecological Landscape that are most important to the SGCN. While many communities that occur on the SWPB-WA have major or important conservation opportunities, some of these communities support more SGCN and rare plant species than others (Error! Reference source not found.). For example, mid-seral and late seral Northern Dry-mesic Forest can potentially support more species in the Forest Transition Ecological Landscape than do Aspen-Birch and Conifer Plantation. Although all of these rare species do not necessarily occur on the SWPB-WA, communities with higher species counts provide a disproportionate benefit to a greater number of SGCN and rare plants across this Ecological Landscape and may warrant special consideration in the master planning process. This intersection of SGCN and rare plants with priority natural communities represents the best opportunities for management on the SWPB-WA from an ecological and biodiversity perspective; see Appendix E for further details.

A note on northern forest natural communities: In the 2015 update of Wisconsin's Wildlife Action Plan, northern forest natural communities were subdivided into seral stages based on the progression from young forest to mature forest following harvesting or a major natural disturbance (see pp. 12-14 in this report). These subdivisions were created to help illustrate the relative impact of the wide range of possible forest types on SGCN habitat. In describing these forest seral stages, it is recognized that they exist and persist on the landscape due to a marked range of conditions depending on the nature and intensity of forest management. Managers are encouraged to adopt a balanced approach that takes into account the need for large blocks of older forest as well as areas of mid-seral and young-seral forest, which would benefit the most SGCN.

3 Here, we consider “significantly” to equate with “high” and “moderate” associations as defined in Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan (WDNR 2015). For more information, see the “Key to SGCN-EL Association Scores.”

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 25 Figure 4. Number of SGCN and Rare Plant Species associated with Natural Communities of Conservation Significance on the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas (WDNR 2015).4

4 Chart represents the SGCN and rare plants that are moderately or highly associated with the respective natural communities. Species and natural communities represented are limited to those that are moderately to highly associated with the Forest Transition Ecological Landscape.

26 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Invasive Species Non-native invasive plants and animals pose a threat to the integrity of the SWPB-WA habitats and the plants and animals that rely on them. While managing for non-native invasives that are already known to occur on SWPB-WA properties (Table 6) is important, it is also important to monitor for the appearance of new invasives on the scene; a list of such species that are known to occur in the larger region is provided in Table 7. While detailed information on invasive species is provided in the 2011 REA (WDNR, 2011; pp. 29-30), several issues unique to this property group merit special attention here:  Given the influence of numerous recreational trails that pass through or alongside the SWPB- WA properties, managers and planners should also refer to the BMPs for recreational settings developed by the Wisconsin Council on Forestry (Wisconsin Council on Forestry 2010).  Monitor riparian areas 1-2 years post-flooding for new invasive species.  Survey for and control invasive species prior to forest management; follow WDNR Forest Invasives Best Management Practices (BMPs) during forest management activities (WDNR, 2009).

For recommendations on controlling specific invasive species, consult with DNR staff, refer to websites on invasive species, such as that maintained by the DNR (dnr.wi.gov, search term “invasives”) and by the Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin (ipaw.org), and seek assistance from local invasive species groups:  St. Croix – Red Cedar Cooperative Weed Management Area (St. Croix, Polk, Barron, Washburn, and Burnett Counties; scrcinvasives.org)  Ice Age Trail Alliance (iceagetrail.org) o Indianhead Chapter (Polk County) o Superior Lobe Chapter (Barron and Washburn Counties)

Japanese hedge-parsley (Torilis japonica) was identified at McKenzie Creek WA in 2016, and is a relatively new non-native invasive of upland forests in the region.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 27 Table 6. Non-native Invasive Species currently known at the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas (SWPB-WA) Planning Group

Property abbreviations: BeaB = Beaver Brook Wildlife Area, BalB = Balsam Branch Wildlife Area, JM = Joel Marsh Wildlife Area, LL = Loon Lake Wildlife Area, MC = McKenzie Creek Wildlife Area, NA = New Auburn Wildlife Area, RBC = Rice Beds Creek Wildlife Area. Chapter NR 40 classification codes for SWPB-WA counties in superscript: P = Prohibited, R = Restricted, PR = Proposed Restricted.

Upland Habitats Wetland Habitats Common Name Latin Name Open Wooded Open Wooded Aquatic Sites Where Present Plants Bird’s foot trefoilNR Lotus corniculatus X Common at many parking areas. BalB: Present. Canada thistleR Cirsium arvense X X BeaB: Common on earthen dam at mitigation site. BalB: Abundant at south end of site. BeaB: Forest N of mitigation site. JM: Dense in western part, scattered to the east. LL: Scattered in western part. MC: Along IAT, dense at McKenzie L. boat landing. common buckthornR Rhamnus cathartica X X RBC: West of 195th Ave at dead end. BeaB: Rare in mitigation wetland. common reedP Phragmites australis X MC: Noted in SWIMS database as present. Crown vetchR Coronilla varia X Dense along Cranberry Road near BeaB. Field rd at LL. glossy buckthornR Rhamnus frangula X X BeaB: Rare at NW wetland. curly-leaf pondweedR Potamogeton crispus X MC: Clam Falls Flowage Hemp-nettleR Galeopsis tetrahit X X NA: 29th St. parking area and adjoining field road. Japanese hedge-parsleyP Torilis japonica X MC: South end along field rd. narrow-leaf cattailR Typha angustifolia X BeaB: Rare in wetland mitigation site. purple loosestrifeR Lythrum salicaria X BeaB: Harrison L, NW wetland, mitigation site. BalB: Uncommon. BeaB: Occasional on mitigation site dam. LL: Ponds and wetlands S of Loon Lake. NA: Around wetland edges and old ditches. reed canary grassNR Phalaris arundinacea X X X RBC: Along Apple R. Common at virtually all parking areas. BeaB: Patch at spotted knapweedR Centaurea biebersteinii X east end of earthen dam at wetland mitigation site. wild parsnipR Pastinaca sativa X BeaB: Rare at wetland mitigation site. Animals BeaB: Beaver Brook, RBC: Apple River, MC: Chinese mystery snailR Cipangopaludina chinensis X McKenzie Lake, Clam Falls Flowage.

28 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment

Table 7. Non-native invasives to watch for in the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas Planning Group

Chapter NR 40 classification codes for SWPB-WA counties in superscript: P = Prohibited, R = Restricted, PR = Proposed Restricted.

Upland Habitats Wetland Habitats Common Name Latin Name Open Wooded Open Wooded Aquatic Plants dame's rocketR Hesperis matronalis X X X X cypress spurgeR Euphorbia cyparissias X Lonicera sp. (L. x bella, L. morrowii, L. Eurasian bush honeysuckleR maackii) X X X Eurasian water-milfoilR Myriophyllum spicatum X garlic mustardR Alliaria petiolata X X Heracleum giant hogweedP mantegazzianum X X Grecian foxgloveP Digitalis lanatum X X Japanese knotweedR Polygonum cuspidatum X X scarlet pimpernelR Pimpinella saxifrage X X tall manna grassP Glyceria maxima X tansyR Tanacetum vulgare X tree of HeavenR Ailanthus altissima X X wild chervil* Anthriscus sylvestris X X yellow irisR Iris pseudacorus X X Animals Families of Acanthodrilida, Lumbricidae, European earthworms Megascloedidae X X Potamopyrgus New Zealand mud snailP antipodarum X rusty crayfishR Orconectes rusticus X banded mystery snailR Vivaparus georgianus X *Wild chervil Prohibited in Washburn County (among others), Restricted in Polk and Barron Counties (among others).

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 29 Game Species of the SWPB-WA The following information was provided by WDNR wildlife and fisheries managers

Beaver Brook, Loon Lake, Rice Beds Creek, McKenzie Creek, Joel Marsh, and New Auburn WAs provide good opportunities for hunting and trapping. Primary game species include white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), black bear (Ursus americanus), ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus), eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), Wilson’s snipe (Gallinago delicata), and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Numerous upland furbearers such as long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata), short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea), fisher (Martes pennanti), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), bobcat (Lynx rufus), coyote (Canis latrans), and wolf (Canis lupus) are present. Waterfowl are present in low numbers at Beaver Brook WA, but offer some hunting opportunities, especially near the junction of the Yellow River and Beaver Brook and at Harrison Lake. Properties with wetlands (Joel Marsh, Loon Lake, and New Auburn WAs), especially those with flowages, support abundant waterfowl. Waterways and adjacent wetlands and aquatic areas provide habitat for river otter (Lontra canadensis), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), mink (Neovison vison), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and beaver (Castor canadensis), providing trapping opportunities.

Though small, Balsam Branch WA affords good opportunities for hunting, trapping, and wildlife observation. Game species commonly found on the property are white-tailed deer, eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), eastern gray squirrel, black bear, and turkeys. Numerous furbearers such as long-tailed weasel, short-tailed weasel, fisher, red fox, and coyote are present. Waterfowl are present and offer hunting opportunities on the lake. The waterways and adjacent wetlands provide habitat for river otter, muskrat, mink, raccoon, and beaver, but do not support a sport fishery.

Beaver Brook, within Beaver Brook WA, is classified as a Class I trout stream along its entire length. It is the longest Class I trout stream in Washburn County and one of the few supporting fishable trout populations in Washburn County. The stream sustains excellent levels of natural reproduction for both brook and brown trout (Salvelinus fontinalis and Salmo trutta). Brown trout tend to be less abundant in this system. In addition, brook trout have reestablished in the southeastern section of beaver brook, where a cranberry flowage was removed in 2008. This section (between Cranberry Rd. and Cty Rd. B) continues to see improved numbers of brook trout each season (though it was originally thought it could not sustain trout). DNR Fisheries Staff in Spooner monitor this stream yearly and this stream remains a priority for trout habitat/survey work in our area. The stream is a relatively small trout stream (~6.0 miles), therefore protection of spawning habitat is important to maintain a healthy trout population. Having a limited watershed, upland disturbances near the stream would likely result in trout habitat degradation. Overall, the fishery provides an excellent trout fishing opportunity for anglers near Spooner. Harrison Lake is has a history of partial winterkills. But our most recent data show records of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) in the lake.

At Loon Lake WA, sport fishing opportunities are limited to Loon Lake, Crystal Lake, and Chain Lakes, all of which contain warmwater fish communities consisting of bluegill, black crappie, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Loon Lake once had a naturally-reproducing walleye population, but is now a stocked walleye fishery. Crystal Lake and Chain Lake both have history of periodic winterkills, but do support desirable fish communities most of the time.

30 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment McKenzie Creek WA offers diverse sport fishing opportunies. There are several warmwater lakes in the wildlife area including Clam Falls Flowage, Dinger Lake, Margaret Lake, and McKenzie Lake, all of which support sport fisheries with bluegill, black crappie, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and northern pike. In addition to the warmwater lakes, McKenzie Creek and Clam River are coldwater trout streams. The fishery in McKenzie Creek consists of a coldwater fish community with brook and brown trout being the primary sportfish. McKenzie Creek is a class II trout stream in the upper reaches (above CTH W) and Class I in the lower reaches (below CTH W). Clam River is a class I stream for both brook trout and brown trout. Mohnson Creek is considered a class II trout stream, though brook and brown trout are only present in low numbers. Major game species of McKenzie Creek WA include white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and grey squirrel. Bear, beaver, otter, muskrat, mink, coyote, and fox are also present and offer trapping and hunting opportunities.

Running through Rice Beds Creek WA, Rice Bed Creek is a cool water stream with marginal trout habitat, and does not support a sport fishery.

At Joel Marsh WA, sport fishing opportunities are restricted to Joel Flowage, which is a winterkill lake that periodically supports yellow perch, northern pike, and black crappie.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 31 Primary Sites: Site-specific Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation Five ecologically important sites, or “Primary Sites,” were identified within the SWPB-WA (Table 8). Primary Sites are delineated because they generally encompass the best examples of 1) rare and representative natural communities, 2) documented occurrences of rare species populations, and/or 3) opportunities for ecological restoration or connections. These sites warrant high protection and/or restoration consideration during the development of the property master plan. This report is meant to be considered along with other information when identifying opportunities for various management designations during the master planning process.

Brief descriptions of the primary sites are provided in the “At a Glance” section at the beginning of this report, while complete descriptions can be found in Appendix G.

Table 8. Southwest Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas Primary Sites

Code Name SWPB-WA01 New Auburn Wetlands SWPB-WA02 Tula Lake Upland Forest and Peatlands SWPB-WA03 McKenzie Creek Headwaters SWPB-WA04 Loon Lake Woods State Natural Area SWPB-WA05 Rice Beds Creek Swamps and Meadows SWPB-WA06 Beaver Brook

32 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 33 Future Needs This project was designed to provide a rapid assessment of biodiversity values for the SWPB-WA and is an addendum to the information in the 2011 REA for SWPB fishery areas (WDNR, 2011). The project relied, in large part, on one field season of survey work. Although the report should be considered adequate for planning purposes, additional efforts could help to inform adaptive management. These could include the following:  Updated breeding bird surveys are needed at Joel Marsh WA due to the fact that the site had undergone an artificial drawdown during the 2016 survey season.  Aquatic plant surveys on wilderness lakes with exceptional landscape context could inform presence and status of rare aquatic plants and identify high quality aquatic natural communities.  Detailed surveys for plants and natural communities are needed at the following wetland sites (access was limited due to high water/deep muck during 2016 survey season): o Open wetlands and forested wetlands in northern third of Rice Beds Creek Swamps and Meadows Primary Site. o Alder Thickets at Beaver Brook Primary Site.

34 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment References

Askins, R.A., F. Chavez-Ramirez, B.C. Dale, C.A. Haas, J.R. Herkert, F.L. Knopf, and P.D. Vickery. 2007. Conservation of Grassland Birds in North America: Understanding Ecological Processes in Different Regions: "Report of the AOU Committee on Conservation". Ornithological Monographs 64:iii-viii, 1-46. Blann, K., and J. Wagner. 2014. Development of a Lake Classification and Conservation Portfolio to Support Lake Conservation Planning in Wisconsin. Report produced for the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership and Wisconsin DNR. The Nature Conservancy. Madison, WI. Christel, N. 2008. National Audubon Property Management Plan Proposal. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,. Spooner, WI. Iverson, L.R., A.M. Prasad, S.N. Matthews, and M. Peters. 2008. Estimating potential habitat for 134 eastern U.S. tree species under six climate scenarios. Forest Ecology and Management 254 (3):390-406. Kaplan, L.A., T.L. Bott, J.K. Jackson, J.D. Newbold, and B.W. Sweeney. 2008. Protecting headwaters: The scientific basis for safeguarding stream and river ecosystems. Stroud Water Research Center. Sample, D.W., and M.J. Mossman. 1997. Managing habitat for grassland birds: A guide for Wisconsin. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Madison, WI. Wisconsin Council on Forestry. 2010. Best management practices for preventing the spread of invasive species by outdoor recreation activities in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Council on Forestry,. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR]. 2006a. Wisconsin Land Legacy Report: an inventory of places critical in meeting Wisconsin's future conservation and recreation needs. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources. Madison, WI. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR]. 2006b. Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources. Madison, WI. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR]. 2009. Wisconsin's Forestry Best Management Practices for Invasive Species. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. Madison, WI. PUB-FR-444 2009. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR]. 2011. Rapid ecological assessment for the fishery areas within the southern Washburn, Polk, and Barron County Planning Group. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Madison, WI. http://intranet.dnr.state.wi.us/int/land/nhc/reports/WashburnPolkBarronFishery_REA_int.pdf. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR]. 2015. 2015-2025 Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan. Madison, WI. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR]. 2016. Natural Heritage Inventory Working List. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Madison, WI. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/nhi/wlist.html. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR]. In preparation. Old-growth and Old Forests Handbook. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Madison, WI.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 35 Species List The following species were mentioned in the main report text above.

Common Name Scientific Name Animals American Woodcock Scolopax minor Beaver Castor canadensis Black Bear Ursus americanus Blanding's Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Bobcat Lynx rufus Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis Brown Trout Salmo trutta Coyote Canis latrans Easter Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna Fisher Martes pennanti Golden-winged warbler Vermivora chrysoptera Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Henslow’s Sparrow Ammodramus henslowii Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Le Conte’s Sparrow Ammodramus leconteii Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata Mink Neovison vison Mink Frog Lithobates septentrionalis Muskrat Ondatra zibenthicus Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Raccoon Procyon lotor Red Fox Vulpes vulpes River Otter Lontra canadensis Ruffed Grouse Bonas umbellus Short-tailed Weasel Mustela erminea Turkey Meleagris gallopavo Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Plants Adder’s-mouth Pogonia ophioglossoides American Basswood Tilia americana American Elm Ulmus americana Arrowhead Sagittaria spp. Black ash Fraxinus nigra Black Spruce Picea mariana

36 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides Bluejoint grass Calamagrostis canadensis Bog Rosemary Andromeda polifolia Burr Oak Quercus macrocarpa Bur-reed Sparganium spp. Common Yellow Lake Sedge Carex utriculata Cotton-grass Eriophorum spp Eastern Leatherwood Dirca palustris False Mayflower Maianthemum trifolium Japanese Hedge-parsley Torilis japonica Labrador Tea Rhododendron groenlandicum Lake Sedge Carex lacustris Leather-leaf Chamaedaphne calyculata Marsh-marigold Caltha palustris Orange Jewelweed Impatiens capensis Pod Grass Scheuchzeria palustris Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans Purple pitcher-plant Sarracenia purpurea Red Maple Acer rubrum Red Oak Quercus rubra Robbin's Spike-rush Eleocharis robbinsii Round-leaved Sundew Drosera rotundifolia Rusty Cotton-grass Eriophorum virginicum Snail-seed Pondweed Potamogeton bicupulatus

Soft-stem Bulrush Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Speckled Alder Alnus incana Sugar Maple Acer saccharum Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata Tamarack Larix laricina Two-leaf Miterwort Mitella diphylla Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Water Smartweed Persicaria amphibia White Oak Quercus alba White Pine Pinus strobus Wild Leek Allium tricoccum Wood nettle Laportea canadensis Woolly-fruit Sedge Carex lasiocarpa Yellow Birch Betula alleghaniensis

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 37 Appendix Index NHI Rapid Ecological Assessments normally have a standardized set of Appendices as listed below. For Appendix A, B, D, and F, see the 2011 REA (WDNR, 2011).

A. Natural Heritage Inventory Methods Overview (See 2011 REA) B. Map of Conservation Opportunity Areas for the North Central Forest and Northeast Sands Ecological Landscapes (See 2011 REA) C. Documented rare species and high-quality natural communities for the Wildlife Areas within the Southern Washburn, Polk, and Barron County Planning Group listed by property D. Descriptions for Rare Species and High Quality Natural Communities Documented on the Wildlife Areas within the Southern Washburn, Polk, and Barron County Planning Group (See 2011 REA) E. Species of Greatest Conservation Need of the Wildlife Areas within the Southern Washburn, Polk, and Barron County Planning Group F. Wisconsin Natural Heritage Working List Explanation (See 2011 REA) G. Primary Sites within the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas Planning Group

38 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Appendix C

Documented rare species and high-quality natural communities for the Wildlife Areas within the Southern Washburn, Polk, and Barron County Planning Group listed by property Numerous rare species and high-quality examples of native communities have been documented within the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas Planning Group (SWPB-WA). The table below shows the rare species and high-quality natural communities currently known from the SWPB-WA and listed by property with the year last observed. Ranks and statuses based on Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) Working List published July 2016. *Species did not meet requirements for mapping in NHI database.

INFORMATION REMOVED DUE TO SENSITIVE LOCATIONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO RARE SPECIES

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 39 Appendix E

Species of Greatest Conservation Need and Rare Plants of the Wildlife Areas within the Southern Washburn, Polk, and Barron County Planning Group The following tables represent high priorities for conservation based on Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan (WDNR, 2015) in that they identify the intersection of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), Natural Communities, and Ecological Landscapes (EL; Figure 1). Tables are provided for the Forest Transition EL, as the SWPB-WA lies within this EL. Note that a natural community only appears in the table below if it meets two criteria: 1) It is considered to represent a major or significant conservation opportunity in that ecological landscape; and 2) It occurs on the property group. Also note that species that have been documented on the SWPB-WA are highlighted in yellow. The non-highlighted species could occur on the property group given the presence of available habitat, but escaped detection during surveys.

Sample interpretation – Northern Sedge Meadow:

Since Northern Sedge Meadow is included in Table E1 Figure 5. Identifying conservation priorities below, this indicates that the community type occurs on in Wisconsin's Wildlife Action Plan the SWPB-WA, and is also considered a priority conservation target in the Forest Transition EL. In fact, large tracts of Northern Sedge Meadow occur at several properties, including New Auburn WA and Rice Beds Creek WA. If you scan down the column for Northern Sedge Meadow, you’ll note that 12 SGCN and rare plants are highly or moderately associated with that community type in the Forest Transition EL. Of these, American bittern, bobolink, Le Conte's sparrow, Blanding's turtle, four-toed salamander have already been identified on the SWPB-WA (since they are highlighted yellow). Protecting Northern Sedge Meadow thus represents a priority conservation action that will benefit at least 12 SGCN and rare plants.

40 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Table E9. Species of Greatest Conservation Need, Plants, and Natural Community Combinations that represent high priority conservation actions in the Forest Transition Ecological Landscape. (H = Highly [significantly] associated, M = moderately associated.) Species highlighted in yellow have been documented on SWPB-WA. Non-highlighted species could occur on the property group given the presence of available habitat.

UPLAND COMMUNITIES WETLAND COMMUNITIES AQUATIC COMMUNITIES

Northern Northern Mesic Dry-mesic

Forest Forest

soft, bog soft,

shallow, soft, seepage soft, shallow,

--

--

SedgeMeadow

leavedMarsh

-

Birch

-

Seral Seral

- -

Common Name Scientific Name

YoungSeral EarlySeral Mid Seral Late YoungSeral Mid Seral Late Plantation Conifer Aspen SurrogateGrasslands Floating SubmergentMarsh EmergentMarsh PoorFen Northern AlderThicket SwampTamarack (poor) Spruce Black Swamp Swamp NorthernHardwood streams Coolwater streams Coldwater SpringsSpring Runs and (Soft) LargeLake Lake Small EphemeralPond RiverineImpoundment

Birds

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus M M H H M American Woodcock Scolopax minor H M M H M H M H M Black Tern Chlidonias niger H M H M M M M Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus H M H Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus H Dickcissel Spiza americana H Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna H Eastern whip-poor-will Antrostomus vociferus M M M Coccothraustes Evening Grosbeak vespertinus M H H M H Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera M M M H M M Ammodramus Grasshopper Sparrow savannarum H Greater Prairie-Chicken Tympanuchus cupido H M

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 41 UPLAND COMMUNITIES WETLAND COMMUNITIES AQUATIC COMMUNITIES

Northern Northern Mesic Dry-mesic

Forest Forest

soft, bog soft,

shallow, soft, seepage soft, shallow,

--

--

SedgeMeadow

leavedMarsh

-

Birch

-

Seral Seral

- -

Common Name Scientific Name

YoungSeral EarlySeral Mid Seral Late YoungSeral Mid Seral Late Plantation Conifer Aspen SurrogateGrasslands Floating SubmergentMarsh EmergentMarsh PoorFen Northern AlderThicket SwampTamarack (poor) Spruce Black Swamp Swamp NorthernHardwood streams Coolwater streams Coldwater SpringsSpring Runs and (Soft) LargeLake Lake Small EphemeralPond RiverineImpoundment Henslow's Sparrow Ammodramus henslowii H Le Conte's Sparrow Ammodramus leconteii H H Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus H H H M M M M Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis M H H M M Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus M M M H Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus M M M M Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda H Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta H Coturnicops Yellow Rail noveboracensis H H Fish Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens H Least Darter Etheostoma microperca M Redfin Shiner Lythrurus umbratilis M Reptiles Blanding's Turtle Emydoidea blandingii M H H M M M M H H H H Wood Turtle Glyptemys insculpta H H H H H H H H M M M H M M M H H M M

42 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment UPLAND COMMUNITIES WETLAND COMMUNITIES AQUATIC COMMUNITIES

Northern Northern Mesic Dry-mesic

Forest Forest

soft, bog soft,

shallow, soft, seepage soft, shallow,

--

--

SedgeMeadow

leavedMarsh

-

Birch

-

Seral Seral

- -

Common Name Scientific Name

YoungSeral EarlySeral Mid Seral Late YoungSeral Mid Seral Late Plantation Conifer Aspen SurrogateGrasslands Floating SubmergentMarsh EmergentMarsh PoorFen Northern AlderThicket SwampTamarack (poor) Spruce Black Swamp Swamp NorthernHardwood streams Coolwater streams Coldwater SpringsSpring Runs and (Soft) LargeLake Lake Small EphemeralPond RiverineImpoundment Amphibians Four-toed Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum H H H H H H H M H M M M M M H Mussels Elktoe Alasmidonta marginata M Venustaconcha Ellipse ellipsiformis M Mammals Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus M M M M M M H H H M H Franklin's Ground Spermophilus Squirrel (Poliocitellus) franklinii M Little Brown Bat Myotis lucifugus M M M M M M M H H H M H H H H H H H Northern Flying Squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus M H H H H M Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis M M M M M M M M M M H H M M M H Silver-haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans M M M M M M M M M M M H H M M M H M Water Shrew Sorex palustris M M M M M H H H H H M Woodland Jumping Mouse Napaeozapus insignis M H H H M M M Insects A Crawling Water Beetle Haliplus apostolicus M A Fingernet Caddisfly Wormaldia moesta M M

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 43 UPLAND COMMUNITIES WETLAND COMMUNITIES AQUATIC COMMUNITIES

Northern Northern Mesic Dry-mesic

Forest Forest

soft, bog soft,

shallow, soft, seepage soft, shallow,

--

--

SedgeMeadow

leavedMarsh

-

Birch

-

Seral Seral

- -

Common Name Scientific Name

YoungSeral EarlySeral Mid Seral Late YoungSeral Mid Seral Late Plantation Conifer Aspen SurrogateGrasslands Floating SubmergentMarsh EmergentMarsh PoorFen Northern AlderThicket SwampTamarack (poor) Spruce Black Swamp Swamp NorthernHardwood streams Coolwater streams Coldwater SpringsSpring Runs and (Soft) LargeLake Lake Small EphemeralPond RiverineImpoundment Maccaffertium A Flat-headed Mayfly pulchellum M A Giant Casemaker Caddisfly Banksiola dossuaria M A Non-biting Midge Pseudodiamesa pertinax M A Predaceous Diving Beetle Agabus discolor M H A Predaceous Diving Beetle Hygrotus marklini M A Predaceous Diving Beetle Ilybius angustior M A Predaceous Diving Beetle Ilybius confusus M A Predaceous Diving Beetle Lioporeus triangularis M A Predaceous Diving Beetle Hygrotus compar M

A Small Minnow Mayfly Plauditus cestus M A Water Scavenger Beetle Agabetes acuductus H A Water Scavenger Beetle Helophorus latipenis M American Sand Burrowing Mayfly Dolania americana M

44 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment UPLAND COMMUNITIES WETLAND COMMUNITIES AQUATIC COMMUNITIES

Northern Northern Mesic Dry-mesic

Forest Forest

soft, bog soft,

shallow, soft, seepage soft, shallow,

--

--

SedgeMeadow

leavedMarsh

-

Birch

-

Seral Seral

- -

Common Name Scientific Name

YoungSeral EarlySeral Mid Seral Late YoungSeral Mid Seral Late Plantation Conifer Aspen SurrogateGrasslands Floating SubmergentMarsh EmergentMarsh PoorFen Northern AlderThicket SwampTamarack (poor) Spruce Black Swamp Swamp NorthernHardwood streams Coolwater streams Coldwater SpringsSpring Runs and (Soft) LargeLake Lake Small EphemeralPond RiverineImpoundment Cantrall's Bog Beetle Liodessus cantralli M Crackling Forest Grasshopper Trimerotropis verruculata M M Robust Dubiraphian Riffle Beetle Dubiraphia robusta M Sioux (Sand) Snaketail Ophiogomphus smithi H Speckled Rangeland Grasshopper Arphia conspersa M M M Sylvan Hygrotus Diving Beetle Hygrotus sylvanus M Plants Autumnal Water- Callitriche starwort hermaphroditica H M M M Butternut Juglans cinerea H H H H Georgia Bulrush Scirpus georgianus M Large-flowered Ground- cherry Leucophysalis grandflora M M M Marsh Valerian Valeriana uliginosa H Mingan’s Moonwort Botrychium minganense H H H Northern Slender Stuckenia filiformis spp. Pondweed Albina H Oake’s Pondweed Potamogeton oakesianus H H H H

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 45 UPLAND COMMUNITIES WETLAND COMMUNITIES AQUATIC COMMUNITIES

Northern Northern Mesic Dry-mesic

Forest Forest

soft, bog soft,

shallow, soft, seepage soft, shallow,

--

--

SedgeMeadow

leavedMarsh

-

Birch

-

Seral Seral

- -

Common Name Scientific Name

YoungSeral EarlySeral Mid Seral Late YoungSeral Mid Seral Late Plantation Conifer Aspen SurrogateGrasslands Floating SubmergentMarsh EmergentMarsh PoorFen Northern AlderThicket SwampTamarack (poor) Spruce Black Swamp Swamp NorthernHardwood streams Coolwater streams Coldwater SpringsSpring Runs and (Soft) LargeLake Lake Small EphemeralPond RiverineImpoundment Pale Bulrush Scirpus pallidus H M Round-leaved Orchis Amerorchis rotundifolia M Schoenoplectus Slender Bulrush heterochaetus H Stuckenia filiformis ssp Slender Pondweed occidentalis H H Small Forget-me-not Myosotis laxa M M Snail-seed Pondweed Potamogeton bicupulatus H H H M Spotted Pondweed Potamogeton bicupulatus H H H M Square-stem Spike-rush Eleocharis quadrangulata H Thread-like Naiad Najas gracillima H Torrey’s Bulrush Schoenoplectus torreyi M M M M Vasey’s Pondweed Potamogeton vaseyi H H M M Malaxis monophyllos var White Adder’s-mouth brachypoda H

46 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Appendix G

Primary Sites within the Southern Washburn, Polk and Barron County Wildlife Areas Planning Group Four ecologically important sites were identified on the SWPB-WA (Figure 3). These “Primary Sites” were delineated because they generally encompass the best examples of 1) rare and representative natural communities, 2) documented occurrences of rare species populations, and/or 3) opportunities for ecological restoration or connections. These sites warrant high protection and/or restoration consideration during the development of the property master plan. This report is meant to be considered along with other information when identifying opportunities for various management designations during the master planning process.

SWPB-WA01 New Auburn Wetlands SWPB-WA02 Tula Lake Upland Forest and Peatlands SWPB-WA03 McKenzie Creek Headwaters SWPB-WA04 Loon Lake Woods State Natural Area SWPB-WA05 Rice Beds Creek Swamps and Meadows SWPB-WA06 Beaver Brook

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 47

SWPB-WA01. NEW AUBURN WETLANDS

Amy Staffen, WDNR

Property: New Auburn Wildlife Area County: Barron Land Type Associations: Chetek Plains (212Qb04); Red Cedar/Chippewa Valley Trains (222La01) Approximate Size (acres): 734

Description of Site This vast expanse (over 700 acres) of Northern Sedge Meadow is characterized by a mat of abundant Sphagnum moss overtopped by gracefully arching narrow-leaved woolly-sedge (Carex lasiocarpa) and blue-joint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis). In the eastern part of the site, the meadow is seemingly endless, providing a setting that is irresistable to the Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), a raptor that hunts low over large expanses of grasslands and wetlands. Past hydrological disturbance has created conditions that promote abundant small trees and brush in other parts of the site, particularly in the western half. Channelized Beaver Creek flows through the site, and several old ditches remain from earlier times. Pockets of Emergent Marsh and open water are interspersed throughout the sedge meadow, inviting waterfowl to nest, rest, and forage. A narrow band of Alder Thicket offers an additional habitat niche along the southeast boundary, supporting at least 40 native ground layer species growing underneath tall speckled alders (Alnus incana). In the spring, sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) are often heard bugling from the interior of this wetland complex in concert with their other avian brethren such as swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), Virginia rail (Rallus limicola), willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), and both marsh and sedge wren (Cistothorus palustris and C. platensis).

Significance of Site Wetlands serve to slow the release of water during storms (thus minimizing flooding), filter nutrients and pollutants that are carried in runoff, and provide moisture banks during low water periods or droughts. This wetland site also provides important habitat for nesting and migratory marsh birds and waterfowl. New Auburn Sedge Meadow SNA was designated in 2003, conferring an additional layer of protection on 325 acres within this primary site – this includes the Alder Thicket and some sedge meadow in the southeast part of the site.

Management Considerations Hydrologic alteration of these wetlands through ditching in the distant past resulted in a lowering of the water table, facilitating tree and shrub invasion in portions of the site and loss of open wetland habitat.

48 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Extensive usage of groundwater resources for agriculture or industry on surrounding lands may further exacerbate this impact. Identifying priority groundwater recharge areas that supply Beaver Creek and this wetland complex may be an important component of an integrated approach to restoration and management of the primary site.

Seeking measures to buffer fertilizer and erosion run-off from surrounding agricultural lands will help stave wetland degradation. Property managers have already created excellent buffers in the form of upland prairie plantings to the north and south, thus maintaining these will continue to be important.

New Auburn Wetland Primary Site is somewhat unique among Wisconsin wetlands in its relative lack of non-native invasive species. Regular monitoring for new invaders and early control represents a high priority action, especially at the most common points of entry (along roads, streams, dikes, and ditches). Small amounts of reed canary grass occur at the perimeter of the property in several places and along the central dike heading west from 29th Street. A more detailed assessment of the extent of the invasion is recommended in order to facilitate tactical control efforts.

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 49 New Auburn Wetlands Primary Site (SWPB-WA01)

50 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment SWPB-WA02. TULA LAKE UPLAND FOREST & PEATLANDS

Amy Staffen, WDNR Property: McKenzie Creek Wildlife Area County: Polk Land Type Association: Polk Basalt Moraines (212Qa03) Approximate Size (acres): 603

Description of Site An uncommon complex of wild seepage lakes, open wetlands, Black Spruce Swamp and upland pine-oak forest are all captured within this primary site. Tula and Marsh Lakes are small, shallow "bog lakes" that support Poor Fen along their margins, with squishy floating Sphagnum mats, carnivorous plants such as purple pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea) and sundew (Drosera spp.), cranberries (Vaccinium spp.), numerous sedges, rushes, and cotton grasses. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) and common loons (Gavia immer) have made their homes on these two bog lakes over the years. Beyond the fen margins of Tula and Marsh Lakes lies a Black Spruce Swamp, where the deep Sphagnum mat continues, but tamarack (Larix laricina) and black spruce (Picea mariana) occupy the canopy and the ground layer is replaced with scattered bog shrubs such as Laborador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum), leather leaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) and bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia), along with occasional tufts of rusty cotton-grass (Eriophorum virginicum). The reedy song of the hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus) can be heard amond the spruces in spring. Extensive areas of Alder Thicket and sedge meadow can also be found in the western part of this primary site. To the east lies Margaret Lake, which is larger and deeper than the other two lakes, and has only a narrow fringe of sedge meadow that quickly transitions to upland forest. This Northern Dry-mesic Forest occupies gently rolling terrain in the core of the primary site, and continues beyond it to the south and east. The trees create three distinct layers here, from massive towering white pines (Pinus strobus) in the supercanopy to large red and white oaks (Quercus rubra and Q. alba) in the canopy, to sugar maple (Acer saccharum), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), red oak and white birch (Betula papyrifera) in the subcanopy. Diversity of tree species, sizes and age classes in all strata are indicators of late-seral forest of high ecological integrity that can support numerous native plant species (including those that are conservative) and abundant wildlife, and can resist or rebound from natural disturbances. Diverse herbs grace the forest floor, including spring ephemerals such as large-flowered trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), and less commonly seen plants such as blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and miterwort (Mitella diphylla). Ephemeral ponds are scattered throughout the forest, and provide important habitat for reproducing frogs and salamanders. An especially high number of mammals are known to use this area, including white- tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), black bear (Ursus americanus), otter (Lontra canadensis), mink (Neovison vison), muskrat (Ondatra zibenthicus), coyote (Canis latrans), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and fisher (Martes pennanti).

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 51 Significance of Site The mature Northern Dry-mesic Forest provides important breeding and stopover habitat for diverse bird species. Contiguity with a larger block of intact forest beyond the bounds of the primary site makes this particularly suitable for forest-interior bird species. This site’s ephemeral ponds, upland hardwood forest, and mossy wetlands provide suitable habitat for numerous herptiles, including some that are rare.

A large population of two exceptionally rare fly species were discovered at this site in 2016. These observations, along with two other records, are the only published records of this family of flies from the Midwest.

The 160-acre Tula Lake State Natural Area lies within this primary site, and was designated in 1982.

Management Considerations During the master planning process, consideration of expanding the boundaries of the State Natural Area to match those of the primary site is recommended, as the larger site has characteristics of an ecological reference area, and supports a number of rare and declining species.

No non-native invasive plants are known to occur at this site. It would be considered a high priority action, therefore, to institute a regular Early Detection-Rapid Response program for invasive species to maintain the site’s high integrity.

Opportunities to manage older (late seral) forest at a landscape level are high at this site because of the large size of the Northern Dry-mesic Forest (over 200 acres) and its connection to other large blocks of forest. Management should seek to maintain older forest in a large-sized block at this site and promote additional older forest on nearby lands. When managing land surrounding older forest, manage in a way that does not isolate the site and that minimizes the negative effects of fragmentation.

Amphibian and aquatic invertebrate species that use Ephemeral Ponds during at least part of their life cycle benefit from moist, shaded conditions, coarse woody debris adjacent to the pond, and absence of soil compaction in the surrounding uplands. Aquatic invertebrates that live in and around the lakes on this site are also sensitive to inputs that diminish water quality. Recreational development and natural resource management activities could include considerations for management of ephemeral ponds and streams, such as by following forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality (WDNR, 2010a).

52 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Tula Lake Upland Forest and Peatlands Primary Site (SWPB-WA02) and McKenzie Creek Headwaters Primary Site (SWPB-WA03)

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 53 SWPB-WA03. MCKENZIE CREEK HEADWATERS

Amy Staffen, WDNR Property: McKenzie Creek Wildlife Area County: Polk Land Type Association: Late St. Croix Moraines (212Qa01) Approximate Size (acres): 323

Description of Site This primary site features a wild lake, creek, forested and open wetlands, springs, spring seeps, forested seeps, and upland forest. As the site’s centerpiece, McKenzie Lake is a 52-acre drainage lake where common loons may be heard calling in spring. Apart from a vehicle-accessible boat landing and parking area on the north shore, this lake is undeveloped, and only non-motorized boats are allowed here. McKenzie Creek, a cool (warm-transition) headwater stream, flows through the lake from southwest to north, and its headwaters are situated in the southwest part of the primary site. An 80-acre wetland complex spans the creek from the creek headwaters to the shouth shore of McKenzie Lake. Here, numerous springs and spring seeps bubble out of the ground among tracts of Hardwood Swamp, Alder Thicket, and sedge meadow. The gently rolling morainal topography surrounding this wetland complex and the lake supports mid-seral Northern Dry-mesic Forest that is developing late seral characteristics, where large red oak, American basswood (Tilia americana) and sugar maple dominate a moderate to dense canopy; some red oaks achieve 26 inches in diameter. Huge 24- to 36-inch white pines tower above the hardwoods. American hazelnut (Corylus americana), maple-leaved viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) and common blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis) create a moderate shrub layer, while a diverse ground layer of more than 50 species includes grasses, sedges, forbs, and ferns. A great variety of birds call this forest home, including pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), veery (Catharus fuscescens), and ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla). A popular stretch of the Ice Age Trail runs through this primary site.

Significance of Site McKenzie Creek headwaters, springs, spring seeps, and forested seeps are essential to the health of the Clam River Watershed and associated riparian ecosystems: They keep sediment and other pollutants out of the stream's lower reaches, they provide vital organic and inorganic elements that support ecosystems Active spring seeps bubble from the ground at McKenzie Creek Headwaters. Photo by Rich Staffen.

54 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment downstream, and they support diverse and unique plants and animals that are specially adapted to the physical and chemical conditions associated with this habitat complex (Kaplan et al. 2008).

This large block of forest provides breeding and stopover habitat for numerous species of birds, and contributes to the functional block size of the high-quality forest interior bird habitat featured in the Tula Lake Upland Forest and Peatlands Primary Site.

Management Considerations In order to protect McKenzie Creek and its headwaters and, by extension, the Clam River Watershed, consider maintaining a forested Riparian Management Zone (RMZ) beyond 100 feet, the standard described in the WDNR BMP guide (WDNR 2010a). An expanded RMZ will offer extra protection to these unique and sensitive features, and will help mitigate threats from both point-source and non-point- source runoff. This is particularly important in light of climate change projections for more frequent and intense spring and summer storms along with winter rains on frozen ground.

Two non-native invasive plants are known to occur at this site: Japanese hedge-parsley (Torilis japonica) and common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). A site-wide inspection for these and other species is recommended, along with mapping of invasives locations to help set management priorities for different areas. In the very least, regular inspections of transport corridors such as trails, field roads and logging roads would serve as a high priority action to limit spread. There may be opportunities to enlist the help of local Ice Age Trail volunteers in invasives monitoring, mapping and control. The non-native Chinese mystery snail (Bellamya chinensis) has been identified in McKenzie Lake; long-term impacts of this relatively new invasive remain under investigation.

Opportunities to manage dry-mesic forest at a landscape level are high at this site because of its contiguity with other large blocks of forest, particularly to the north. Managers have succeeded in recent decades in maintaining a mosaic of diverse tree ages and size classes and moderate to dense canopy cover. The limited amount of oak regeneration, however, foreshadows a change in future canopy composition: White oak and red oak seedlings are rare to uncommon, saplings are nonexistent, and the subcanopy is dominated by sugar maple, suggesting a conversion to maple forest in the future. While considerations regarding maintaining the current composition versus facilitating conversion are numerous and complex, an important goal for this particular primary site ultimately will be to maintain continuous forest canopy to protect the headwaters, stream, and watershed of McKenzie Creek, regardless of canopy composition.

Richard Staffen, WDNR

Richard Staffen, WDNR

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 55 SWPB-WA04. LOON LAKE WOODS STATE NATURAL AREA

Andy Clark, WDNR Property: Loon Lake Wildlife Area County: Barron Land Type Association: Late St. Croix Moraines (212Qa01) Approximate Size (acres): 71

Description of Site The gently rolling terrain of Loon Lake Woods supports a shady forest of sugar maple and basswood, with large red, white and burr oaks (Quercus macrocarpa) also contributing to this forest's dense canopy. Scattered, very old stumps offer evidence of logging in the distant past, but this forest shows characteristics of older (late seral) forest, including some trees as large as 20 inches in diameter, a mix of tree sizes and age classes, abundant coarse woody debris, and “pit-and-mound” microtopography which occurs when large trees topple over due to old age. A rich ground flora includes ephemerals such as large-flowered trillium and wild leek (Allium tricoccum), numerous fern species, and various forest wildflowers, grasses and sedges. Several ephemeral ponds occur in shallow depressions, and support wetland trees and plants such as black ash (Fraxinus nigra), lake sedge (Carex lacustris), and marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) along with several frog species. Occasional glacial erratics (large boulders) may also be encountered in the forest. A diverse assortment of migratory and resident birds make use of this forest, including broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypteris), least flycatcher (Empidonax minimus), yellow-throated vireo (Vireo flavifrons), veery, scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea), and many warbler species.

Significance of Site Older successional stages of Southern Mesic Forest are poorly represented in this region, highlighting the significance of this site. Loon Lake Woods was designated a State Natural Area in 2003.

Management Considerations This site should be managed as a Northern Mesic Forest reserve and an ecological reference area.

No non-native invasive plants are known to occur at this site. It would be considered a high priority action, therefore, to institute a regular Early Detection-Rapid Response program for invasive species to maintain the site’s high integrity.

Amphibian and aquatic invertebrate species that use Ephemeral Ponds during at least part of their life cycle benefit from shaded conditions, coarse woody debris adjacent to the pond, and absence of soil compaction in the surrounding uplands.

56 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Loon Lake Woods Primary Site (SWPB-WA04)

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 57

SWPB-WA05. RICE BEDS CREEK SWAMPS AND MEADOWS

Andy Clark, WDNR Property: Rice Beds Creek Wildlife Area County: Polk Land Type Association: Late St. Croix Moraines (212Qa01) Approximate Size (acres): 819

Description of Site This primary site was designated to highlight a large wetland complex that lies at the convergence of the Apple River and Rice Beds Creek. Where Rice Beds Creek passes through this primary site, it is classified as a cool-cold headwater stream and is considered a warm water forage fishery, while the Apple River is a warm mainstem stream. Over 200 acres of Hardwood Swamp with high ecological integrity runs from the confluence of the two rivers to the south and west along the Apple River. An additional 160+ acres of Hardwood Swamp lies along the northeast boundary of the primary site. Black ash is the dominant canopy tree here, along with lesser amounts of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and red maple (Acer rubrum). Over 130 plant species grace the mucky forest floor, including six fern species, 14 members of the lily family (e.g., the elegant Michigan lily [Lilium michaganense]), and 13 sedge species (including conservatives such as Carex leptalea and C. disperma). Standing pools of water, streamlets, and scattered terraces provide microhabitats with the forest matrix that boost the site’s floral diversity and offer additional habitat niches for wildlife. Five woodpecker species including the pileated find ample habitat in the forest, along with the resplendent scarlet tanager and various types of warblers, flycatchers, and thrushes. A vast swathe of sedge meadow and Alder Thicket straddle Rice Beds Creek in the northern half of the primary site, providing important habitat for nesting marsh birds such as sedge wren, sora (Porzana carolina), sandhill crane, and common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). A sizeable wild rice (Zizania palustris) bed has long been valued here within this wetland complex, giving the stream its name.

Significance of Site Wetlands serve to slow the release of water during storms (thus minimizing flooding), filter nutrients and pollutants that are carried in runoff, and provide moisture banks during low water periods or droughts. Riparian wetlands also provide vital habitat to many animals, as well as natural corridors for foraging and migration. While not detected during targeted surveys in 2016, this site supports suitable habitat for rare or uncommon herptiles: the four-toed salamander, Blanding’s (Emydoidea blandingii) and wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta). The site’s lowland forest is extensive enough to support forest-interior birds, with recent surveys turning up scarlet tanager, eastern wood-pewee (Contopus virens), veery, and northern waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis).

58 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Management Considerations The Hardwood Swamps of this primary site are vulnerable to the effects of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) (EAB), as black ash is a dominant species. Large-scale loss of ash could cause a cascade of negative impacts, including diminishment of important habitat for rare plants and animals, elevated water tables, and invasion of shrubs or non-native invasives such as reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) (WDNR 2010b); reed canary grass is already known to occur along the Apple River at the margin of the primary site. It is important to note that removal of all ash as a stopgap measure against EAB is not recommended (WDNR 2010c). Managers and planners may wish to consider underplanting trees that are adapted to the hydrology of the site as well as to future climate projections (Iverson et al. 2008). Retaining some ash snags after the trees have died may be beneficial by providing modest shading as well as securing soils, not to mention wildlife habitat.

Drew FeldkirchnerRichard, WDNR Staffen, WDNR

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 59 Rice Beds Creek Swamps and Meadows Primary Site (SWPB-WA05)

60 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment SWPB-WA06. BEAVER BROOK

Amy Staffen, WDNR Property: Beaver Brook Wildlife Area County: Washburn Land Type Association: Late St. Croix Moraines (212Qa01) Approximate Size (acres): 261

Description of Site This primary site captures approximately 2.8 miles of the narrow Beaver Brook corridor where species typical of both northern and southern Wisconsin mingle in a tightly interwoven assortment of wetland and upland communities, yielding an exceptionally high number of diverse plant species. These natural communities include tracts of both upland and lowland forest, extensive areas of Alder Thicket, pockets of Emergent Marsh, scattered spring ponds, and abundant groundwater upwellings in the form of springs, spring runs and forested seeps.

Two small stands of mature natural origin white pine lie along Beaver Brook at the south end of the primary site. Rich forest herbs grace the forest floor below a deeply shaded canopy. These stands tie into a larger matrix of Northern Dry-mesic Forest at varying stages of maturity, with red oak, American basswood and aspens (Populus spp.) dominating the canopy within and beyond the bounds of the primary site. As one moves north along the meandering stream corridor, burr oak (a species more typical of southern Wisconsin), along with other lowland forest trees such as black ash, create moderate shade over bubbling seeps and a lush groundlayer of ferns, horsetails and sedges. Abundant speckled alder occupies a one-mile swathe along the stream in the core of the primary site; this brushy wetland is punctuated by scattered spring ponds. At the northeast corner of Beaver Brook primary site lies a forested block with lowland hardwoods along the stream and Northern Dry-mesic Forest in the uplands, including a 40-acre area with large (20- to 30-inch diameter), natural-origin red and white pines.

Significance of Site This site contains one of the most botanically diverse sites in the Northwest Sands Ecological Landscape. Beaver Brook is a high-quality Class I trout stream where it runs through the primary site, in large part due to the abundant springs, spring ponds, and seeps, along with the continuous shading and protection from various brushy and forested natural communities along its corridor. Patches of older and old- growth Northern Dry-mesic Forest, including natural origin white and red pine (Pinus resinosa), occur on the site. These provide important habitat values such as abundant downed woody debris, snags, loose tree bark, large tree crowns, and a dense canopy that host a myriad of plant, lichen, bird, mammal and invertebrate species. Older age class natural origin white and red pine stands are unusual, and are no longer well-represented within the Forest Transition Ecological Landscape. Further exemplifying the uniqueness of the site, species found more commonly in the Boreal Forest region to the north like

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 61 Canada, blackburnian, and black-throated green warblers were found at the site during the nesting season.

Management Considerations No non-native invasive plants are known to occur at this site. It would be considered a high priority action, therefore, to institute a regular Early Detection-Rapid Response program for invasive species to maintain the site’s high integrity.

Managers and planners may consider following WDNR old-growth silvicultural guidelines (WDNR, In preparation) in upland forest stands, particularly where natural origin pines occur to the north and the south. Similar guidelines are already being applied to a 41.5-acre area in the northern part of the site that was purchased from the National Audubon Society in 2009 (Christel 2008). An important consideration will stem from whether or not human intervention will be allowed to promote a desired set of characteristics, particularly to promote regeneration of pines by mimicking natural disturbances. Clear and detailed management goals and objectives are critical for the implementation of sustainable, science- based management of old-growth and old forests designated as managed and extended rotation (WDNR, In preparation).

Amy Staffen, WDNR

62 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Beaver Brook Pines Primary Site (SWPB-WA06)

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 63 References for Appendix G

Christel, N. 2008. National Audubon Property Management Plan Proposal. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,. Spooner, WI. Iverson, L.R., A.M. Prasad, S.N. Matthews, and M. Peters. 2008. Estimating potential habitat for 134 eastern U.S. tree species under six climate scenarios. Forest Ecology and Management 254 (3):390- 406. Kaplan, L.A., T.L. Bott, J.K. Jackson, J.D. Newbold, and B.W. Sweeney. 2008. Protecting headwaters: The scientific basis for safeguarding stream and river ecosystems. Stroud Water Research Center. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR]. 2010a. Wisconsin's forestry best management practices for water quality. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. Madison, WI. PUB FR-093 2010. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR]. 2010b. Wisconsin's Statewide Forest Assessment. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Madison, WI. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR]. 2010c. Emerald Ash Borer and Forest Management. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Madison, WI. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources [WDNR]. In preparation. Old-growth and Old Forests Handbook. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Madison, WI.

Species List The following species were mentioned in Appendix G above.

Common Name Scientific Name Animals American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Black Bear Ursus americanus Blanding’s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Bobcat Lynx rufus Brewer’s Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypteris Cerulean Warbler Setophaga cerulea Chinese Mystery Snail Bellamya chinensis Common Loon Gavia immer Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Coyote Canis latrans Eastern Wood-pewee Contopus virens Emerald Ash Borer Agrilus planipennis Fisher Martes pennanti Fly spp. Corethella spp. Four-toed Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris Mink Neovison vison

64 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment Muskrat Ondatra zibenthicus Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis Osprey Pandion haliaetus Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus River Otter Lontra canadensis Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis Snowshoe Hare Lepus americanus Sora Porzana carolina Swamp Darner Epiaeschna heros Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana Veery Catharus fuscescens Virginia Rail Rallus limicola White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina Wood Turtle Glyptemys insculpta Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons Plants Amererican Hazelnut Corylus americana American Basswood Tilia americana American hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana Aspen Populus spp. Black Ash Fraxinus nigra Black Spruce Picea mariana Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides Blue-joint grass Calamagrostis candensis Bog Rosemary Andromeda polifolia Bristle-stalked Sedge Carex leptalea Burr Oak Quercus macrocarpa Common Blackberry Rubus allegheniensis Common Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica Cranberry Vaccinium spp. Japanese Hedge-parsley Torilis japonica Labrador Tea Rhododendron groenlandicum Lake Sedge Carex lacustris Large-flowered trillium Trillium grandiflorum

Southern Washburn, Polk, Barron County Planning Group 65 Leather-leaf Chamaedaphne calyculata Maple-leaved Viburnum Viburnum acerifolium Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris Michigan Lily Lilium michiganense Narrow-leaved Woolly sedge Carex lasiocarpa Pitcher-plant Sarracenia purpurea Red Maple Acer rubrum Red Oak Quercus rubra Red Pine Pinus resinosa Reed Canary Grass Phalaris arundinacea Rusty Cotton-grass Eriophorum virginicum Soft-leaf Sedge Carex disperma Speckled Alder Alnus incana Sugar Maple Acer saccharum Sundew Drosera spp. Tamarack Larix laricina Two-leaf Miterwort Mitella diphylla White Birch Betula papyrifera White Oak Quercus alba White Pine Pinus strobus Wild Leek Allium tricoccum Wild Rice Zizania palustris Yellow Birch Betula alleghaniensis

66 2017 Addendum to 2011 Rapid Ecological Assessment