State Natural Areas Program

State Natural Areas (SNAs) protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscape of natural communities, significant geological formations and archeological sites. Wisconsin's 653 State Natural Areas encompassing over 358,000 acres are valuable for research and educational use, the preservation of genetic and biological diversity, and for providing benchmarks for determining the impact of use on managed lands. They also provide some of the last refuges for rare plants and animals. In fact, more than 90% of the plants and 75% of the animals on Wisconsin's list of endangered and threatened species are protected on SNAs. Learn More...

Hunting on State Natural Areas

The State Natural Areas Program supports and encourages deer hunting on state-owned SNAs - the majority of which are open to hunters in accordance with regulations. While many non-DNR-owned SNAs permit hunting (for example Nature Conservancy sites), the specifics may vary so please contact the landowner for details. Links to our partner websites are provided on the individual SNA pages.

Featured State Natural Area

Lower Tomahawk River Pines, Oneida County

This site is one of the few tracts of relatively intact, natural origin pine forest along this portion of the Tomahawk River corridor. Mature stands of fire origin, mixed pine forest border the lower reaches of the Tomahawk River and Swamp Creek. Associated wetlands include northern sedge meadow, alder thicket, and tamarack swamp. As with most DNR-owned SNAs, Lower Tomahawk River Pines is open to hunting in accordance with state regulations.

Visit Lower Tomahawk River Pines....

State Natural Area Guidebook:

Wisconsin, naturally features 150 of our finest State Natural Areas. This award-winning publication contains site descriptions, photos, and driving directions. Order yours today!

Our Partners

• Natural Resources Foundation (exit DNR)
• The Nature Conservancy (exit DNR)
• Gathering Waters (exit DNR)
• Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (exit DNR)