Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Barney Creek (No. 301)

Overview

Location

Located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Oconto County. T33N-R15E, Sections 6, 7. 325 acres.

Access

From the intersection of State Highway 32 and County Highway T in Townsend, go north on Highway 32 3.9 miles, then south and west on FR 2123 (Diamond Roof Road) 1.4 miles to a gated access lane west of the road. Walk west on an unimproved forest service road 1.4 miles to the west fork of Barney Creek. A map and compass are recommended.

Description

Description

Within a gently sloping rocky ravine is Barney Creek - a small spring-fed stream flowing over gravel and boulders. The cool, moist microclimate within the stream corridor contains a rich mesic forest with a diverse herbaceous flora. The stream banks and adjacent slopes are covered with second-growth hardwoods dominated by sugar maple, basswood, aspen, and yellow birch. Black cherry, red oak, and white ash are also present. American elm, once a major canopy component here, has been lost to Dutch elm disease. A generally sparse shrub layer includes ironwood, hazelnut, dogwoods, and fly honeysuckle. Characteristic herbaceous species include numerous spring ephemerals and wood nettle, lady fern, Pennsylvania sedge, wild sarsaparilla, Virginia waterleaf, and orange jewelweed. Also present are dwarf scouring-rush, golden saxifrage, and plantain-leaved sedge (Carex plantaginea). Notable species include the state threatened Braun's holly fern (Polystichum braunii) and Wisconsin's largest known population of the state endangered foam flower (Tiarella cordifolia). Barney Creek is owned by the USDA Forest Service and was designated a State Natural Area in 1996.

Maps

The WDNR's State Natural Areas Program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions, and private individuals. Therefore, while the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary accordingly. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the land owner for more specific details.

The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.

• Detailed Map [PDF, 133 KB]

Activities

Please come prepared for your visit. Amenities vary from site to site with most SNAs being primitive and without facilities. See Guidelines for Visitation for details.

Allowable Activities

Most DNR-owned SNAs allow:

• Hiking
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Trapping
• Skiing

Some exceptions apply. Properties closed to the public or closed to specific use, such as hunting, will be posted.

***For non-DNR-owned SNAs: Additional use guidelines may apply. Please verify any use restrictions with the landowner or contact the SNA Program. Landowners may require additional permits or restrict the number of hunters at a given SNA to provide a quality hunting experience. SNA landowners can be found at the bottom of each SNA description page.

Prohibited Activities

• Horseback riding
• Rock climbing
• Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use
• Collecting of plants (including fruits, nuts, or edible plant parts), animals, fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead

Please note that a permit is required for scientific collection and research on State Natural Areas. For more information, contact Thomas Meyer, State Natural Areas Program Specialist.

For more information on rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Wisconsin's Administrative Code Chapter NR 45 (exit DNR)