Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Copper Falls (No. 399)

Overview

Location

Within Copper Falls State Park, Ashland County. T45N-R2W, Sections 8, 17. 665 acres.

Access

From the intersection of Highways 13 and 169 in Mellen, go northeast on 169 about 3 miles to the park entrance. Get a map from the park office. Numerous hiking trails provide access to the natural area and falls.

Description

Description

Copper Falls features northern dry and dry-mesic forest along the shores of the meandering Bad River, which runs through the site. On the low terraces of the river are two oxbows, which support dry-mesic forest dominated by large white pine, sugar maple, red maple, and white ash. Other trees include hemlock, white cedar, paper birch, red oak, balsam fir, and white spruce. The understory is quite diverse due to the variation in topography. Characteristic groundlayer species are beaked hazelnut, American fly honeysuckle, wintergreen, partridgeberry, velvet-leaf blueberry, and many species of ferns. The steep slope along the west side of the river supports a sugar maple-hemlock forest, which has not been disturbed since at least 1916. Birds include blackburnian, black and white, Nashville, northern parula, and Canada warblers, ovenbird, American redstart, blue-headed vireo, hermit thrush, and common raven. Copper Falls is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2003.

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, 192 KB]

Objectives

Site Objectives

Manage the site as a reserve for northern dry-mesic and mesic forest, as a significant geological site, as an aquatic reserve, and as an ecological reference area. Natural processes will primarily determine the structure of the forest. Provide opportunities for research and education on the highest quality native northern dry-mesic and mesic forest, and geological features.

Management Approach

The native species are managed passively, which allows nature to determine the ecological characteristics of the site. The dry-mesic forest will be allowed to convert over time to a more mesic forest condition. Allowable activities include control of invasive plants and animals, maintenance of existing facilities, and access to suppress fires. Salvage of trees after a major wind event is not considered compatible with management objectives.

Site-Specific Considerations

• Although removal of hazardous trees from over and near trails is an allowed activity, manipulation/removal of vegetation and soil disturbance should be minimized to the extent possible.

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)