Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Snoose Creek (No. 431)

Overview

Location

Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Ashland and Sawyer Counties. T40N-R4W Sections 5, 6, 7, 8. T41N-R4W Sections 32. 1,099 acres.

Access

From the intersection of Highways 70 and GG in Loretta, go north on GG approximately 8 miles, then southwest on FR 172 2.5 miles into the site.

Description

Description

One of the largest sites identified on the Glidden Drumlin Landtype, Snoose Creek features a complex of natural communities located along the East Fork of the Chippewa River. Of note is the presence of drumlin shaped uplands dominated by second growth pole to mature northern hardwoods, with significant inclusions of hemlock dominated forest present throughout the site. These inclusions include residual old growth hemlock and yellow birch located within upland northern hardwood stands and extensive areas of second growth hemlock with super-canopy white pine and upland cedar in transitional areas along swamp margins and woodland ephemeral ponds. The presence of super-canopy white pine as a component in several mesic northern hardwood stands adds to this site’s overall conservation value. Associated communities include large tracts of black spruce-tamarack bog, black ash swamp, and lowland mixed conifer swamps with significant stands of white cedar located within inter-drumlin areas. These wetland communities give rise to two small streams including Snoose Creek, a tributary to the East Fork of the Chippewa River. Snoose Creek originates at Snoose Lake in Ashland County and then flows south into the East Fork of the Chippewa River below Blaisedell Lake. It is a warm water drainage stream having a fish population of minnows with a few small panfish present. The bottom is predominantly muck with unstable sandy stretches. The river itself, which forms the western boundary of this site, includes several class two rapids with numerous Precambrian rock outcrops along this reach. Forested stands dominated by long-lived conifers border most of the river bank along this segment. Other aquatic features include scattered ephemeral ponds with spring peepers, and wood frogs. Most of this site remains undeveloped with very few improved road corridors, thereby providing important extensive forest habitat. Due to aspen pulpwood production and game habitat development, few tracts of this scale remain on this landtype which still retain interior forest conditions. Snoose Creek is owned by the US Forest Service and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.

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.

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)