Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Argonne Experimental Forest (No. 441)

Overview

Location

Located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Forest County. T38N-R12E, Sections 14, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 33. 1,125 acres.

Access

From Hiles, go northwest on Highway 32 1.7 miles, then north on FR 2184 about 2.6 miles. A portion of this site lies between FR 2184 and FR 3903. The northern portion can be accessed by continuing north on FR 2184, then east on FR 2183 1.4 miles. The site lies north and south of the road.

Description

Description

Argonne Experimental Forest features the largest contiguous tract of old-growth hemlock hardwood forest on drumlinized ground moraine. These types of protected rich mesic hardwood forests are very scarce in northern Wisconsin and on this landtype (Argonne Outwash Plains). Situated on a gently sloping, unpitted outwash fan is a northern mesic forest dominated by sugar maple, hemlock, yellow birch, and basswood. Sugar maple is reproducing best but basswood seedlings and white ash saplings are also present along with occasional ironwood poles. The shrub layer is sparse with widely scattered leatherwood, and elderberry. Characteristic herbs include oak fern, ground pine, wood ferns, rosy twisted stalk, Canada mayflower, running club-moss, lady fern, and sweet cicely. Only minor amounts of downed logs, snags and tip-ups are present but numerous residual den trees (especially hemlock and yellow birch) add significantly to the stand structure. Also present are pole hardwoods that grade down into a remnant hemlock dominated forest with pockets of upland northern white cedar. This is surrounded by a good to excellent quality conifer swamp, which has several rare species. The conifer swamp (northern wet forest) is dominated by black spruce, tamarack, and white cedar. Understory species include Labrador tea, leather-leaf, balsam fir, yellow bluebead lily, false mayflower, creeping snowberry, Canada blueberry, and sphagnum. Rare species include small round-leaved orchis, sparse-flowered sedge, and northern bog sedge. Several old raptor nests were located within the mesic forest. The extensive habitat of Argonne Experimental Forest supports uncommon boreal bird species such as boreal chickadee and gray jay. In addition, the rare three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) has been seen in the conifer swamp. Other birds include broad-winged hawk, blackburnian warbler, and scarlet tanager. Argonne Experimental Forest 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)