Lands_Content Page_Mercer Lake Habitat Area

Mercer Lake Habitat Area

DNR Fisheries Areas

Mercer Lake
Mercer Lake Habitat Area is a 56-acre peninsula extending into the southern shore of Mercer Lake in Oneida County. It includes a large amount of shore frontage, fringed with older age pine. This property consists of a mix of upland and lowland habitats found throughout the site. Upland cover-types vary between Northern hardwoods and stands of pine and aspen. Lowlands include sedge, bogs and swamp conifer.

The department acquired the property in 1970 to protect fish spawning along Mercer Lake shoreline and to provide opportunities for public recreation. Bosacki Road, a town road through the property, was approved/permitted in 1979 and constructed in 1986.

Location/Directions

Mercer Lake Habitat Area is approximately 5 miles west of Minocqua, Oneida County. From State Highway 70 turn south on Mercer Lake Road and follow around to the south end of Mercer Lake. Then turn north on Bosaki Road to the property.

Public access proposal

The department is exploring the possibility of developing public motorboat access to Mercer Lake on state-owned land. We held a public information session at the Woodruff Townhall on July 12 followed by an open comment period from July 12 through August 9. We are reviewing comments received and will post responses later this year.

Activities

Angling opportunities

At present this property only offers shore fishing or limited walk-in/carry-in potential. There are no trails, roads (except Bosacki Road) or parking areas currently developed on the property.

Recreational Opportunities

  • Hunting
  • Trapping
  • Hiking/Snowshoeing
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Fishing - carry-in and shore fishing only
  • Pets
  • Swimming
  • Berry picking
  • Canoeing
  • Bird watching

Objective

Timber is managed by species type and selected for long-age species. Harvest is completed with care for aesthetic presence along the lakeshore area. From the initial acquisition, this property has been analyzed to determine the potential for providing a public access site conducive to motorboats. However, due to limited funds and access, nothing had been proposed until recently. This property is currently in review to determine the feasibility of a public access site.

Maps

Contacts/Partners

For questions and comments contact:

Fisheries Biologist
Department of Natural Resources
107 Sutliff Ave
Rhinelander WI 54501
715-369-8848