State Natural Areas_Content Page_Bergen Bluffs_415

Bergen Bluffs

No. 415

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Photo by Thomas A. Meyer/DNR

 

Bergen Bluffs features a good quality southern oak forest located on a scenic bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Large red oak and white oak dominate the canopy with black walnut, black cherry, hickory, white ash, and paper birch also present. As part of a larger tract of contiguous woodland along the river, the forest is an important stopover site for numerous migratory birds. This is particularly important given the forest's location within the Mississippi River Flyway, a migratory bird corridor of global significance. Millions of birds use the river corridor during spring and fall migration each year. The natural area provides a high-quality "rest area" where birds can stop, rest and refuel before continuing their migratory journey.

The forest also contains high-quality breeding habitats for many native songbirds. A nearly vertical, scenic sandstone-limestone rock outcrop is found along the east coast-central boundary. As home development along the bluffs continues to increase, protection of these ecologically important and unique areas is becoming ever important. Bergen Bluffs is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2005.

Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. Trails, if present, are typically undesignated footpaths. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map located under the Map tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.

The good majority of SNAs are isolated and have few or no facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and lanes are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A GPS unit or compass and a detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.

Entrance fees: Excepting Parfrey's Glen, the Cambrian Outlook in the Dells of the Wisconsin River, SNAs within State Parks and some within State Forests, all other DNR-owned SNAs do not have any admission fees. For more information, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45. For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.

ALLOWABLE ACTIVITIES: DNR-OWNED LAND

The activities listed below are generally allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted above and posted with signs on the property site.

  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Cross country skiing
  • Hunting
  • Trapping
  • Scientific research (permit required)
  • Outdoor education
  • Wild edibles (What is this?)
  • Pets (Rules)
  • Wildlife viewing

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: ALL SNAS

  • Camping and campfires
  • Collecting of animals (other than legally harvested species), non-edible fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead.
  • Collecting for scientific research requires a permit issued by the DNR
  • Collecting of plants including seeds, roots or other non-edible parts of herbaceous plants such as wildflowers or grasses
  • Geocaching
  • Horseback riding
  • Rock climbing
  • Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use.

For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR].

Location

Vernon County. T13N-R7W, Section 4. 30 acres.

Driving directions

From the intersection of State Highways 35 and 162 in Stoddard, go south on 35 2.2 miles to the scenic overlook east of the highway. Park in the lot and walk east into the natural area.

The DNR'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. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. 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 landowner 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. To create your custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's Mapping Application. 

Property map

 

Bergen Bluffs is owned by the DNR