Brockway Ponds
No. 635
Photo by Thomas A. Meyer/DNR
Brockway Ponds is comprised of 5 separate ponds and associated wetlands. The ponds have naturally fluctuating water levels that periodically leave a broad apron of sand exposed along the shoreline. Plants colonizing this habitat include at least one rarity, with its distribution center in the Atlantic coastal plain of the Eastern U.S.
This and other plants found here depend on the fluctuating water levels that allow them to compete with other species only under these specific environmental conditions. Most are only seen during low water levels. The plants are also easily damaged by trampling and illegal vehicular use that often comes during years of drought or low water.
A single rider could easily devastate the pond and its unique plant species in minutes. Most of Wisconsin's other coastal plains marshes are found primarily in Marquette and Waushara counties, making this outlier especially significant. Brockway Ponds is owned by Jackson County and was designated a State Natural Area in 2010.
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.
Non-DNR lands
Entrance fees: For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.
Hunting and trapping
Other activities
Other allowable activities such as - but not limited to camping, geocaching and bicycling are determined by the landowner. Please contact them directly or visit their websites for details.
Location
Within the Jackson County Forest, Jackson County. T21N-R3W, Sections 2, 3, 11. 52 acres.
Driving directions
From Vaudreuil, go east on Highway 54 for 4.6 miles, then south on Funmaker Road for 0.5 miles. Walk south across county lands to the ponds.
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.
Brockway Ponds is owned by: Jackson County