State Natural Areas_Content Page_Mud Lake Forest and Ponds_664

Mud Lake Forest and Ponds

No. 664

664_mudlake.jpeg

Photo by Josh Mayer

 

Mud Lake Forest and Ponds contains a large block of mature southern dry-mesic forest dominated by white oak (15-25 inch DBH) with red oak and shagbark hickory as canopy associates. The white oaks create a tall, sprawling and closed canopy with large spaces in the sub-canopy layer that is ideal for flycatching and aerial-sallying birds, including a state-threatened species.

The shrub layer is sparse with evidence of previous removal of the invasive common buckthorn. The ground flora is dominated by pointed tick-trefoil and the herbaceous invasive, Japanese hedge parsley. Other species include lady fern, hog-peanut, wild coffee, Jacob’s ladder, and garlic mustard. Within the forest are a series of ephemeral ponds that appear to be hydrologically connected to Mud Lake and add habitat diversity to the site.

As part of the Northern Empire Prairie Wetlands Important Bird Area, this SNA offers good opportunities for managing forest interior birds that require large blocks of forest in an otherwise agricultural and urban landscape. Mud Lake Forest and Ponds is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2012.

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. 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: Except for 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.

Allowable activities: DNR-owned land

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

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

Within Mud Lake Wildlife Area, Columbia County. T11N-R10E, Sections 14, 23. 131 acres.

Driving directions

From the intersection of State Highway 16 and County Trunk C in Rio, go south on C for 1 mile, then west on Drake Road for 1.5 miles, then south on Tollefson Road for 0.6 miles.

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 [PDF]

Mud Lake Forest and Ponds is owned by: Wisconsin DNR