Suk Cerney Peatlands
No. 575
Photo by E. Epstein
Suk Cerney Peatlands is an extensive mosaic of meadow, bog, and conifer swamps interwoven with sandy uplands that support pine barrens. Within the nearly level peatland in the bed of Glacial Lake Wisconsin is a central poor fen dominated by woolly-fruit sedge and yellow lake sedge. Other species include bluejoint grass, steeplebush, and tawny cotton grass. Pitcher plants and orchids are also present. Adjoining uplands, usually low sand ridges, support dense stands of jack pine over a Pennsylvania sedge-dominated ground layer. These sandy ridges formed from the ancient dunes that developed following the natural drainage of the now-extinct Glacial Lake Wisconsin. Suk Cerney Peatlands is owned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and leased by the DNR. It was designated a State Natural Area in 2008.
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. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the Maps 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 Meadow Valley Wildlife Area, Juneau County. T18N-R2E, Sections 2, 3, 10, 11. T19N-R2E, Sections 33, 34, 35. 3,610 acres.
Driving directions
From the intersection of Highways 21 and 80 in Necedah, go west on 21 for 7.6 miles, then north on Bewick Trail for 0.9 miles. Park along the road and walk north into the site.
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.
Suk Cerney Peatlands is owned by: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service