State Natural Areas_Content Page_Tamarack Creek Bog_60

Tamarack Creek Bog

No. 60

60_tamarackcreekbog.jpegPhoto by Aaron Carlson

 

Tamarack Creek Bog consists of one of the largest tamarack swamps in the Driftless Area outside the Glacial Lake Wisconsin area. The swamp forest and open marsh occur along both sides of Tamarack Creek and its tributaries in a zone 0.25 to 0.5 miles wide and about 6 miles long. The occurrence of this large wetland complex in the ridge and coulee region may be a result of Tamarack Creek aggrading its stream bed when the Mississippi gorge was flooded with glacial melt waters. Numerous species typical of northern Wisconsin bogs are present including many orchids, balsam fir, Canada yew, yellow blue-bead-lily, American starflower, and several violets. Nesting birds are diverse. Many mouse and vole species support such predators as red fox and the least and long-tailed weasels. The best area of tamaracks is in the northern unit. Poison sumac is abundant here. Tamarack Creek Bog is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1968.

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.

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. For more information, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45 [exit DNR]. 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.

Prohibited activities: all SNAs

Although a handful of sites allow activities like primitive camping (e.g. Lower Chippewa River on sand bars) or horseback riding (e.g. S. Kettle Moraine), the activities listed below are generally prohibited on DNR-owned 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
  • Drones: Flying-related activities, including the use of drones, hang-gliders and model airplanes, are prohibited. Permission may be issued by the SNA Program for the use of drones for educational or research purposes
  • 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 Tamarack Creek Wildlife Area, Trempealeau County. T19N-R9W, Section 3. T20N-R9W, Section 34. 141 acres.

Driving directions

From the intersection of Highways 93 and 35/54 in Centerville, go west on 35 for 0.5 miles, then north on County F for 6.6 miles. Park along the road and walk east into the site. To reach the northern unit, continue north on F 0.9 mile to a parking area on the west side of the road. Walk east into the site. The two units are indicated on the map.

The DNR's state natural areas program comprises 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]

Tamarack Creek Bog is owned by: Wisconsin DNR