Trade River Forest and Wetlands

No. 662

Photo by Barb Delaney

Surrounding the Trade River, the largest tributary to the St. Croix River, this site features a diverse complex of the southern mesic forest, springs, northern dry forest, and inclusions of black-ash-dominated hardwood swamps. Numerous high-quality forested seeps feed cold water into the stream in its lower reaches. The southern mesic forest is dominated by an unusual combination of bur oak and basswood with white ash and black ash. The herbaceous layer is diverse with maidenhair fern, lady fern, pointed tick-trefoil, wild geranium, and Virginia waterleaf.

Seepy areas are common and support species such as skunk cabbage, marsh marigold, ostrich fern, cinnamon fern, and interrupted fern. A good quality northern dry-mesic forest as well as an oak-dominated northern dry forest with scattered jack pine on sandy soils is also present. Characteristic species include Pennsylvania sedge, American starflower, elliptic shinleaf, early low blueberry, and Canada mayflower. Overall, this SNA exhibits the highest bird species richness of any site surveyed on the state forest and includes two rare birds along with numerous Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Trade River Forest and Wetlands 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. 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.

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

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 Governor Knowles State Forest, Polk County. T35N-R19W, Sections 4, 5. T35N-R19W, Sections 19, 30, 31, 32, T36N-R20W, Sections 34, 35. 909 acres.

Driving directions

From Cushing, go west on Highway 87 for nearly one mile, then continue west on 250th Avenue for 4.25 miles to a T-intersection with 290th Street. The site can be accessed from numerous locations from 290th, Evergreen Avenue, or 300th Street.

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]

Trade River Forest and Wetlands is owned by: Wisconsin DNR