Brule Glacial Spillway State Natural Area
The upper Bois Brule valley possesses many unique ecological attributes and remains in nearly pre-settlement condition. The river here passes through extensive areas of coniferous swamps and bogs, alder thickets, and sedge meadows. These are fed by numerous groundwater seeps and springs, which contain clean, cold water, and keep the slopes of the valley perpetually moist, which discouraged post-settlement logging activities. This has led to an exceptionally rich flora, including numerous rare species, such as fairy slipper, northern black currant, small yellow lady slipper, marsh willowherb, and the state-endangered Lapland buttercup. Bird life is also diverse, and includes the following species: boreal chickadee, black-backed woodpecker, Canada jay, northern saw-whet owl, Cape May warbler, and northern goshawk. Rare insects found here include the Jutta Arctic, ski-tailed emerald (Somatochlora elongata), and zebra clubtail (Stylurus scudderi).
Location and access
Brule Glacial Spillway is located in east-central Douglas County, within the Brule River State Forest, approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Solon Springs. The natural area consists of three separate parcels along an 8-mile (13 km) stretch of the upper Bois Brule River. The site can be accessed via canoe, with a canoe landing located at Stone's Bridge, on County Highway S. The North Country National Scenic Trail also passes through a portion of the site, a section of which is boardwalk through a vast cedar swamp. A third point of access is at the end of Stone Chimney Road, east of County Highway P.
References
- ^ Fassett, Norman C. "Vegetation of the Brule Basin, Past and Present" (PDF).
- ^ "Brule Glacial Spillway Site Profile". National Audubon Society. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
- ^ "Brule Bog & Historic Portage Day Hike". North County Trail Association. Archived from the original on 2014-07-08. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
- ^ "Brule Glacial Spillway State Natural Area". Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
- ^ "Brule Glacial Spillway" (PDF). Wisconsin Wetlands Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-12-06. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
- ^ Brule Glacial Spillway State Natural Area (PDF) (Map). Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved 2013-12-04.