The Upper Wisconsin River Bird Habitat

An addition to the Upper Wisconsin River Legacy Forest, in the headwaters of the Wisconsin River

The UWRBH project provides permanent public access on 191 acres, offering easier access to the habitat of two State Natural Areas (SNAs). The project was funded with a USFS Forest Legacy awarded ($145,000) on October 29, 2024.

Strategic goal: Connect the Upper Wisconsin River Legacy Forest to state and county forest.

Importance:  The UWRBH lies within a designated Important Bird Area termed the Upper Wisconsin Wetland Pines and within the Conservation Opportunity Area named Wisconsin River Headwaters. The Spruce Grouse Swamp SNA is only ¼ mile south and the Haymeadow Creek SNA is only ¾ mile east.

Adult spruce grouse on the Upper WI River Legacy Forest

Glacially formed kettle bog pond habitat

Access & Landscape Connectivity: Borders of this project include ¼ mile with the Upper Wisconsin River Legacy Forest, ¾ mile with Vilas County Forest and a full mile with State Forest Lands. UWRBH fronts on US Highway 45 and County Road E, with parking on the adjoining Upper Wisconsin River Legacy Forest.

Habitat: Pine barrens, a globally significant habitat type with threatened and endangered species. Important species present or potential to be present include:

  • Spruce Grouse ( commonly seen)

  • Northern Goshawk (identified in WWAP and birding sources)

  • Kirtland’s Warbler (WWAP and noted from birder sources)                              

  • Golden-winged Warbler (WWAP and noted by local birding enthusiasts)

  • Rusty Patch Bumble Bee (in NHI high potential area)

  • Karner Blue Butterfly (in NHI high potential area)

The forest character is young forest cover, with uplands of red, jack, and white pine, white spruce, balsam fir, and aspen interspersed with black spruce, tamarack and open meadow wetlands.

Project highlights: Offer easier public access to state and county lands south of Cnty Rd E, and connect them to legacy forest. Protect wetlands in the  WI River watershed and habitat for the threatened species present. Invite bird enthusiasts into the habitat of 2 State Natural Areas.

Highway E creates the border between the Upper Wisconsin River Legacy Forest (above) and the Upper Wisconsin River Bird Habitat (below).