Chippewa Trail State Natural Area

Chippewa Trail features a mosaic of northern mesic, dry-mesic, wet-mesic and wet forest and open bog communities with small acid bog ponds. Overall, the forest is of natural origin that, if allowed to age without manipulations, will increase in naturalness and approach old-growth condition. Significant upland forest types include older growth hemlock and hemlock hardwoods, along with mature white and red pine forest that has significant white pine reproduction. What is exceptional about this site is the evidence of natural processes functioning including successional changes, natural levels of disease, and natural regeneration of native species. The undisturbed kettle bog complex consists of a small, shallow soft-water seepage lake, sphagnum moss mat, ericaceous shrubs, sedges, and scattered small swamp conifers. Ground flora includes rattlesnake manna grass, tussock cotton grass, moccasin flower, marsh cinquefoil, bog buckbean, and rose pogonia. Throughout this site, community integrity is sustained and at nearly 900 acres, it approaches a size in which landscape functions and processes can occur. This site is also linked to the nearby Headwaters site at its north end and several other sites including Memorial Grove Hemlocks and Tucker Lake SNAs and small sites on Lower Rice Creek, Squaw Creek, and Amik Lake. Together, these comprise an important resource for preserving intact native communities. Chippewa Trail is owned by the US Forest Service and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.