The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest spans over 1.5 million acres in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, managed by the USDA Forest Service for a variety of purposes including timber production, wildlife conservation, recreational activities, and the preservation of wilderness and natural environments.
The Chequamegon section encompasses approximately 858,400 acres across Ashland, Bayfield, Sawyer, Price, Taylor, and Vilas counties. Conversely, the Nicolet section spans nearly 661,400 acres in Florence, Forest, Langlade, Oconto, Oneida, and Vilas counties.
Overview: The forest, segmented into the Chequamegon and Nicolet sections, serves multiple purposes from timber harvesting to wildlife management, recreational pursuits, and the preservation of untouched wilderness.
Five Fast Facts:
- Diverse Wildlife: The forest is home to a rich array of wildlife, including black bears, wolves, white-tailed deer, and over 200 species of birds, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.
- Recreational Playground: With over 1,300 miles of trails, including segments of the famed North Country National Scenic Trail, the forest offers hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even sections for off-road vehicles, catering to all levels of outdoor adventurers.
- Historical Significance: The area holds significant cultural and historical value, with remnants of early logging camps, Native American heritage sites, and the historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures, reflecting human interaction with the forest over centuries.
- Lakes and Waterways: Over 250 lakes and countless rivers and streams dot the landscape, providing incredible fishing opportunities for species like walleye, muskie, northern pike, and trout, as well as scenic beauty and paddling routes.
- Old-Growth Forests: Encompassing one of the few remaining old-growth forests in the Midwest, the forest includes areas like the Porcupine Lake Wilderness in the Nicolet section, where trees are centuries old, offering a glimpse into what much of Wisconsin looked like before extensive logging.
The Chequamegon section spans about 858,400 acres across six counties, while the Nicolet section covers nearly 661,400 acres in another six, showcasing a broad spectrum of natural and recreational assets.
