09012 - Round Lake Study Area

The Round Lake Study Area encompasses 3,707 acres of rolling lowland terrain within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin. The landscape is defined by its water features: Round Lake and Tucker Lake, both near 1,550 feet in elevation, and the South Fork of the Flambeau River, which originates in the Rice Creek headwaters that drain this region. Tucker Creek feeds into this system, creating a hydrologic network that moves through hemlock-dominated coves and connects to the larger Flambeau watershed. The presence of the Round Lake Logging Dam reflects the area's history of water management and timber harvest.

The forest composition shifts across moisture and elevation gradients. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and northern whitecedar (Thuja occidentalis) dominate the wetter coves and areas near water, their dense canopies creating cool, moist microclimates. On better-drained uplands, eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) form the canopy. Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) occurs in disturbed areas and younger forest stands. The understory and forest floor vary accordingly: in hemlock coves, Canadian bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) and American fly-honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis) carpet the ground, while wetland margins support leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) and tussock cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum). American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), vulnerable (IUCN), occurs in the richer hardwood stands where conditions favor its growth.

The area supports a diverse fauna adapted to its aquatic and forest habitats. The federally endangered gray wolf (Canis lupus) and the federally threatened Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) inhabit the forest matrix, where they prey on deer and smaller mammals. In the lakes and streams, muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) occupy the upper trophic levels, while the salamander mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua), proposed for federal endangered status, filters organic matter from the water column. Northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) breed in shallow wetland areas, and the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), proposed for federal threatened status, depends on milkweed plants in open areas. Yellow-rumped warblers (Setophaga coronata) forage in the conifer canopy, and American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) cache seeds from hemlock and pine. The whooping crane (Grus americana), an Experimental Population, Non-Essential under federal designation, occasionally uses the wetland margins and shallow lake areas.

Walking through this landscape, a visitor moving from the upland forest toward Round Lake experiences a gradual transition from the mixed hardwood and pine canopy into increasingly dense hemlock and whitecedar stands as moisture increases. The forest floor darkens, the air cools, and the sound of water becomes audible through Tucker Creek or the South Fork as elevation drops. Breaking into the open at the lake's edge, the view opens across water backed by the dark wall of conifers. The contrast is immediate: from the enclosed, shadowed forest to the bright, exposed water surface. In spring and early summer, the calls of northern leopard frogs rise from the wetland margins, and in late summer, monarchs move through any open areas where milkweed grows. The presence of large predators—though rarely seen—shapes the forest's structure and the behavior of its smaller inhabitants, a reminder that this landscape functions as an intact ecological system.

The Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Ottawa peoples originally inhabited this region, drawn by abundant resources including manomin (wild rice) in the connected chain of Round Lake, Pike, Amik, and Turner lakes. The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa settled in the surrounding area in 1745 under the leadership of Chief Keeshkemun, displacing the Dakota (Sioux) who had previously occupied northern Wisconsin. The name "Lac du Flambeau" (Lake of the Torches) derives from the Indigenous practice of harvesting fish at night using birchbark torches, a method documented in these lake systems. Seasonal camps organized the annual cycle: families moved to sugar camps in the maple forests each spring to produce maple sugar, harvested wild rice, berries, and nuts in the fall, and hunted large game in the forests during winter.

From the 1870s through the early 1900s, the region became a major center for white pine, hemlock, and hardwood extraction. Logs were sledged from surrounding camps to the shores of Round Lake and its connected chain, where they were processed by local mills including the Liebelt and Landgraf/Patterson Mill (established 1899) and the Central Lumber Company and Shingle Mill (established 1902) in nearby Fifield. Because Round Lake has no natural current, steam tugboats towed log booms across the lake to a logging dam—now the only surviving logging dam of its kind in Wisconsin and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Weyerhaeuser's Chippewa River Improvement and Log Driving Company managed the dam during the 1880s, driving logs to sawmills in Eau Claire and as far as the Mississippi River. After 1901, most timber was transported via the Flambeau River to Fifield and shipped out on the Wisconsin Central Railway. The last log drive from the dam occurred in the spring of 1909.

Following the logging era, European immigrants attempted slash-and-burn agriculture on the exhausted lands. The rocky, acidic soil proved unsuitable for farming, and by the 1920s the region experienced widespread land abandonment and tax delinquency. The land was acquired by the federal government in the 1930s under the Weeks Act of 1911, which authorized the purchase of cutover and burned-over lands to protect watersheds and navigable streams. The Wisconsin legislature enabled this acquisition through the Enabling Act of 1925, granting the federal government permission to acquire up to 2,000,000 acres for national forest purposes.

The study area became part of the Chequamegon National Forest upon its official proclamation by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 2, 1933. The forest was created from the Moquah, Flambeau, Oneida, and Oconto Purchase Units. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps performed extensive reforestation of the burned-over lands and rebuilt the Round Lake Logging Dam. The current forest cover is largely the result of this massive replanting effort, with most trees representing even-aged second-growth forest. The study area contains approximately 11 miles of old road grades and foot trails, remnants of the historical logging transportation network. The Chequamegon and Nicolet National Forests were administratively merged into a single unit in February 1998. In 2001, this 3,707-acre area was designated as an Inventoried Roadless Area and is protected under the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.

Vital Resources Protected

Headwater Protection for Cold-Water Fisheries

The Round Lake Study Area contains the origin of the South Fork of the Flambeau River and Rice Creek, making it a critical headwater zone for downstream brook trout populations. Brook trout in the Flambeau River system depend on the cold, sediment-free water that flows from this roadless landscape; USFS assessments document that warmer water temperatures and sedimentation are already threatening this species in the region. The intact forest canopy and undisturbed riparian buffers in this area maintain the cool stream temperatures and clear spawning substrate that brook trout require—conditions that are difficult to restore once lost to erosion and canopy removal.

Contiguous Interior Forest Habitat for American Pine Marten

The Round Lake Study Area provides the large, unbroken blocks of mature forest and abundant downed woody debris that American pine marten (state-endangered) requires for survival. Pine marten populations depend on the structural complexity of old-growth forests—dense canopy, fallen logs, and minimal edge disturbance—to move safely through the landscape and find food. Road construction fragments this habitat into smaller patches and creates edges where the forest structure degrades; once fragmented, the area cannot support the continuous forest corridors that this species needs.

Riparian Connectivity for Wood Turtle and Aquatic Species

The South Fork Flambeau River and Tucker Creek provide essential riparian habitat for wood turtle (state-threatened) and salamander mussel (federally proposed endangered), both of which depend on intact stream-riparian transitions and stable streambanks. The roadless condition preserves the riparian buffer—the strip of undisturbed vegetation along the water—that stabilizes banks, filters runoff, and maintains the hydrological and thermal conditions these species require. Road construction in headwater areas destabilizes banks through erosion, increases sedimentation that smothers mussel habitat, and removes the riparian vegetation that protects streams from temperature fluctuations.

Climate Refugia for Boreal Forest Species

The Round Lake Study Area's lowland forest composition—including balsam fir, black spruce, and white spruce—currently provides suitable habitat for species adapted to cooler conditions. As regional temperatures rise, these boreal species will shift northward and to higher elevations; the roadless area's intact forest structure and hydrological function allow these species to persist in place longer and to move along natural corridors. Road construction removes canopy cover, increases local temperatures, and fragments the connectivity that allows species to track suitable climate conditions as conditions change.

Threats from Road Construction

Sedimentation and Stream Temperature Increase from Canopy Removal and Cut Slopes

Road construction in headwater areas requires cutting slopes and removing forest canopy, both of which trigger chronic erosion that delivers sediment directly into the South Fork Flambeau River and its tributaries. This sedimentation smothers the clean gravel spawning substrate that brook trout require and fills the interstitial spaces in stream gravels where salamander mussel larvae develop. Simultaneously, the removal of streamside forest canopy exposes the water surface to direct sunlight, raising stream temperatures—a direct threat to brook trout, which cannot survive in warm water, and to salamander mussel, which is sensitive to thermal stress. These impacts persist for decades after road construction ends, as erosion continues from road surfaces and cut banks.

Habitat Fragmentation and Loss of Interior Forest Conditions

Road construction divides the contiguous mature forest into smaller, isolated patches, preventing American pine marten from moving safely between areas and reducing the total area of interior forest (forest far from edges) that this species requires. Roads create edges where sunlight penetrates, understory vegetation changes, and predation risk increases—conditions incompatible with pine marten ecology. The fragmentation also increases vulnerability to invasive species, which colonize disturbed roadsides and spread into adjacent forest. Once the forest is fragmented by roads, restoring the continuous, mature habitat structure that pine marten needs is extremely difficult and requires decades of forest recovery.

Riparian Buffer Disruption and Streambank Destabilization

Road construction in riparian zones removes the vegetation buffer that stabilizes streambanks and filters runoff before it enters the water. Without this buffer, streambanks erode more rapidly, increasing sediment delivery to the South Fork Flambeau River and destabilizing the habitat structure that wood turtle and salamander mussel depend on. Roads also alter subsurface hydrology, changing the timing and volume of water flow into streams and disrupting the groundwater-surface water interactions that maintain stable water levels and temperatures in riparian areas. These hydrological changes are particularly damaging in headwater areas, where small changes in flow and temperature cascade downstream.

Invasive Species Colonization via Road Corridors

Road construction creates disturbed corridors—bare soil, compacted ground, and fragmented vegetation—that invasive plants use to establish and spread into the surrounding forest. The Round Lake Study Area already faces pressure from terrestrial invasive species documented in CNNF assessments; roads would accelerate this invasion by providing pathways and creating the disturbed conditions where invasives outcompete native species. Additionally, road dust and runoff can transport aquatic invasive species (Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed are already present in Round Lake) into previously uncontaminated tributaries, where they would degrade habitat for brook trout and salamander mussel. Once established, invasive species are extremely difficult to control and permanently alter the native species composition of the ecosystem.

The Round Lake Study Area encompasses 3,707 acres of rolling lowland forest in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, centered on Round Lake and the headwaters of the South Fork of the Flambeau River. The area is managed as Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized, preserving backcountry character and undisturbed habitat across approximately 11 miles of interconnected foot trails and old road grades. Access is available from the Round Lake boat landing parking lot off Forest Road 535, reached via Highway 70 and Forest Road 144 east of Fifield.

Hiking and Horseback Riding

The trail system offers varied terrain from gently rolling slopes to steeper ridges. Hikers can walk the Round Lake Loop trails (175A through 175I), which range from 0.2 to 2.6 miles and connect to form longer routes. The Round Lake Interpretive Loop (175L) is a 0.5-mile walk across the historic 1878 logging dam, featuring displays on 19th-century logging and the dam's role in driving logs down the South Fork. In the northern portion of the area, Tucker Lake Trail (175H) and Tucker Lake Portage (175J) provide access to old-growth hemlock and yellow birch forest designated as a State Natural Area and Research Natural Area. Jupa Lake Trail (175K) and Round Lake Lakeshore (175LS) offer shorter options. The River Saddle Trail (126) is an 18.3-mile route designated for horse use. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the non-motorized area. Occasional wet areas may limit access during summer months; trails are not groomed for winter use, though snowshoeing is possible.

Fishing

Round Lake, Tucker Lake, and the South Fork of the Flambeau River support warm-water fisheries. Round Lake and Tucker Lake hold walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, and panfish. The South Fork contains muskellunge, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, panfish, and lake sturgeon. Walleye daily bag limit is three fish under Wisconsin General Inland North regulations. Muskellunge season opens the last Saturday in May with minimum length requirements that vary by water. Lake sturgeon hook-and-line fishing on the South Fork is strictly regulated, typically September only, with a 60-inch minimum and harvest tag requirement. Anglers can reach Tucker Lake via the hiking trail system for carry-in canoe or kayak access. The Round Lake boat landing provides motorized and non-motorized access to Round Lake and the connected chain of lakes (Pike, Amik, Turner). The Round Lake Logging Dam trail offers pedestrian access to the river near the dam structure.

Hunting

The area supports white-tailed deer, black bear, ruffed grouse, woodcock, wild turkey, and small game including American red squirrel, beaver, otter, muskrat, mink, red and gray fox, coyote, and bobcat. Hunting is governed by Wisconsin DNR regulations for the Northern Forest Zone and is prohibited in developed recreation sites and near established campgrounds. Hunters must adhere to the Motor Vehicle Use Map; motorized vehicles are prohibited behind berms, gates, or rocks. Temporary blinds may be constructed from natural dead materials or artificial materials, provided they are removed daily. The old-growth hemlock and yellow birch forests around Tucker Lake provide unique cover for black bear and ruffed grouse. Access points include the Round Lake trailhead off Forest Road 535 and the Round Lake boat landing for watercraft access to the interior.

Paddling

The South Fork of the Flambeau River originates at the Round Lake Logging Dam and offers a scenic creek paddling experience through pine and hardwood forests and open marshes. The upper reaches within the study area feature calm water with a few riffles and low-hazard rapids. Round Lake and Tucker Lake provide flatwater paddling opportunities; Round Lake connects to Pike, Amik, and Turner lakes for extended routes. Put-in access is available at the Round Lake boat landing and near the logging dam. Tucker Lake has two walk-in access points on the northwest and southwest shores for carry-in canoe and kayak access. Best paddling conditions occur from late spring through mid-to-late summer. Water levels fluctuate with snowmelt and rainfall; the upper South Fork is narrow and creek-like, requiring portaging at the dam.

Birding

The area's old-growth white pine and hemlock forests, along with the South Fork of the Flambeau River and surrounding wetlands, support forest-dwelling and water-dependent species. Documented species include yellow-rumped warbler, ruffed grouse, and waterfowl. The nearby Flambeau River system supports rare species including bald eagle, osprey, red-shouldered hawk, Louisiana waterthrush, cerulean warbler, Connecticut warbler, and Cape May warbler. Spring and fall migrations bring waterfowl and warblers to the flowages and wetlands. The 11 miles of foot trails and the 0.5-mile Round Lake Logging Dam trail provide access for birding in a non-motorized setting. The Round Lake boat landing serves as the primary access point.

Roadless Recreation Value

These recreation opportunities depend on the area's roadless condition. The absence of roads preserves the semi-primitive character that defines hiking, horseback riding, and paddling here. Hunters benefit from undisturbed habitat and the quiet necessary for pursuing game in old-growth forest. Anglers access cold headwater streams and quiet lakes without competing with motorized traffic. Birders observe forest interior species and migrating waterfowl in an unfragmented landscape. Road construction would fragment habitat, introduce motorized noise, and degrade the backcountry experience that makes this area distinct within the National Forest.