Replanting Our Nation’s Forests
Bayfield County Forest
Forest Overview
Bayfield County Forest is a 167,000 acre public forest located in northern Wisconsin. This is
one of 29 county forests in the state which total
2.4 million acres. The Bayfield County Forest is
located in the northwest part of the state and lies
primarily within the Lake Superior lowland and
the Superior highland physiographic regions of
Wisconsin. The topography of the forest and surrounding area has glacial origin. Elevations range
from 602 feet above sea level at Lake Superior to
1,610 feet on the western ridges of the Penokee
Range in southeastern Bayfield County.
The Need for Trees
In 2005, northern Wisconsin was heavily
impacted by the Jack pine budworm. More
than 700 acres of infected wood was cleared to
minimize hazardous fuel buildup. It is imperative
that these sites are replanted as soon as possible
to prevent losing the site to non-timber species.
Getting these areas reestablished with 170,000
red pine in 2010 is a first step in recovery
from the Jack pine budworm devastation. The
outbreak has put a major burden on the County’s
annual reforestation budget and they are looking
to the Arbor Day Foundation and its partners for assistance.
Impact
Bayfield County is the second largest county in
Wisconsin with a land area of approximately
944,861 acres, plus another 23,676 acres of water
included in state-recognized lakes and streams.
Bayfield County has 23,676 acres of total surface
water including 954 lakes, 12 flowages and 531
miles of streams. Of this total, 420 miles are classified as trout streams. Within the County Forest
boundaries there is a variety of fishery resources.
The forest also serves as a retreat for recreation
with 78 miles of walking trails, 30 miles of cross
country ski trails, and 17 miles of mountain bike trails.
KEY
★ = Bayfield County
Forest
Wisconsin