State Natural Areas_Content Page_RockyRunOakSavanna_220

Rocky Run Oak Savanna

No. 220

220_rockyrun.jpeg

Photo by Darcy Kind

 

Rocky Run Savanna occupies widely differing topography on a south-facing slope above Rocky Run Creek. The eastern portion is gently rolling, while the west is very steep and dissected containing two sheer-walled box canyons cut through the Cambrian sandstone. As the topography varies so does the bur, white, and black oak savanna canopy structure. The canopy is open on the upper slopes and nearly closed on the relatively flat lower slope with open-grown oaks and scattered groves of oak, hickory, black cherry, and red cedar interspersed with prairie.

Dominant grasses are little blue-stem, Indian grass, and side-oats grama. The variation in topography, shading, and soils provides for a mosaic of ground layer species. More than 100 species with prairie affinities have been recorded including many rare plants. The dry, sandy conditions also support a notable concentration of butterflies. Management activities of brushing and prescribed burns are needed to help maintain and restore the oak opening. Rocky Run Savanna is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1988.

Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for various recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the Maps tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.

The good majority of SNAs are isolated and have few or no facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and lanes are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A GPS unit or compass and a detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.

Entrance fees: Except for Parfrey's Glen, the Cambrian Outlook in the Dells of the Wisconsin River, SNAs within State Parks and some within State Forests, all other DNR-owned SNAs do not have any admission fees. For more information, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45 [exit DNR]. For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.

Allowable activities: DNR-owned land

The activities listed below are generally allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted above and posted with signs on the property site.

Prohibited activities: all SNAs

Although a handful of sites allow activities like primitive camping (e.g. Lower Chippewa River on sand bars) or horseback riding (e.g. S. Kettle Moraine), the activities listed below are generally prohibited on DNR-owned SNAs.

  • Camping and campfires
  • Collecting of animals (other than legally harvested species), non-edible fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead.
  • Collecting for scientific research requires a permit issued by the DNR
  • Collecting of plants including seeds, roots or other non-edible parts of herbaceous plants such as wildflowers or grasses
  • Drones: Flying-related activities, including the use of drones, hang-gliders and model airplanes, are prohibited. Permission may be issued by the SNA Program for the use of drones for educational or research purposes
  • Geocaching
  • Horseback riding
  • Rock climbing
  • Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use.

For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR].

Location

Within Rocky Run Fishery Area, Columbia County. T11N-R9E, Section 1. T11N-R10E, Sections 5, 6. T12N-R10E, Sections 31, 32. 455 acres.

Driving directions

From the intersection of State Highways 16 and 22 south of Wyocena, go south on 22 1.9 miles to the Rocky Run Fishery Area parking area west of the road. Walk west and south on an access lane 0.7-mile into the area. Or continue south on 22 for another 1.3 miles, then west on County B for 1.5 miles, then north on Dunning Road for 0.5 miles to a Rocky Run Fishery Area parking area east of the road. Walk east along the access lane, then north across Rocky Run Creek into the natural area. Or continue north on Dunning Road 0.7 miles to the DNR parking area. Walk east across Fishery lands 0.5 miles to the natural area.

The DNR's state natural areas program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions and private individuals. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities.

Users are encouraged to contact the landowner for more specific details. The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries. To create your custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's Mapping Application.

Property Map [PDF]

Rocky Run Oak Savanna is owned by: Wisconsin DNR

Management objectives and prescriptions

Rocky Run Fishery Area