Hedmark Pines State Natural Area

The highlight of Hedmark Pines is the natural origin pine occurring along the Popple River with most late successional stands containing a canopy of pure red pine. Super-canopy pines are found within younger forest. The groundlayer has abundant pine needles and a relatively sparse vegetation of bracken fern, Canada mayflower, twinflower, early low blueberry, partridge berry, and cow wheat. Three included small watersheds along the Popple River contain examples of northern sedge meadow, alder thicket, shrub-carr, and open bog communities. A rare plant is found within the complex. Also present is a quality jack pine stand, which contains an interesting groundlayer with Cladonia, nodding lady's tresses, and pale panic grass. The complex also contains approximately three miles of the Popple River. Riparian areas along the river include both open northern sedge meadow and narrow floodplain forest with occasional silver maple and green ash. All streams within the complex include both submerged and emergent aquatic communities. Hedmark Pines is owned by the US Forest Service and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.