One Stone Lake Hemlocks State Natural Area

Situated along the northern boundary of Thunder Lake Wildlife Area and the Rice Lake natural area, One Stone Lake Hemlocks supports stands of mature mesic forest with some old-growth characteristics. The canopy is heavily dominated by hemlock with associated species of yellow birch, sugar maple, and white cedar. A few super-canopy white pine are present. Most canopy gaps contain sugar maple; however hemlock is reproducing well near the lakeshore and locally through the site. The herbaceous layer varies from sparse to luxuriant. Characteristic species include Canada mayflower, intermediate wood-fern, shining clubmoss, American starflower, three-leaved goldthread, and wood sorrel. This site is part of one of the largest wetland complexes within the north central region. Surrounding One Stone Lake are extensive, open peatlands including open bog, muskeg, and poor fen which support good populations of area sensitive peatland birds. The forested wetlands also include extensive good quality stands of white cedar and black ash with tamarack being locally important. This entire area has been identified as a Land Legacy site. One Stone Lake Hemlocks is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2010.