Generally, natural areas are remnant areas which largely have escaped disturbances since settlement or which exhibit little recent disturbance so that recovery has occurred and presettlement conditions are approached. Natural areas provide an important reservoir of our state's genetic or biologic diversity. They act as important reserves for native biotic communities and provide habitat for endangered, threatened or critical species or other species of special concern to scientists. They often include areas with highly significant geological or archaeological features. They tend not to have much facility development, though there may be a designated trail or two on site.
Some properties allow limited hunting.
Most sites described in this publication provide wildlife watching opportunities to one degree or another. Although no Wisconsin DNR property is specifically called a wildlife viewing area, those that provide the most exceptional or notable opportunities have been designated as such in a National Watchable Wildlife Program. These sites are identified by the program's binocular logo symbol shown here. Each of these sites and their resident or migratory wildlife are described in greater detail in the Wisconsin Wildlife Viewing Guide , a full-color guide to 76 of Wisconsin's premiere wildlife viewing areas. Also, watch for the brown and white binocular logo signs along roadsides across the state.