Buechner Butternut Lake Conservation Area
This property protects over 1,000 ft of shoreline on Butternut Lake and Spiller Creek.
Natural Features
The property is comprised of lowland hardwood swamp. Large ash trees and a thick understory of alder make this property excellent wildlife habitat for numerous birds, mammals, and insects. The natural aquatic vegetation protected on Butternut Lake and Spiller Creek provides excellent cover for fish and macroinvertebrates.
There are no maintained trails on the property. Visitors can best enjoy the property by boating along the shoreline from one of the four public boat launches on the lake. In winter, a visit via ski or snowshoe across the frozen lake can offer great views of a wintry northwoods scene.
HISTORY
The property was donated by Sharon Buechner in November of 2025 in honor of her late husband, John. The Buechner family has long been connected to the Butternut Area, and protecting this property in John’s honor will further preserve their name into the future.
Town of Lake, Price County
3 Acres
Ownership: Northwoods Land Trust
Getting There
From Eagle River, take Hwy. 70 west for 12.2 miles. Turn left onto Hwy. J, and continue to Woodruff. From Woodruff, take Hwy. 70 west for 37.6 miles. Turn right onto Hwy. 13, and continue 8.9 miles to Cutoff Rd. Continue on Cutoff Rd. for 0.6 miles, then turn left on Lakeview Dr., and continue 1.3 miles to the public boat landing on the shores of Butternut Lake. This landing is about 1 mile north of the property the same shoreline. Paddle or walk on ice to the property.
Coordinates
45.977395, -90.524057
Recommended parking area on Google Maps.
Dogs are welcome.
Hunting and Trapping are allowed according to NWLT Guidelines.
MANAGEMENT
The preserve will mostly be passively managed meaning activities only occur in response to natural disasters or threats to the conservation values. The intent is to allow for the continuation of natural processes while maintaining the integrity of the ecosystems.
Benefits
Natural plant and animal habitat; water quality; scenic shoreline; carbon storage and other nature-based services that lessen the impacts of climate change.
Funding Support
Coming soon.
More to Explore
Walter "Len" Hilgart Flambeau River Preserve
