Holmboe Conifer Forest
State Natural Area
With over 50 years of protection, this property contains forest with some of the greatest examples of old-growth characteristics in the northwoods.
Trails
Just under 1 mile of a looping natural surface hiking trail that lead to the Pelican River, with a small boardwalk and puncheons along the way to help cross the wetlands.
Natural Features
The land is recognized for its old-growth hemlock and pine forest characteristics and has been dedicated as a State Natural Area by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Holmboe has also been inducted into the Old-growth Forest Network which recognizes publicly accessable old-growth forests throughout the country. The property includes about one-third of a mile of undeveloped natural shoreline on the Pelican River.
HISTORY
In July of 2007, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) transferred ownership of the property to NWLT. Prior to that, it was donated by Frithjof and Thoralf Holmboe to TNC in 1965. In 1969, it was designated as a Wisconsin State Natural Area. In October of 2022, the property was officially inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network in recognition of the outstanding old-growth forest found throughout the property.
In early 2024, the property grew in size and permanent access was secured after NWLT acquired 6 acres of land adjacent to the State Natural Area. Read the story here.
City of Rhinelander &
Town of Pelican, Oneida County
38 Acres
Ownership: Northwoods Land Trust
Getting There
The parking area is located in the City of Rhinelander behind the Riverview Hall facility at 903 Boyce Dr. You can type ‘Holmboe Conifer Forest Trailhead’ into Google Maps.
Coordinates
45.627285, -89.426279
Holmboe parking area on Google Maps.
Dogs are not allowed.
Hunting and Trapping are currently not allowed. Please see the NWLT Guidelines for more information.
MANAGEMENT
The land is managed to encourage old-growth forest characteristics and provide public access for recreation.
Benefits
Natural plant and animal habitat; water quality; public access; carbon storage and other nature-based services that lessen the impacts of climate change; protection of old-growth forest
Funding Support
This project was supported by grants from the The Nature Conservancy, Arthur L. & Elaine V. Johnson Foundation, James D & Jane P Watermolen Foundation and several private individuals and families.
More to Explore
Tower Nibiiwan Conservation Area
Pinkerton Thunder Lake Cosnervation Area
Thunder Lake Wildlife Conservation Area
