Pinkerton Thunder Lake Conservation Area
Over a mile of rugged shoreline on Thunder Lake is protected here along with expansive bog communities.
Natural Features
With over a mile of shoreline on Thunder Lake, a designated wild lake, this property has massive benefits for water quality and wildlife habitat. The 6,100 feet of protected shoreline follows nearly the entire southwest bay and includes a scenic peninsula.
The habitat is primarily bog with tamaracks and black spruce forest. The upland ridge along the peninsula on the east side of the property contains young hemlock and balsam fir. Many interesting wetland plants may be found in the boggy areas during spring and summer.
HISTORY
In October of 2022, the property was donated by Tad and Hannah Pinkerton. Read the story here.
The Pinkerton’s land donation adds to the protection of the lake and its ecology. NWLT owns a 144-acre conservation area on the northeast side of Thunder Lake which is adjacent to the Thunder Lake State Wildlife Area. Read the article titled “Public & Private Conservation Protects Thunder Lake” to learn more.
In 2025, the pathway on the Pinkerton property was improved. The existing wood path was widened and mowed. It was extended to the end of the point with a narrow footpath that goes along the shoreline. On Highway A, a two-car, seasonally maintained, parking area is located just north of the roadway.
Town of Three Lakes, Oneida County
66 Acres
Ownership: Northwoods Land Trust
Getting There
Access to the preserve by water. The nearest boat landing is on the south shoreline of Thunder Lake.
By car, from Three Lakes, Take Hwy A west for 4.2 miles. Park in the small pull-off north of the road. The pull-off is maintained during the warmer months when the ground is firm and dry.
Coordinates
45.772801, -89.229738
Dogs are welcome.
Hunting and Trapping are allowed ny permission only according to NWLT Guidelines.
MANAGEMENT
The preserve is passively managed meaning activities only occur in response to natural disasters or threats to the conservation values. Active management is limited to trail maintenance and seasonal mowing.
Benefits
Natural plant and animal habitat; water quality; natural shoreline on a wild lake; public access; carbon storage and other nature-based services that lessen the impacts of climate change
Funding Support
This project was supported by a grant from the Caerus Foundation and several major gifts from private individuals/families.
The trail improvement was funded by the Lori and David Nicholas Family Foundation.
More to Explore
Tower Nibiiwan Conservation Area
