Wisconsin Important Bird Areas

Conserving the most important places for birds

Bear Lake Sedge Meadow

Site Description

This IBA contains extensive, high-quality sedge meadows in several bays along the south shore of Bear Lake.  The sedge meadows are mostly open, with islands of alders, bog birch, black spruce, and tamarack.  Some young deciduous upland forest also is found here.

Ornithological Importance

This site contains one of the state’s largest known populations of yellow rail.  Other priority species include Northern harrier, American bittern, sedge wren, Le Conte’s sparrow, and bobolink.

Bear Lake Sedge Meadow, photo by Christina Isenring

Bear Lake Sedge Meadow, photo by Christina Isenring