Mecan Springs State Natural Area

Situated in the bottom of a moraine depression, Mecan Springs protects the large clearwater springs which are the headwaters to the Mecan River. The river is a hardwater stream that flows southeasterly through Marquette County and into Green Lake County where it joins the Upper Fox River. A Class I trout stream, the Mecan River system contains some of the finest trout streams in Central Wisconsin. It supports excellent natural trout reproduction in the small, upstream gravel bottom pools and long-run riffle areas.

Fen vegetation is present in the saturated soils of Mecan Springs. Sandhill cranes, northern bobwhite quail, and two rare birds – the state threatened red-shouldered hawk, and  bald eagles use the area.

A segment of the Ice Age Trail is located on the site and is maintained to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources standards. Mecan Springs is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2002.

Notes:

Within Mecan River System Fishery Area, Waushara County. T18N-R8E, Section 1. T18N-R9E Sections 6, 7. The area is a “Waterfowl closed area: disturbance prohibited”. No person may hunt or trap any species of wild animal or disturb waterfowl during open waterfowl season through December 31st.

Source: WDNR