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Boaters Corral 40-Acre Floating Forest on Wisconsin Lake
24 Sep
Summary
- A 40-acre forest drifts on a Wisconsin lake, posing a navigation challenge.
- Dozens of boaters unite to push the floating forest away from a bridge.
- This natural phenomenon is an ecological zone and cannot be divided.
On Wisconsin's Chippewa Flowage, a remarkable 40-acre forest has no fixed address, drifting unpredictably across the lake. This natural phenomenon, originating from submerged peat bogs that became buoyant after a 1923 flood, creates floating islands of soil and vegetation, some now supporting mature trees.
The most notable of these is the "Forty-Acre Bog," situated on the lake's western side. Its tamarack trees act like sails, guided by wind and currents. This poses a unique challenge as the bog frequently drifts toward the flowage's sole bridge, threatening to obstruct passage.
To manage this, local boat owners have developed a tradition. When the bog approaches the bridge, anywhere from 20 to 50 boaters may congregate. Using their vessels, they collectively push the enormous floating forest back into open water. This task, which can take many hours, is essential as the bog is considered a protected ecological zone.
