Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
editThe Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest includes more than 22,000 acres of land throughout southern Wisconsin[1] and spans several state parks and natural areas. The area also features varied environments from restored prairie, forests, and lakes, along with providing a multitude of recreational opportunities such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and camping [1].
Whitewater Lake
editWhitewater Lake, located in Walworth County, is an extension of the Kettle Moraine's Southern Unit and is part of the southernmost edge of its territory. This 625 acre lake[2] is located in the country side near Whitewater, Wisconsin, and has several public access points for boat launching and fishing[2]. Commonly home to Panfish and Largemouth Bass, the lake draws fishers year round[2]. Northern Pike and Walleye are also present in this lake but are less common[2]. The local community also offers annual fishing events here such as an ice fishing "Fish-A-Ree"[3][4].
The land around the lake is rural and consists of a mix of private residences, farms, as well as protected forest lands and a restored prairie habitat. A portion of the Ice Age Trail, a hiking trail that spans the state, also extends through a section of forest near the lake[5] and provides day trip hiking and backpacking opportunities.
The forest around Whitewater Lake consists of a mix of several species of oak, maple, birch, pine, and other trees. It also contains Whitewater Lake Campground which provides sites for overnight camping stays and hiking trails[6].
Rice Lake
editRice Lake is a smaller lake than Whitewater Lake at 144 acres[7], is also located in Walworth County, and they are both connected by water flow[3]. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources states that this smaller lake also provides a habitat for similar fish species like "Panfish, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike"[7].
References
edit- ^ a b "Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit". Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. December 15th, 2017. Retrieved December 15th, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=and|date=(help) - ^ a b c d "Whitewater Lake". dnr.wi.gov. Retrieved 2017-12-15.
- ^ a b "Whitewater Lake (Wisconsin)". Wikipedia. 2017-07-21.
- ^ "Whitewater Fish-a-ree set for Sunday". MyWalworthCounty.com. 2016-02-13. Retrieved 2017-12-15.
- ^ "Ice Age Trail - Walworth/Jefferson County Segment | Travel Wisconsin". TravelWisconsin. Retrieved 2017-12-15.
- ^ "KETTLE MORAINE SF SOUTHERN UNIT, WI". wisconsinstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Retrieved 2017-12-15.
- ^ a b "Rice Lake". dnr.wi.gov. Retrieved 2017-12-15.