Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program

[1] SNAs protect natural communities, geological formations, and archaeological sites for research purposes and as refuges for biodiversity and endangered or threatened species.

[1] Wisconsin's State Natural Areas Program was created in 1951, the first such state-sponsored program in the United States, with guidance from early conservationists such as Aldo Leopold, Norman C. Fassett, Albert Fuller, and John Thomas Curtis.

[2] Ecosystem management practices range from a "hands-off" approach to very active processes such as introduced species removal and controlled burning.

SNAs are generally open to low-impact recreation like hiking and birdwatching, but disallow intensive activities like camping and mountain biking, and usually lack even basic amenities like restrooms or maintained trails.

Numerous SNAs are closed to the public to protect the most sensitive flora, fauna, and ecosystems, including rare and endangered species.