You're invited to visit Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs) throughout the year. Enjoy the undisturbed natural quality of these sites. Hiking, bird-watching, nature photography, snowshoeing or other activities that do not disturb natural conditions are allowed. Most SNA's do not have trails or other facilities and none have restrooms, so come prepared. Some sites have interpretive kiosks to introduce you to key features.
Specific rules are posted on all sites.
Leave plants, animals, rocks, and other natural elements in place to fulfill their life cycle and role in the environment.
Camping, picnicking and swimming are not allowed on Scientific and Natural Areas. In many instances, public camping facilities are available nearby. Bringing water or snacks on a site is allowed.
Enjoy the site only on foot, snowshoes, or skis, leaving all vehicles in designated parking areas or off site. Snowmobiles and bicycles are only allowed on trails designated for that purpose.
Horses are only allowed at Wolsfeld Woods SNA on specified trails.
In most cases, pets are not allowed on SNAs.
Hunting, trapping, and fishing are allowed during the appropriate season and with the correct license at many SNAs. Only specific types of hunting are allowed on selected sites to help achieve management goals. Consult hunting and fishing regulations carefully.
A few SNAs limit public access—these are primarily rookeries/ nesting sites. Restricted areas are typically on specific areas within a site, or during a certain time of the year. Please see details in visitor notes for sites with restricted areas and sanctuaries.
Most SNAs are accessible by road, but some may require a boat or a significant hike. Maps on this website are intended for directional use only and do not show precise legal boundaries. SNAs are intended to give you an opportunity to experience undisturbed natural conditions. Thus, signs and parking may not exist at individual sites.
