WILD AND SCENIC DESIGNATION
Designated Reach: March 3, 1992. The East Branch from its origin to the Ottawa National Forest boundary. The Middle Branch from its origin to the northern boundary of the Ottawa National Forest. The Cisco Branch from its origin at Cisco Lake Dam to its confluence with Ten-Mile Creek south of Ewen. The West Branch from its confluence with Cascade Falls to Victoria Reservoir.
Classification/Mileage: Wild -- 42.9 miles; Scenic -- 41.0 miles; Recreational -- 73.5 miles; Total -- 157.4 miles.
Description: In this back country setting, the gorge-like landscape, exposed sandstone cliffs, and waterfalls provide a unique recreational area for the Midwest. The river also has excellent fishing for resident brown trout, Lake Superior run salmon, and steelhead.On the Cisco Branch of the Ontonagon River, 37 miles were designated as wild and scenic, with the 10-mile segment from the river originating at Cisco Lake Dam to County Road 527 designated as a“recreational” river, and the 27-mile segment from the Forest Development Road 527 to the confluence of Cisco Branch and Ten-Mile Creek as a “scenic” river. The Cisco Branch provides valuable winter deer range, and the northern hardwoods offer habitat for bears, beavers, fishers, mink, and other wildlife. The river has an excellent native brook trout fishery, and the public owns only 39% of the river corridor.
WILD AND SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATION
Designated Reach: Designated on March 3, 1992
The Cisco Branch from its origin at Cisco Lake Dam to its confluence with Ten-Mile Creek south of Ewen.
Other Branches Designated:
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The East Branch from its origin to the Ottawa National Forest boundary.
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The Middle Branch from its origin to the northern boundary of the Ottawa National Forest.
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The West Branch from its confluence with Cascade Falls to Victoria Reservoir.
Classification/Mileage: Wild -- 42.9 miles; Scenic -- 41.0 miles; Recreational -- 73.5 miles; Total -- 157.4 miles.
Description: In this back country setting, the gorge-like landscape, exposed sandstone cliffs, and waterfalls provide a unique recreational area for the Midwest. The river also has excellent fishing for resident brook trout, Lake Superior run salmon, and steelhead. On the Cisco Branch of the Ontonagon River, 37 miles were designated as wild and scenic, with the 10-mile segment from the river originating at Cisco Lake Dam to CR 527 designated as “recreational," and the 27-mile segment from the CR 527 to the confluence of Cisco Branch and Ten-Mile Creek as a “scenic” river. The public owns only 39% of the river corridor.