Montreal River Canyon a management plan, Town of Saxon, Iron County, Wisconsin

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

"As we started, the water was warm, the air was fragrant
with piny smells and the voice of the river was small
and happy. But when the current swept us around the
first bend dark coolness, the river's
voice beca MONTREAL RIVER CANYON paddled into the first
rapids, sp A MANAGEMENT PLAN nd with water splashing
over the s TOWN OF SAXON n't steer these little
boats very e marvelous faculty of
bouncing th second rapids, though,
the kayak's OCT 1980 lashed on sharp rocks.
We had plenty of flotation left, but thereafer we went
though the plunging white-water uncomfortably low.
At the upper end, the sides of the canyon are adorned with
cedar, hemlock, white pine and hardwoods cluthing pre-
casiously to the steep sides. Peter told us that the rock
here was mostly basalt, a dark rock of volcanic origin.
Rapids followed rapids, broken only by swift slick
stretches as the river twisted and turned through this
awesome gorge. There were several small falls, and we
swooped down them without a thought or a problem. We
stopped several times--to photograph, to attempt to
patch the bottom of the rubber kayak, but most of all
just to look and listen. You feel strangely transported
backward in time in this wild, secluded place. Some-
how you almost expect to come around a bend and meet a
party of voyageurs or a Chippewa fishing with a spear.
Yet perhaps the most beautiful part of the canyon is
the lower end. Here the walls, mostly a sandstone con-
glomerate, are eroded and weathered into strange shapes.
There are spires of rock that reach skyward like pointing
fingers, and the towering cliffs seem almost to tip inward
And then, quite abruptly, you pop out of the canyon. The
river F es slack, and the landscape is low, covered
with 587 irch and soft maple. As we paddled silently
towa .17 car parked at the Highway 122 bridge, I recall
wond G66 there was time to make the run again. There
wasn 1980 there will be time another day to return to
this beautiful place so undisturbed by man and so very
special because of it."
HOWARD MEAD--WISCONSIN TRAILS, SUMMER 1972

MONTREAL RIVER CANYON

A MANAGEMENT PLAN

Property of CCC Library.

TOWN OF SAXON

IRON COUNTY WISCONSIN

COASTAL ZONE
INFORMATION CENTER

SPONSORED BY: WISCONSIN COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND
IRON COUNTY

PREPARED BY: FRED GOOLD, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
NORTHWEST REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
302 WALNUT STREET
SPOONER, WI 54801

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN ASHLAND COUNTY PRICE COUNTY
Charles Tollander Robert Dudrmnrtu Ernest Skotterud
VICE CHAIRMAN BAYFIELD COUNTY RUSK COUNTY
Roland Kannenberg Wallace Johnson Marvin Hanson
SEC'Y.-TREASURER BURNETT COUNTY SAWYER COUNTY
Marvin Hanson Charles Tollander Chester Boncler
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DOUGLAS COUNTY TAYLOR COUNTY
Mark J. Mueller Donald Leggate Edwin Ahlers
IRON COUNTY WASHBURN COUNTY
Roland Kannenberg Edward Elliott
INDIAN RESERVATIONS
Walter Sherman
an economic development district

October, 1980

Mr. Louis Leoni
Iron County Board Chairman
Iron County Courthouse
Hurley, WI 54534

Dear Mr. Leoni:

We are pleased to present the Montreal River Canyon plan to
Iron County.

This plan will help provide a guide for future management con-
sideration of the Montreal River Canyon between Saxon and Superior
Falls.

We would like to thank Iron County for their assistance in preparing
the plan.

Sincerely,

Fred Goold
Landscape Architect

FG:bjd

302 Walnut Street Spooner. Wisconsin 54801 715 635-2197

INTRODUCTION'

Me Mon@real River in Iron County begins with an east and west fork',

merges into one river and flows north into Lake Superior forming the

border between Michigan and Wisconsin. The native name for Montreal

River was kawasiji-wangsepi which means white falls river. Approxi-

mately three miles south of where it enters Lake Superior, the river

has eroded through bedro ck formations to create a canyon approximately

two river miles in length and over 200 feet deep.

Access to the canyon is extremely limited which has served to protect

its unique wilderness character- The canyon is a beautiful wild

place and deserves to be preserved as a scenic resource for future

generations.

The objectives of this report are: first, to create an awareness of

the unique qualities of the Montreal Canyon and its-adjacent environment;

second, to identify and describe the landscape features and scenic

attributes of the canyon; third, to explore management alternatives;

and fourth, make recommendations for the canyon.

As part of the planning process a citizens planning committee

particip ated in making management and site recommendations.

BACKGROUND

The Montreal Canyon is located on the Montreal River in Iron County

approximately three miles from Lake Superior (See Figure 1). The

Montreal River begins its flow to Lake Superior from Pine Lake and

has a total drainage area of 27.7 miles. Flowing in a general north-

northwest direction, the stream empties into Lake Superior and for

a majority of this flow length, the Montreal serves as the politic al

boundary dividing Wisconsin from.the State of Michigan.

In the past this area was one of intensive iron ore mining,.with

principal mines located in-the Ironwood, Hurley and Montreal districts.

Ore shipments to Ashland for transfer t o lake bound shipping took

place until'1964 when the last mine was closed. The remains of old,

abandoned railroad grades are still present and alter natural drainage

patterns.

It should be pointed out th at the now-closed old Hurley sewage plant,

as well as the now operating Ironwood sewage plant, are both on the

banks of the Montreal River. Within boththese cities there may be

sufficient discharge to noticeably affect the water quality. The

rest of this basin area generally lacks industrial and major

agricultural land use.

-2-

LoO CATI 0 W -

MONTREAL-
CANYON@'._.'
on the
MONTREAL RIVER
IRON COUNTY Wi.
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IKON AL
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FIGURE 1

0 HISTORY

The name-for the Montreal-Rivef is one of the oldest'on-the map of

Lake Superior, probably being assigned by Duluth or some of the

Jesuits that.preceded him.. It is found-on a map of-1688, and may ----

have originated from a resemblance between the bluffs at its mouth

and the mountain Montreal in Canada*(.Thwaites 1910:179).

The Flambeau Trail

It is evident from historic records that the Montreal River and an

associated portage trail known as the Flambeau-Trail-were considerably

important to various enterprises from 1661 to 1880,-and probably earlier.

Indians, explorers, fur-.tradersi missionaries, miners and others, all

used--the tra il for approximately-220 years-making-,it---a--signif.icant route

from the Lake Superior shore to Lac du Flambeau and points south.-

The Flambeau Trail started at the mouth of the Montreal River and

continued overland through dense pine, spruce, hemlock, birch, and

cedar to a crossing on the Montreal just above Saxon Falls. The trail

at this point veered to the east of the Montreal Canyon. From there,

it ran generally southeast through the Penokee Range, passing present-day

Montreal on the west, to another crossing on the west fork of the

Montreal River (Gile Flowage). The trail then continued southeast,

crossed the east fork of the Pine River to Long Lake. From Saxon.-Falls

-4-

to Long Lake the country is characteristically a succession of hills,

cedar swamps, and creeks. The total distance from the mouth of the

Montreal to Long Lake is approximately 45 miles (see Figure 2). At

Long Lake canoes were used for the remainder of the route south to

Lac du Flambeau.

The Flambeau Trail was used by missionaries as a route to the interior

and the Reverend Sherman Hall, stationed at La Pointe, gives the

following account in his diary for 1831:

This morning I left La Pointe for a visit to Lac du Flambeau
accompanied by one man, to carry my provisions and baggage, and
as my guide through the woods. Our way lay down the lake about
20 miles to the mouth of the Montreal River. As I had only
one man with me, I was obliged to take a paddle and manage *one
end of the canoe myself. About 4 o'clock P.M. we reached the
place we were to leave the lake. Here we laid up our canoe,
formed our baggage into packs, my man taking our provisions
and cooking utensils, and I my blanket ahd coat and a gun, and
commenced our march across the Forty Five Mile Portage. We had
gone but a few rods from the trading post at the-mouth of the
Montreal, before we found ourselves immersed in a thicket of
large hemlock, birch and maple timber. We@continued our march
about an hour and a half and reached the fording place in the
Montreal River. The river is several rods wide'at this place
and very rocky (Culkin 1936; Nute Papers n.d.).

C.opper Discoveries

Copper discoveries also brought activity to the Montreal Canyon area.

A mine was sta rted near the upper falls in what later was surveyed and

recorded as being in Lot No. 4 - a part of NW,1/4 of SE 1/4 Sec. 20

T47N-RlE,. now the property of Arvo Crego. As D.,D. Owen was making

his survey of thiE@ territory he worked south from Ma.delirfe Island to

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FLAMf@@AO
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fAL4-S
MONTREAL
MONTRELALe
CANYON
AMON on the
MONTREAT RrVEM
IRON COUNTY WI.

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LAKE

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FIGURE

-6-

the mouth of the portage that would lead himto the headwaters of

the Wisconsin River. He camped at this place overnight, continuing

his journey on'September 19, 1847, to a copper mine near the upper

falls where he met another surveyor, J. Whitney. He then returned

to the falls where he camped-again before resuming his journey to

Portage Lake. Those working the mine must have been doing so .on a

staked claim., for there were no official titles or patents granted

on that-pr6perty until D6cefnber 20, 1886.----The grantees-may-have had

an earlier interest, but the economic-situation at that time-may have--

been-a-factor-in the'suspension of operations.--However,-considerable-r----

work had been done and the future must have looked favorable, for some

buildings had been built and a garden was planted just across the

canyon--on the Michigan--site just upstream from the mine.

The montreal River portage trail was getting a lot of use at this time.

According to the first survey map of-that area--in Michigan north of the

mining operation, made in.1849,--two trails branched off the main trail

between the mouth of the river and the upper falls. One left the main

trail in the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 Section 14 T48N-R49W and led to a

spring near the river and almost directly across the river from the mine.

The other trail branched off the main trail near the center of the NW 1/4

of Section 24 T48N-R49W leading to the garden and continuing on to the

spring, thus forming a loop with the other trail. At this same time

there was a small clearing and an Indian campsite where the Montreal

Trail reached the high ground o;i the east side of the mouth of the river.

The location of the mine shaft is still evident on the Wisconsin side of

the canyon.

-7-

OCLC: 7909792 Rec stat: C
Entered: 19811105 Replaced: 19950227 Used: 19811105
$Type: a Bib lvl: m Source: d Lang: eng
Repr: Enc lvl: I Conf pub: 0 Ctry: wiu
Indx: 0 Mod rec: Govt pub: s Cont: b
Desc: a Int lvl: Festschr: 0 llus: b
F/B: 0 Dat tp: s Dates: 1980, %
$ 1 040 WIH 'c WIH 'd OCL %
$ 2 090 'b %
$ 3 049 NO@M %
$ 4 100 1 Goold, Fred. %
$ 5 245 10 Montreal River Canyon : 'b a management plan, Town of Saxon,
Iron County, Wisconsin / 'c prepared by Fred Goold.%
$ 6 260 Spooner, WI : 'b Northwest Regional Planning Commission, 'c
[1980] %
$ 7 300 37, [9] leaves : 'b maps ; 'c 28 cm. %
$ 8 504 includes bibliography. %
$ 9 500 WI docs. no.: P_NW.6/2:1 7/M 6 %
$ 10 651 0 Montreal River Canyon (Wis.) %
$ 11 650 0 Wild and scenic rivers 'z Wisconsin. %
$ 12 710 1 Wisconsin. 'b Northwest Regional Planning Commission. %

*HYDROLOGIC DESCRIPTION

The trunk length of the Montreal River is 37.2 miles and has an-

average gradient of 27.0 feet per mile. It is a soft water stream

having slightly alkaline, medium brown water. There are two im-

poundments located on the stream, Superior Falls Flowage and Saxon

Falls Flowage; stream flows are influenced by these hydro.-electric
developmentsi In addition, a dam on-the Gile Flowage, located on-,

the West Fork of the Montreal-River, influences-flows in this stream.

Inhabited.by brook trout, brown trout and some rainbows, the stream

is classed as trout water. During the spring, steelhead (rainbow

trout) move into the stream up to Superior-Falls which is located

about one-third--mil-e-upstream from Lake Superior. In addition coho

salmon,-brown trout.and brook trout may also enter this -stream. Warm

water species,--particularly northern pike, muskellunge and walleye,.-

may-be found in the vicinity of the two flowages..

A stream flow gauging station, located upstream from the Superior Falls

Flowage at the lower end of the canyon, has recorded a range of two to

6,600 cubic feet per second. Average discharge for 28 years of record

is 324 cubic feet per second. The flow of the Montreal River at this

gauging station exceeds 147 cubic feet per second 70 percent of the

time. The river exhibits extreme flow variations, and low-flow at

certain times is a definite navigation problem.

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FIGURE 3
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MONTREAL
-47
CANYON
on the
MONTREAL RIVER
IRON COUNTY WL

No
L9CAJ& I&LEM

0 400 1000 3000

The present dam rebuilt in 1940 has a total overall length of 510

feet, of which 260 feet is earth embankment on the south, or

Wisconsin, end.

A pipe line six feet in diameter and 1600 feet long dxtends from the

head gate in the dam to a surge tank 24 feet in diameter and 58

feet high located neat the power house. Both the stand pipe and

pipe line were originallybuilt of hemlock but were rebuilt with

redwood in 1929. From the stand pipe, two 54 inch steel penstocks

lead to turbines below.

The power house is a reinforced concrete structure"52' x 30' and

16' high from the generator floor to the ceiling. Installed in the

power house are two James Leffel horizontal hydraulic turbines rated

at 1000 H.P...each, built to operate t a 135 foot head. Connected to

each of the turbines is a General Electric A.C. generator, 625 KW,

at 807. power factor. The electric energy is generated at 2300 volts.

Saxon Flowage has sufficient capacity to operate this plant and also

the Superior Falls plant, which is situated three miles downstream,

for a period of about 50 hours at full load during the lowest river

stages.

The output of the Saxon Falls plant is distributed to the trans-

mission system through a substation located across the river from

the power house. This energy is transmitted to the Ironwood substation

over a 33,000 volt line, being connected also to the output of

the Superior Falls plant which is located approximately three miles

downstream from saxon Falls. The road leading to the substation

is the only access point to the river below Saxon Falls.

GEOLOGY

The canyon of the Montreal was cut through rocks primarily of Precam-

brian Age laid approximately 1100 million years ago. At the top of

the canyon and for several miles above, the river flows through and on

the Portage Lake series of volcanic rocks and enterbedded sandstones

and conglomerates of lower and middle Keweenawan Age. These lavas

flowed out into the Lake Superior syncline sometime between 1100-1600

million years ago. This formation, nearly 2,000 feet thick is tilted

at angles of 45 -60 to the north and is also found on Isle Royale

(Figure 4).

North Hurley/Ironwood South

Isle Royale
Canada Lake Superior Lake Superior

Upper Keweenawan

Lower Middle Keveenawan

Isle Royale Keweenawan
Fault

LAKE SUPERIOR SYNCLINE FIGURE 4

Diagrammatic north/south geological cross section of the Lake Superior syn-
cline. Major unconformaties are illustrated by heavy wavy lines. The position
of geologic,and geographic features are approximate. Lithology and thickness
are generalized.
-12-

About 1100 million years ago (late Keweenawan) volcanic activity died out

and a sequence of conglomerate, shale and sandstone up to another 20,000

feet thick was deposited in the Lake Superior syncline.

The bottom unit in this sequence is the Copper Harbor Conglomerate.

The next unit is the Nonesuch Shale. The youngest Upper Keweenawan

unit is the Freda Sandstone. Most of this sediment was derived from

the older area to the south, but some also came from newly exposed.

lower and middle Keweenawan rocks on the edge of the basin (Figure 5).

Mt. Simon or Not Present
Munising In
Sandstone Canyon

Jacobsville SS
(Mich.) Not Present

In
Bayfield Group Canyon
(Wis.)

uncf.
600 MYBP

Fred
Sandstone

Nonesuch
Shale
Copper
Harbor
Conglomerat

Approx.
1100 MYBP

Lower and Middle

Keweenawan
Volcanics

Portage Lake
Series
and
Older Rocks

Ang. Uncf.
Approx. 1600 MYBP

GENERALIZED STRATIGRAPHIC COLUMN FIGURE 5

Generalized stratigraphic column summarizing Late Precambrian and Early
to Middle Cambrian (?) geologic history and rock nomenclature for the
Montreal River Canyon.

-13-

After the Precambrian, the area underwent a period of sandstone

deposition during the Cambrian. This group, up to 4,000 feet thick,

is not found in the area of the canyon but does outcrop nearby on the

Bayfield peninsula and in the Apostle Islands.

During the balance of the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras,

covering approximately 600 million years, the area underwent an

erosional cycle which lowered the uplands and generally shaped the

land as we now see it. Around two million years ago during the

Pleistocene, the area was subjected to several glacial advances and

retreats which served to smooth out the uplands and deepen the Lake

Superior Basin.

River Prof ile--

Saxon Falls occurs where the river cascades.over ledge of basalt of

the Portage Lake Series. The total drop of this set of falls is

approximately 115 feet and signals the start of the canyon.. Approxi-

mately one-half mile below the falls, the river cuts through the

Copper Harbor Conglomerate. This portion of the canyon has sheer

walls of conglomerate nearly 225 feet high. After passing through

several large meanders, the side walls become shale and very quickly

grades into the Freda Sandstone. The.exposed bedrock here at the

mouth of the canyon, remains the same until the river passes over

Superior Falls and enters Lake Superior., Note FiguTe 6.

7:@
3

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FIGURE 6
S01oaCrA Y

------ MONTREAL
CANYON
on the
MONTREAL RXVER
op L
IRON COUNTY W1.
SCA I EM PMJO
-15

9000
0 400 low

Canyon Formation

While we do not precisely know when the canyon was formed, we can

make statements regarding"the general formation process. This area

is breached by many northward flowing streams. Most of those streams

utilized pass through the basalts that were formed during the long

erosional period of the Paleozoic, Mesozoit, and Cenozoic eras when

streams gradually cut down into the Precambrian bedrock beneath.

During glacial times, these valleys were probably filled with debris.

left by the glaciers. In,postglacial times with renewed erosion by

flowing water, new streams found it easy to scour out the Pleistocene

fill and reoccupy the old valleys and continue downcutting.

0 OWNERSHIP AND ACCESS

As Figure 7 i@dicates the land on eitherside of the river is controlled

by five individual private owners,.Lake Superior District Power Company

and Gogebic County Michigan. Lake Superior District Power Company

controls the shoreline of both flowages and a small portion of the

river near the canyon. The canyon portion of the river is owned by

Gogebic County on the Michigan side and five private owners on the

Wisconsin side..

The Lake Superior District Power Company does,, howev er, maintain

flowage rights to the Michigan side and a portion of the Wisconsin

side of the Montreal River. Hence, the possibility exists for,

-16-

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FIGURE 7
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MONTREAL-

A
CANYON
on the
MONTREAL RrvER
IRON COUNTY WI.

SCA
171 Err
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0 400 100.0 3000
,!'7

development of another hydroelectric station and flowage between

the two existing flowages. The flowage_r ights are as follows:

All the right privileges, franchises, easements, licenses,
permits, grants, and reserves of the company however conferred
or acquired to flow, flood or overflow by means of any dam or
dams now or hereafter constructed or maintained in the Montreal
River, togetherwith the right to build, construct operate
and maintain transmission lines over across and upon any and
all of the following described premises.

Access to the Montreal River and canyon between the two flowages

is extremely limited (note Figure 3, Page 10). The only developed

public access to the river is'at the bridge on Wisconsin Highway 122

at the Superior Flowage.

The other developed access points are on Lake Superior District

Power Company lands above the hydroelectric station at Saxon Falls

and at the Saxon Flowage dam. Permission should be obtained from the

Power Company to use the access at the hydro station. Public access

to the river can also be gained o n the Michigan side through

Gogebic County forest lands.

*WILDLIFE

The wildlife resources of the area regularly reward,hunters, fishermen,

photographers and wildlife observers. A wide variety of game exists

most important of which are the black bear and white tailed deer.

Also common in the area are ruffed grouse, coyote, -fox, skunk,

.porcupine and squirrel. Song birds and birds of prey inhabit the

area as well.

-18-

0VEGETATION"

The are a of the Montreal River in northern Iron County is composed

of mixed hardwoods and conifers. Primary hardwood species.include

northern red oak, aspen, sugar and red maple, paper and yellow

birch, and basswood. Conifers most common include red and white

pine, cedar, hemlock, balsam fir and spruce. Shrubs found both in

and along the canyon include blueberry, sweet fern, hazel, juniper,

bearberry-and thimble berry.

The nature of vegetation changes from the higher-reaches above the

canyon--cedar, hemlock and pine and to the lower elevations near

the Superior Flowage--soft maple and yellow birch.

In many cases trees and shrubs, most notably cedar and,spruce, cling

to the sides of the canyon walls. Current logging pursuits both

on the Michigan and Wisconsin sides are primarily for aspen/pulp.

In some cases trees are being felled into areas immediately bordering

the canyon, making it-extremely difficult to walk along-the.canyon-----

rim as well as detracting from the natural beauty of the immediate rim

area. There are other areas along the canyon,corridor-where.timber--

appears to be mature and could be harvested by selective cutting

without altering visual quality.

*LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Analysis of the Montreal Canyon reveals the diversity of the river---

_19-

corridor between Saxon and Superior Flowages. The landscape

character makes abrupt changes as the river flows between the two

flowages.

Figure*8 indicates the diversity of landscapes within the river

corridor.

Saxon Flowage - A flowage with low banks and back-wate r vegetation.

Rock Bed - The portion of river between Saxon Flowage dam

and Saxon Falls normally has its flow diverted

through the pipeline., to the hydro plant. High

visable water over the falls only occurs during

high water periods,

Montreal Canyon-The actual canyon of the Montreal River cuts

through.the bedrockescarpment for approximately

two river miles.

Quiet Water Between the Canyon and Superior Flowage lies a

stretch of "quiet" river with low banks and pre-

dominately aspen, yellow birch vegetation.

Superior A flowage created to supply water for the hydro-
Flowage
electric plant located above Superior Falls.

_20-

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MONTREAL
CANYON
on the-
MONTRF_kL-RlVER--
IRON -COUNTY WI.-

jj@ 0 400 20010 llipp 3000
IN

OPTIONS

*RECREATIONAL USE

Recreational use of the Montreal River between Saxon Falls-and

Superior Falls has both excellent potential and extreme limitations.

The unique scenic quality ofthe Montreal River Canyon creates a

natural7attraction for recreational use. White water, interesting

geologic formations, a genuine "midwest canyon" and panoramic

views--all in a true wilderness setting--provide the resource base

for a major attract ion in Iron County.

Activities that can be provided would-include canoeing, kayaking,

rubber rafting, geologic and historic interpretation, viewing natural

scenery,, photography, hiking, nature interpretation, cross-country.

skiing and fishing.

The potential for wilderness oriented activities.is excellent but

limitations do exist in the Canyon corridor. The extreme variations

in river flows as previously stated have been recorded from 2 to 6600

cubic feet per second with an average flow of 324 cubic feet per

second over a 28 year period. This indicates that the days per year

of potential canoeing/kayaking, for example, are limited. White

Water-Quiet Water Canoe Guide tests the following canoeable days

per month for the section of river between Gile Flowage and Wisconsin

-22-

State Highway 122: April-30 days; May-31 days; June-30 days;

July-25 days; August-16 days; and September-15 days. The actual

canoeable--days-during these periods-will depend--on existifig-water--

levels. The White Water-Quiet Water Quide for the Montreal Canyon

section-of the river indicates appropriate cubic feet per second

minimums for canoeing; note appendix.

Visitor safet-y'becomes--an important-factor-in--recreational- use of

the river-corridor.,* The 200 feet'plus high cliffs pose-hazards to

anyone not familiar with the canyon.. The extreme fluctuations in

water velocity of the river also creates a potential visitor safety

hazard especia-11y at high-water periods, Once the canyon is entered

by the river', its two mile length,must be negotiated all the way

through.

These hazards can be lessened and in some cases overcome with develop-

ment of safety barriers, designated walkways and proper informational

signing.

0 THE PROBLEM OF MANAGING RIVER CORRIDORS IN MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP

The Montreal Aiver and its canyon between Saxon Flowage and Superior

Flowage lies in what is described as "multiple ownership." Private

lands, public lands (Gogebic County) and utility lands -(LSDP) constitute

the land ownership.

-23-

Probably the single most important difference between river corridor

management along rivers bordered by both public and private lands and

those not in multiple ownership is that there are fewer available

management options along multiple ownership corridors.

Specifically such techniques as primitive resource prot ection and

access control are generally not feasible along rivers where there is

considerable private land.with the potential of unlimited access.

In the development of a successful protection program for river

corridors, the management plan must recognize the importance of the

11private partner." Coopera tion and communication with the land owners

is essential to the protection of the Montreal Canyon as well as suc-

cess of any recreational development within the river corridor. Im-

portant ingredients of a management plan for a river corridor in

multiple ownership generally include some fees and scenic easement

acquisition, trail or access easements, local zoning and a recreational

development plan. The following is a description of the effectiveness

and application of some of these techniques..

0 MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Zoning

As an example, the Michigan scenic rivers program provides for local

zoning ordinances based on state standards which could apply to the.

Michigan side of the Montreal River corridor. In Wisconsin, portions

-24-

of the corridor could be zoned a non-developable conservancy district

to protect the scenic quality of the corridor region. However, zoning

changes require local land owners support and most often even the best---
zoning must be reinforced with some type o@ acquisition.

Scenic Easements

Scenic easements are being used to protect river corridors by both

the federal and state governments. Although the particular terms

of the easements vary, they essentially amount to purchasing the

development rights on the property. Thes,e easements generally do not

allow public use of a property.

Easements seem ideal for protection of scenic river corridors. They

can preserve the views and vistas without.requiring outright purchase.

Along most rivers, public use of the entire corridor is not feasible

or even desirable. Several possible.advantages are offered by scenic

easements to both the managing agency and private land owners alike.

For example, scenic easements generally cost less than fee title which

allows the agency to stretch the impact of acquisition funds and the

easements offer permanent protection that zoning cannot. Land remains

on the tax rolls and there is negotiation flexibility (negotiation

easement terms). The landowners can often use their property as they

have in the past and still are being paid for the easement.

-25-

Fee Title

Along multiple ownership river corridors as in the Montreal River

corridor fee title acquisition has been used in varying degrees to

accomplish management goals. It is most practical to acquire in fee

title any land which is planned for development (i.e., parking lots,

overlooks etc.)

RIVER CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLANNING

The rivers of the upper Midwest have seen dramatic increases in

recreation use within recent years. The number of people using some

rivers has-doubled i the past few years and no leveling off is seen

in the trend. Management of river corridors should allow for the river

and adjoining land to meet certain standards.

A principal goal for the Montreal River Canyon should be to protect

the natural features of the area and provide a minimal level of

public access with the objectives of maintaining the natural free

flowing condition of the river; protect water quality; protect scenic,

geologic, fish and wildife, and other similar values; maintain

essentially primitive shorelines and areas adjacent to the river;

and provide recreation opportunities in harmony with the*Wild and

scenic nature of the river environment.

-26-

The flowage rights of the Lake Superior District Power Company.and

the existing dams on the study portion of the river preclude the

objective -.of maintaining the natural f ree flowing, condition-_;

Regulating public behavior on semi-developed sites is a management

challenge. There are many reasons why the public cannot be given

free roam in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Montreal

River -Canyon.- - - For example i- - trying --.to--@protect the area f-rom.

degradation, provide for visitors'- safety,,.protect-private-land-

ownerst rights and attempt to accommodate a reasonable number of

visitors will require compromises.

The -_r@esource must be managed in:-a way- -to -apply- the minimum amount-

of necessary controls in an inconspicuous way once the visitor

reaches.his destination. Themost-effective control-.probably is to

separate the visitor-from-his vehicle as soon as--possible and get

him to-travel on foot.

*MANAGEMENT CONCEPT

zoncept,of _"design capacity": states that the management of a

resource-oriented recreation area is conditioned by three characteristics:

1. The capability of-the resource-to sustain recreational uses,

2. The desire and expectations of the visitor-s.

3.. The intensity of management that is available.

-27-

The capability of the resource refers to the amount and kind of use

it will withstand. This feature of design-capacity is difficult to

qualify in terms of allowable user pressure. A visual assessment of

current site conditions combined with a resource evaluation for

development of facilities such as trails, overlooks, restrooms,'

etc., gives some indication of resource capability. The Montreal Canyon

site showed almost no visual evidence of any resource damage except for

a current logging operation. The site analysis has shown there are

areas suitable for development with limitations--particularly access,

ownership and excessive slopes,.

The desires and expectations of the visitor can generally be viewed as

a series of alternatives. At one end of the scale would be areas

of highly developed facilities where one would anticipate encountering

many people. At the other end of the scale would be an area of minimal-

development with little or no visitor facilities and where one would

not expect to meet or see many people.

Intensity of management depends on the amount of funds, governmental

responsibility and local effort put into an area. This varies to

some extent according to the amount of use anticipated, existing site

conditions and land ownership controls. For example, the environmentally

sensitive conditions of parts of the Canyon will require more intensive

management to maintain as visitor use increases. If administrators

anticipate they can only provide a minimum of management then they may

have to consider further controls of access minimizing use or they must

accept site deterioration,

-28-

RECOMMENDATIONS

The citizens planning committee recommended a low intensity of

management for the Montreal Canyon based on the following

three characteristics discussed on page 27.

1. The capability of the resource to sustain recreational uses.

2. The desire and expectations of the visitors.

3. The intensity of management that is available.

Using these three considerations, the Montreal Canyon Corridor

should remain a largely undeveloped area providing limited

access for small numbers of visitors. This would satisfy

the visitors and-administrators and help protect the resource.

The administrators could be private, county, state, federal or

a combination of municipalities. A site management recommendation

that should be applied to any alternative is the adoption of WDNV*s

"STAND TREATMENT METHODS IN AESTHETIC ZONES" for northern hardwood

types. This method should be practiced within the corridor of

the Montreal River between Saxon Flowage and Lake Superior. This

zone should be a minimum of a quarter mile wide on each side of

the river.

-29-

0ALTERNATIVE 1

Develop a primitive walk-in access to the primary scenic overlook

of the corridor.

q Site Recommendations:

a. Small parking area (8-10 cars) on CTH B

b. Brush and mark a trail approximately 1/2 mile in length

C. Construct minimal visitor safety control (wood rail for

about 300 feet.

d. Selective cut vegetation at several overlook points.

Management Re commendations:

a. Utilize trail easement to obtain access.

b. Obtain in fee area of overlook.

-30-

OOOP 000 0090
000

Ic
m

T.IX A.

*ALTERNATIVE 2

Develop a trail from Saxon Falls to primary scenic overlook at

canyon meander with selected overlook and river access points.

Site Recommendations:

a. Improve parking at Saxon hydroelectric plant on

Wisconsin side.

b. Develop trail and.overlook to Saxon Falls (approximately

300 feet from parking area..

C. Develop trail along Canyon rim from parking area to

primary overlook (approximately 3/4 to 1 mile).

d. Provide access to old copper mine and to bottom of canyon.

e. Develop overlooks with wood railing in selected areas..

Management'Recommendations;

a. Develop cooperative agreement with Lake Superior District

Power Company for park! ng area and access to the falls.

b. Obtain scenic and trail easements from private landowners

along canyon corridor.

C. Obtain in fee the area of primary overlook at the Canyon

meander.

d. Develop scenic easement agreement with.Gogebic County for

Canyon rim. in Michigan.

-32-

woo 000
dilloo

rr-l

0 ALTERNATIVE ---3

Develop a major trail paralleling the river corridor from Saxon

Flowage to Superior Falls.

Site Recommendations:

a. Develop two access points: 'at Saxon Flowage Dam and at

SUperior Falls. Access points to provide-improved

parking (8-10 cars) and informational signs showing

the Montreal Canyon Trail in respect to the canyon,

falls, Flambeau Trail and copper mine.

b. Provide overlooks at designated sites.

C. Provide river access off main trail.

d. Construct trail safety features where needed (steps,

rails, etc.).

Management Recommendations:

a. Develop cooperative plan with Lake Superior District Power

Company for access points and trails on their lands.

,b. Obtain trail easements on private lands.

C. Obtain in fee possible lands where overlooks and trails

are developed.

d. Develop scenic easement agreement with Gogebic County for

canyon rim (.300' deep) on Michigan side.

-34-

_AVr

An-so
MUM-
VALLS

I'D
#aAlS *16
E-P-va =,- pou
MONTREAL
F4@ CANYON
on the
mONTREAL Rmm
IRON COUNTY VVI.

so
00
0,
0
400

%
A4

@,Fp

Ajj*Atf'*

TAL.L
%

irn

LAC

CTH

-35- FIGURE 11

0 OTHER ALTERNATIVES

a. Promote canyon corridor as Wisconsin Scientific Area.

b. Obtain scenic easements 300 feet back from rim along

canyon corridor with no other developed 'access. Only

access.to canyon would be by river.

c. Consider future development of Flambeau Trail branch from

Saxon Harbor to Montreal Canyon.

-36-

CONCLUSION

This study has identified the Montreal Canyon Corridor as a

unique scenic resource highly sensitive to any development.

Access to the canyon is desirable but at a minimal level with

primitive facilities.

The unique nature. of the resource does not require intensive

management but rather protection from over-management.

The Montreal Canyon provides a visual link with.the geologic,

historic and-cultural history of Iron County. If protected

while at the same time providing the opportunity for access, it

will significantly add to the quality of the Iron County's

scenic resources.

-37-

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

CITIZEN PLANNING COMMITTEE

1. Ernest Valkama - Saxon

2. Arvo Crego - Saxon

3. Herb Kinney - Hurley

4. Bill Carow - Ironwood

5. Ken Clements - Saxon

6. Jim Butterbrod - Hurley

7. Geof Wendorf -Hurley

Geology Consultant - Steve Andrews

for Section 2 should be chocked out with'the people at the feet of white water with a tUrn to the left. The total drop Is
MONTREAL RIVER Saxon Dam, (715) 562-2770. probably 15 feet or so. and there are some nice standing
waves at the bottom. About a hundred yards below the falls,
there Is a four-foot drop which should be run very close to
Montreal River: Iron County, Wisconsin, and Gogabic Canoeable Days Per month the right shore. The chute has a 90 degree turn to the left; be
County, Michigan. month - Apr May ' June July * Aug Sep careful not to run Into the rock on the right side. There Is
Topo Maps: Little Girls. Point (1:62,500) 1956 and Ironwood, days 30 @1 30 25 16 another mile and a half of continuous rapids to the take-out.
(1:62,500) 1955. -There are a lot of rocks to dodge but no need for scouting.
Overview map: Ashland (1953). Scenery: Both sections. described here are very beautiful. Access to shore Is pretty good.. .
public land#: iron County plat book (1969) and Michigan., Section 2 has a lovely canyon with sheer cliffs of weathered. (5.1 miles) U.S. Highway 2 bridge. The recommended
DNR map of Gogeblc County (West) 1968. sandstone that makes it particularly outstanding. 0 take-out Is on the right bank upstream of the bridge.
Section 1 There is a gravel road on the west side of the river that
goes.back to Montreal (six miles).
Start: West Branch of Montreal River below Gila Campgrounds-. Saxon Harbor Park- has developed sItes. It is
Flowage, at the Highway 77 bridge. located off County Highway A on Lake Superior. This camp- Section 2
.End: Wisconsin Highway 2 bridge. ground Is run by the Iron County Parks Commission ' Court- (15.2 miles) Saxon Falls. We have not run the 10 -miles
Section 2 house, Hurley, Wisc. 54534. Call (715) 561-2695. A user fee is 0 between the end of Section I and the start of Section
Slarli Below Saxon Falls Dam, off of County Highway 9. charged. 2. The put-in for Section 2 Is below this falls. The
End: Wisconsin Highway 122 (Michigan Highway 505) rapids In this section rate grade 11 and are lame In com-
bridge. parison to those in the previous section. To get to the put-In
SEC. I SEC. 2 Points of Interest: go north from Saxon on State Highway 122 and turn east onto
Section I
Difficulty (high water) 11 County Highway B. Where B turns south, turn north onto a
I tr.
Difficulty (usual summer flow) 11-111 if (0.0 miles) Highway 77 bridge. This Is the recom- gravel road that goes to the Saxon Dam. There Is a stairway
Length 5 4 mended put-In. There Is a park west of this bridge In that goes down to the river here, just below the powerhouse.
Time 4 3 Montreal where cars can be parked, Permission should be obtained before putting In here as this ><
'-Width' 6-80 20-100 (1.2 miles) Bridge. From the put-in to this bridge,- the land Is owned by the Lake Superior District Power Company, tZ
Gradient 70 - 0 water Is fast, but there are no drops or rapids. Some Saxon Falls is just upstream of the powerhouse.
Drainage area - 262 . large boulders mark the beginning of Railroad Bridge (16.8 miles) Montreal River Canyon, This. Is a lan.
Water Conditions: Average flow for 32 years Is 325 cfs.The Rapids. Get out and scout when the railroad bridge Is In JV'h tastically beautiful gorge with high sheer cliffs on both
gauge was located in Gogebic County, Michigan, on the right sight. These rapids 'can be run, but they are wild. They con- qu sides of the river. The upper part of the canyon con-
bank about 1.5 miles downstream of the Saxon powerhouse, sist of a series of ledges which are close together. The whole sists mostly of dark volcanic basalt, while the lower canyon
Section I is on the West Branch of the Montreal River, which stretch must be run once started. There Is no way out In has walls of weathered sandstone conglomerate.
Is the outlet for the Gile Flowage. Check with the people at case of a capsize. The left shore Is a 60-foot high rock wall ' r,% (8.8 miles) Wisconsin Highway 122 (Michigan Highway
the dam to see if the gates are open before running the river. Width of rapids is 6 to 201feet. Portage on the right side and 505) bridge. This Is the take-out for this section.
This is a sporty river with many challenges. The -water level got up on the railroad tracks as quickly as possible. Carry on
the tracks about 400 feet or so around a curve going west.
SECTION Stop on the bridge and admire the roaring rapids-then walk
ft 2 cfs to the beginning of the next curve. There you can slide the
6 % j, boats down a steep bank to the river. Put-In as soon as
7 4OW
possible.
3000 0 (2.4 miles) Chicago & Northwestern Raliroad bridge.
a A stretch of several hundred yards of good grade III
rapids follows the bridge. Then there Is a drop which
M0
4- should be scouted. Continuous rapids follow, but you con
got In to shore occasionally, The next drop should be
0
scouted, too. It Is best to follow the main flow of water In the
'T i middle of the river. It Is necessary to make some pretty sharp
turns to avoid rocks and boulders. A mile or so below the
250 railroad bridge, there Is a park on the felt shore.
too low (4.0 miles) Sleet bridge. At the bridge, you hearths
0 roar of a waterfall, The first drop is easy, but It Is best
2001. to do some thorough scouting. The falls can probably

MONTREAL RIVER
Gogebic Co., Michigan
Lake Superior Iron Co--, Wisconsin
Map No. 26
Gogable County
5051 Michigan.
%..............
............. ......

Superior . . . ........................ ...
Falls
Legion Q
County
Park
ontrael River 0
UA N
Canyon
Saxton .................
Falls
305

Saxton
% - Dam
% ......... rpp Mud Cf.
Dam

................. . .... ....
-* ..... . ................................ . ..... .............
Iron County
Wisconsin
Soo Line R.R.
... . .......... -t4@
...... ...
........ . . ......

.. ............ ......... ...... ........
Y

%
Legend .................

Public land*
buildings % . .....
...... #411 nlersiaia
U.S. & State Hwys ........ Falls Curtsy
- Paved roads
- Unpaved roads 00 park
.. ........... County lines (in blue) - , 4!,,
MAN Forest bounderlea(blus 0
Railroads Iron County ....... ;@
CD
Power linel; Wisconsin I Hurley
Put In & take out ..... 0-1 -
Alternate lending@
A Campground
Z@,@ N,
MIN
Footbridge or Dam'
- Montreal
0 A City at village
0 !i. 1 2
Picnic area I I I X
0 Point Q( interest Stott In Milt$
Rapids
Grade Irapids
ile
Grade 2 rapids Pence Gile
jo Flow
Grade 3rapids
Grade .4 rapids ..... ......
Portage

APPENDIX C

SilVicultural and Forest Aesthetics Handbook WDNR

NORTHERN HARDWOOD TYPE

Stand-characteristics:

Uneven--taged except in unusual cases.- Very durable with'life span of 100-
200 years. Species range in tolerance from intermediate for yellow birch
to high for hard maple.
Aes-thetic Attractions:

All stands extremely ittractive during fall color period. Sawtimber
-stands attractive all year.

Silvicultural System:

Selective cutting controlled by-basal-area-using risk and vigor chara@ter-
istici to determine individual.tree selection.

Stand Description' Managemdnt Modifications

S
timber 1. Mal
aw* rk light improvement cuts every 7-10
years throughout entire diameter breadth
height range. Stabilize stand at 90-110
sq. ft. Maintain large individual
trees 'as long as vigor remains high.
Favor maple (particularly red).for
color.- Discriminate against elm
-where'stand density level permits.
Remove-cull trees -in-first cutting
when possible unless aesthetically
valuable. Retain pine "sentinels"
evenif stumpage value is sacrificed.

-10
2.7- -Poletimer 2. Mark improvement cuts ever 7
years. Control stand at 90-110 sq.ft.
Thin slightly heavier adjacent.to road
to develop full crowns. Maintain
large_.individual trees as long as
vigor rem@ii@s'high. Favor maple
Iparticularly red), white birch and
conifers. Discriminate against elm
where stand density permits. Remove
ctill trees in first cutting when pos-
sible unless aesthetically valuable.

3. Reproduction 3. Allow stand to develop naturally un-
less opportunity exists for noncommer-
cial sanitation thinning. Favor maple
(particularly red) white birch and
conifers. Discriminate against elm.
Interplant with white spruce in under-
stocked stands. Encourage natural firm
groups if present.

Stand Treatment Methods in Aesthetic Zones

Whenever possible aesthetic management should be integrated into
commercial logging operations. However', it is anticipated-that due to
the variety of conditions and the special attentions demanded in the treat@z-
ments that separate small sale contracts or permits will be needed to
ac.compl-ish the.managemen.t-objective. The development of small-scale jobbers
who are interested in and properly equipped to handle aesthetic zone
cuttings would be the ideal.* Whichever method is used, certai*n principles
of stand treatment should be followed,

The following stand treatment methods are intended to:

1. MAintain aesthetic zones in a healthy,.forested, and aesthetic-
ally pleasing condition.
2. Reduce damage to residual trees.
3.- Reduce,visible evidence of logging.
4. Reduce soil erosion.

Logging'. Control
A. All loggin g with-the exception of pure conifer stands should be
done when residual hardwoods are,',leafless to reduce felling
damage and to eliminate persistent foliage in tops.
B. All tops should-be -treated so that all slash is within 18 inches
of the ground.' This may require disposal effort by the sale
con ractor or by f6i6ii-iccount.
C. No tops will be left in ditches,.on shoulders-br in*streams or lakes.
D. Landings for forest products should not be permitted in the*
aesthetic'zohe.' No debarking equipment-should-be allowed to
operate -within sight-. of the travelled thoroughf are.
E. Logging"road.entrances'to public roads should.be constructed in
a manner that will-n ot detract from scenic values. Entrances
should be at an angle instead of perpendicular and curve so as
to screen the road. Excessive bulldozing effort should not be
permitted.
F4-- All- skid trails should-be well-spaced and on the contour and lead
back away from the aesthetic zone. Skidding to public roadsides
should be discouraged,
G. Skidding equipment must be of a type approved for use in aesthetic
zones. Excessively large equipment which will cause damage should
not be allowed. Skidding must be done in a careful manner to
protect residual trees.

SAle Sign

A.. Personnel establishing timber sales in or adjacent to aesthetic
zones must have a sensitivity for scenic values. Orientation and
training must be given in techniques to be used to preserve and
enhance these values.
B . -Distances specified in the prescriptions are intended to be guide-
lines. Zone boundaries should be established so as to blend with
the environment, i.e., topography, stand conditions, sight dis-
tances, etc. Management should blend.- Fully-utilize available
topographic maps, aerial photographs and soil surveys and com--
bining these with local knowledge or field reconnaissance to

ascertain on-the-ground conditions*.
C. Whenever practical, use perennial streams as harvest-cutting
boundaries with provision for a streamside management zone to
otec.t..stream bank integrity and water quality, and with skid-
ding planned away.from these streams and the adjacent streamside
pr

management zones.
Cutting boundaries should utilize 'topographic terrain, ridges,
roads and- -forest type changes where ownership patterns permit and
should provide a,harvest area size consistent with economical
skidding, available 1 'ogging: equipment, silvicultural require-
ments and other management objectives.
E. An appropriate silvicultural system and cutting design should be
planned to optimize economic skidding distances, to minimize road
densities. and unnecess-ary- road construction and for efficient
establishment and management of 'subsequent forest crops.
F. Plan cutting layouts to avoid leaving narrow unmanageable strips
of timber suisceptible to storm damage and vindthrow. Strip
clear exittings should be curved to avoid "tunnel-like@'. appearances.
G. Paint marks should face away from the road.
H. Plastic ribbons and painted boundaries should be used discreetly.
I. Patches of overstocked' timber should be retained for.' variety and
cultural interest where possible.
J. Uniform spacing in plantations and thinnings should be modified
to develop a natural stand appeatance.
Noncommercial Cuttings

Treatments of-a noncommercial nature should be made in a manner which will
enhance aesthetic values. This means that slash, cut trees, brush, etc.,
should be within 18 inches of the ground. Stump heights should be low.
Saplings should not be severed.'. .high above the gxoufid. Salvage for firewood
is encouraged where--such removaL will not have detrimental impact on scenic
values.*

Herbicide treatment should be avoided in aesthetic zones. Stump treatment
to prevent sprouting may be desirable at times. However, mechanical treat-
ment methods are recommended.

Pruning

All pruning should be done according to standard acceptable practices.
However, pruning to variable heights should be considered to prevent an
artificial appearance to the stand.

Planting

Tree and shrub plantings can be used to screen unsightly dumps, borro@7 pits,
gravel pits, power and gas line R.O.W.s, etc. Underplantings and inter-
plantings can often be used to develop long range solutions to aesthetic
problems. Plantings should be adapted to the site and performed -according
to good forestry practices.

Large block type plantings of a single species that create a monotype culture
within an area shall be discouraged. Plantations shall be established to
achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and to provide for added
diversity of type. Planting will be accomplished by varying 'the direction

of the rows or contouring to create a more natural' appearance, plantiripg on
the contour, using shallow furrows or eliminating furrows where practical.
In planting adjacent to-,a major-roadway, the first rows should be parallel
to the roadway to meet aesthetic concerns and provide game cover.-

APPENDIX D

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Center for Lake Superior Environmental S tudies (CLSES) University
of Wisconsin, Superior and Sigurd Olson Institute of Environmental
Studies, Northland College, Ashland, Wisconsin's Lake Superior
Basin Water Quality Study, April 1973.

Great Lakes-A-r-c-haeological---Research Center, Inc., Reports of Investigation
No. 57.,,An Historical and Archaeological Reconnaissance of the
Saxon Harbor Area, Iron County, Wisconsin, April 1979.

Paul, R. K. and R. A., Geology of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Kendall
Hunt Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa, 1977.

USDA Forest Service and General Technical Report NC-28, Proceedings:
River Recreation Management aiid Research Symposium-L January 24-27
1977.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Resource of
Iron County,-1970.

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