In the mid-1800s, the Crivitz area was a wild territory. After
the Great Peshtigo Fire in 1871, a wave of new immigrants
began sweeping through the area. Many of these new
immigrants came as adventurers, but many came to help
rebuild the area. Logging and sawmills were the major
industries until the forested lands became depleted from over
harvesting and wildfi re. It was during this time the cut over
and burned forestland was converted to agricultural land and
construction of the dams began on the Peshtigo River.
The Peshtigo River originates north of Crandon, WI, near
the source of the Wolf River. The river fl ows through Forest
and Marinette Counties before emptying into Green Bay,
seven miles southeast of the city of Peshtigo. The Peshtigo
meanders its way through heavy forestlands, wooded
lowlands, farmlands, and marshy sloughs. An interesting
fact about the Peshtigo River is that it has more and larger
rapids for its length than any other river in Wisconsin.
This fact, together with its high and rocky banks, assured
numerous sites for dams. The primary function of the dams
is the generation of electrical energy for northeast Wisconsin,
but they also contribute to the recreational enjoyment and
economic progress and stability of this area.
The High Falls Dam was constructed during 1907–1911,
and began operation around 1911. The Caldron Falls Dam
was constructed during 1924–1926 and began operation
during 1925. The Johnson Falls Dam was constructed from
1922–1924 and operation began in 1924.
Located on sandy outwash, Johnson Falls is located along both sides of a 1.5 mile section of the Peshtigo River. Here the river flows through a narrow, rocky to sandy-bottomed valley with steep slopes and gently rolling sandy plains above the valley. Below the Johnson Falls Dam are mature forests situated on the steep, sandy slopes and on old river terraces. Mature dry-mesic pine and oak forest and a white cedar dominated wet-mesic forest are the dominant features. The wet-mesic forest contains some cedars exceeding 15 inches in diameter. Common canopy associates are balsam fir, and black spruce with paper birch, white spruce, basswood, white pine, black ash, hemlock, and red maple. The ground layer is diverse and contains species such as three-leaved goldthread, orange jewelweed, naked miterwort, dwarf red raspberry, wild sarsaparilla, American spurred-gentian, and various sedges. Sphagnum mosses form an extensive carpet in some parts of the stands. Seeps and spring runs occur at the slope base and these areas support dense masses of bulblet bladder fern, golden ragwort, cinnamon fern, and common oak fern. Two plants of special concern are present including sheathed sedge (Carex vaginata). The sandy uplands contain some areas of high quality white and red pine forest and more open areas support the rare Deam's rockcress (Arabis missouriensis). Also present is a granitic bedrock outcrop with a relatively undisturbed glade and dry cliff community on the slopes and uplands on the northeast side of the river. Hill's oak, with red maple, white oaks, white pine and jack pine are the primary trees present. The sparse shrublayer is comprised of hazelnut and early low blueberry while the ground flora contains poverty oatgrass, Pennsylvania sedge, big bluestem, and little bluestem. Lichens and mosses are common on exposed bedrock and thin soil. Johnson Falls is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.
The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to Dave Halfmann and Sara Pearson of the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource managed lands require permission by means of a notification form.