DNR To Host Public Meeting On Habitat Improvements Planned For Havenwoods State Forest

MADISON, Wis. –  The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced it will hold a public information meeting on planned habitat improvements for Havenwoods State Forest at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.

The Havenwoods State Forest Rehabilitation Project covers 237 acres of urban forest in Milwaukee. Havenwoods is one of Milwaukee’s largest natural habitats, dedicated to public education, recreation and flood control. The initiative aims to bring back healthy native plant communities that have been lost due to urban development. Returning the land at Havenwoods to diverse, native plant communities will increase populations of wildlife species that have become rare due to loss of the habitats that they need to thrive.

The project includes large scale forest, prairie and wetland restoration and control of invasive plant species. The planned management activities include prescribed burning, wetland scrape, forestry mowing, herbicide application, overseeding and planting of prairie and forest. The project will increase the variety and abundance of wildlife species that people can watch and enjoy. Other benefits of this project include enhanced natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, improved safety for visitors and additional environmental education activities.

Havenwoods State Forest is located within the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. An Area of Concern is a site on the Great Lakes that has a history of significant environmental harm from urban pollution and development, preventing people and wildlife from fully using or enjoying the local waterways. Creating healthy habitats at Havenwoods will help wildlife populations recover and it’s one of many projects that will help heal the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern.

The public will have the opportunity to ask the DNR and habitat design consultants questions about the planned management activities and learn more about the timeline. There will be an introduction to the planned habitat management activities and presentation from 1 - 2 p.m. in the nature center and virtually, followed by a hike to explore a portion of the project areas.

The presentation will be recorded and uploaded to the Waterway Restoration Partnership website the week following the live meeting. Following the meeting, the public is encouraged to provide their input.

Event Details

What: Havenwoods Habitat Design Public Information Meeting

When: Saturday, Aug. 17 Presentation from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by an optional hike from 2 to 3 p.m.

Where:
Havenwoods State Forest
6141 N Hopkins St
Milwaukee, WI 53209

You can also join this meeting virtually on Microsoft Teams.