Augusta Wildlife Area
The Augusta Wildlife Area is a 2,127-acre property located 3.5 miles northeast of Augusta in eastern Eau Claire County. A large portion of the property consists of a wetland complex with three impoundments that control water levels to create a habitat for waterfowl and other wetland species.
The next largest portion of the property is forested with aspen, oak, and other mixed hardwood forests. Deer, turkey, grouse, and bear are common game species that can be found in these woods, along with a large suite of forest-dwelling songbirds.
The northwest corner of the property has recently been converted to a remnant barrens habitat. This rare ecosystem contains a habitat for threatened and endangered species and further restoration will be occurring to enhance this habitat.
The property neighbors the Eau Claire County Forest, so there are many public land opportunities when visiting here. This wildlife area is also a birding hotspot on eBird and offers the opportunity to see a variety of different species in its wetland, forest, and barrens habitats.
History
Prior to settlement in the 1930s, the northern half of the Augusta Wildlife Area was historically jack pine, scrub (hill's) oak forest and barrens. The southern half of the property was oak, including white oak, black oak and bur oak, with a minute portion in white pine and red pine. During the settlement era, the entire region was subject to explosive timber harvest and was probably burned over by wildfire. Marshlands were drained, creating a negative impact on the thousands of ducks and geese that used the area. The DNR began purchasing lands here between 1942-1955 and the Augusta State Wildlife Area was created to restore wetlands. Three flowages were constructed in 1957, 1960 and 1966 and provide a combined water surface area of about 140 acres. In addition, 10 potholes and many ditches provide a habitat for mallards, blue-winged teal and wood ducks. Muskrats and beaver are also common to the area. Today, the Augusta Wildlife area is managed primarily for waterfowl, ruffed grouse and deer.
Management Objective
Wetland management consists of water level manipulation on the three impoundments to create a moist soil habitat that benefits waterfowl and shorebirds during migrations. Alternating impoundments between low and high water provide differing habitats year-round.
Forest management includes timber harvest of forested stands. This is done so in a way that creates a diverse matrix of different age classes across the landscape that provides optimal young forest habitat for deer, grouse, woodcock, and many other forest species.
Barrens management consists of timber stand improvement to remove undesirable tree species like red maple and aspen and promote the open landscape of oak and jack pine barrens. Prescribed fire is also a tool to enhance the forbs and grasses in the understory and set back woody species growth.
There are also a handful of forest wildlife openings on the property that are mowed to promote forbs and grasses to feed wildlife. A few of these openings also have plantings of apple trees.
Recreation
Augusta Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (noted for deer, bear, waterfowl, turkey and grouse)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - parking is available.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - no designated trail.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
