Hacker Drive Wildlife Area
Hacker Drive Wildlife Area is a 29-acre parcel that is entirely wetland. The property is located in West Bend Township (T.11N R.19E. Sec 20). From West Bend, travel west on Highway 33, turn south on County Road Z, then west on Hacker Drive. The property holds one of only 10 bogs in Washington County. It is a good-quality sphagnum bog bordered by sedge meadow, shallow marsh and shrub-carr.
The property was purchased in 1995 to protect and enhance the warm water fish spawning and nursing habitat in Gilbert Lake.
Since being purchased, the property has been managed to produce a cover that can be utilized by wildlife to provide hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Management Objectives
Current management practices focus on monitoring the invasive species on the property to prevent their spread. Herbicide treatment is used to control the targeted species.
Local hydrologic changes are monitored to determine changes in drainage patterns that could disrupt the bog's functions.
Future management is directed toward protecting the current habitat.
For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.
Recreation
The Hacker Drive Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding;
- Hiking (no designated trail);
- Fishing;
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
- Trapping;
- Wildlife viewing;
- Wild edibles/gathering; and
- Hunting.
Maps
Download a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can find it on this interactive map.
