Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area

Management

History of Management

The Grand River Marsh has long provided excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife and migratory waterfowl. Area sportsman’s clubs in the 1930’s and 1940’s conceived the idea of converting it into a wildlife refuge. The proposal received continued support locally as clubs sponsored fund raising projects and contributed money toward acquisition and development. Their verbal and moral support was considered much more valuable than the monetary contributions.

Public support for this wildlife area is considered to be among the strongest received in recent history. The preliminary project statement was submitted January 16, 1958, and the Wisconsin Conservation Commission approved acquisition of land on 21 February, 1958. Land acquisition began that same year.

Much of the uplands and marsh were farmed and grazed. Portions of the marsh were ditched for farming and the west end has deep muck soils. Marsh hay was once an important crop produced on this marsh, with reed canary and wire grass being the main species.

Management Objective

Current management programs include wetland and oak savannah restoration. Water level manipulation to provide quality waterfowl habitat and deep water marsh habitat is the primary goal in the Main Impoundment, but an excellent fishery has responded to the current water management regime.

Recreation

The following recreational opportunities exist at Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area:

Hunting** - pheasant (2pm closure rules apply) Trapping - see above for the Waterfowl Closed area Hiking - no designated trails Biking – town road only Pets (Note) Private campground near Wildlife Area

Auto travel Berry picking Cross country skiing - no designated trails Fishing Wildlife Viewing Bird watching Canoeing - no motor boats or electric motors allowed.

**There is a Waterfowl Closed Area, located on the west end of the wildlife area (see map linked below), that is closed to all hunting, trapping and boat access during all waterfowl seasons (except it is open for Regular Deer Gun and Muzzleloader Deer Hunting). The Waterfowl Closed Area Boundary is clearly posted with yellow Department signs. The remainder of Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area is open for all other hunting and trapping seasons.

Other information/regulations include: No motor boats or electric motors are allowed at any time on the Wildlife Area. Special Pheasant Hunting Rules Apply - 2 pm Closure. Mourning dove hunting opportunities may be found on farm fields.

Map

Download [PDF 238KB] a map of this property.

Useful Links

• Hunting in Wisconsin
• Hunting and Trapping Regulations
• Season Dates
• Marquette County and Green Lake County Information [Exit DNR]
• Plan your trip to Marquette and Green Lake Counties [Exit DNR]