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Meadow Valley Wildlife Area
Meadow Valley Wildlife Area is a 58,000 acre property. It is located in Central Wisconsin between Necedah and Babcock, about two hours driving time north from Madison. It is 25 miles southwest of Wisconsin Rapids and 20 miles north of Mauston. Or, one mile west of Babcock on Highway X.
Property History
The wildlife area lies within the bed of old Glacial Lake Wisconsin. The topography is flat with a mixture of large marshes and low sandy ridges. Most of the sand was deposited by wind after the glacial waters receded.
During the late 1800's, settlers logged the large white and red pine that dominated the upland forest. The land clearing was completed and numerous ditches were dug in an attempt to farm the area after the turn of the century. A short unpredictable growing season, poor soil, and excessive drainage taxes caused most of the farms to be abandoned. The federal government purchased the tax delinquent land under the Jones-Bankhead Farm Tenant Act. In 1940, the 90 square mile Meadow Valley WIldlife Area (Central Wisconsin Conservation Area)was leased to the state of Wisconsin and is administered under a cooperative agreement with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
During the Civilian Conservation Corps era, numerous ditch plugs were installed and several areas were forested. Natural forest growth has reclaimed most of the remaining uplands. Many of the camping areas on the Meadow Valley are remnant farm fields. Most of the flowage areas on the property were constructed during the 1950's and 60's.
Management
Management Objective
Today, forest wildlife and waterfowl are the primary species managed on the property. The oak, pine, aspen and mixed forests provide optimum conditions for ruffed grouse, woodcock, deer, squirrels, wild turkey, and furbearers. The flowages provide hunting opportunities for geese and ducks as well as trapping for muskrat, mink, and beaver.
In addition to the excellent hunting offered, the size and diversity of the property provide some fine opportunities for hiking, berry picking, and observing wildlife in a truly natural setting.
Forested areas are carefully managed to provide the mixture of young, middle, and old age timber that is most conducive to wildlife production. This forest management scheme will also maintain a sustained yield of forest products.
Prescribed burning is used to encourage wetland vegetation by eliminating woody growth and releasing nutrients. Burning is occasionally used as a forest management tool to stimulate regrowth, reduce slash, and prepare sites for planting. Drawdowns on certain flowages are used to improve feeding conditions for ducks and geese. This duplicates a natural cycle of wet and dry periods and improves habitat for all wetland species.
Future efforts will be directed toward improving the forest management program and maintaining the existing flowages. Public hunting and other compatible recreation will be the primary uses.
Recreation
The following recreational opportunities exist at Meadow Valley Wildlife Area:
- Hunting
- Trapping
- Hiking
- Pets (Note)
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowmobiling (restricted to marked trails)
- Berry picking
- Wildlife viewing
- Bird watching
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Map
Download [PDF 109KB] a map of this property.
Useful Links
For more information on Meadow Valley Wildlife Area contact the property manager.
Questions for Wildlife Management
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