Meadow Valley Wildlife Area

History

Meadow Valley Wildlife Area has a flat topography 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. After the turn of the century and land clearing was completed, numerous ditches were dug in an attempt to farm the area. But, the short and 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. It is currently 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 reforested. Natural forest growth has reclaimed most of the remaining uplands. Most of the flowage areas on the property were constructed during the 1950’s and 60’s. Many of the camping areas on the Meadow Valley are remnant farm fields.

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, the size and diversity of the property provide opportunities for hiking, berry picking, and observing wildlife in a truly natural setting.

Forested areas are carefully managed to provide a mixture of young, middle, and old age timber that is most conducive to wildlife production. This forest management scheme also maintains a sustained yield of forest products.

Prescribed burning is used to encourage wetland vegetation by eliminating woody growth and releasing nutrients. Burning is also 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 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.

44.21652, -90.221106     Lat/Long for kiosk/parking area & access to Flowage Road to primitive camping area
44.183864, -90.224571     Lat/Long for “Johnson Corner”, access to primitive camping area
44.155128, -90.268323     Lat/Long for Beaver Flowage, access to primitive camping area
44.12485, -90.261521     Lat/Long aong Eisfieldt Road, access to primitive camping area

Source: WDNR