Find DNR Managed Lands

New Features

1. - the main driving force behind displaying the data.
   • The Map button - will display DNR properties with roads, cities, rivers, lakes and many other features on a very clean looking, simple to navigate map.
   • The Satellite button - will use to quickly display satellite or aerial photography
2. - gives the user the ability to display data in a number of different ways
   • DNR Lands - the traditional way our 1.6 million acres of land are represented. Fee title ownership is green, easement lands are pink.
   • Recreational Data - a popular theme to most outdoor enthusiasts. This allows you to see trout streams, natural areas, wildlife areas, state parks, boat landings, shore fishing opportunities and more.
   • Stewardship Lands - over twenty years ago (1990) the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was set up to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. This is one way of finding where these lands are.
   • Stewardship Grants - over twenty years ago (1990) the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was set up to also work with various local units of government and non-profit conservation organizations in the form of grant dollars. This options allows you to quickly locate these properties.
   • Federal Interest Lands - numerous DNR properties have been purchased with the aid of federal dollars. This options gives the ability to see all the lands that have a federal interest.
   • Acquisition History - the DNR has been acquiring land since 1857. The map will show how the State has acquired property since we first started protecting lands. Check it out, it's kind of neat!
3. 
   • Find DNR Land - allows a person to find any DNR property in the state based on a series of steps. If you want all wildlife properties, select wildlife and GO. If you want all wildlife properties in Dane County you can do that too!
   • Print -gives you the ability to print an 8.5 x 11 map.
   • Identify - when something on the map seems confusing or you don't know what they represent, simply click this tool and the feature of interest on the map. The result will be displayed in a results window with more information.
   • Measure - this tool allows you to measure linear or area features on the ground and to determine the distance in feet, acres or even miles. How far is that favorite hunting spot from the road!
   • Transparency - this tool allows you to change the transparency of any number of "layers" on the map. If you want to see the property on an aerial photo - change the transparency to allow the background to become more clear. Try the slider and experiment with it, you'll love it!
   • Search - allows you to search for any DNR property, municipality, county, river/lake or even an address. DNR properties will automatically appear in the center of the map.
   • Legend - what does the green or pink color mean? If you don't know then click on the legend tool. Only the data that is represented on a map will appear in the legend.
4. Data Enhancements
   • color satellite images seamlessly integrated with aerial photography
   • local parks in a city near you. Pick your favorite municipal park it should now be visible on the map. (Data courtesy of Tele Atlas and ESRI).
   • county and national forests
   • trout streams with stream classifications
   • State Natural Areas
   • shore fishing opportunities
   • boat access locations
   • Deer, Turkey, and Bear Management Units
   • and more….

Background

The State of Wisconsin has a variety of outstanding natural resources, such as rushing trout streams, quiet wetlands, pristine wild rivers, clear lakes, native prairies, vast green forests, Ice Age eskers, and picturesque waterfalls. Wisconsin's increasing population, together with out-of-state visitors, is placing increased pressure and demands on these resources. Each year, thousands of people boat, camp, fish, hunt, hike, bike, ski, canoe, sight-see, study nature, and pursue other outdoor activities. Our public lands are places where we can get away from daily routines and enjoy the natural beauty Wisconsin has to offer.

Over the years, Wisconsin citizens have recognized the need to protect Wisconsin's natural resources and have provided the DNR with the ability and funding to purchase land. DNR's first purchase was made in 1876, and, since then, the DNR's land acquisition program has become an important tool to protect natural resources and provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the public.

The DNR purchases land to manage and protect natural resources and to provide recreational opportunities to all the people of the state. Through the land acquisition program, wetlands, forests, scenic areas, prairies, savannas, wildlife and fish habitat, rare species habitat, glacial features, and other resources are being protected and managed.

See also: Real Estate Program

Previous Map Version

This mapping site is best viewed at display settings 1024 x 768.

Map Themes

Four different map views "themes" can be accessed via the blue "Themes" tab in the application, or we've provided you with the ability to load the application starting with a particular theme from this page.

Mapping Application Help

Navigating Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

DNR manages lands through ownership, easement, or lease rights. The map data should not be interpreted as representing legal property boundaries. State lands depicted are generally open to the public. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Information about the actual property management can be found at the DNR Regional office nearest the property.

Neither the State of Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources, nor any of its employees shall be held liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information described and/or contained herein, and they assume no responsibility for anyone's use of the information.

It is responsible for implementing the laws of the state and, where applicable, the laws of the federal government that protect and enhance the natural resources of our state.

Contact

Please help us improve our mapping application. For comments, suggestions, or problems, contact:

Doug Haag
608.266.2136