Augusta Wildlife Area

Augusta Wildlife Area is a 2,503 acre property located 4 miles north of the City of Augusta, in Eau Claire County. Kelly Road and it's junction with County Road G form the western and northen boundaries of the area. Parking areas are located off Hwy. G, Kelley Rd, and Wildlfe Rd. This 2,500-acre marsh and woodland lies just south of Lake Eau Claire. Hiking trails and gravel roads provide access into the interior of the property.

The area consists of gently rolling, sandy upland soils interspersed with lowland peat and marshlands which were probably formed by melting glaicers 10,000 years ago.

The Augusta Wildlife Area is comprised of 2 Ecological Landscapes; Western Coulee and Ridges (82%) and Central Sand Plains (18%). More information can be found about these on our Ecological landscapes webpage.

History of Property

Prior to presettelment in the 1930's, the northern half of Augusta wildlife area was historically Jack pine, scrub (hill's) oak forest and barrens. The southern half of the property was Oak -- white oak, black oak, bur oak (with a minute portion in White pine and Red pine). During the settlement era the entire region was subject to explosive timber harvest and probably was burned over by wildfire. Marshlands were drained creating a negative impact on the thousands of ducks and geese that used the area. The DNR began purchasing lands here between 1942-1955 and the Augusta State Wildlife Area was created to restore wetlands. Three flowages were constructed in 1957, 1960 and 1966 and provide a combined water surface area of ~140 acres. In addition, ten potholes and many ditches provide habitat for mallards, blue-winged teal and woodduck. Muskrats and beaver are also common to the area. Today, The Augusta Wildlife area is managed primarily for waterfowl, ruffed grouse and deer.

For more information on Augusta Wildlife Area contact the property manager.

Questions for Wildlife Management