Wildlife Areas
Wildlife Management Project Areas
- Central WI Grasslands Conservation Area
- SW WI Grassland & Stream Conservation Area
- Glacial Habitat
Restoration Areas - Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area
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Statewide Recreation Opportunities
Big Beaver Creek Wildlife Area
Big Beaver Creek Wildlife Area is a 572 acre property located approximately 4.5 miles northwest of Wheeler or 4.5 miles northeast of Boyceville. A small parking area is located off of 1210th Ave.
Big Beaver Creek is the primary water resource on this wildlife area as it flows through the middle of the property for nearly 2 miles. Little Beaver Creek flows through the east side of the property for a half mile before meeting Big Beaver Creek near the southeast corner of the wildlife area. There is also a roughly 2 acre impoundment in the center of the property. The areas adjacent to the creeks are primarily lowland brush and trees. The uplands are dominated by cool season grasses and an occasional oak tree. A small oak savanna restoration can also be found to the southwest of Big Beaver Creek.
The western most 110 acres of this property comprise Big Beaver Meadow State Natural Area. The meadow contains nearly equal elements of wet prairie and southern sedge meadow. This site lies near the botanical transition zone possessing both northern and southern species including several species of greatest conservation need.
Management
Management Objective
Acquisition of lands for the Big Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area began in 1959 to protect and provide public access to Big and Little Beaver Creeks and the associated wetland complex. The final acquisition occurred in 1973 and included the area where the parking lot currently is located, providing a spectacular view of the Big Beaver Creek marsh.
Historically the management objective on this property was to protect the wildlife habitat associated with the creeks and marsh and to manage the merchantible timber on the property, which included tamarack. Today, little tamarack remains, and protecting that dwindling resource is an important management objective. The large open prairie area is managed in a manner that will keep it an open landscape. A great deal of effort has gone into restoring the oak savanna as well; this area had been pastured for many years in the past.
Prescribed burning takes place on the grasslands every 5 years or so. In addition some intermittent mowing takes place to limit brush encroachment. Mechanical tree/brush removal is the primary management method currently in use in the savanna area.
Recreation
The following recreational opportunities exist at Big Beaver Creek Wildlife Area:
- Hunting - deer, bear, turkey, pheasant, waterfowl, small game
- Trapping
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Berry picking
- Fishing
- Bird watching
- Pets (Note)
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Useful Links
For more information on Big Beaver Creek Wildlife Area contact the property manager.
Questions for Wildlife Management
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