Blackhawk Unit – Lower Wisconsin State Riverway

Blackhawk Unit – Lower Wisconsin State Riverway is an 815 acre property located in Dane County. The property consists of upland hardwood forest, prairies, and savanna. Find it 6 miles north of Mazomanie or 3 miles south of Sauk City on Hwy. 78.

The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway is located in the Western Coulee and Ridges Ecological landscape. It is a Conservation Opportunity Area and a Large River Corridor of Continental Significance in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan. [PDF 103KB]

The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Land Legacy Place.

Management

Management Objective

The goal of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway as stated in the 1988 Master Plan is to provide a quality public use area for unique river corridor activities and compatible recreational pursuits; maintain the generally natural and scenic landscape of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, and manage the corridor’s natural resources for the long-term benefit of the citizens of the area and state.

Management objectives include big river protection and maintenance, prairie and oak savanna restoration and maintenance, restoration and maintenance of red and white oak, and control of invasive species. The native prairie and savanna are managed actively through tree/shrub control using tree harvest, brushing and especially fire to mimic natural disturbance patterns.

The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board, [Exit DNR] a unique and separate State agency, is responsible for the scenic protection of the river valley.

Over 285 bird and 45 mammal species are abundant within the LWSR.