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
Other Recreation Lands
- State Parks
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- State Trails
- State Forests
- Forest Legacy Program
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- State Parks & Trails Hunting Opportunities
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- Voluntary Public Access Program
- Interactive Map Viewer
Statewide Recreation Opportunities
Gardner Swamp Wildlife Area
Gardner Swamp Wildlife Area is a 1,180 acre property located in Door County. The property consists of forest and marsh. Find it southwest of Sturgeon Bay. To access the west side of the property, from CTH C take Gravel Pit Road east or Four Corners Road east. To access the north side of property, from CTH C take Pickeral Rd. south.
Acquisition of the property began in 1958. Support was strong from local sportsmen to purchase the property which frequently was subject to damning and flooding from beaver. The property is primarily lowland forest and marsh but some upland does exist on the property. The marsh portion of the property is significant, it provides habitat critical to the endangered Hines Emerald dragon fly.
Management
Management Objective
The Gardner Swamp WA is a Conservation Opportunity Area [PDF 117KB] for managing the Great Lakes and their shorelines of global significance according to Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan. It is managed to provide opportunities for public hunting, trapping, and other outdoor recreation while protecting the qualities of the unique native communities and associated species found on the property. Thinning and improvement cutting is used to maintain the white cedar and swamp hardwood types. The marsh, shrub-carr, and grassland types are maintained with brushing, mowing and prescribed fire. Populations of invasive species are controlled or eliminated by cutting, pulling, burning, herbicide treatment and/or bio-control.
Recreation
The following recreational opportunities exist at Gardner Swamp Wildlife Area:
- Hunting - waterfowl, small game, deer
- Trapping
- Hiking
- Pets (Note)
- Bird watching
Map
Download [PDF 142KB] a map of this property.
Useful Links
For more information on Gardner Swamp Wildlife Area contact the property manager.
Questions for Wildlife Management
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