Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area

The Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area (WPHRA) was established in 1999 and encompasses 350,000 acres within 15 townships in St. Croix and Polk Counties. The acreage goal of 15,000 acres will permanently protect approximately 10% of the historic grassland acreage within the project.

Property History

At the time of settlement by European immigrants in the mid-1800s, significant portions of western Wisconsin were covered by expanses of open grassland. The land was called “prairie” by early French settlers who could think of no other way to describe it than the word they used for “meadow”. This area of Polk and St. Croix counties once had nearly 200,000 acres of tall grass prairie and oak savanna that were dotted with rich wetlands. Wildlife was abundant. In fact, many of the first visitors to the area reported great numbers of bison, elk, and wild fowl.

In addition to the large expanse of native grasslands, nearly 140,000 acres were covered by oak brush, oak, forest and aspen. Since all of these vegetative communities depend on periodic disturbance, it is likely that wildfires were a frequent occurrence on the landscape. It is also likely that the actual prairie and savanna acreage fluctuated over time depending on the distribution, frequency and intensity of wildfires.

The project area includes prairie remnants from one of the largest prairies found in the state along with a mix of grasslands, potholes and marshes that are extremely conducive to pheasant and waterfowl production. Natural woodlands within the area are comprised primarily of oak/hickory, southern mesic hardwood and aspen. Some of these forests are likely former oak savanna or prairie that were allowed to fill in with trees once fire was no longer a frequent occurrence. Reductions in habitat quality and quantity because of land use changes have contributed to the decline of grassland nesting wildlife populations. In addition, wetland loss or degradation has been an important factor in the decline of many wetland wildlife species. Ten species of birds known to occur in this area are state-listed as endangered or threatened and 19 species are listed as special concern. The area also includes 54 rare plant species, 18 of which are state-listed endangered or threatened.

Kinnickinnick Wet Prairie, Apple River Canyon, Farmington Bottoms, and Standing Cedars State Natural Areas are located within the WPHRA. The Western Prairie is a Land Legacy Place [PDF 2.6MB]. And the WPHRA is part of the Prairie Pothole Conservation Opportunity Area [PDF 54KB] within the Western Prairie Ecological Landscape according to Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan.

Management

The large, landscape scope of the project is based upon comprehensive research of biodiversity and ecosystem management practices. Restoration of viable grasslands and wetlands to provide habitat for waterfowl, pheasants and grassland birds is the primary objective of the WPHRA project. Additional management objectives include the preservation of public open space and recreational opportunities as well as improved water quality. The intent is to widely scatter suitable habitat throughout the area in a checkerboard pattern, combining working farms with prairie, savanna, and wetlands.

Grassland cover is provided by maintaining or enhancing existing grasslands through prescribed burning, mowing, herbicide application and limited haying and grazing. Agricultural lands are converted to prairie as the opportunities arise. Wetlands are restored, created or protected through acquisition and management of the parcels containing the wetland. Populations of invasive species are controlled or eliminated by cutting, pulling, burning, herbicide treatment and/or bio-control.

Please visit the links to the individual properties that currently comprise the WPHRA for more detailed information, including the recreational opportunities available on these properties.

Properties

• Casey Lake Wildlife Area
• Emerald Valley Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area
• Head waters of the Kinnickinnic Fish and Wildlife Area
• Jennings Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area
• Johnson Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area
• Lundy Pond Wildlife Area
• Oak Ridge Wildlife Area
• Oden Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area
• Ray EWH Wildlife Area
• Schmitt Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area
• Sette Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area
• Star Prairie Seed Nursery
• St. Croix Islands Wildlife Area
• Ten Mile Creek Wildlife Area
• Three Lakes Wildlife Area

For more information on Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area contact the property manager.

Questions for Wildlife Management