More business resources
Open the Outdoors
DNR Managed Lands web mapping application
The DNR Managed Lands mapping application is a map-based system that allows you to locate and obtain information on state managed properties.
DNR Managed Lands web mapping application upgrade.
Please bear with us while we upgrade our current web mapping application to a new and improved format.
While we will still display the current DNR Managed Lands web mapping application we recommend using the "legacy" (previous) version that contains the same layers and functionality, until such time as our upgrade to the new and improved format is completed.
- Go to previous version DNR Managed Lands Web Mapping application
or see the various themes below. - Continue to current DNR Managed Lands Web Mapping application
Features
- base maps to help locate and display DNR property.
- The Map button - will display DNR properties with roads, cities, rivers, lakes and many other features on a very clean looking, easy-to-navigate map.
- The Satellite button - will display satellite or aerial photography.
- gives the user the ability to display data in a number of different ways.
- DNR Lands - the traditional way our 1.6 million acres of land are represented. Fee title ownership is green, easement lands are pink.
- Recreational Data - a popular theme to most outdoor enthusiasts. This allows you to see trout streams, natural areas, wildlife areas, state parks, boat landings, shore fishing opportunities and more.
- Stewardship Lands - over twenty years ago (1990) the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was set up to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. This layer displays DNR property that was purchased with Stewardship funds.
- Stewardship Grants - over twenty years ago (1990) the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was set up to also work with various local units of government and non-profit conservation organizations in the form of grant dollars. This layer displays non-government organization (NGO) and local government property that was purchased with Stewardship grant funds.
- Federal Interest Lands - numerous DNR properties have been purchased with the aid of federal dollars. This option allows the user to see all the lands that have a federal interest.
- Acquisition History - the DNR has been acquiring land since 1857. This layer displays the decade, all the way back to 1857, in which the state acquired a property.
- Find DNR Land - allows a person to find any DNR property in the state based on a series of steps. If you want all wildlife properties, select wildlife and GO. If you want all wildlife properties in Dane County you can do that too.
- Measure - this tool allows you to measure linear or area features on the ground and to determine the distance in feet, acres or even miles. How far is that favorite hunting spot from the road?
- Transparency - this tool allows you to change the transparency of any number of "layers" on the map. If you want to see the property on an aerial photo - change the transparency to allow the background to become more clear. Try the slider and experiment with it.
- Search box
- allows you to search for any DNR property, municipality, county, river/lake or even an address. Properties will automatically appear in the center of the map.
Background
The State of Wisconsin has a variety of outstanding natural resources, such as rushing trout streams, quiet wetlands, pristine wild rivers, clear lakes, native prairies, vast green forests, Ice Age eskers and picturesque waterfalls. Wisconsin's increasing population, together with out-of-state visitors, is placing increased pressure and demands on these resources. Each year, thousands of people boat, camp, fish, hunt, hike, bike, ski, canoe, sight-see, study nature and pursue other outdoor activities. Our public lands are places where we can get away from daily routines and enjoy the natural beauty Wisconsin has to offer.
Over the years, Wisconsin citizens have recognized the need to protect Wisconsin's natural resources and have provided the DNR with the ability and funding to purchase land. DNR's first purchase was made in 1876 and, since then, the DNR's land acquisition program has become an important tool to protect natural resources and provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the public.
The DNR purchases land to manage and protect natural resources and to provide recreational opportunities to all the people of the state. Through the land acquisition program, wetlands, forests, scenic areas, prairies, savannas, wildlife and fish habitat, rare species habitat, glacial features and other resources are being protected and managed.
Previous map version
Map Themes
Four different map views "themes" can be accessed via the blue "Themes" tab in the application, or we've provided you with the ability to load the application starting with a particular theme from this page.
DNR Lands — This map provides a generic representation of the DNR managed lands showing properties that the WDNR has acquired in fee, easement, or lease.
Recreation Lands — This map displays information on specific recreational opportunities. Look here for deer or turkey management units, trout streams, parks, wildlife areas, natural areas, fisheries and more.
Acquisition History — This map displays property information on acquisition date, stewardship funding, federal funding and more.
Stewardship Grants — This map displays property purchased with stewardship grants to non-profit organizations and municipalities.
Map Buttons
The ability to turn on/off different map layers such as roads, rivers, cities, state managed lands, trout streams, deer management units, air photos, topographic lines and more at different resolutions on the map.
For more information on the visible map.
"Themes" are different map views already created. The benefit to using a "theme" is you do not have to turn map layers on/off, the layers will automatically draw the more you zoom in/out. There are 3 different themes in this web mapping system, DNR Managed Lands, Recreational Opportunities and General Stewardship.
For more detailed instructions on how to use the web mapping system.
To view additional data on those features that are visible on a screen, click this button and then click on the site of interest. You may "Zoom In" on any area of the map to get better resolution before selecting your site.
This interactive button allows you to see specific information about a property. To use, zoom to an area on the map and click on a visible property.
This interactive button allows you to automatically zoom to specific property information. To use, click this button and select a management type, county or enter in a name of a property. A list of properties that match your criteria will appear in a list. Click on your interested property and it will automatically zoom to it.
Map Q&A
- Why can't I see the property the state just bought?
- Answer: The property has not been entered into our GIS database. The DNR is working daily on recording these warranty deeds in digital format, however, this is a time intensive process.
- Why is the map not available?
- Answer: The web map server might be down temporarily.
- How can I see air photos/topographic information - or how do I use them?
- Answer: Click on the Layers tab - Click Images and check the box next to Digital Ortho Photos or Digital Topo Quads.
- Are MFL lands available on this site?
- Answer: No, they are not available on this website, contact the Forestry Program for more detailed information.
- Are private lands (plat books) visible on this map system?
- Answer: No, they are not available on this website, this website contains those lands that for the most part are open to the public. Contact your nearest DNR Regional Office or Service Center for additional information.
- How do I see additional detail?
- Answer: Click Zoom In button and then click the map. The more you click on the map (zoom) the more additional information you will see.
- I see coordinate positions reported on the map system, can I use these with my GPS?
- Answer: The accuracy of these lat/long, utm or wtm coordinates is unknown. While we have generally found it to be quite good, we do not consider it to be an appropriate tool for collecting lat/long coordinates and incorporating them into a database. These coordinates are generated "on-the-fly" by the application. You must be aware of how your GPS collects, stores and displays data.
Disclaimer
The Department of Natural Resource manages lands through ownership, easement or lease rights. The map data should not be interpreted as representing legal property boundaries. State lands depicted are generally open to the public. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Contact DNR customer service for more information.
Neither the State of Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources, nor any of its employees shall be held liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information described and/or contained herein and they assume no responsibility for anyone's use of the information.
It is responsible for implementing the laws of the state and, where applicable, the laws of the federal government that protect and enhance the natural resources of our state.
