Kissick Swamp Wildlife Area
Kissick Swamp Wildlife Area was acquired in 1946-48 for deer yard protection. At the time, there was a large amount of white cedar reproduction on the property. Several additional purchases were made in 1951, bringing the total acreage of the property to 933. The property was logged in the 1920s, resulting in the uniform conifer cover that dominates the property.
There are individual mature, mast-producing red and white oaks scattered throughout the property. Some aspen has been harvested over the last 40 years and timber management will continue with a focus multi-aged stands producing quality wildlife habitat. A 160-acre natural area was created in 1983 to protect the alkaline bog and 10-acre lake. Several springs and seeps drain into the lake from the immediate vicinity. An unnamed tributary to Chippanazie Creek flows out of the area to the northwest.
Management Objectives
The property is currently managed for wildlife habitat and is used most frequently for deer, bear, turkey and grouse hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing and cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiing takes place on hunter walking trails, but no grooming or winter maintenance is performed on the trails. Hunter walking trails and wildlife openings are maintained for non-motorized public use and access.
The property can also be accessed from the signed parking area off of Chippanazie Lake Road.
For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.
Recreation
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The Kissick Swamp Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Biking;
- Birding;
- Canoeing;
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
- Hiking;
- Hunting;
- Trapping;
- Wild edibles/gathering; and
- Wildlife viewing.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
