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Oakridge Wildlife Area
The Oakridge Wildlife Area is a 200-acre property located in northern St. Croix County. The property was purchased in 1985 to protect the large shallow lake wetland (187 acres) found on the property. The property is surrounded by restored prairie and oak savanna habitat providing excellent habitat for grassland wildlife. The property is embedded in a grassland complex consisting of more than 1100 acres of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Waterfowl Production Areas and State Wildlife Areas that provide a large landscape for grassland habitat. The property is a Waterfowl Closed Area and no hunting of any wild animal, except deer during open seasons, is allowed until the first Saturday in December. The Closed Area is posted to ensure proper compliance with the regulations. The property is managed as part of the Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area, a landscape scale wetland and grassland restoration project.
The property is located 3 miles east of Star Prairie. Follow Highway County Highway H east out of Star Prairie 3 miles, then turn south on 170th St. for 1 mile. The property is located west of 170th St.
- Management
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The property is managed as a Waterfowl Closed Area to protect migrating waterfowl. Additionally, the property provides opportunities for trapping, wildlife observation and other nature-based outdoor recreation. Deer hunting is allowed during open seasons, and all hunting is permitted starting the first Saturday in December. Management objectives aim to maintain an open grassland community through prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical control of woody species and limited haying and grazing. Populations of invasive species are controlled or eliminated by cutting, pulling, burning, herbicide treatment and/or biocontrol.
- Recreation
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The Oakridge Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities.
- Birding
- Canoeing
- Cross country skiing (no designated trail)
- Falconry (by permit)
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting – Deer during open seasons; all game after 1st Saturday in December
- Snowshoeing
- Trapping
- Wild edible/gathering
- Wildlife Viewing
- Maps
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Download [PDF] a map of this property.
Download [PDF] an aerial view of this property.
- Useful links
