Last week the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced an expansion of state land for wildlife just three miles north of Whitewater. The DNR has acquired 1,800 acres of drained wetlands currently being used as a muck farm. 

According to the DNR, the property will be closed to the public to begin wetland restoration as soon as late 2023. Completion of the project is expected as early as 2025. The property will then open back up to the public. The land is adjacent to the existing Prince’s Point Wildlife Area, and the properties will be combined following project completion. 

The wetland restoration will restore the water levels on the property which will restore the wetlands back to its natural state. The restoration will be completed with Ducks Unlimited and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The project will be funded by federal funds collected from firearm and ammunition sales tax, exclusively for wildlife management projects.  

Around 4 million Wisconsin residents will be within an hour’s drive of the property. The project will not only be beneficial for wildlife, but it also will provide recreational opportunities for the public. The property will feature multiple boat and canoe launches utilizing the Scuppernong River, Spring Creek and Steel Brook. There will also be miles of walkable paths, waterfowl hunting, paddling and bird-watching opportunities.

For more information, updates on the status of the restoration project, and the official opening to the public, please visit the Prince’s Point Wildlife Area website.