Albany Wildlife Area

Albany Wildlife Area
Albany State Wildlife Area
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
Albany Sand Prairie and Oak Savamma
Map showing the location of Albany Wildlife Area
Map showing the location of Albany Wildlife Area
Location within Wisconsin
Map showing the location of Albany Wildlife Area
Map showing the location of Albany Wildlife Area
Albany Wildlife Area (the United States)
LocationGreen County, Wisconsin
Nearest cityAlbany, Wisconsin
Coordinates42°43′36″N 89°27′46″W / 42.72667°N 89.46278°W / 42.72667; -89.46278
Area2,007 acres (8.12 km2)
Established1956
Governing bodyWisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The Albany Wildlife Area(AWA) is a 2,007 acres (812 ha) tract of protected land located in Green County, Wisconsin, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).[1] Lands to be included in the wildlife area were first purchased in 1945 with the intention of them being used for inclusion in a new public area dedicated to hunting opportunities and conservation of indigenous species. That wildlife area was activated in 1956 as a Federal Aid Fish and Wildlife Restoration Project.[2]

Land cover

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While the project boundary encompasses an area of 2,007 acres (812 ha), the WDNR only owns 1,427 acres (577 ha) in the area. The rest of the land grouped into the wildlife area is made up of leased land or other protected areas.

Cover type acreage[3]
Cover type Acres Percentage cover
Agriculture 90 5%
Bottomland hardwoods 611 30%
Developed 3 <1%
Grassland 215 11%
Lowland shrub 505 24%
Marsh/emergent wetlands 30 2%
Non-forested wetlands 75 4%
Oak 100 5%
Oak savanna 45 2%
Prairie 125 6%
Upland conifers 6 <1%
Upland hardwood 145 7%
Water 75 4%
Total acreage 2,025 100%

Flora and fauna

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The wildlife area is a diverse environment, although for the most part tree cover consists of white oak, red oak, and American elm. Invasive species found in the area include garlic mustard, buckthorn, crown vetch, autumn olive and wild parsnip.[4]

References

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