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]
| Albany Wildlife Area | |
|---|---|
| Albany State Wildlife Area | |
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
 Albany Sand Prairie and Oak Savamma | |
  Location within Wisconsin  Albany Wildlife Area (the United States) | |
| Location | Green County, Wisconsin |
| Nearest city | Albany, Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 42°43′36″N 89°27′46″W / 42.72667°N 89.46278°W |
| Area | 2,007 acres (8.12 km2) |
| Established | 1956 |
| Governing body | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
Land cover
editWhile 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 | 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
editThe 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
edit- ^ WDNR Website- Retrieved 2022-08-22
- ^ Albany WDNR Master Plan, May 24th, 1982- Retrieved 2022-08-23
- ^ WDNR Sugar River Planning Group Final Master Plan, May, 2016- Retrieved 2022-08-23
- ^ WDNR Sugar River Planning Group Final Master Plan, May, 2016- Retrieved 2022-08-26
External links
edit- U.S. Geological Survey Map at the U.S. Geological Survey Map Website. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
- Surface Water Data Viewer Map at the WNDR Website. Retrieved April 22, 2022.