Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area

Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area is approximately 4,303 acres located in Vilas County. Find it in western Vilas County, 3 miles south of Manitowish Waters and 10 miles north of Lac du Flambeau. The Wildlife Area is on Powell road between Hwy 51 and Hwy 47.

Powell Marsh is not a true marsh, but is a large peatland complex containing several wetland types and plant communities. The primary plant communities include:

Open water flowages with submerged and floating aquatic plants
Unforested wetlands, comprised of sedge meadows; alder and willow fens; and bogs with low shrubs, sphagnum moss and stunted spruce and tamarack.
Forested wetlands of black spruce and tamarack
Grassy upland islands
Upland forest of aspen, white birch, red maple, red oak and white pine

Management

History of Management

The open wetland system currently seen at Powell Marsh was maintained by wildfires for thousands of years. The last of the wildfires were in the 1930’s and 1940’s. These fires stimulated new vegetation growth that attracted large flocks of migrating geese. Sportsmen recognized the potential to attract geese to the area and petitioned the Wisconsin Conservation Commission to establish a goose management project. In 1955, the Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area was established to produce more geese for hunters.

Early management at Powell was one of the pioneering efforts to manipulate an extensive northern sedge leatherleaf bog for geese. Managers used prescribed fire to stimulate new growth for fall waterfowl migrations, similar to conditions that resulted from historic wildfires. A system of ditches and dikes was constructed to provide water level control, enable prescribed burning and allow limited farming.

Large, open peatland habitat is rare in northern Wisconsin. Powell Marsh is a regionally important wetland because of its large size and open character.

Management Objective

Today, Powell Marsh Wildlife Area provides significant, local wildlife-based recreation, particularly waterfowl hunting and birding opportunities. Management emphasizes habitat for waterfowl and species that require open wetland and grassland habitat. A combination of prescribed fire, hand cutting, mowing and shearing is used to limit the growth of shrubs and tamarack, while increasing the abundance of grasses and sedges.

Recreation

Many people visit Powell Marsh each year. They include hunters, trappers, berry pickers, bird watchers, and photographers. The most common hunting activity is for waterfowl. Deer hunters primarily use the upland edges of the marsh. The marsh also is an important resource for local trappers.

A scenic overlook is located at the north end of the marsh. There are four designated parking areas. There are no designated trails on the wildlife area but roads and dikes provide walking access throughout much of the wildlife area. A designated hike and ski trail is adjacent to the western boundary of the marsh on the NHAL State Forest.

Naturalists from the Northern Highland State Forest and private naturalists offer guided interpretive programs at Powell Marsh. The most common programs include birding and wildflower hikes.

The following recreational opportunities exist at Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area:

Hunting - 1,800 acre No entry wildlife refuge from September 1- December 31 except deer hunting during gun season. Refuge area is posted.

Trapping

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Bird watching

Berry picking

Map

Download [PDF 320KB] a map of this property.

Useful Links

Hunting in Wisconsin
Hunting and Trapping Regulations
Season Dates
Vilas County Information [Exit DNR]
Plan your trip to Vilas County [Exit DNR]

For more information on Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area contact the property manager.

Questions for Wildlife Management

Last Revised: Wednesday October 28 2009