French Creek Wildlife Area
French Creek Wildlife Area is a 3,645-acre property located in Columbia and Marquette Counties. Find it 6 miles northeast of Portage on Highway F. The wildlife area includes disjunct ownership in the towns of Fort Winnebago and Marcellon in Columbia County and the town of Buffalo in Marquette County.
Prior to the establishment of the state wildlife area in 1947, the marshland was once devoted to the production of "wire-grass, an invasive plant used in the manufacturing of grass rugs and matting. Later, it was subject to grazing and the occasional harvest of wild hay by farmers. Early settlers regularly hunted prairie chicken in the French Creek area.
Today, the property primarily focuses on waterfowl production and hunting opportunities. It is recognized for the large, diverse wetlands dominated by sedge meadows, fens and tamaracks. The uplands are a mix of grasslands, oak savanna, and oak forests. Two State Natural Areas exist within the wildlife area, recognized for their large, diverse wetlands dominated by sedge meadows, fens and tamaracks: French Creek Fen and French Creek North. The property also hosts a 240-acre waterfowl refuge in the French Creek impoundment.
Along with hunting, French Creek is also used by hikers, birders, and especially by paddlers who enjoy exploring the marshes and waterways. Fishing is a popular activity, particularly below the dam of the French Creek impoundment.
Management Objectives
Current management objectives focus on protecting the watersheds of French and Spring Creeks and managing for primarily native flora. This includes maintaining existing grasslands, savannas, fens, tamarack bogs and sedge meadows and seeking opportunities to expand these cover types. The property is managed on a landscape scale to create smooth transitions between cover types. The property is monitored for invasive species such as autumn olive and crown vetch. Prairie and savanna areas are managed and maintained through prescribed burning, mowing and herbicide use to limit brush encroachment and encourage vigorous grasslands. Wetlands are managed through limited disturbance to prevent the spread of reed canary grass. Flowages will be drawn down approximately every two to five years to stabilize floating cattail bogs and allow vegetation to emerge as a food source for wildlife. Woodlands are managed to limit the spread of oak wilt and encourage regeneration of oak and hickory.
Visit the property planning for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.
Master Plan
The Natural Resources Board approved a new master plan in December 2012 for this property and 19 other state fish and wildlife properties and associated state natural areas. These properties are mostly within Columbia County, but portions lie within Dane, Marquette and Sauk counties.
Visit the property planning for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.
Recreation
The French Creek Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Boating (motorized and non-motorized)
- Canoeing
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Dogs must be kept on a leash of no longer than 8ft from April 15 to July 31.
- Hunting (noted for: deer, turkey [Zone 3], mourning doves, waterfowl [note the "waterfowl closed area"], rabbit and squirrel)
- Snowshoeing (no designated trail)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Notes: Permissible recreational activities listed may or may not be allowed within the boundaries of State Natural Areas. Please refer to the individual SNA webpage for further guidance on allowable activities within SNA boundaries.
Amenities:
- Bathroom - None
- Parking lot - There are many parking areas available throughout the property.
- Campground and size - None
- Trails, Types and Lengths—No official trails are maintained for public use; only staff access lanes are mowed occasionally for service and management.
- Other amenities: Two boat launches are located off of Hwy F, providing boaters with access to the French Creek impoundment.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
Map D Series: French Creek Wildlife Area [PDF]
If you want to explore this property further, you can access an interactive map.
Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.