Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area
Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area is a 2,600-acre property located in eastern Washington County, northeast of the Village of Jackson. The property is comprised mostly of forested wetland (60%). The nearly 600-acre Jackson Marsh State Natural Area forms the property's core and includes remnant white cedar swamp and southern swamp hardwood communities. Uplands are primarily planted prairie grasses and hardwood forests.
History
Jackson Marsh was approved as a state Wildlife Area in 1952 because of its value for wildlife and potential for hunting opportunities. Land acquisition proceeded slowly, but now more than 2,600 acres are under state ownership. Most upland fields that historically were farmed have been planted with trees and tallgrass prairie.
Habitat and Wildlife Management
Forested wetland plant communities are primarily passively managed. Jackson Marsh State Natural Area is managed as an ecological reference area. Invasive species are monitored and controlled. Peripheral hardwood stands outside the natural area are selectively harvested to create small canopy gaps that allow sunlight to reach the forest floor and improve the regeneration of desirable tree species, especially oak.
Many lowland grass fields are dominated by reed canary grass and are challenging to access for management. During dry years, these fields are harvested for hay. Many of these fields are planned to be converted to forest as access allows.
Upland grasslands are dominated by tallgrass prairie communities. Grasslands are managed using periodic fire, mowing, and haying to provide nesting cover for mallard, blue-winged teal, and wild turkey and cover and forage for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and ring-necked pheasants. Pheasants are stocked in upland grasslands throughout the pheasant hunting season.
Farmed fields of corn, hay, soybeans, winter wheat, and other crops provide forage and cover for a variety of wildlife species. Additionally, farming is used to prepare sites for conversion to prairie or forest.
Recreation
The Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Dog training (class II)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (noted for: white-tailed deer, waterfowl, pheasant and wild turkey)
- Archery and firearm hunting and trapping are allowed in the wildlife area.
- Pheasant hunting is prohibited after noon beginning the third day of the season through November 3.
- Portable stands and artificial blinds may be used but must be completely removed from the property at the close of hunting hours each day.
- Refuges "Closed Area" boundaries are posted by yellow signs. No hunting or trapping is permitted in these areas. Walk-through is permitted on state land within a closed area provided all bows are unstrung or cased and all firearms are unloaded and cased. Do not enter private land without permission (including retrieving game).
- Voluntary Public Access (VPA) is located adjacent to and within the property.
- Snowmobiles (only permitted on the designated snowmobile trail near Highway G)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Prohibited Activities
- No target shooting
- No blocking access to gates with vehicles
- No stocking or releasing of any wild or domestic animals
- No biking
- No horses
- No ATV/UTV riding or operation of other motor vehicles
- No overnight camping, parking or open burning
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - yes.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - non-designated only.
- Other amenities - Two wheelchair-accessible hunting/wildlife viewing blinds.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
