Lands_Content Page_Rome Pond Wildlife Area

Rome Pond Wildlife Area

Rome Pond Wildlife Area

Rome Pond Wildlife Area consists of approximately 2,500 acres of public land. Its central feature is a large, open water cattail marsh surrounded by rolling hills of upland hardwoods like oak and hickory. Interspersed in the uplands are agricultural fields and areas restored to prairie or savanna.

The wildlife area is found immediately east of the Village of Rome in Jefferson County on County Road F. Approximately 1 mile east of Rome is a park with a picnic area, pit toilet, boat launch and easy access to the wildlife area.

Management Objectives

Rome Pond Wildlife Area has a long history of being managed for waterfowl use on the marsh maintained by the dam in the village of Rome. In more recent years, effort has been made to restore the oak savanna features on the adjacent uplands.

The wildlife area provides excellent opportunities for waterfowl hunting, deer hunting and wildlife watching. The pond not only provides habitat for waterfowl migrating through but also nesting areas for many wetland species like the black tern.

Habitat management objectives are to continue to protect and improve the wetland and upland areas through prescribed fire, planting native flora and removal of invasive species. Dove hunting opportunities are available on 5 acres of sunflowers managed for doves. Hunting and wildlife watching opportunities will continue to be enhanced through the manipulation of associated agricultural practices.

For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.

Recreation

The Rome Pond Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding;
  • Canoeing;
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
  • Fishing;
  • Hiking;
  • Hunting (especially noted for waterfowl, pheasant, deer, turkey and small game);
  • Snowmobiling trail;
  • Trapping;
  • Wild edibles/gathering; and
  • Wildlife viewing.

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.

 

This wildlife area has been adopted by the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association.