Rome Pond Wildlife Area
Rome Pond Wildlife Area consists of approximately 2,300 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. Texas Island Woods State Natural Area features a mature hardwood forest on an "island" within an extensive complex of marsh, meadow, and shrub swamp. Interspersed in the uplands are agricultural fields and areas restored to prairie or savanna.
The wildlife area provides habitat for migrating waterfowl as well as nesting areas for many wetland species like black terns. There are excellent opportunities for waterfowl, pheasant, deer, and dove hunting, as well as wildlife watching.
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 (managed by Jefferson County Parks) with a picnic area, pit toilet, boat launch and easy access to the wildlife area. From this park, there is also access to a 1.5-mile gravel-topped hiking trail that meanders south through the property to another parking lot on Rome Oak Hill Road.
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.
Habitat management objectives are to continue to protect and improve the wetland and upland areas through prescribed fire, planting native flora, and removal of brush and invasive species. Farming agreements are also used to prep sites for permanent native prairie plantings and to provide managed sunflower fields for doves.
The Glacial Heritage Area master plan was completed in 2011 and guides the long-term management of this property. Visit the property planning page for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.
Recreation
The Rome Pond Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Boating (motorized)
- Canoeing
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (designated trail)
- Hunting (noted for waterfowl, pheasant, deer, turkey and small game)
- Kayaking
- Snowmobiling trail (designated trails only)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Note: Dogs are allowed on a leash from April 15 - July 31.
Amenities
- Bathroom - There is a bathroom that is part of a Jefferson County Parks property on the north side of Rome Pond Wildlife Area. It is not managed or maintained by DNR.
- Parking lot - yes, currently there are 6 lots.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - There is a 1.5-mile gravel-topped trail that runs north-south through the property.
- Other amenities - There is a picnic shelter and boat launch that are part of a Jefferson County Parks property on the north side of Rome Pond Wildlife Area. They are not managed or maintained by DNR.
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.