Wind Lake Habitat Area
The Wind Lake Habitat Area is a 332-acre property consisting of two blocks in the Town of Norway in Northwest Racine County. The eastern block is a 252-acre parcel located east of Wind Lake Road (HWY S) and the western block is an 80-acre parcel off Palmer Drive in the Windermere Subdivision. Parking for the eastern parcel is found off Wind Lake Road (HWY S), ¼ mile down a gravel road. Parking on the western parcel is off the subdivision road. (There is no designated parking area for this parcel.)
The eastern block contains, in part, one of the largest contiguous woodland habitat in the township and supports a remnant southern tamarack swamp. The Natural Heritage Conservation Program has identified a vulnerable community of southern tamarack swamp forest on the eastern parcel. The forest community is part of a 218-acre forested area on the state parcel. This community has been converting to lowland hardwood due to hydrologic changes resulting from the artificial drainage of surrounding agricultural lands. The woods remain a refugium for many species with more northerly affinities, such as starflower, goldthread, winterberry, dwarf raspberry, yellow birch, bunchberry and blueberry.
The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission has also identified the southern rich tamarack swamp as a natural area of county-wide or regional significance. Historically, southern tamarack swamps occurred extensively in parts of southeastern Wisconsin. Many of these communities were drained and cleared for agricultural purposes. The woodland complex is approximately 355 acres in size, with 218 acres occurring on state land. The woodland wetland provides good birding opportunities as well.
Both property blocks provide hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and small game. With the extensive woodland habitat, the eastern block provides more deer hunting opportunities. In addition, the eastern block has better access to the parking lot off HWY S.
Management Objectives
The habitat area is managed to provide opportunities for public hunting and other outdoor recreation. Due to limited access on the western block, management has focused on the eastern block. Work on the eastern block has focused on managing for an open wet meadow community through mowing and herbicide application. As part of wetland management, two shallow scrapes were created to provide open water areas. Invasive species populations are controlled or eliminated by cutting, pulling, herbicide treatment and/or biocontrol.
Visit the property planning for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.
Recreation
The Wind Lake Habitat Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (noted for deer, dove and turkey)
- Fishing
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - None.
- Parking lot - Yes, the eastern parcel has a lot off of Wind Lake Rd.
- The eastern parcel has an easement access off 6-Mile Road that the Department is working with the landowner to improve. The easement is for foot traffic only. Currently, the bridge crossing the ditch accessing the state land is unsafe and should not be used. The bridge is shared by the landowners, south of the state land. Property users can use the parking area and access road off HWY S to use the property.
- The entrance road to the eastern block off HWY S is shared by two homes and a business. Property users should be mindful of speeds and traffic when driving on the gravel road. For the western parcel, parking is restricted during snow emergencies.
- Campground and size - None.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - None.
Maps
Download a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
