Peats Lake Unit
Green Bay West Shores Wildlife Area
The Peats Lake Unit consists of approximately 510 acres immediately north of the City of Green Bay in the Village of Howard on both sides of Highway 41 in Brown County. Access may be obtained by using the frontage roads, East or West Deerfield Roads. This quality wetland site is an important migrant stopover habitat as well as a breeding habitat for many wetland species. Wildlife observation, hunting, and fishing access is provided proximal to a highly populated city.
There is a county-owned boardwalk and a parking area where you can launch boats, canoes or kayaks at the south end of West Deerfield Road and a short walking path. An additional boat launch and fishing access is at the end of Lineville Road. Six parking lots are available in the area.
The landscape consists of a mixture of low-density aspen and mixed oaks in the upland and ash, tag alder and open grassland. The wetland is a graduated transition from open water to hemi-marsh and emergent marsh. There is a high percentage of willow and alder
History of Management
The land was acquired from 1983 to 2004 to preserve valuable wetlands that are vital to the future management of wildlife and recreational use along the Green Bay West Shores. Habitat has been managed via timber sales, hydrology manipulations, prescribed fire and control of invasive plant and animal species.
Management Objective
The property is managed to provide opportunities for public recreation; wildlife observation, hunting, trapping and fishing, water sports, as well as natural habitat protection, management, and enhancement. The proximal location to a dense human population is unique. Habitat management has focused on controlling invasive species and protecting the qualities of the unique native communities and associated species found on the property
Recreation
Many recreational opportunities exist at the Peats Lake Unit:
- Birding
- Canoeing
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (especially noted for deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game)*
- Kayaking
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
* Portions of the Peats Lake Unit border land owned and managed by the Brown County Parks Department. Deer hunting within the Brown County Park system requires special permits. Hunters using the state-owned land should be aware of the boundary or contact the Brown County Parks Department to obtain any necessary authorization.
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - yes.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - yes, Brown County trails.
- Other - Brown County Boardwalk.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
