The Amberg Wildlife Area (AWA) is a tract of protected land located in Marinette County, Wisconsin, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).WDNR Website- Retrieved August 29, 2022 The wildlife area is surrounded by other protected areas, operated by either the county or other WDNR lands. The property was established in 1948, primarily to protect rare swamp conifer land, made up of 90-100 year old white cedar.WDNR Northeast Sands Regional Master Plan P.g. 28- Retrieved August 29, 2022 The wildlife area is split up into two land management areas, the native community management area of the Amberg Swamp ConifersWDNR Northeast Sands Regional Master Plan P.g. 29- Retrieved August 29, 2022 and the eponymous habitat management area.WDNR Northeast Sands Regional Master Plan P.g. 30- Retrieved August 29, 2022
Land cover Land to be used for the wildlife area was first acquired in 1948, to establish a protected habitat for deer. The AWA is included in the Northeast Sands property complex, which also includes the Pike Wild River complex, the Peshtigo River State Forest, and the Governor Thompson State Park. The Northeast Sands region is known for its extensive forest cover and high quality rivers.
+ Land coverWDNR Master Plan Amberg table- Retrieved November 3, 2022 Cover type Acres Percentage cover Forested wetland 887 76% Upland coniferous forest 96 8% Upland deciduous forest 147 13% Upland grass 38 3% Total acreage 1,168 100%
Flora and fauna There are multiple different species of trees that can be found in the wildlife area, most of which are native to Wisconsin. Notable examples include jack pine, black spruce, aspen, and northern pin oak. The area is home to large swathes of black ash trees, although the introduction of the emerald ash borer to the wider region has proved to be severely detrimental to the health of the black ash.
The AWA is encompassed within a larger habitat area, created specifically to address the conservation of birds.National Audubon Society Website- Retrieved November 16, 2022Wisconsin Important Bird Areas Website- Retrieved November 16, 2022 Notable or rare examples of birds that have been readily sighted in the area include the canada warbler, field sparrow, yellow-billed cuckoo, yellow-bellied flycatcher, and the wood thrush. In addition to birds, the area is home to a large number of deer and trout.
See also Governor Thompson State Park Peshtigo River State Forest
References
External links U.S. Geological Survey Map at the U.S. Geological Survey Map Website. Retrieved August 26, 2022.