| Albany Wildlife Area | |
|---|---|
| Albany State Wildlife Area | |
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
 Albany Sand Prairie and Oak Savamma | |
  Location within Wisconsin Show map of Wisconsin Albany Wildlife Area (the United States) Show map of the United States | |
| Location | Green County, Wisconsin |
| Nearest city | Albany, Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 42°43′36″N89°27′46″W / 42.72667°N 89.46278°W /42.72667; -89.46278 |
| Area | 2,007 acres (8.12 km2) |
| Established | 1956 |
| Governing body | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
TheAlbany Wildlife Area(AWA) is a 2,007 acres (812 ha) tract ofprotected land located inGreen County, Wisconsin, managed by theWisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).[1] Lands to be included in the wildlife area were first purchased in 1945 with the intention of them being used for inclusion in a new public area dedicated to hunting opportunities and conservation of indigenous species. That wildlife area was activated in 1956 as aFederal Aid Fish and Wildlife Restoration Project.[2]
While the project boundary encompasses an area of 2,007 acres (812 ha), the WDNR only owns 1,427 acres (577 ha) in the area. The rest of the land grouped into the wildlife area is made up of leased land or other protected areas.
| Cover type | Acres | Percentage cover |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 90 | 5% |
| Bottomland hardwoods | 611 | 30% |
| Developed | 3 | <1% |
| Grassland | 215 | 11% |
| Lowland shrub | 505 | 24% |
| Marsh/emergent wetlands | 30 | 2% |
| Non-forested wetlands | 75 | 4% |
| Oak | 100 | 5% |
| Oak savanna | 45 | 2% |
| Prairie | 125 | 6% |
| Upland conifers | 6 | <1% |
| Upland hardwood | 145 | 7% |
| Water | 75 | 4% |
| Total acreage | 2,025 | 100% |
The wildlife area is a diverse environment, although for the most part tree cover consists ofwhite oak,red oak, andAmerican elm. Invasive species found in the area includegarlic mustard,buckthorn,crown vetch,autumn olive andwild parsnip.[4]