Area: 249Acres

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Hiking Difficulty: C

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The Three Lakes WPA is a part of a 1,061 acre continuous block of permanently protected state and federal land. Once used as cropland, this WPA was acquired by purchase and land exchange. This area was identified as stop number 57 and 58 in the Great Wisconsin’s Birding and Nature Trail Guide, and was highlighted because of its prairie potholes and numerous other upland and wetland habitats. This site is managed through strategies that include prescribed fire in order to encourage native species adapted to prairies and to keep out pervasive and exotic species.

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Birds of Interest: American Bittern, American Goldfinch, American Kestrel, Barn Swallow, Dickcissel, Double-crested Cormorant, Eastern Kingbird, Great Blue Heron, Mourning Dove, Red-winged Blackbird, Ruddy Ducks, Blue-Wing Teal, Northern Shoveler, Pied-Billed Grebe, Western Meadowlark, Northern Harrier, Sedge Wren, Song Sparrow, Trumpeter Swan, Yellow-Throated Warblers, and Short-Eared Owl.

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• This large WPA encircles prairie, savanna, and wetland, making it popular with waterfowl and grassland birds alike

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• The large, open prairie on the northern part of the WPA has gentle knolls that allow for better viewing

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• Clumps of shrubs that dot the landscape are popular perches in the summer months for sparrows and other grassland birds

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• Large pine trees provide perching and nesting locations for Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons

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Directions: From the city limits of New Richmond, go south on Highway 65. Travel 4.75 miles to County Road E. Turn west onto County Road E. Go 2 miles, continue past the intersection of 110th St. and the WPA is on both sides of the road. There are no parking lots on this WPA.