A view of the Badger Army Ammunition Plant grounds from the southeast. Photo from WI DNR webpage.

The Badger Army Ammunition Plant, located just south of Devil's Lake State Park in south central Wisconsin, was the largest munitions plant in the world during World War II. It was decommissioned in 1997, the buildings since then demolished and the land remediated for its new owners. Much of the land is now restored prairie.

The 7,000+ acres is now part of the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area, and will be maintained by three owners: the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Ho-Chunk Nation, and Dairy Forage Research Center. A master plan for DNR-designated land has been drafted, revised, and is now available for public review.

Madison Audubon Society's Advocacy Committee is reviewing the draft master plan and will provide the DNR with feedback on best management practices for protecting grassland birds and the opportunities and challenges facing a restoration of critical habitats (oak openings and prairies). The DNR Board meets on December 14, 2016 in Madison to discuss the plan and gather feedback - public participation is welcome.

Access the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area Master Plan and Environmental Impact Statement here.