Photos courtesy of WI DNR

Members of the Nicolet Bird Club of Three Lakes and Department of Natural Resources staff are working together to enhance the Thunder Lake Wildlife Area in Oneida County.
State wildlife officials say the Adopt a Wildlife Area program provides a positive impact to the environment, while giving people of all ages and interests an opportunity to participate in hands-on conservation work.

Wildlife viewing in the 3,000 acre Thunder Lake Wildlife Area near Three Lakes, thanks to the work of the Nicolet Bird Club members.

“From the outset, DNR staff have been very supportive of the Nicolet Bird Club of Three Lake’s creation and goal of making the Thunder Lake Wildlife Area a popular destination for birding and wildlife enthusiasts – our club could not have accomplished what it has without DNR assistance,” said Bill Lamon, Nicolet Bird Club of Three Lakes president.

“DNR staff have made presentations to the club and provided counsel and direction to ensure that club initiatives are consistent with DNR goals for the area.”

The club’s overall goal is to improve public access for birding and wildlife observation. To date the partnership has developed and maintained two birding and hiking trails to the interior of the Thunder Lake Marsh, increased opportunities for the public to observe wildlife and wildflowers and constructed a birding information kiosk at an improved parking area to inform the public about birding opportunities and trail heads. Future improvements are planned at Thunder Lake Wildlife Area as the partnership continues to grow.