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Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

"Hack-ma-tack" is the Algonquin word for the tamarack tree found in southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois—a region that could soon be home to a national wildlife refuge. In addition to the namesake tree, this landscape features oak and hickory groves and meandering streams that feed Nippersink Creek and surrounding wetlands. More than a hundred different species of birds and animals call this region home—including threatened and endangered species such as the Blanding's turtle and sandhill crane.

The Trust for Public Land worked in partnership with The Friends of Hackmatack and Openlands to set the groundwork for federal designation of Hackmatack as a national wildlife refuge. The proposed refuge could encompass more than 60 publicly and privately owned parks, preserves, and natural areas totaling 23,000 acres. In addition to connecting protected lands and trails and promoting tourism, the refuge would provide much-needed outdoor recreation opportunities to the 3.5 million people who live within 30 miles of the project area.

In March 2012 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officially recommended the establishment of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge on the Illinois-Wisconsin border. USFWS is soliciting public comments on the proposed refuge until April 27, 2012. See below for ways you can help.

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