Posted Tuesday, July 24, 2012 --- 6:20 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state Department of Natural Resources will take public comments on how to manage a giant swath of land that was once part of the Badger Army Ammunition Plant at an open house next week.

The Army is expected to transfer about 3,800 acres of the 7,350-acre plant to the DNR. Agency officials say it's unclear when the transfer will be complete but they've already dubbed the land the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area and are working on a master use plan.

The department will listen to ideas and comments at an open house in Baraboo Monday and accept written comments through Aug. 17.

The plant was decommissioned in 1997 and clean-up continues. DNR planner Diane Brusoe says the land transfer likely will take place when that work is finished.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.