Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge Island Habitat Restoration Project
Status: Ongoing Location: Green Bay and Lake Michigan Description: The Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge presently consists of three islands in Lake Michigan, with two additional islands being transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service in the near future. All five islands (Hog, Spider, Gravel, Plum and Pilot) will be administered by the Horicon NWR. These islands are extremely important as resting sites for migratory birds and are also used by a variety of migratory species for nesting. Aquatic habitat surrounding the islands may be important for different activities of fish found in the bay. Exotic plants have been seen on the islands but the extent of the coverage of the island habitat is not known. An evaluation of the habitat (terrestrial and aquatic) and species use of that habitat needs to be collected to develop a management plan for restoration of the islands. Once a habitat management plan is completed, non-native plants will be eradicated and the area re-planted with native species to restore the island habitat. Benefits: This project will identify the plants and animals using the islands, and the fish occupying the offshore reefs. Information established regarding wildlife and island habitat would be used to develop a habitat management plan that will assist in the restoration of the islands. This project also involves removal of all exotic vegetation and reestablishment of the native vegetation lost by human degradation. These islands are extremely important for colonial bird nesting sites, migratory rest areas for waterfowl and neotropical migrants, and ideal spawning sites for fish. Once restored, they will provide vital habitat for many species in the Green Bay area. Restoration Goal(s): Wetland and Associated Upland Habitat Reestablishment Timeline:Habitat and species use information collection; plant, bird, and fish 5/03-09/04
Develop habitat management plan 9/04-3/05
Remove exotic vegetation & native species plantings 05/05-8/05 Project Contact:
Patti Meyers
Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
Last Revised: Tuesday March 01 2005
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