Guide to Significant Wildlife Habitat - Door County Web Map

As notable as the county is as a site for rare species, it is also recognized for its diversity of more
common and widespread species. The diversity of the local ecosystems is a result of their relatively large
sizes, undisturbed nature, and connections with each other. As landscapes become more developed the
remaining patches of habitat become smaller, more degraded, and less connected with each other. This
lack of connection then prevents many plant and animal species from interacting with other members of
the same species, a process that is essential to maintain healthy populations. It also makes it more
difficult for a species to re-colonize an area following a local extinction or natural population decline.
Therefore, this connection of habitats is critical to retain existing levels of biodiversity in Door County.
Community's appeal to families, new residents and visitors
The benefits we derive from existing natural areas in the county - green vistas, clean water and
air, abundant wildlife and natural beauty - are among the many reasons for its popularity as a tourist
attraction. These are also the very reasons that many people choose to live and work in Door County.
They are a major attractant to people wanting to purchase or build retirement or vacation homes. As
tourism is a primary force in our local economy, the economic vitality of the region depends upon the
attractiveness of our county to both visitors and new residents.
Low-cost stormwater management and flood control
Natural areas can be highly efficient at moderating the passage of rainfall over the landscape.
They help to reduce large pulses of surface waters and slow the passage of water over the land, by
soaking up rainfall and releasing it slowly. Thus, the variety of natural landscapes help to prevent erosion
of stream banks and lake shores in developed areas, where streams and rivers tend to be more "flashy"
and affected by extreme precipitation events.
Purification system for drinking water and surface waters
A healthy, functioning ecosystem does an excellent job of filtering runoff from snowmelt or
rainfall and removing sediment and pollutants. These free ecological “services” result in cleaner water
being discharged to lakes and streams, as well as to groundwater.
Contribution to air quality
The trees, shrubs and other vegetation of natural areas act as effective and efficient filters of
atmospheric gases, absorbing many airborne pollutants. Living vegetation produces abundant oxygen,
essential to all animal life, including humans.
Increased property values
Door County property values are higher than in many other areas of the state. One reason for this
is the attractiveness of the area due to its scenic and natural beauty. There is little doubt that individual
property values are also influenced by the surrounding land use, with greater value given to a scenic and
natural landscape. Retaining these special places throughout the county will enhance long-term property
values in Door County.
Tourism dollars
Natural areas are important wildlife habitat, serving to support the hunting and fishing, skiing,
snowmobiling, hiking, biking, birding and boating activities that attract so many visitors. Even for those
visitors who do not partake in active recreation, natural areas are important to their Door County
experience, providing the rural character and scenic vistas that many people value.
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– Introduction –