Guide to Significant Wildlife Habitat - Door County Web Map

CONSERVATION GOALS:
• Protect the coastal areas (i.e., sand, cobble and rock beaches) and shallow near shore areas.
• Restore contiguous forest cover throughout the upland portions of the site and create a less
fragmented forest corridor from Whitefish Dunes to Clay Banks.
• Enhance or maintain surface and groundwater quality of streams and springs that feed the wetland
complexes of this landscape.
• Maintain or enhance the ecological composition, structure and functions of the several core natural
areas of the site (e.g., Shivering Sands forest and lakes, Kellner Fen, forests of the ship canal area and
Clay Banks forests).
THREATS:
• The Southern Lake Michigan Shore is experiencing development pressures. The shoreline is
particularly vulnerable to development because of scenic and recreational attributes.
• Exotic species such as glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) and honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) are
invading the area.
• Poor logging practices could cause local ecological degradation.
• Poor agriculture practices could threaten wetland and surface water areas including fens, lakes, and
Lake Michigan.
INFORMATION NEEDS / GAPS:
• Complete plant and animals inventories
• Develop list of individuals and supportive groups interested in conservation activities
Southern Lake Michigan Shoreline 67