See the CCP
The CCP is provided here in portable document format (pdf). You will need Acrobat Reader to view the files; Acrobat Reader is available as a free download from Adobe.
Complete CPP (8.1 MB)
Signed Compatibility Determinations (2.9 MB)
Table of Contents (78 KB)
Chapter 1: Introduction and Background (845 KB)
Chapter 2: The Planning Process (32 KB)
Chapter 3: The Environment (412 KB)
Chapter 4: Future Management Direction; Tomorrow's Vision (246 KB)
Chapter 5: Plan Implementation (409 KB)
Appendix A: Environmental Assessment (78 KB)
Appendix B: Appropriate Use and Compatibility Determinations (288 KB)
Appendix C: Land Protection Plan (4 MB)
Appendix D: Species Lists (651 KB)
Appendix E: Compliance Requirements (81 KB)
Appendix F: Mailing List (18 KB)
Appendix G: Bibliography (23 KB)
Appendix H: Glossary (64 KB)
Appendix I: List of Preparers and Contributors (13 KB)
Gravel Island, Green Bay, Harbor Island, Huron, and Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuges
Comprehensive Conservation Plan Completed
Overview of the CCP
The Refuges
For More Information
Where in the Plan Are We?
Comprehensive Conservation Plan Completed
The Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Gravel Island, Green Bay, Harbor Island, Huron, and Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs, refuges), which includes several island refuges in Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan, was approved on January 15, 2013. The CCP will guide management of the refuges over the next 15 years and will ensure that the refuges fulfill its established purposes and contributes to the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
The CCP is available in portable document format on this website. We expect to have paper copies available early in 2013.
Overview of the CCP
The CCP is a detailed document that describes the rationale behind management direction throughout the life of the plan. There are three goals for the refuges, one each for habitat, wildlife, and people. Goals are followed by objectives, which are specific statements that describe management intent. Each objective includes a list of potential strategies—the specific actions, tools, and techniques required to fulfill the objective.
The Refuges
Specifically, the Gravel Island, Green Bay, Harbor Island, and Michigan Islands Refuges include:
Lake Superior
- Huron NWR, Marquette County, Michigan: The Refuge's eight islands comprise just 147 acres, but they were designated a Wilderness Area due to their remote location and primitive quality. The Refuge is managed by staff at Seney NWR in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was established for the protection of migratory birds, specifically a large nesting colony of Herring Gulls.
Lake Huron
- Harbor Island NWR, Chippewa County, Michigan: Located just off the northwest shore of Drummond Island in Potagannissing Bay, the 695-acre Refuge has a variety of habitat and wildlife. The Refuge is managed by staff at Seney NWR.
- A portion of Michigan Islands NWR that includes four islands in Arenac and Alpena Counties in Michigan: The four islands include Big Charity, Little Charity, Scarecrow and Thunder Bay. This portion of the Refuge is managed by Shiawassee NWR, which is located near Saginaw, Michigan. The islands provide habitat for migratory birds and colonial nesting birds. The federally-listed threatened dwarf lake iris and Pitcher's thistle are found on the islands.
Lake Michigan
- Gravel Island NWR, Door County, Wisconsin: The Refuge includes Gravel Island (4 acres) and Spider Island (23 acres). The islands are located about 1 mile east of the northern tip of the Door County Peninsula in Wisconsin. The islands were set aside by an Executive Order in 1915 as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds.
- Green Bay NWR, Door County, Wisconsin: The Refuge includes Hog Island (2 acres), Plum Island (325 acres) and Pilot Island (3.7 acres). The islands are located off the tip of Wisconsin's Door Peninsula. The Refuge is managed by staff at Horicon NWR in Mayville, Wisconsin.
- A portion of Michigan Islands NWR that includes four islands in Charlevoix County, Michigan: This portion of the Refuge includes Gull, Hat, Pismire and Shoe islands and is managed by Seney NWR.
For More Information
For more information on the Gravel Island, Green Bay, Harbor Island, and Michigan Islands Refuges comprehensive conservation planning effort, please contact the refuges at:
Refuge Manager, Gravel Island NWR and Green Bay NWR; W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville, WI 53050; 920-387-2658.
Refuge Manager, Harbor Island NWR, Huron NWR, and portions of Michigan Islands NWR (Hat, Shoe, Pismire, Gull Islands); 1674 Refuge Entrance Rd., Seney, MI 49883; 906-586-9851.
Refuge Manager, portions of Michigan Islands NWR (Big and Little Charity, Scarecrow, Sugar, Thunder Bay Islands); 6975 Mower Road, Saginaw, MI 48601; 989-777-5930.
Where in the Plan Are We?
These are the steps that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service follows in comprehensive conservation planning; the step that Great Lakes Islands refuges has reached is highlighted:
- Preplanning: Plan the Plan
- Initiate Public Involvement and Scoping
- Review Vision Statement and Goals and Determine Significant Issues
- Develop and Analyze Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action
- Prepare a Draft CCP and NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) Document
- Prepare and Adopt Final CCP
- Implement Plan, Monitor and Evaluate
- Review and Revise the Plan
