The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today a $925,000 federal contribution toward the long-term preservation of coastal wetlands on the Northern Door Peninsula in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and partners will use the funds to acquire 448 acres around Baileys Harbor in Door County, which includes habitat for the largest known breeding population of the federally endangered Hines emerald dragonfly. The federal funds are part of the 2009 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program and will be matched by an additional $925,000 from Wisconsin DNRs Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
"The Northern Door Peninsula in Wisconsin contains some of the highest quality wetland communities around Lake Michigan," said Tom Melius, Regional Director of the Services Midwest Region. "The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program enables our agency to work with state and non-governmental partners to acquire, enhance and restore priority coastal wetlands, many of which provide critical habitat to endangered and threatened species."
Once acquired, the tracts will be dedicated as Natural Areas under Wisconsin DNRs State Natural Areas Program, ensuring long-term protection from residential and commercial development. The Nature Conservancy, Ridges Sanctuary, and Door County Land Trust have partnered with the Wisconsin DNR to implement the conservation project, which will also provide opportunities for scientific research and environmental education.
The Door Peninsula is home to an ecologically diverse array of fish, wildlife and plants, including the federally endangered Hines emerald dragonfly. This species lives in spring-fed marshes and sedge meadows, but its survival has been threatened due to habitat loss as a result of urban and industrial development. The coastal wetlands project on the Door Peninsula is supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services national management efforts to recover the species. The Hines Emerald Dragonfly Recovery Plan, developed by the Service in 2001, is available at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/hed/pdf/hedplan.pdf
The bays adjacent to Baileys Harbor also provide important feeding and spawning grounds for native and sport fish, including northern pike, yellow perch, small mouth bass and lake whitefish. More than 140 species of birds use the area for nesting and as a migration stopover. The Northern Door Peninsula also hosts a wide range of Great Lakes endemic plants, including 17 species that are threatened or endangered in the state of Wisconsin.
Twenty-five conservation projects encompassing more than 13,543 acres of coastal habitat in twelve states will be funded with $20.1 million from the 2009 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program. Other states receiving funds include Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maine, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Washington.
The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and funded under provisions of the 1990 Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, drawing from Sport Fish Restoration Act revenue Ð money generated from an excise tax on fishing equipment and motorboat and small engine fuels.
Including the 2009 grants, the Service has awarded more than $220 million to coastal states and territories since the program began in 1992. When the 2009 projects are complete, nearly 258,000 acres of habitat will have been protected, restored or enhanced. For more information, contact the Division of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1 Federal Dr., Ft. Snelling, MN 55337, or National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203, or visit the programs home page at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/FederalAid/cwp.htm or http://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants/
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov
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