As high lake levels, algal blooms, land development, and other factors impact Lake Superior’s water quality, we are delighted to announce a ‘once in a blue moon’ land protection opportunity. With support from our state and federal conservation partners, we are working to purchase 192 acres including one-half mile of lake frontage near Port Wing. This property is one of the last large undeveloped parcels along the South Shore of Lake Superior and with its purchase, we will help protect coastal habitat and expand the Brule River State Forest.
When we conserve shoreline, we are safeguarding the interface between land and water – that critical area where riparian species find their niche, be it stopover habitat for migratory birds or near-shore habitat for turtles and spawning fish. This property’s wide sandy beach may be capable of supporting piping plovers at least by providing them a resting place, and if more structure grows on the beach, plovers may even nest there in the future. By conserving the property’s forests, we are providing habitat for additional birds as well as larger species such as wolves, coyotes, bear, and deer.
Piping Plover
Charadrius melodus
The piping plover, a small shorebird, is a federally endangered species and one of 11 state-endangered birds in Wisconsin.
Plover Beach in Summer
Plover Beach in Winter
Coastal Forest Habitat
The property is also located within the Brule Boreal Forest Conservation Opportunity Area and within Landmark’s South Shore Streams Focus Area for Climate Resiliency. Left in its natural state, it will be able to continue to support the plants, animals, and natural communities that we all cherish, even as the climate changes. Conservation of this property furthers Landmark’s goals of protecting larger conservation complexes to allow for migration and shift in species composition. Protecting these 192 acres will result in contiguous habitat protection from the Bayfield County line west to the Brule River and Bear Branch State Natural Area.
We need your help to cross the finish line. Working together with our partners at Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR), funds through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative program will cover the majority of the purchase. Landmark has stepped forward to fundraise the shortfall of $52,800. The property will be owned by the State of Wisconsin and will become part of the adjacent Brule River State Forest.
Your support today will help us permanently conserve this beautiful property for generations to come! Thank you for valuing the landscapes and natural resources that make the South Shore of Lake Superior so significant to Northwest Wisconsin.