Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands

Ramsar

Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands

  • Country: 
    United States of America
  • Site number: 
    2218
  • Area: 
    4,630.8 ha
  • Designation date: 
    10-06-2014
  • Coordinates: 
    45°13'N 86°59'W
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

The Site, which occupies a major section of the Eastern Lake Michigan shoreline of northern Door County, comprises diverse examples of regionally and globally significant wetland communities, including interdunal wetlands and northern wet-mesic forest. It supports numerous species of fauna and flora including the rare dwarf lake iris (Iris lacustris) and over 150 species of birds that use the site for nesting or as staging areas during autumn and spring migrations. It also hosts the largest known population of the federally-endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana). The Site is part of a karst hydrologic system that contributes to accelerated groundwater recharge. Areas of groundwater recharge are a critical habitat component for the Hine’s emerald dragonfly. Threats to the Site include invasive species such as giant red grass (Phragmites australis), urban development, and increasing recreational vehicle use. Climate change has also been identified as a potential threat, as it could lead to changes in levels of the groundwater and of Lake Michigan, changes in water pH and declines in species richness and diversity.

Administrative region: 
Wisconsin

  • National legal designation: 
    • National Natural Landmark - Ridges Sanctuary-Toft’s Point-Mud Lake Area National Natural Landmark
    • State Natural Area
    • Wilderness State Park - Newport State Park
  • Last publication date: 
    25-03-2015

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)

Additional reports and documents