Project Update — LNRP and Partners Continue to Work on Restoring Amsterdam Dunes

The Amsterdam Dunes Preservation Area is a 328-acre property owned by Sheboygan County, adjacent to the western shore of Lake Michigan and the Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station and State Natural Area. Together, these conservation properties form a significant undeveloped, protected natural area that has been identified by WDNR and Sheboygan County as a priority area for conservation, based on the presence of a combination of significant natural features.

These include: stopover habitat for migratory avian species; presence of globally rare Great Lakes Ridge and Swale ecosystem; documented presence of Threatened/Endangered/Special Concern plant and animal species; a diverse assemblage of connected upland, wetland and aquatic habitat types; presence of 1900 feet of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline; and a relatively undisturbed coastal bluff system.

The goal of this Project is to restore degraded portions of the property to mesic prairie, wet meadow and upland/wetland forest. Restoration efforts are focused on wetland restoration, prairie establishment, reforestation, forest enhancement plantings, EAB-mitigation, ash timber harvests, invasive species treatments, and stream recovery/restoration.

Significant funding has been secured by Sheboygan County, Glacierland Resource Conservation & Development, Inc., and the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership. Stantec Consulting Services have been engaged to complete the restoration work.

Recent and on-going projects include:

Te Stroete ILF Wetland Mitigation Bank ($455,000) – 31-acre ridge and swale restoration and enhancement.
Sheboygan Co Wetland Mitigation Bank (~$400,000) – 146.4-acre portion of the Preserve; County will initiate restoration on approx. 63.5 acres in fall 2021.
Forest Service Phase 1 ($200,000) – Install 3,640 trees and shrubs across 18.2 acres.
Forest Service Phase 2 ($90,000) – Install 1,703 trees and shrubs across 18.9 acres.
WCS Climate Adaptation ($60,000) – Install diverse trees and shrubs
Sustain Our Great Lakes / NRDA ($575,000) – Restore 1,869 linear feet of stream and 9 acres of riparian habitat
WI Habitat Partnership Fund ($67,500) – Restore 45 acres of degraded prairie and wet meadow
Wild Chervil Control ($14,300) – control up to 9 acres of wild chervil for 2 growing seasons and install native seed mix.
Forest Service Landscape Scale ($50,000) – complete woody control and native tree/shrub planting