BAILEYS HARBOR, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A long-range strategy to help manage a popular Door County nature preserve is taking shape.
The Ridges Sanctuary started to create its 20-year master plan this week.
The plan is being called an opportunity to manage the unique habitat on the1600-acre site in Baileys Harbor, but also ways to grow, including buying The Ridges Inn and Suites nearby for $1.2 million.
“It has seven buildings on the property, and it’s bisected by Hidden Brook. So the ecological value of bringing that into The Ridges Sanctuary is really invaluable,” said Andy Gill, The Ridges Sanctuary Executive Director.
Gill says the two-acre site could become classrooms, research space, even a place to stay.
“Right now, all options are on the table,” he said.
Another improvement project is underway.
“It’s been there for about 20 years, and it needs a facelift for sure,” said Rich Stultz, Fish Creek.
Stultz and other volunteers plan to replace nearly 700 feet of rotting boardwalk which connects the Upper and Lower Range Lights at the sanctuary.
“We’re going to six feet wide with pressure-treated 2 X 8s, and be very strong, very sturdy. Wheelchair-accessible. We’re going to have toe rails along the edge to prevent people from slipping off the edge, so it should be really nice,” he said.
Stultz says the work should be complete in the fall. And along that same boardwalk, another popular springtime bloomer is appearing.
“The dwarf lake iris are federally-threatened species that we have the largest population of here at the Ridges Sanctuary,” said Katie Krouse, The Ridges Sanctuary Operations Director.
Krouse says the iris bloom at the sanctuary could wrap up next week. In the meantime, the master plan is moving forward, and Andy Gill says he’s looking for feedback.
“We’ll have online surveys throughout the process, and we’ll have a number of public open houses. It will be a great way for us to hear from the public, and respond to their needs,” he said.
