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Chambers Island Resident Receives Invader Crusader Award

Debra J. Feirer, a summer resident of Chambers Island, has received the Invader Crusader Award a statewide award for her leadership in fighting invasive species there.

The Wisconsin Invasive Species Council will present awards to the winners in an awards ceremony at 1 pm on June 9 at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitors Center.

Feirer was nominated by leaders of the Chambers Island Nature Preserve (CINP) Committee and the Chambers Island Association (CIA), with support from the staff of the Door County Land Trust (DCLT).

Feirer, who lives in Greenleaf, has led the island’s effort to combat invasive species for a decade. Her efforts to mobilize the approximately 50 families with cabins there have “had a profound effect in maintaining our unique and pristine environment,” stated Dick Grelck, president of the CIA.

The Door County Land Trust is in the process of protecting 1,000 acres of Chambers Island’s interior in a cooperative effort with the CINP committee. Terrie Cooper, Director of Land Programs at the Door County Land Trust (DCLT), said the island has “one of the healthiest northern mesic forests left in Door County…in large part due to Debbie and her volunteers’ efforts to make sure invasive species do not spread there.” The island is a crucial stopping point for migrating birds in the Great Lakes ecosystem and nurtures significant endangered native species of plants, animals and habitats.

Phragmites threatened to take over the entire perimeter of Lake Mackaysee, Chambers’ 347-acre inland lake. “Because of Debbie we are saving this important island landmark and waterway,” stated Dr. Suzanne Fletcher, co-chair of the CINP.

For more information, visit invasivespecies.wi.gov/awareness-month/awards/ or email Dougal Walker at [email protected].

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