New Ranger for the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge Ranger Dustan Hoffman is the new guardian for the islands that make up the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Hog, Plum, Pliot, St. Martin and Rocky Islands).

Photos and article by Tim Sweet

This summer the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge (GBNWR) has a new guardian watching over its collection of Lake Michigan islands. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has shown its commitment to these special places by hiring Ranger Dustan Hoffman.

“As a park ranger with the USFWS my duties primarily revolve around interaction with the public,” Hoffman explained. “Rangers develop and implement the public programs, interpretation, and environmental education for the refuge, as well as the hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and photography opportunities.”

Located off the tip of the Door Peninsula, the GBNWR is comprised of Hog, Plum, Pilot, St. Martin and Rocky islands. These stepping-stones in the Grand Traverse Islands chain have been set aside to enhance the migratory and nesting experience for many bird species.

“Historically, some of the refuge islands are home to significant maritime structures, including lighthouses, lighthouse keepers quarters, and the last Duluth-style Coast Guard Life Saving Station left on the Great Lakes,” reported Hoffman.

Regarding public access to the refuge, Hoffman said, “The service has big plans to increase the public use of Plum Island. Public events will trickle in, allowing people a place to enjoy wildlife, and learn about maritime culture and history. Opportunities will become more prevalent following the renovation of the dock (on Plum Island).”

The USFWS is partnered with the nonprofit organization Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands (FOPPI). The Friends has encumbered funds to make necessary repairs to the Plum Island dock. It is hoped this work will take place some time in 2016.

FOPPI and the USFWS are hosting a number of upcoming events. On July 16, there is a Death’s Door sunset cruise planned as a fundraiser to help with historic restoration work on the life-saving station. July 23 is the annual meeting and picnic on Plum Island. A kayaking event is scheduled for Aug. 6, and Explore Plum Island Days are set for Aug. 20-21.

Ranger Hoffman explained further, “Explore Plum Island Days is a weekend designated by the service and FOPPI to interact with the public. The weekend is designated for regular work, inviting the public to volunteer, and interpret to the public the natural, historical, and cultural values of the refuge.”

• Plum Island is open during daylight hours Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend for hiking, wildlife observation and nature photography on designated trails and beach areas only.
• Only kayaks, canoes or dinghies are currently authorized to access Plum Island. Due to current dock condition and limited dock space, boats are not allowed to tie up at the pier.
• Kayaks/canoes/dinghies must use designated landing area (near boathouse on northeast side of the island).
• Only foot travel is allowed.
• Use of a boot brush station is mandatory to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and pet waste needs to be picked up and removed.
• Not permitted on Plum Island: fishing from the dock or beach; swimming from the dock or other structures; collection of plants, berries, seeds, mushrooms, rocks, fossils, antlers or other artifacts; fireworks; camping; campfires; or geocaches.

More information on the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge can be found here: fws.gov/refuge/Green_Bay.

To learn more about how to get involved with the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands, visit plumandpilot.org, and be sure to monitor their Facebook page: facebook.com/plumandpilot/.