Wetland acreage along the shores of the Great Lakes continues to decline in response to agricultural and urban pressures. This is particularly true for the highly desired properties of Manitowoc County's Lake Michigan shore (see study area map). Even when wetlands are not directly converted to other uses by development or farming, upland land practices affect the quality and functioning of these valuable resources. Coastal wetlands are rare, and should be the focus of targeted management efforts. Recognition of the rarity and value of coastal wetlands in Wisconsin provided the impetus for undertaking this evaluation of Manitowoc County's coastal wetlands.
This report presents the study and findings of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's 1998 Water Resources Management Workshop. Eighteen graduate students from a range of disciplines participated in this workshop and developed a replicable method for examining the functions and characteristics of Great Lakes coastal wetlands.
For the purposes of our study, a coastal zone was defined by doubling the current local shoreland/wetland zoning standards. This method includes wetlands that are typically considered inland, but may be influenced by Lake Michigan. In addition, specific criteria for riparian wetlands were developed. Specifically, a coastal wetland was defined by one of the following criteria:
Based on existing knowledge of coastal wetlands, we designed a Coastal Wetland Inventory and Rapid Assessment Form to evaluate 57 wetlands in Manitowoc County for eleven functional values, inventory wetland vegetation and to provide supplementary narrative information (see map of study area). Data were compiled into a database and made accessible with the use of a geographical information system. Aside from the value in cataloging what is present in Manitowoc County's coastal wetlands, the information was used to understand how each wetland functions within a landscape. With our findings, we developed a framework for future management of the county's wetlands using current management tools as a foundation.
Fieldwork and data analysis resulted in a number of significant findings that point to several threats affecting Manitowoc County's coastal wetlands:
Our discovery of a large number of high quality wetlands in Manitowoc County emphasizes the need for a comprehensive coastal wetland management plan. A proactive, effective management plan should accommodate current wetland uses, expand opportunities for use where feasible, and maintain the necessary level of protection.
Based on the study's finding, we outline four major recommendations for management priorities and suggest key steps to be implemented by Manitowoc County for each recommendation. Some management steps are based on reviews of other coastal wetland protection programs and a multi-disciplinary, overall assessment of the county's wetland protection needs. In some instances, it may be most appropriate for groups other than the county, such as citizen organizations, to undertake these actions and implementation steps.
Why is this important? Many of Manitowoc County's coastal wetlands are not adequately protected from adjacent land use impacts and other threats. Resources should be focused on wetlands that are most susceptible to threats, particularly those presently lacking public or private protection programs. In addition, wetlands that provide greater overall functional value and those of greater size should be considered priorities. Most of the county's high-quality coastal wetlands lie along rivers and streams and often provide the greatest wildlife habitat benefits, as well as floodwater storage, water-related recreation and other important human benefits. A stream corridor protection program should include individual wetlands that are hydrologically connected to a river or stream despite being outside the county's 300-foot shoreland/floodplain zone.
Why is this important? Manitowoc County has well-established tourism and amenities tied to its historic Great Lakes connection and the visual character of its shoreline. The county's shoreline parks, wetlands, streams and rivers can be linked to form a unique and highly appealing network or attractions for tourists and local residents. In addition to scenic beauty and recreation value, wetlands perform important functions for humans, including water purification, flood control, and erosion control. While it is difficult to assign precise dollar figures to these functional benefits, it is clear that replacing wetlands with engineered systems is extremely costly and often less effective.
Why is this important? Protecting wetland acreage alone will not preserve wetlands as healthy, functioning systems. An efficient management strategy considers the activities of an entire watershed and their effects on wetlands. Enlisting the help of concerned citizens and landowners to develop protection strategies and help implement conservation practices is a vital component of an effective watershed management strategy. The watershed approach can help to transcend political jurisdictions and allow different levels of government to work together alongside concerned citizens, industry, environmental groups, farmers and other.
Why is this important? Manitowoc County's coastal wetlands are ecologically important assets that offer citizens a source of pride, a connection with nature, and an opportunity to act as good stewards. Many educational projects could be undertaken by the county and volunteer groups to encourage citizen interest in coastal wetlands.
The findings and recommendations of the 1998 Water Resources Management Workshop for Manitowoc County may not apply to other Great Lakes coastal areas. Wetland functions and management decisions are inherently site specific, and need to be tailored to the local watershed. However, other agencies and organizations charged with managing coastal wetlands may find the Coastal Wetland Inventory and Rapid Assessment a useful template for investigating wetlands along other portions of the Great Lakes coastline. The 1998 workshop participants found the Coastal Wetland Inventory and Rapid Assessment to be a rugged and adaptable tool for investigating coastal wetland functions.
The Fischer Creek Watershed is representative of southern Manitowoc County with streams and creeks draining directly to Lake Michigan. It contains the majority of the wetland types identified during the study and several examples of high quality wetlands exhibiting numerous functions and values. The watershed also faces two of the major pressures faced by the rest of the county -- shoreline development and non-point source pollution. Despite being only a small percentage of the watershed, Fischer Creek Park contains a remarkable assemblage of habitats and is an excellent resource for both education and habitat protection.
Our management recommendations specific to Fischer Creek Park, focus on visitor activities and park use. Park managers should determine a balance between preservation and education. Once the desired balance is defined, educational programs should be established for organized groups as well as casual visitors. Because of the park's potential as a significant county resource, the county should build upon its existing management plan to develop a long-term plan reflecting user concerns and workshop observations. This plan should allow for the development and maintenance of a trail system that allows visitors to experience the park's natural attractions, while protecting sensitive areas. Trails could feature small numbered signs that correspond to a brochure illustrating the park's natural and cultural history. Additionally, a World Wide Web site linked to Manitowoc County World Wide Web site (the county does not have a web site, as far as I know. I couldn't find one.) and other related resources would inform citizens about the unique features of Fischer Creek Park. Finally, we recommend encouraging volunteer stewardship and restoration activities in the park such as stream cleanups, aquatic invertebrate monitoring, exotic species removal and native species replanting. These activities would give volunteers a sense of park ownership and would provide a foundation for educational programs.
The best way to protect Fischer Creek Park is to manage growth and development in the watershed. Watershed management would be greatly facilitated by the formation of a watershed coalition. This coalition should include all watershed stakeholders with various backgrounds and opinions. Once such a coalition is formed, it should list priorities, identify concerns and common interests, and devise solutions to problems using adaptive management. Additionally, a watershed education program focusing on watershed awareness, landowner stewardship, and voluntary land protection should be established. Watershed awareness includes recognition and understanding of the physical, hydrologic, and biological interconnections that exist between the watershed and Fischer Creek. Existing programs identified in the report can be used in the development of an outreach program to inform residents on ways they can protect and enhance their watershed. Finally, a voluntary land protection program should be established to connect critical parcels of land such as creek corridors.
Manitowoc County is well positioned to be proactive in managing its coastal wetland resources. It is our hope that this study has provided Manitowoc County and other government agencies charged with protecting Great Lakes coastal wetlands with a useful tool for protecting, enhancing and restoring these valuable ecosystems.
All correspondence should be addressed to: Water Resources Management Practicum, Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Science Hall, 550 N. Park St., Madison, WI 53706. PHONE: (608) 262-2950.
Page last updated: 12/22/98
