Environmental Impact Analysis_Content Page_Door Peninsula SA

Door Peninsula Strategic Analysis

Door SA Study Area

Spanning over 300 miles, the coast of the Door Peninsula and its surrounding islands are important to the ecological health of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, as well as the economic well-being of northeastern Wisconsin. Changing water levels and storm events pose a significant challenge to the management of this coast.

In recent years, coastal erosion and flooding have led to a dramatic increase in applications for DNR waterway permits to place stone revetments, jetties and other structures along the Door Peninsula shoreline. A decade ago, low water levels resulted in reduced water access and navigation, and an increase in waterway permits for dredging.

The current wave of shoreland protection projects could have negative environmental and socioeconomic consequences, including the loss of important fish habitat and the disruption of natural processes by which beaches and other coastal features are built up and maintained over time. To better understand and inform decision-makers and the public about these challenges, as well as potential alternative management approaches, the DNR is conducting a Strategic Analysis of Coastal Management on the Door Peninsula.

Strategic Analysis Process

The DNR is following the process outlined in sec. NR 150.10, Wis. Adm. Code. Using the best available information and input from the public and stakeholders, the DNR will identify and evaluate existing and alternative approaches to coastal management on the Door Peninsula under current conditions and possible future scenarios.

A strategic analysis does not establish DNR policy or change existing rules. The purpose of the Door Peninsula Strategic Analysis is to inform decision-makers and the public about current conditions, existing and alternative approaches to coastal management on the peninsula and anticipated environmental and socioeconomic effects of those alternatives under high and low water scenarios.

Public Input

The public was invited to provide input on the scope of the strategic analysis between June 2 and July 23, 2021. During this period, 114 individuals filled-out an online questionnaire designed to help identify topics to be covered by the analysis. In addition, Midwest Environmental Advocates and Wisconsin's Green Fire provided written comments on a Draft Outline of topics to be covered.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide input on the scope of the strategic analysis! The public will have the opportunity to review and provide comments on a draft of the strategic analysis report.

Strategic Analysis Process Steps

The strategic analysis (SA) follows these general steps:

  1. Public Scoping
  2. Information Gathering and Analysis  < we are here
  3. Preparation of the Draft SA Report
  4. Public Review and Comment– The public will be given at least 45 days to review and provide comments on the draft SA report.
  5. DNR Review of Public Comments – The DNR will consider and summarize all public comments received on the draft SA report before completing the analysis.
  6. Publication of the Final Strategic Analysis Report - The DNR will post the final SA report along with a summary of the public comments received on the draft SA report to this webpage.