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Amsterdam Dunes, 322 Acres, Sections 30 & 31, Town of Holland, Sheboygan County, WI
Amsterdam Dunes … a special place worth preserving.
	Sheboygan County has renewed efforts to acquire what may be the last large tract of an undeveloped complex of sand dune/wetland/hardwood forest environment along the western shores of Lake Michigan. This property contains many unique habitats and is a critical resting place for migrating songbirds as well as hawks, owls, and other birds of prey. This 323 acre site lies immediately south of the Cedar Grove Raptor Research Center, owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which is a nationally recognized study area for birds of prey and other bird species. The Amsterdam Dunes property contains a wealth of ecological resources such as rare habitats, rare species, permanent and intermittent streams, an undeveloped bluffline, and 1,890 feet of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. This site is also rich in archaeological and historic attributes, truly making this a one of a kind property. The County, if funding can be secured, intends to purchase the property, restore and enhance critical habitats, control invasive species, replant native species, improve streams and water quality, and restore wetlands. The site will also be developed to accommodate day use by hikers and cross country skiers, and offer outstanding environmental education opportunities. Unique features of the development plan are that it will be promoted largely for bicyclists from the near-by Interurban Trail in Cedar Grove and from Kohler Andrae and Harrington Beach State Parks; contain a low environmental impact clustered ‘green’ residential housing component; and be acquired, developed, and maintained without any direct dependence on the property tax levy. Proposed structures on the site include an interpretive center, parking lots, restrooms, a picnic area, and bicycle racks. An elevated yet unobtrusive migratory bird watching platform will be placed at the crest of a bluff that is situated over extensive wetlands. Stay tuned to this space for the latest news.

Final Project Summary - Project Summary Narrative Final Grant Development Plan - Draft Development Plans of Amsterdam Dunes Habitat Map - Amsterdam Dunes Site Constraints & Plant Community Map SEWRPC Plant Community Description - Worksheet Potentially Restorable Wetlands - Amsterdam LLC Property PRW Map Prime Soils 2008 Photo RGB - Amsterdam LLC Property Soil Map Shoreland Zoning Map - Amsterdam Dunes Site Constraints New Amsterdam Pottery - Document Ecological Impacts of Too Many Deer - Effects of Deer Herbivory on Birds Audubon Magazine - Audubon deer article Information on hawks and how to identify them (slide show and silhouette guide) – Hawk Migration Association of North America To view more Amsterdam Dunes area photos. click here

Related Links Friends of Amsterdam Dunes - www.amsterdamdunes.org