Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Fish and Wildlife Service, Wisconsin.

Hog Island, at 2 acres, is the lone component of the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The island is located in Lake Michigan, east of Washington Island, in Door County, Wisconsin. The island was set aside by Executive Order in 1913 as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. Along with Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge, Green Bay Refuge makes up the Wisconsin Islands Wilderness Area. The refuge is managed by staff at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, in Mayville, WI. At one time, Hog Island was tree-covered. However, all the trees are now dead, and many have fallen over. The island supports a nesting colony of herring gulls, double-crested cormorants, and a few red-breasted mergansers. No development has occurred on the island due to its small size, remoteness, and landing difficulties. All public use is restricted due to ground nesting by migratory birds and the limited and treacherous access.

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Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge islands are closed to the public. Hog and Pilot Islands are closed to the public to reduce disturbance to nesting birds. Plum Island is currently closed to the public except for special events. The refuge is managed by staff at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Mayville, WI. Contact (920)387-2658 or greenbay@fws.gov. The office/visitor center is located on the east side of Horicon Marsh, 3.5 miles south of State Highway 49 on County Road Z.

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