Birders in Racine County are raising concerns about shoreline work planned at Shoop Park, the city-owned property on Lake Michigan that is also home to a municipal golf course.
The Racine Common Council approved plans in July for Lighthouse Dunes at Shoop Park, a dunes-style course to replace the current course. The existing course sits along a tree-lined shoreline that draws birders to the area.
The city has submitted plans to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for bluff work and shoreline improvements. Plans for vegetation after that work show shoreline foliage replaced with shrubs and native grasses.
Hoy Audubon Society members say 283 bird species have been spotted at the site. They argue that a city summary noting just over 60 percent of birds known to use the area do not use tree or woodland habitat still leaves a large share that do, and that grasses alone do not provide the structure those birds need.
A city project summary presented in March said the current vegetation contributes to instability along the bluff. The city owns the property, while the developer is responsible for the cost of shoreline protection, according to Commissioner of Public Works John Rooney.
The DNR held a public hearing on Nov. 5. Written comments were due within 10 days of that hearing, after which the DNR has 20 days to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the permit application.
