The Natural Resources Board on Wednesday accepted a 362-acre donation of Door County land that significantly expands recreational opportunities and protects a rare and unique boreal forest along Lake Michigan harboring dozens of rare animals and plants, including some that are globally rare, and several species of wild native orchids. The donation, from The Nature Conservancy, will expand the Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest State Natural Area in Door County from its current 486 acres, and open the new parcel to nature-based activities including hiking, bird watching, nature study and hunting. The conservancy used private dollars, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant and funds from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to acquire the land.
