 management system is currently being installed and tested, the upland planting is ongoing, and plans are being made for the transfer of the 300-acre south cell to DNR's management sometime this year. The south cell addition will be maintained as a wildlife preserve with nature trails and interpretive signs. While visitors will be required to stay on marked trails, those that make their way to HMI will be able to enjoy a truly remarkable concentration of species, made possible by the creation and management of a completely artificial habitat complex.
To date, 278 species of birds have been sighted at HMI, and more than 50 species have been found to nest there. One of the most recent nesting records is a pair of bald eagles that established a nest this year.
HMI is a wonderful example of how a multi-agency interdisciplinary planning team can take an acknowledged environmental problem, like the placement of dredged material, and create valuable wildlife habitat and an outstanding recreational opportunity.
Arnold "Butch" Norden