Plans to reshape the Lake Michigan shoreline at Shoop Park have raised concerns among Racine County birders, who say replacing trees and other vegetation could diminish an important bird habitat. Advocates are seeking discussions with the developers as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reviews the city’s proposed bluff remediation and shoreline improvements.
Racine’s Common Council approved plans in July for Lighthouse Dunes at Shoop Park, a dunes-style golf course that would occupy the site of the existing municipal course. The current course borders a tree-lined stretch of Lake Michigan that also attracts birdwatchers. The vegetation plan calls for shrubs and native grasses to replace foliage along the lake after the bluff work is finished.
Bob Salvatore, a Hoy Audubon Society member who has visited Shoop Park as a golfer and birder for 50 years, said observers have recorded 283 bird species there. He attributes the variety in part to the shoreline’s relatively undisturbed condition. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Lake Geneva resident Maritta Mountjoy visited the course hoping to spot scoters, a type of diving duck. She said the park’s large trees give birds places to perch and look for fish.
City officials have presented concerns about the existing vegetation’s effect on the bluff. A March project summary supplied to the Common Council by Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Matt Koepnick said roots, wind forces on vegetation and related soil movement contribute to instability. The summary also said slightly more than 60% of birds known to visit the area do not use its tree or woodland habitat.
Bird advocates say the habitat used by the remaining roughly 40% still warrants protection. Salvatore said grasses cannot provide all the structure birds need from trees and larger bushes. Karen Johnson, a Wind Point resident and Hoy Audubon member, warned that removing the vegetation would severely affect migratory bird habitat. She favors selective work over clearing all the trees and replanting.
Johnson said Hoy Audubon is preparing its own landscape research for submission to the DNR. She said a new golf course could benefit Racine, but its development should proceed responsibly. Both she and Salvatore hope the public comment process will lead to conversations and compromise with the developers. TMJ4 sought comment from project developer Craig Leipold but received no response by its deadline.
The city submitted the shoreline application because it owns Shoop Park, according to Public Works Commissioner John Rooney. He said the developer is responsible for paying for shoreline protection.
Public comments must be submitted or postmarked within 10 days after the Nov. 5 hearing. Rooney said the DNR then has 20 days to approve the permit application, approve it with changes or reject it, depending on whether the proposal meets state environmental and statutory requirements.
Comments can be emailed to [email protected], made by telephone at 608-598-0346 or mailed to Sonya Ponzi, 1027 W St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee, 53233. Submissions should identify docket IP-SE-2026-52-02708 or name the applicants, John Rooney and the City of Racine.
