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Long Tail Unit

Green Bay West Shores Wildlife Area

GBWS Longtail Wildlife Area

Long Tail Unit is a 434-acre property located at the east end of Riverside Drive in Suamico, south of the Suamico River in Brown County. Parcels of state-owned land are located along Longtail Beach Road and Lane.

Longtail Point is a sand-spit depositional feature projecting into Green Bay. The habitat types and acreage on the point are dependent on the level of water in Green Bay. Habitat types grade from emergent wetlands to sedge meadows, shrub-carr and cottonwood copses. The mainland portions of the unit have emergent marsh, lowland forest and shrub-carr.

Management objective

The Long Tail Unit became a wildlife refuge in 1936. The refuge was terminated in 1961 and the land was turned over to the state. More land was acquired in 1999 and 2002. This unit is an important stopover area for migrating waterfowl. Fish management activities are conducted around Long Tail and it is an access point to Green Bay for fishermen. Recent management has focused on controlling the invasive giant reed.

Recreation

Many recreational opportunities exist at the Long Tail Unit.

  • Birding
  • Cross country skiing (no designated trail)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking (no designated trail)
  • Hunting (especially noted for deer, waterfowl and small game)
  • Trapping
  • Wild edibles/gathering
  • Wildlife viewing

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.

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