Interstate Island

Interstate Island is located in Duluth Superior Harbor in Lake Superior. The island is critical habitat for the state-threatened common tern (Sterna hirundo), and was experiencing flooding, erosion, and land loss. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers placed 51,990 cubic meters of dredged material on the island to prevent further loss. This raised elevation of vulnerable areas and increased the size of available habitat areas for the common tern. This project enhances recreational fishing and birding opportunities. Finally, this project saves partner funding as the dredged material is placed at no additional taxpayer cost, since the material is already dredged annually from the harbor.