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Island in Ohio, United States
Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
West Sister Island is the only designated wilderness area in the state of Ohio, United States of America. An important waterbird nesting colony, it is closed to tourists to protect the wildlife. Entry is for research purposes only and requires a permit. But you can see the island's historic lighthouse from the south shore of Lake Erie or from a boat.
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Occasionally the Friends of the Ottawa NWR offers a guided cruise around the island coast for birders. This cruise does not land at the island, but does include researchers who discuss their work with the Island.
The only remaining manmade structure on the Island. The top of the tower has been damaged by artillery practice during World War II.
Birding may be done at a distance from a boat.
The island is closed to the general public at all times, as the whole island is a National Wildlife Refuge. There are some birdwatching opportunities if you boat from a distance.
Read in the guideThere is no real infrastructure here and the island is covered with trees, very tall populations of poison ivy, Solomon's Seal, and other unhospitable vegetation.
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Detroit · International · DTW
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