Fox 11 reported that the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes have agreed to sell Camp Cuesta in Baileys Harbor to the Door County Land Trust (DCLT). The 24-acre camp, which has been a destination for local Girl Scouts for nearly 50 years, borders the land trust’s 281-acre Kangaroo Lake Nature Preserve.
Emily Wood, Executive Director of Door County Land Trust told the Green Bay Press Gazette that the they were interested in purchasing the property, not only because it abuts the Kangaroo Lake Preserve, but because it has a mix of opens spaces and hardwood forest with habitat for bald eagles, osprey, waterfowl, migratory birds, various mammals and the Hine’s emerald dragonfly, one of the most endangered dragonfly species in North America. The Niagara Escarpment also runs through the property.
Door County Land Trust plans to apply for a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources which would not only assist with the purchase but also allow the property to remain open to the public for hiking, exploring, and other nature activities. DCLT and the Girl Scouts are working on an agreement that would keep the camp open for scouting activities as well.
Local troop leaders Sarah Martin and Anna Knapp emphasized the camp’s importance to the Door County Pulse, with Martin noting, “When you’re there you feel removed from everything else – it’s secluded and quiet and pristine.”
Camp Cuesta is unique among the DCLT’s properties because it has buildings—a troop house with restrooms and a kitchenette, and a screened pavilion. Once the sale is finalized, DCLT will be responsible for the protection and maintenance of the property.
Patti Shafto-Carlson, CEO of Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, expressed mixed emotions to Fox 11 about selling the camp but satisfaction with the buyer, noting that DCLT’s “commitment to preserving and maintaining the property aligns perfectly with our vision and values. This partnership ensures that Camp Cuesta will be a place where Girl Scouts and others can connect with nature, have meaningful outdoor experiences and create lasting memories.”
Featured image by Kay McKinley/Door County Land Trust.
