Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area lies at the center of the best coastal wetland habitat remaining on Sandusky Bay. Unfortunately, this habitat is declining, while importance of the area to migratory birds is high and continues to grow. Ohio's coastal marshes and Sandusky Bay support a dramatically growing number of spring-migration, neotropical migratory birds. The area is also the most important migration staging area for black ducks on the North American continent. Acquisition and restoration efforts through this project will also enhance habitat for many native wetland species which are listed as federal or state endangered or threatened species.

Looking to the future, the Ohio Division of Wildlife has proposed a follow-up grant for next year's National Coastal Wetlands Conservation grant program. This would enable the state to take on a more comprehensive, longer-term effort to protect and enhance the remaining coastal wetland habitat of Sandusky Bay.