Burnham Canal Wetland
MMSD will develop engineering and design work necessary to transform the highly contaminated Burnham Canal into a vibrant wetland. This high-profile project has received widespread public support and has the potential to dramatically improve habitat and water quality in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern.
Remove five fish passage barriers in Menomonee River
MMSD will develop engineering plans and specifications to remove five fish barriers along the Menomonee River. Addressing these barriers will ultimately improve passage for 39 fish species over 34 miles of habitat. The Fund’s grant is contingent on MMSD and its partners securing funds for implementation.
Root River Redevelopment Implementation Initiative
The Racine County Economic Development Corporation will identify opportunities to incorporate green infrastructure and restoration activities in the 325-acre downtown Racine Root River Corridor as part of the City’s recently adopted RootWorks redevelopment plan. The Fund for Lake Michigan grant has been matched by SC Johnson and the City of Racine.
Somers Branch of Pike River: Ecohydrological Analysis & Restoration Planning
The Town of Somers will conduct an eco-hydrological analysis and restoration feasibility study of the entire Somers Branch of the Pike River, as well as site-specific restoration plans for two town-owned properties totaling just over 33 acres.
Frontier Park-Menomonee River Bank Stabilization
The Village of Butler will restore and stabilize 125 linear feet of streambank on the north side of the Menomonee River in Frontier Park. The highly visible site is severely eroded and has been identified as a high priority in the Watershed Restoration Plan for the Menomonee River. FFLM funds would support the initial survey […]
Atwater Park and Beach Native Plant Installation, Maintenance, and Invasive Species Removal Project
The Fund for Lake Michigan is supporting the Village of Shorewood’s ongoing efforts to stabilize and maintain a 100-foot bluff at Atwater Park (pdf) along Lake Michigan shoreline. The Village will improve the bluff and surrounding beach habitat and maintain existing restoration work.
Wheelhouse Shoreline Restoration Project
RRF will restore 650 feet of Milwaukee River shoreline at the Wheelhouse site on the upstream end of the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC). The restored property will serve as the gateway to the Milwaukee River Greenway. The work done by RRF will improve riparian habitat, reduce runoff and facilitate fishery re-establishment in the […]
Global Water Technology Park Permeable Pavement Project
The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee will install PaveDrain, an innovative permeable paving technology, along Freshwater Way at Reed Street Yards. This highly visible, 17-acre site along the Menomonee River will serve as the future home of the Global Water Technology Park. The site is an ideal location to highlight innovative green infrastructure […]
Multijurisdictional implementation of beach redesigns to improve water quality and restore habitat
The Fund for Lake Michigan awarded a grant to the City of Racine to clean up and restore three beaches in Racine and Kenosha that currently experience a large number of beach closings due to poor water quality. Funds will be used for construction of dunes, rain gardens, bioswales and other stormwater management features; native […]
Fish and Wildlife Restoration-Milwaukee River Watershed
Ozaukee County will build on its fish passage work by completing a large-scale aquatic habitat restoration project in Ulao Creek, which is now available for spawning thanks to the removal of fish passage impediments. Ulao Creek contains over one-quarter of all potential northern pike spawning habitat in the entire Milwaukee River watershed. Ozaukee County will […]