Kenosha Reporter

A new phase in the Pike River South Branch Restoration Project has been announced, emphasizing a return to the river's natural path and restoration of surrounding wetlands. This initiative, supported by fresh funding sources, aims to enhance the ecological health of the area.

The project focuses on a 1.5-mile section between Highway K and Highway S, with plans to restore stormwater-absorbing wetlands and extend a multi-use trail system. County Executive Samantha Kerkman stated, “The result will be an ecological gem in the heart of the city.” She emphasized the importance of this project for the environmental health of Kenosha County and its impact on Lake Michigan.

County Board Chairman Monica M. Yuhas described it as a transformative effort for environmental sustainability and water quality improvement. Both officials acknowledged the contributions of partners like Root-Pike WIN, Wisconsin DNR, and the Army Corps of Engineers in making this financially feasible.

Funding efforts have reduced Kenosha County’s share by $1.3 million from initial estimates, with potential further savings through Root-Pike WIN’s initiatives. Dave Giordano, Executive Director of Root-Pike WIN, expressed gratitude towards all funding partners including Brookwood Foundation and Fund for Lake Michigan.

This restoration is part of a broader effort dating back to the 1980s within the Pike River Watershed. Since 2016, over $12.3 million has been raised from various sources including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers grants.

Key objectives include restoring 215 acres to parkland, reducing sediment reaching Lake Michigan by 1,000 tons annually, recreating stream channels for better ecology, rehabilitating wetlands for improved habitat and water quality, and extending recreational trails.

To facilitate these goals, Wisconsin DNR plans to acquire land for wetland mitigation projects which will be maintained under conservation easement indefinitely.

The South Branch flows through Kenosha City and Somers Village before joining other branches at Petrifying Springs Park to form Main Pike River heading towards Lake Michigan.

Historical plans from SEWRPC (1983) and Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (2013) highlighted similar solutions for rehabilitation due to growing negative impacts on water quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also identified this area as a priority in their Nine-Element Plan.

Upcoming meetings will consider resolutions related to this project on March 12th with Planning Committee discussions followed by Finance Committee on March 13th; dates are yet to be set for Public Works Committee meetings.