Kenosha Reporter

A $700,000 grant has been allocated to the final phase of the Pike River Restoration project in Petrifying Springs Park. This funding aims to reduce sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen levels entering the river system, thereby safeguarding Lake Michigan's water quality.

The grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Program was awarded to the Kenosha County Division of Parks for Phase III of its restoration efforts. Congressman Bryan Steil announced this development recently.

“Our state’s natural resources are an important part of what makes Wisconsin a great place to live and work,” Steil said. “This funding will help ensure that our rivers remain stable and vibrant for future generations to enjoy.”

County Executive Samantha Kerkman highlighted the importance of collaboration between local government, state agencies, environmental organizations, and federal authorities. “I would like to thank Congressman Bryan Steil and the EPA for recognizing the importance of this project,” Kerkman said. “This is the largest grant awarded to the project and will help us bring it across the finish line this fall.”

Additional support for Phase III comes from organizations such as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Sustain Our Great Lakes, and the Fund for Lake Michigan.

Phases I and II have already been completed. Both Kerkman and Wyatt Moore, Kenosha County Parks Director, expressed appreciation towards all sponsors who have supported these phases, minimizing local taxpayer impact.

“This has been an incredibly impactful project for Petrifying Springs Park, enhancing both the park itself and the water quality of the Pike River,” Moore said. “The completion of this section of the river marks a major milestone in a restoration effort that has been underway since 2017.”

The EPA also contributed to Phase I in 2017 by addressing erosion along a 3,145-foot section of the river.

Phase III builds on previous achievements by restoring 3,280 feet of streambank and over five acres of riverbank habitat alongside 12,040 square feet of in-stream habitat. This phase includes planting native species to support pollinators like Rusty Patched Bumblebee and migratory birds such as bluebirds to enhance biodiversity.