Wisconsin Freshwater Estuary

Wisconsin’s Freshwater Estuary Initiative is a statewide effort to increase awareness and promote stewardship of Wisconsin’s freshwater estuaries. Freshwater estuaries are extremely important to the natural and economic health of the state and are central to many Wisconsin communities.
To learn more about Freshwater Estuaries click here

Developing a Lake Superior Freshwater Estuary Center by receiving a National Estuarine Research Reserve designation is part of the UW-Extension's Wisconsin Freshwater Estuary Initiative.

In 2003 more than 20 partner organizations on the Wisconsin Lake Superior South Shore explored the idea of a National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) designation. They unanimously support this exciting opportunity and have written letters of support asking to begin a site selection and feasibility study. In 2004, Governor Doyle formally requested that NOAA provide funding and technical assistance to select a site on Lake Superiors’ coast for designation as a NERR. NOAA has agreed to work with Wisconsin to identify the estuary or estuaries best suited for the NERR program and expand public involvement in the process.

From 2004 to the present the University of Wisconsin-Extension has lead the process, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and theWisconsin Department of Natural Resources, to identify the most appropriate site for a Lake Superior NERR. A Site Selection Technical Team has provided shared leadership and scientific expertise, and has included representation by local individuals and organizations. A Public Involvement Team has provided the framework for including local input and involvement.  The site selection and designation process is expected to take three to five years and includes several opportunities for public involvement. The final result of developing a NERR on Lake Superior will be better understanding of Lake Superior’s coastal ecosystems and greater integration of research and education for Wisconsin’s coastal communities.

Status of the Lake Superior NERR:

• Site selection process is nearly completed.A site will be announced in early 2008, with a public meeting to be scheduled in the vicinity of the site(s).
• Governor Doyle will nominate a NERR site following public input on the selected site(s).
• Following NOAA review of the Site Nomination, an Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan will be completed.
• Visit http://nerrs.noaa.gov/for more information about the NERR program.

Committees/Technical Teams Information
Documents from meetings of the Site Selection Technical Team and Public Involvement Team are posted here.

Background information on the Lake Superior NERRproject (all .pdf files):

NERRS FAQ(37 kb)
Map of Lake Superior Estuaries(1 Mb)
Article about Lake Superior Estuaries (112 kb)
Article about the Lake Superior NERR (170 kb)
Descriptions of Lake Superior Estuaries(1.6 MB)
Designation Process Outline(31 kb)
Designation Process Guidlines(238 kb)
Federal Regulations - NERRS(165 kb)
Maps and photos of Lake Superior Estuaries (11 MB, FTP)

For more information contact:

Patrick Robinson, Freshwater Estuary Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Extension, 920-465-2175, patrick.robinson@ces.uwex.edu

Becky Sapper, Lake Superior Freshwater Estuary Outreach Coordinator, University of Wisconsin-Extension, 715-685-2652, becky.sapper@ces.uwex.edu

Travis Olson, Wetland Protection and Land Use Planning Coordinator, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, 608-266-3687, travis.olson@wisconsin.gov

Top

If you have any questions regarding Estuary Education please contact:

Cathy Techtmann
Department Head/Education Coordinator
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center Office
29270 Co Hwy G
Ashland, WI 54806
Phone: 715-685-9983
FAX: 715-685-0036
Email: catherine.techtmann@ces.uwex.edu