De Pere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Area

De Pere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier

Project Description

Viewing Pier • Lighted • 300 ft long • 12 ft (approx.) above normal water level

Fishing Dock

Island Pathway • 10-12 ft wide • Lighted • Adjacent to locks.

Scissors Bridge • Located west of locks.

• Spans from Voyageur Park to Island.

• To be operated by FVNA Lock Tender.

Downtown Connection • Utilize Fox River Trail.

• Decorative sidewalks leading to downtown.

• Decorative lighting.

Project Features

Wildlife Viewing • Pelicans • Bald Eagles • Black Crowned Night Heron • Blue Heron • Many others.

• Sturgeon • Walleye Fish Viewing • Musky • Gar • Many others.

Fishing • New access.

• Prime walleye location.

• Fishing allowed from May to February, south of power lines.

Historic District • Increased access.

• Island, Dam and Locks are a registered Historic District.

• Includes lock tenders house.

Impact

Educational • School groups • St. Norbert College • Day cares • Naturalist tours

Economic Impact • Study of Sturgeon Viewing – Two weeks, 3000 people, $300,000 (UWGB Study) • Locks – Two years (27 different states, 12 different countries)

Economic Impact • Wildlife watching – Increased 266% over past 20 years.

– (Study)Generated $1.3 billion to economy in 2001 • Increased fishing.

• Ability for special events.

• Tourist attraction.

• $1.9 million yearly impact

Construction Timeline • January 2012 – Construction began on bridge structures, raised boardwalk, and pathway.

• Spring 2012 – Rebid of viewing pier, fishing dock and trail lighting • Fall 2012 – Construction of viewing pier and other selected amenities.

Funding • Have received approximately $900,000 million in Stewardship Grants.

• Received $100,000 grant from Coastal Management.

• Private Funding is on going.

Promote Family Embrace History Big Picture Education Wildlife Economy/Downtown Values

What can you do?

To donate, please send check to: City of De Pere/Riverwalk 335 S. Broadway De Pere, WI 54115