The Clean Bay Backers Host the 6th Annual Bringing Back the Bay Tour!

The Clean Bay Backers hosted the 6^th annual Bringing Back the Bay Tour on Monday, September 9th. This year’s tour focused on celebrating the conclusion of PCB dredging efforts and protecting our waters from emerging contaminants. Additionally, the event aids in increasing the awareness and understanding of water quality issues and restoration work initiatives in the Lower Fox River and the bay of Green Bay, an area deemed the Green Bay Area of Concern. Elected officials and community leaders were invited to attend the event to increase their awareness and understanding of the current issues affecting water quality, to provide a venue for networking and open communication between the various groups in attendance, to create stronger connections, and to experience our water resources first-hand.
Eric Genrich, City of Green Bay Mayor, noted:

“I want to thank the Clean Bay Backers for their perseverance and advocacy as we continue to restore the health of our waterways. As the PCB cleanup is concluded, we must turn our attention to strengthening the entirety of the watershed. Investments in sustainability and resilience efforts are urgently necessary and beneficial to our residents and the region’s precious natural resources. In the coming years, the city will be focused on implementing green infrastructure initiatives to help manage storm water, mitigate urban flooding, cultivate healthy wetland areas, and improve water quality. ”

The event began with a with a welcome and press conference at Leicht Memorial Park along the Fox River in Green Bay. Following the press conference, groups toured both the PCB processing facility and points of interest along the Fox River aboard the River Tyme boat, with transportation provided. Local experts briefed attendees on how continued restoration of the Fox River and bay of Green Bay will boost the local economy and improve quality of life for its residents, the current and future challenges of keeping the river clean post dredging, and opportunities for integrating pollution prevention, wildlife habitat, and public access in waterfront redevelopment and revitalization.

About the Clean Bay Backers:
The Clean Bay Backers serve as the Citizen Advisory Committee to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for the Lower Green Bay and Fox River Area of Concern. They are a diverse group of public, private and non-profit members, representing the community’s interest in creating a better future by restoring the health of the Lower Fox River and Green Bay. Visit www.facebook.com/CleanBayBackers for photos and additional information.