The Clean Bay Backers hosted the 8th Annual Bringing Back the Back Tour on Friday, October 15th from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm. The press conference opened with Fox-Wolf’s Katie Woodrow and included remarks from De Pere Mayor James Boyd, Wisconsin State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, and Brown County Parks Program Coordinator Jason Petrella. This year’s event focused on the increased use and desire for public access of the land and water of the Lower Fox River and bay of Green Bay as a result of the pandemic. The Clean Bay Backers invited legislators, elected officials, community leaders, and the press to spend the afternoon learning about how cleaning up our region’s biggest asset can boost our economy and improve quality of life for its residents. Key messages of the event included:
1) Past investments in cleaning up the Fox River have spurred waterfront revitalization and economic development, but continued work is necessary to maintain investments and continue improving resources for the future.
2) It is critical that communities integrate climate resiliency, pollution prevention, wildlife habitat restoration, and public access into development and redevelopment plans. Water quality has a direct tie to economic and social well-being benefits.
3) Aesthetics monitoring survey data tells us that algal blooms and pollution are of concern to the general public. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are an indicator of poor water health and a significant concern to drinking water, aesthetics, and recreation. Addressing the impact of dissolved phosphorus will be key in recovery efforts.
4) Habitat restoration work in naturalized, urban areas continues to provide recreation opportunities as well as improve the quality of life and sense of place/social wellbeing.
5) Elected officials and community leaders have an unparalleled opportunity to continue building a legacy of restoration and stewardship of the Fox River and bay of Green Bay to further grow the region’s economy and enhance quality of life for its residents.
There was time for questions following each topic. A total of 50 attendees participated in the event. The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is a proud member of the Clean Bay Backers. Fox-Wolf’s Kelly Reyer spoke on the results of the WDNR Aesthetics Monitoring survey during the event.
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 additional information.
Check out the event media coverage below:
