Kenosha County begins Pike River restoration project

A significant environmental restoration project has begun in Kenosha County. This multi-million dollar initiative will restore the south branch of the Pike River to its natural state. County officials and community members gathered for a ceremonial signing to mark the start of the project. Kenosha County's Director of Planning and Development, Andy Buehler, said the aim is to transform a degraded area into a valuable community asset. He noted that this restoration will improve water quality in the river, which flows into Lake Michigan. The restoration will involve several key improvements. It will change 215 acres of farmland into public parkland and recreate 1.5 miles of stream for better water flow and ecology. The project is expected to stop 1,000 tons of sediment from reaching Lake Michigan each year. Additionally, it will rehabilitate nearly 200 acres of wetlands and boost local biodiversity with native plants. A new 1.5-mile multi-use trail will connect neighborhoods, parks, and the lakefront. Dave Giordano, the executive director of Root-Pike WIN, emphasized that this project has been a dream for over 50 years. He expressed hope for a brighter future for Kenosha, noting that improving the river is an important step. His daughter, Anna, echoed this sentiment, saying she is excited about what the project means for future generations. The initiative is supported by various funding partners, including Root-Pike WIN and the Wisconsin DNR. The Kenosha County Board recently approved the final funding for this long-awaited project.