Revitalizing Wisconsin Point Peninsula within the St. Louis River Estuary's Ecosystem Conservation Zone

In the picturesque city of Superior, Wisconsin, a significant milestone has been reached in the St. Louis River's journey towards recovery. The Wisconsin Point Restoration Project, a collaborative effort between the City of Superior, the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and other key partners, has successfully restored 155 acres of habitat along the lakefront.

Funding for this habitat restoration project was provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, with NOAA contributing $1.5 million towards the cause. The project aimed to control stormwater runoff and coastal erosion, addressing a pressing concern in the St. Louis River Habitat Focus Area, where NOAA focuses its programs and investments.

The project team worked tirelessly to restore and stabilise two-thirds of a mile of shoreline, removing invasive plant species and installing low-impact designs such as boardwalks and porous parking areas. New boardwalks, parking, and restrooms were built as part of the project, ensuring that the lakefront beach access now complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

One of the project's key achievements was the strategic placement of the new boardwalk to reduce human disturbance to habitat for piping plovers, a species of concern in the area. The Wisconsin Point project was specifically identified as a priority management action under the St. Louis River Area of Concern 2013 Remedial Action Plan Update.

The successful completion of the Wisconsin Point project brings the St. Louis River one step closer to being removed from the list of Areas of Concern. Delisting occurs when all management actions needed to restore a damaged or degraded habitat have been completed. This project addressed a "beneficial use impairment" for loss of fish and wildlife habitat under the plan.

The St. Louis River is one of 31 Areas of Concern across the Great Lakes, designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This designation signifies that the river has been impaired due to human activities, leading to problems such as loss of fish and wildlife habitat. The Wisconsin Point Restoration Project is a significant step towards addressing these issues and restoring the river's health.

NOAA completed an environmental assessment (PDF, 65 pages) for the project, ensuring that the work was carried out in an environmentally responsible manner. The project team is proud of their achievements and looks forward to continuing their efforts to protect and restore the St. Louis River and its surrounding habitats.

Revitalizing Wisconsin Point Peninsula within the St. Louis River Estuary's Ecosystem Conservation Zone