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.

Fish Viewing

• Sturgeon• Walleye

• 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.

Big Picture

Promote Family Embrace History Education

Wildlife Economy/Downtown Values

What can you do?

To donate, please send check to:City of De Pere/Riverwalk

335 S. BroadwayDe Pere, WI 54115