Wisconsin Point is located within the St. Louis River Area of Concern, as designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This designation was due to problems with pollution and habitat degradation. The Wisconsin Point Dune Restoration project was a crucial effort to help with the removal of the beneficial use impairment for loss of fish and wildlife habitat from the area.
NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management supported this project by conducting an Environmental Assessment and providing Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to complete project designs and construction. These funds were passed to the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, which worked with the City of Superior to complete the restoration of over 85,000 square feet of habitat and shoreline, 85 acres of forest, and 150 acres of sensitive coastal habitat. The project also included the installation of improved, designated pervious parking lots and ADA–accessible boardwalks and restrooms.
Funding
FY 2016: $1,400,000
FY 2015: $225,000
Contact: Chiara.Zuccarino-Crowe@noaa.gov
Partners: City of Superior, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program