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