A Conversation with MillerCoors Grant Finalist-River Revitalization Foundation

River Revitalization Foundation’s mission is to establish a parkway for public access, walkways, recreation and education, bordering the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers; to use the rivers to revitalize surrounding neighborhoods; and to improve water quality. Our long-term goal is to recreate the urban landscape using the river as a focal point.

RN: Describe your organization’s proposed project for the MillerCoors River Network grant

RRF: RRF is building on water quality improvements that resulted from a large dam removal on the Milwaukee River by conducting major riparian habitat restoration on a 2.8 acre riverfront parcel. In Phase 1 of restoration of the site into a riverfront park, a vacant cinder block building was demolished and all impervious surfaces removed; additional restoration will protect 650 feet of shoreline, reduce stormwater run-off, improve habitat for wildlife, and serve as primary entrance for recreation in the river valley.

RN: How does your proposed project align with your organization’s mission?”

RRF: Restoration of this parcel into high quality riparian buffer, wildlife habitat, and primary entrance into the Milwaukee River valley ensures what matters most to our organization:

• Public access
• Preservation of the River Valley
• Preservation of green space in a dense urban area
• Riparian buffers against encroaching development
• Links with neighborhoods on both sides of the river
• Conservation of critical habitat and wildlife areas

RN: How will your proposed project make an impact on water quality, conservation and awareness of water issues in your community?

Transformation of this parcel into riverfront park will establish a riparian buffer along one of the last and largest remaining parcels on the Milwaukee River under threat of redevelopment. Site planning, which has engaged major stakeholders and neighbors, includes removing invasive species, increasing biodiversity on the site by planting native vegetation, re-designing a canoe launch that will provide better access for anglers and paddlers while also reducing erosion, and creating a bioswale that will run along the street, reducing non-point source pollution into the river and sewers.

Restoration of this site will complete the final segment of a 2.5 mile loop along the Milwaukee River Greenway joining three existing Milwaukee County parks in anchoring the four corners of the “Beerline Loop”.

A high profile location and project, including a connection to the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, and better access to this great resource, helps us engage more people in the community and ultimately create a stronger stewardship ethic for Milwaukee’s land, rivers, and lakes. (800 acres protected through City of Milwaukee zoning ordinance!)

The process to pass this legislation resulted in a groundswell of community support, attracted funding, and led to the completion of a master plan for the Greenway that is now being implemented by many partners, landowners and neighborhood associations).

RN: Why do you think people should vote for your organization’s proposed project?

RRF: RRF is Milwaukee’s, and Wisconsin’s, only urban rivers land trust. Since 1994 we have been caring for the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers in the heart of the city. We focus on conservation and protection of riparian corridors through land acquisition, habitat restoration, connecting green space, creating a parkway which provides public access to the river valley, and education programs with urban youth.

To date, RRF has been successful in protecting 10 acres in the Milwaukee watershed, investing and leveraging over $3,000,000 in funding.

With more than 200,000 people living within 1 mile of the river, it is critical to increase public access to green space in a dense urban area, with a focus on linking diverse neighborhoods to the river and to adjacent trails. The Milwaukee River has undergone major improvements in the last few decades. RRF will continue to implement projects, such as this one, in an effort to improve water quality, fisheries, and recreational use of the river even more.

RN: Thanks again for all you are doing for the citizens of Milwaukee!

You can find out more about RFF on their website and on Facebook.

View project summaries from the MillerCoors-River Network Watershed Protection Grant competition and cast your vote today!