East River Trail at Green Isle Park in Allouez, March 5, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Improvements for people and nature will be the subject of an open house Wednesday night at Green Bay East High School.
When drafted, the East River Recreational Trail Master Plan will address historic flooding concerns, as well as creating new habitat for wildlife.
For Allouez resident Paul Seymour, exercising his dog Norman is a daily routine.
“It’s pretty scenic. The birds are out, and the ducks. And every once in a while, you see an eagle up in the trees. So, it’s a real nice walk,” said Paul Seymour, Allouez.
The section of the East River Trail is part of a 10-mile stretch that runs trough five communities. From Ledgeview Park in the Town of Ledgeview, to the mouth of the waterway, where it joins the Fox River in downtown Green Bay. Officials say over the years the area is prone to flooding. The Nature Conservancy’s Kari Hagenow says an Open House Wednesday is looking for public feedback and ideas.
“We’re working on a master plan, that’s going to identify areas of the trail that we can improve, to get it our of the water. We are also working at improving habitat on the trail, creating more safer spaces, improving access to the trail for our residents, and all of those facets,” said Kari Hagenow, The Nature Conservancy Northeast Wisconsin Conservation Coordinator.
Hagenow says flood control solutions may include restoring wetlands, constructing storm water retention areas, and building gardens to help filter and soak up the seasonal surge.
“This is an important place, and it’s a beautiful place. If you haven’t been on the East River Trail, I highly recommend it,” she said.
Back on the walk, Paul Seymour says parts of the trail are pretty good, but it could be a little better.
“Just that section up there. They could put in some more black top down. It’s kind of rough, up over by the parking lot, about half-way down. And then, the rest of it’s real nice,” said Paul Seymour, Allouez.
The meeting is being held at the East High School Cafeteria.
It runs from 5-7 p.m.
The Master Plan is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Comments