Green Bay NERR moves closer to completion | Commentary | insightonbusiness.com
The Bay of Green Bay is inching closer to a NERR designation that could have a significant economic impact on the New North region.
NERR stands for National Estuarine Research Reserve. It is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) program that the greater Green Bay ecosystem — the largest freshwater estuary in the world — was selected to join in 2019.
According to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the leading organizer of the NERR designation effort, “reserves are established for long‑term research, education, training and stewardship of the nation’s estuaries and coastal habitats.”
The road to NERR designation is a long one — the six-step process usually takes between four to six years to complete — but progress in 2024 has been steady.
In January, NOAA determined that the bay’s application met all regulatory requirements for a NERR. Last month, a meeting was held for the public to comment on a draft environmental impact statement.
The designation of a federally-protected NERR site holds immense promise for the preservation of one of the Great Lakes’ most vital ecosystems. Becoming a research reserve will help Wisconsin improve the management of the estuary by addressing issues such as coastal erosion, emerging contaminants and changing water levels.
NERRs, of which there are 30 across the coastal U.S., also receive federal funding for research and programming. The designation would help the region secure about $1.25 million annually. Another major benefit of the designation would be the establishment of a visitors center for residents, tourists, educators and researchers.
UWGB officials hope the designation will be fully complete by May 2025. The designation would not only represent a significant step toward the conservation and understanding of this ecologically significant region, it would draw visitors and funds to the area.
To learn more, visit uwgb.edu/national-estuarine-research-reserves/.
Source: Green Bay NERR moves closer to completion | Commentary | insightonbusiness.com
