Explored establishing a research reserve on the bay of Green Bay (2016)
Because of Green Bay's importance as the largest freshwater estuary in the world, a group of experts from the community first explored the opportunity to to establish a Bay of Green Bay NERR in 2016.
Invited to enter site selection process (2019)
On March 25, 2019, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers sent a letter stating the State’s interest in establishing a NERR in the bay of Green Bay with UW-Green Bay serving as the lead state agency to Dr. Timothy Gallaudet, Acting Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. We were then officially invited to enter the site selection process.
Established NERR committees (Fall 2020)
In Fall 2020, a steering committee was established to oversee the Bay of Green Bay NERR designation. Committee members include UW-Green Bay faculty and staff, Tribal partners, local, state, and federal agency partners, representation from the business community, and other UW institutions. The steering committee guided the establishment of the Site Development Committee, who drafted criteria to be used in the site-selection process, and the Site Evaluation Committee, who applied the criteria to recommend natural area sites for the Bay of Green Bay NERR.
Selected natural area site (2022)
The committees worked together to determine the NERR site in and around Green Bay. Criteria included: is the area publicly owned/land trust property; is it coastal/estuarine; is it connected to the estuary in a significant way; does it align with research and education goals? After deciding on the site, the NOAA accepted the nomination. The Green Bay NERR Natural Area Sites were accepted by NOAA in January 2024.
Draft environmental impact statement & management plan (ongoing)
To hit the ground running once the NERR designation is received, we are compiling a management plan. The plan reflects the local interest in the site and includes activities already happening in the area like fishing, birding, hunting and boating.
Make it official
After reviewing the environmental impact statement and the management plan, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) prepares designation findings for signature by the NOAA administrator. Once the designation findings and the memorandum of understanding between NOAA and the State are signed, the designation is official.
Celebrate with ceremony
At the designation ceremony, NOAA presents the certificate of designation to state officials and the reserve partners. The new reserve is on its way to serving its community with long-term research, water quality monitoring, educational programs and coastal stewardship activities.
Ask an Expert
Meet Emily Tyner, Director of Freshwater Strategy and the lead behind NERR designation. With research experience from the Great Lakes to Lake Malawi in Africa, she's dedicated to improving water for communities. If you have questions about the NERR, she can help.