Restoration Planning for the South Branch of the Pike River Has Begun
Kenosha County Takes the Lead – Root-Pike WIN Aids in Fundraising
With Kenosha County as the lead and fiscal sponsor, Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) has worked cooperatively with County leaders, local stakeholders and various funders to encourage the South Branch of the Pike River’s renewal. Initially based on the “critical” recommendation in the DNR/EPA-approved Nine Key Element Pike River Watershed Restoration Plan , the first phase of planning with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun. The Fund for Lake Michigan has also been instrumental in getting the technical planning to move forward. Design and implementation of the approved plan will be considered in the years to come and as dependent on Federal, state, local and private funding. Planning includes the assessment of approximately five miles of potential stream restoration and upland revitalization to include more habitat for native species – even the endangered Rusty-Patched bumble bee .
The South Branch of the Pike River suffers from bank erosion, flooding, runoff pollutants and degraded habitats
Circled in red, the South Branch restoration is defined as “critical” in the Pike River Plan
Once a forgotten drainage ditch, the South Branch of the Pike River, often confused with “Pike Creek”, is being prepared for a transformation like the newly restored North Branch in the Village of Mount Pleasant . The South Branch suffers from many issues that plague our Lake Michigan tributaries – channel ditching, wetland loss, bank erosion, flooding, and urban and agricultural runoff pollutants. Today, we have set a course for changing the adverse effects on the river for which Kenosha gets its name – “Kenozia” or “River of Pike” .

Click here to read Kenosha County’s South Branch statement.
A restored stretch of the North Branch of the Pike River in Mount Pleasant
Stream corridor restorations have many environmental, economic and wellness benefits from better water quality to increased land values to more recreational options. WIN-WIN-WIN.

Please join me in thanking County Executive Kreuser, his team, and initial funders for their leadership and contributions in taking on this legacy endeavor!

Dave Giordano
Executive Director
262-496-2199
The Root-Pike Basin Watersheds
Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network
Office: 800 Center St Room 118, Racine, WI 53403
Mail: PO BOX 044164, Racine, WI 53404