Kids fishing at Bay Beach Wildlife Santuary's newly restored wetland. - FWS photo by Gary Van Vreede

Fish being released into the restored wetland area at Bay Beach Wildlife Santurary. - FWS photo by Gary Van Vreede

Phosphate-laden sediment was dredged from the main lagoon area of the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. - FWS photo by Ty Baumann

A well was drilled to supply fresh water to the wetland lagoon system. - FWS photo by Gary Van Vreede

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a 700-acre urban wildlife refuge run by the City of Green Bay, Wisconsin.  The Sanctuary features live animal exhibits, educational displays, miles of nature trails, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.  One of the most prominent features at the Sanctuary is the 55 acres of lagoon and wetland habitat that was constructed in 1935 under a federal work support program. 

Over the past 71 years shoreline sediment erosion, waterfowl waste, leaf accumulation and winter freeze out conditions had reduced the once thriving fishery to an almost lifeless body of water. 

With assistance from Green Bay Ecological Services Biologist Gary Van Vreede, the final phase of a wetland and water quality improvement project was recently completed at the Sanctuary.  Located within walking, biking, and busing distance for a majority of the community’s low- income families, one of the main goals of this project was to establish a shoreline fishing opportunity for young people in the area. 

To restore water quality to a level that would again support a healthy fish population, 40,000 cubic yards of phosphate-laden sediment were dredged from the main lagoon, a well was drilled to supply fresh water, and an aeration system was installed to increase oxygen levels.

Although the 15 acres of lagoons located in the front portion of the Sanctuary were a main focus of the project from a fishing standpoint, the additional 40 acres of interconnected backwater lagoons and wetlands will also benefit from the improved water quality.  These secluded wetland areas provide valuable habitat for an array of wildlife species. 

The Sanctuary is listed as a significant birding area, attracting thousands of migrating and breeding birds each year.  These birds in turn attract bird and wildlife watchers from across the country and around the world.  Over 250 bird species have been identified at the Sanctuary, including a resident pair of bald eagles and regular sightings of snowy egrets, a rare northern species.  It is estimated that over a million people visit the Sanctuary annually. 

The combination of meandering interconnecting lagoons, islands, and vegetation make for an aesthetic and refreshing urban experience.  The improved water quality of the lagoon system will allow water investigation units, and fishing classes to become part of the many environmental education program offer at the Sanctuary. 

The Great Lakes Sport Fishermen and Wheelin’ Sportsmen groups are planning a number of fishing events for kids and individuals with disabilities, and will assist with future fish stocking efforts. 

Trout Unlimited and local sporting goods stores will sponsor fly tying/casting classes on the lagoon shorelines.  Funding and support for this community project was received from an array of individuals, corporations, agencies and organizations. 

A major financial donation came from the Manger family as a living memorial for their father, Bud Manger, after who the main lagoon is named.  Bud Manger, like many of the individuals who contributed to the project, had fond memories of fishing in the Sanctuary lagoons as a child. 

The City of Green Bay, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provided technical and financial assistance for the project.