KENOSHA, Wis. — County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Mayor David Bogdala welcomed the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board to Kenosha on Tuesday as the board began a day of presentations, discussions and site tours throughout the city and county.
“What’s happening in the City of Kenosha is amazing, and you see the transformation that’s happening all across the city,” Bogdala said, highlighting key partnerships with Kenosha County, the Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
“It’s an honor to have you all here today — leaders and partners from across our state who understand the importance of balancing growth, stewardship and innovation,” Bogdala said. “I want to thank the Natural Resources Board and the Wisconsin DNR for your continued partnership and for holding this meeting here in our community. Kenosha has always been defined by its relationship to the land and water that surround us. I’m proud to share the ways our city is working to honor that responsibility.”
County Executive Samantha Kerkman said she was pleased to welcome the board to Kenosha County, “the Gateway to Wisconsin, located on a beautiful freshwater coast.”
“I’d like to thank the board and the Wisconsin DNR for its steadfast support, that has not only helped to preserve the environment throughout Kenosha County, but also to restore and enrich it,” Kerkman said.
Kerkman highlighted the DNR’s role and financial support in all three phases of the Pike River Restoration project, as well as in stormwater revetment, flood mitigation, water quality improvements, ozone monitoring and park development.
During the tour, Kerkman said Kristi Heuser, from Root-Pike WIN, presented information on an innovative urban stormwater collection system that will significantly mitigate runoff in an area north of Highway 195 (formerly Highway KR) through advanced infiltration. Similarly, a regenerative stormwater system will be used at Shoreland Lutheran High School, she said, adding a ribbon cutting event for that project took place Wednesday.
“These projects, made possible by the DNR, Root-Pike WIN, and Fund for Lake Michigan, will reduce runoff and flooding, and are crucial to the health of the Pike River basin and Lake Michigan,” Kerkman said.
Kerkman said another highlight of the tour was a stop at the Kenosha Dunes in Pleasant Prairie and Chiwaukee Prairie-Carol Beach Natural Area, the largest intact coastal wetland in southeast Wisconsin.
“Stewardship of the Kenosha Dunes and Chiwaukee Prairie is crucial to mitigate coastal erosion, improve our air quality and preserve our natural environment,” Kerkman said. “It was great to hear about the efforts proposed for this area.”
Bogdala noted the DNR has been “a trusted partner with us every step of the way,” and highlighted ongoing efforts to restore the city’s Lake Michigan shoreline.
“As communities up and down the coast deal with erosion, flooding and climate impacts, Kenosha has worked hand-in-hand with the DNR to stabilize and restore nearly four miles of revetment — from the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the south to Carthage College in the north,” Bogdala said. “These aren’t just infrastructure projects — they’re long-term investments in public access, habitat protection and storm resilience.”
Bogdala also spotlighted the transformation of the former Chrysler Engine Plant site into the 107-acre Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, which he called “one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects in the Midwest,” and highlighted the environmental restoration efforts already completed on-site.
The NRB sets policy for the DNR and exercises authority and responsibility in accordance with state laws.
“Kenosha County offers the perfect backdrop for our June Natural Resources Board meeting,” said Mike Thompson, Wisconsin DNR Southeast Region Secretary’s Director. “Our time here these few days allowed us to share the important interagency work the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources collaborates on with local municipalities and other organizations.”
Kenosha Area Business Alliance President Nicole Ryf and Kenosha Water Utility General Manager Curt Czarnecki also addressed the board during the event and joined Bogdala and Kerkman on the tour.
Ryf and Kerkman have been working jointly with the DNR on Kenosha County’s ozone reclassification. KABA partnered with the DNR to present a recent workshop for area industry leaders on the issue.
“We are grateful to the team at the DNR for joining us in Kenosha County yesterday (Tuesday),” remarked KABA President Nicole Ryf. “KABA and the Kenosha area business community appreciate the DNR’s continued leadership on the critical ozone reclassification issue and will continue to partner with them to work toward a solution that is amenable for all parties.”
6 Responses
We’ve transformed the former Chrysler plant into a large empty lot except for a few properties that aren’t going to be supporting the city with property taxes, correct?
Did this little entourage tour any walking paths in Salem Lakes?
I didnt catch if Hiller had given any tour highlights . Was she at work that day?
She’s rarely at work. Visit Village Hall sometime.
Did they tour the new walking path in Salem Lakes?
Ms. Cassandra Hiller is an expert on everything (just ask her), did she provide an in depth presentation to the WDNR officials on unpermitted wetlands destruction, lying to DNR officials when caught, how to appropriately turn on your own staff when confronted on said issues to pass blame and how to pull the wool over your elected officials eyes?
Would she tell that she gave away public wetlands to a private citizen even when citizens and committees were not in favor? Hopefully, this County
Committee would not give her a voice in their natural resource board!