MADISON, Wis. – Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) is pleased that the Joint Finance Committee has released $392,000 in Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funds to the Village of Sister Bay to help acquire the Pebble Beach property.
The Joint Finance Committee initially denied the request several months ago because of concerns over funding levels and the proposed use of the parcel. However, Rep. Kitchens has since reached out to the senators who were originally opposed and got them to a more comfortable place to support the grant.
“I am glad that by working together with my Senate colleagues, we were able to get this funding component taken care of and move this important project forward,” Rep. Kitchens said. “This is a unique piece of land that is perfectly aligned to the preservation goals of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. I am excited about the potential for this property and I want to make sure it can be enjoyed by many generations to come.”
The 16.8-acre parcel will expand public access to the waters of Green Bay for swimmers and paddlers and offer low-impact recreational activities like hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature viewing.
Restrooms, a picnic area, parking and an accessible boardwalk to the beach are slated for future development to further meet the needs of the public.
The property is currently vacant and underdeveloped, with approximately 600 feet of shoreline consisting of a polished stone beach that has direct access to the Bay of Green Bay. The inland includes a mature white cedar forest with post-glacial ridge/swale rolling topography.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund was created in 1989 to preserve important natural resources, protect water quality and fisheries and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation.
