SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - It has been more than a month since the federal government announced it will consider establishing a national marine sanctuary along parts of the Lake Michigan shoreline of Wisconsin. The process to begin looking at that possibility got underway this week with public meetings.
Meetings were held in Manitowoc and Port Washington already, and now UW-Sheboygan will host the last of them Thursday evening. It will get underway at 6:30 p.m. in the Wombat Room.
Sheboygan’s Noon Rotary Club got more information about this effort this week from Ellen Brody, Great Lakes Regional Coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "I'm really excited moving forward here," she told the several dozen in attendance.
Brody says the purpose of the sanctuary will be to highlight the over three dozen shipwrecks in an 875 square mile area that stretches from Two Rivers south to Port Washington. "You have in your state probably the best underwater archeology program in the nation. This area would be the best candidate for a marine sanctuary."
If a designation were made, Brody says the intent will be to bring attention to the sanctuary and get people to visit the area. "We do encourage access. We want people to recreate. We want sanctuaries to be a draw for tourism, whether it’s boating, or fishing, or diving, or the glass bottom boats."
While the purpose of a sanctuary is to protect what is being promoted, Brody says restricting access to this area is not likely. There is a similar sanctuary in the Thunder Bay area of Michigan that also promotes shipwrecks, and at this location there are no restrictions to water activities such as fishing and boating. There are buoys set up where shipwrecks are located, so those out on recreation can go around if they choose to.
If someone can't make the meeting, they are still encouraged to provide a written comment through January 15. That can be done and more information can be found by clicking here.
WHBL News also spoke with local city officials about their efforts to bring a national marine sancutary to the area. Click here to find out more.