A new ADA-accessible fishing pier opened at Merrick State Park, completing a decade-long fundraising effort by the Friends of Merrick State Park. The $40,000 project was made possible through community efforts and a $20,000 Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant.
“This park runs on fishing,” said Property Superintendent Justin Wershofen in Winona Post article. “You come to this property because you want access to the water and this just provided that additional access.”
The Friends of Merrick State Park, known as TURTLES (The Understanding Resources Through Learning Experience Society), became especially important after the state stopped funding parks with tax dollars in 2015, leaving small parks like Merrick to be largely self-funded. Programs like Knowles-Nelson have become crucial in supporting the efforts of friends groups.
The Buffalo County Conservation Alliance also contributed to the pier. President Les Domine noted the importance of projects like this, saying “We really like that it gets people into the outdoors, and we believe that getting people into the outdoors is important, especially young people that will use this. People that use the resources and experience our resources become the best conservationists for the future.”
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, named after two former Wisconsin governors – Warren Knowles and Gaylord Nelson – provides grants to friends groups for state park improvements like the Merrick pier. The program, established in 1989, works to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout Wisconsin.
Featured image by Seclusive Nature, 2020
