Algoma groups propose moving snow dump at Olsen Park to curb pollution of the Annapiee River

Friends of Crescent Beach and the Lake Shore Natural Resource Partnership on Thursday outlined a plan to relocate Algoma’s municipal snow dump from Olsen Park to reduce pollution flowing into the Annapiee River and to restore the area for public recreation. A Friends of Crescent Beach representative spoke at Olsen Park and described the site as a donated property at Algoma’s northern entrance bounded by an unnamed creek and the Annapiee River.

"When the snow melts, all of the debris and the pollutants that are contained in that snow drain right into the Annapiee River," the Friends of Crescent Beach representative said, arguing the current snow-storage location on the riverbank is contributing to the river’s contamination. The speaker noted the Annapiee River is on Wisconsin’s impaired-waters list and said moving the dump is the project’s primary goal.

A representative of the Lake Shore Natural Resource Partnership said relocating the snow dump would allow Olsen Park to be restored as a more natural, accessible space for the community. "Weare working with stakeholders here in the community to build a vision for the future of Olsen Park, which will include nature viewing, including birding," the representative said, adding the plan would preserve fishing access and other low-impact uses.

A nature photographer who spoke at the site described the park’s wildlife value: "The abundance of wildlife here early in the morning and late afternoon are fantastic," the photographer said, citing eagles, great blue herons and nesting sandhill cranes.

Speakers listed local and technical partners supporting the project. The City of Algoma and Friends of Crescent Beach are local supporters; funding has been provided by the U.S. Forest Service, the Fund for Lake Michigan and the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program; Stantec Consulting Services is providing technical expertise. Organizers said that once the snow dump is relocated, the city could proceed with habitat improvements, birding access, picnicking areas and a kayak launch to encourage outdoor recreation and draw visitors.

There was no formal motion or vote recorded in the remarks provided. Organizers presented the relocation and park-restoration concept and identified funders and technical partners; next steps, including any required city approvals or a formal relocation timeline, were not specified in the remarks.