Rass Excavation and Materials has been selected to create an engineered wetland related to Bradley Lake at Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay. The city council approved a contract with the Sturgeon Bay firm on Tuesday, accepting the low bid of $292,500 for the wetland which will accept stormwater runoff before it enters the small body of water commonly known as “Little Lake.” A cooperative effort involving the City of Sturgeon Bay, the Rotary Club and interested citizens has a long-term goal of cleaning up the lake, which has become overrun with weeds and generally derelict in recent years. While the first phase of the project has been given the green light, the second and most expensive phase of the project remains. Engineering work in that regard is expected to begin in 2015. To start turning things around, “Little Lake” will need to be dredged to remove more than seven feet of sediment that covers part of the lake bottom. It’s estimated that as much as a million dollars may be needed to finish the project. However, before that happens, the public will be asked to weigh in on how they think the lake should look when its restoration is completed. A walking trail around the lake, informational kiosks, kayak rentals, fishing docks, a sand beach, and, a launching area for kayaks and paddle boats have all been suggested.
