The Mill Pond and Green Lake have been designated by the DNR as “an impaired and threatened water body,” due to a succession of toxic algal blooms, promoted by a threatened ecosystem starved of oxygen and overloaded with phosphorus. While the Mill Pond plays an essential role in the health of Green Lake, it is also critical to the communities and other waterways downstream as it feeds the Puchyan River, which is part of communities including Princeton and Berlin, eventually flowing into the Fox River.
Due to significant silt filling, the Mill Pond is quickly becoming a slough. Without immediate, significant intervention it will eventually become land. As a result, it will no longer provide its critical service to Big Green Lake and the consequences for Green Lake, the Green Lake Watershed and all local economies, will be nothing short of devastating.
OUR PURPOSE
The mission of the Friends of Mill Pond is to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to restore the Mill Pond to its natural beauty, ensuring it remains clean, navigable, and accessible for both residents and visitors. As a result, we aim to create new economic opportunities for downtown Green Lake and make it a unique recreational destination for everyone, while ensuring water health both in Green Lake and downstream.
OUR MISSION
FOCUS AREAS
Beyond the critical ecological role of the Mill Pond, it has been a serene, safe recreational gem for families and visitors. Unfortunately, the Mill Pond has already become unnavigable, unattractive and foul smelling in many areas. The pond and its adjacent canals, once popular for fishing has been largely depleted of many fish species. The Canal Street and Hattie Sherwood Launches have become difficult to use to many fisherman and boaters. And the low and outdated Lawson Bridge greatly limits boat traffic from the greater lake to the Mill Pond, our downtown businesses and its waterfront homes.
01 - Dredging For Better Health
Dredging is a valuable process that helps restore depth, improve water quality and enhance its overall ecosystem. Removing sediment buildup can revitalize the pond while also promoting better habitat conditions for aquatic plants and animals. It also helps control invasive species, improves drainage and creates a more visually appealing and functional water way. While highly beneficial, its essential to strike a balance between restoration and ecological preservation. That's why we are working closely with the GLSD and GLA, to ensure we are rejuvenating the pond while safeguarding its natural balance.
02 - Boat Launch &
Kayak For Accessibility
Creating Accessibility to Green Lake for everyone is a key priority, so our plan includes a Veteran's and First Responder ADA-compliant Kayak/Canoe/Paddle Board launch at the Canal Street Launch site. This would consist of a long overdue revitalization of the Canal Street boat ramp, which is underutilized, has significant room for parking, and provides access to a calmer waterfront and body of water for kayaking and paddle boarding. Mill Pond was historically a place for swimming, sailing small boats, and other water sports, but it is no longer used due to the shallow, silt-filled waterways.
03 - Boardwalk and Updated Bridge for Vibrant Downtown
One of the key challenges to more economic growth in Green Lake is access and parking of boats for those who wish to come to town via the water. Mill Pond has significant frontage along the backside of Town Square and Friends Park that could significantly increase boat parking and provide additional boardwalk space for fishing and leisure. Key to this access would be the raising of the bridge at Lawson street when it is refurbished in the next 5 years due age as well as building a boardwalk similar to the successful renewal project at Deacon Mills Park.