Community Waters Coalition
The Community Waters Coalition is the Community Advisory Committee for the Lower Green Bay and Fox River Area of Concern. The CWC aims to advance the connection between the community and the remedial actions for the Green Bay and Lower Fox River Area of Concern.
One water, many voices ♦ Nįįra hižąkira- Hoora roohą
Areas of Concern (AOCs) are Great Lakes rivers and harbors that have been most severely affected by legacy pollution and habitat loss. Legacy pollutants are those pollutants that have been banned or had their uses restricted, yet they remain in the environment in the long-term and often cause fish, wildlife, and human health impacts. The Lower Green Bay & Fox River is one of 5 AOCs originally designated in Wisconsin, by the U.S. and Canada in 1987 as part of an intentional agreement known as the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. DNR’s Office of Great Waters coordinates efforts to “delist” the AOC with hundreds of local, state, and federal partners and community stakeholders. Delisting can occur when AOC stakeholders agree that all originally identified problems for the AOC have been addressed and the area is similar to other less impacted areas of the Great Lakes.
Mission
We empower our community to connect with, protect, and revitalize the Greater Green Bay Fox/Wolf Watershed through stewardship, collaboration, and shared knowledge. By honoring the leadership of First Nations, amplifying diverse voices, and strengthening connections between community members and conservation organizations, we strive to uplift the relationships that sustain the watershed’s long-term health for generations to come.
Vision
We are working towards a shared vision for a thriving Greater Green Bay Fox/Wolf Watershed where clean water, healthy ecosystems, and vibrant communities are connected. By valuing the voices of the community and all beings, we foster long-term stewardship and balance between people and place.
History of the Community Waters Coalition
The Community Waters Coalition is a group of residents working with state leaders to protect and restore the waters we all depend on—from fishing and swimming to farming and drinking.
As part of a statewide initiative, we focus on the Green Bay and Lower Fox River Area of Concern (AOC), where pollution and habitat loss threaten our region’s natural resources. This is a continuation of work started in the late 1980’s by the Clean Bay Backers.
The Coalition is part of a broader Community Advisory Committee (CAC) effort, supported by the Wisconsin DNR, New North, and the Fund for Lake Michigan. Unlike past volunteer-only models, we now compensate members for their time and diverse perspectives, ensuring more voices are heard.
Our goal is to build a stronger community connection to water—by supporting restoration, advocating for clean water policies, and raising awareness of how water health impacts us all.