Our Current Funding Projects
Rearing Pond 2023 electric and expenses
The salmon rearing pond is an expensive operation to run. in 2023 we have 30,000 Chinook salmon fingerlings to raise. the cost of the electric is estimated to be $6000 to run our 1000' deep well, river pump and aerator pump.
Pike River Monitoring Station.
With our Staff Biologist, we will be installing a USGS type river monitoring station next to our rearing pond. This station will monitor river flow, water quality, oxygen levels, pollutants, dissolved co2, and clarity. This is needed to restore the natural fish to the river
Kenosha Harbor Monitoring Station
After discussing the shore fishing issues with the Wisconsin DNR, An issue with survive-ability of the fry of various fish species that inhabit our small boat harbor. A severe low level of oxygen exists by the northern most point near the boat launch. A test system is needed to monitor and correct this issue is shore fishing is to recover
Fish Habitat in the Harbor and Southport Marina
A permit is being applied for with the Wisconsin DNR to install 100 habitat cages under the floating docks in both areas. These would be bottom mounted as to not interfere with boating and maintenance. An under water camera system will be utilized for species verification and utilization. by allowing the fry to hide from predators we hope to help the natural fish species, perch, bass, salmon, trout, northern and walleye to re-establish.
Research, Education and Rearing Facility
Our architects and engineers are working with us to design and build a new facility over and around the current rearing pond . This new building will house a research center, education hall, offices, 30,000 gallon freshwater aquarium, an added recirculating warm water rearing system and a aqua culture research greenhouse.
Rearing Pond updates
On 4/1/23 the Kenosha Sport fishing and Conservation Association (our sister group) will be the Leaseholder of the Kenosha Rearing Pond. The Wisconsin DNR has relinquished its lease to the KSFCA and the City of Kenosha has issued a lease to our group. This means that the KSFCA and KFRF will foot all the bills for operation, maintenance, repairs and updates for the pond and its equipment. The WDNR all mover the state has negated its liability and expenses. We will still receive fish from the WDNR but at the cost locally. We operated the facility for the WDNR for 50 years, and have raised over 2.8 million salmon and trout fry.