I am pleased to report that the River Revitalization Foundation (RRF) continued buildingupon our strong platform of abilities and assets throughout 2008 and 2009. We havedeveloped the strength of RRF through proper financial and management controls, andenhanced relationships and networks. Our staff is lean, efficient and ready for the tasksahead. This approach has led to our recent successes.RRF’s accomplishments, which we marked with a 15-year celebration at Hubbard ParkLodge in September, 2009, bring with them welcome challenges for the future.We have purchased the former Melanec’s Wheelhouse restaurant property, providingnearly three acres of extremely valuable habitat for Butler’s gartersnake and otherwildlife, protecting watershed, and improving public access along the Milwaukee Riverin downtown Milwaukee. We must now raise nearly $500,000 to retire the debt andconvert the property to the appropriate use.We purchased and donated to the Milwaukee County Park System the West Bank Trailfrom Gordon Park to the Wheelhouse property. We must now complete constructionof the Trail, effectively link the communities and assets it serves, and maintain theeffectiveness and success of the Trail in the future.We helped put together plans for the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, and wedeveloped the East Bank Trail connecting Riverside Park to Caesar’s Park along the eastbank of the Milwaukee River. We must now secure a zoning overlay from the City thatprotects these assets (in what will be known as Milwaukee’s “Central Park” orGreenway) from the encroachment of development and other negative impacts.RRF is the facilitator of choice in Milwaukee County for conservancy, public access andenvironmental restoration. We give a voice to urban conservation with a uniqueemphasis on the Milwaukee River basin. Our challenge is to continue to facilitate,advocate and act to ensure public access, natural habitat and water quality.We thank you for your past efforts to help RRF to become what it is today. We will welcomeany assistance or support you might provide as we embrace our challenges for thefuture, and we encourage you to contact us about service opportunities. Together we canmake RRF an even greater force to protect the environment and improve our community.Christopher J. Jaekels

Founded in 1994

by the Rotary and KiwanisClubs of Milwaukee to implement the

Riverway Plan

and improve the environmental quality ofthe Milwaukee River basin. Based on these planrecommendations, we have made a significantinvestment in the river valley.

May 2002:

Purchased the CMC property (4.5 acres for $400,000) toaccommodate the Beerline Trail link between Gordon Park and North Avenue.Expected timeline for trail construction is spring 2010. Funding secured fromthe Wisconsin Department of Transportation. $400,000 project.

June 2006:

Created the East Bank Trail inpartnership with Milwaukee County Parks.Funded in part by the Wisconsin CoastalManagement program ($225,000). Designateda National Recreation Trail by the U.S.Department of the Interior.

November 2004:

Co-Founder of the MilwaukeeEnvironmental Consortium. RRF movesto its current, Farwell Avenue location.

Photo courtesy of Bob Israel, RJI Photography

OUR M ISSION

The River Revitalization Foundation was founded in1994 as a conservation organization to establish a parkwayfor public access, walkways, recreation and education,bordering the Milwaukee, Menomonee and KinnickinnicRivers; to use the rivers to revitalize surroundingneighborhoods; and to improve water quality.