The Rock River Coalition (RRC) has awarded the City of Janesville its 2019 Protector Award for the removal of the Monterey Dam and Monterey Area River Restoration (MARR) project. This award is presented semi-annually to organizations, business, or people that are involved in projects that help to restore the Rock River Basin back to its pristine state. The RRC supports the removal of dams to allow the river to flow without impoundments.
The MARR project is consistent with the City’s vision to embrace the Rock River by enhancing recreational opportunities and creating safe river access for all residents and visitors. The City has received Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grants totaling $919,630 for this project. A significant portion of the project has been completed and work is anticipated to continue through later this year.
The Rock River Coalition is a non-profit group founded in 1994 dedicated to preserving and improving the Rock River Basin resources. The RRC is actively interested in protecting the Rock River basin’s natural resources and open spaces; promoting tourism and outdoor recreation; preserving the historic and cultural character of the basin; and promoting river front revitalization. The Rock River Basin stretches across ten Wisconsin counties, 26 cities, and 36 villages with more than 800,000 residents. The quality of the Rock River and its tributaries directly affects the quality of life for the area’s residents including the plants animals and birds.
