MEA clients in Pierce County have won a major victory in a three-year fight to protect their community from the impacts of a major expansion at Ridge Breeze Dairy. On August 24, an administrative law judge ruled that a DNR permit allowing the farm to expand its herd to more than 6,000 cows failed to ensure compliance with Wisconsin’s groundwater quality standards.
Sturgeon Bay’s Waterfront: Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future
Half a decade after MEA’s successful defense of public waterfront access in Sturgeon Bay, the restoration of a historic granary on a site once slated for commercial redevelopment is a testament to the community’s vision and determination.
In 2015, the city of Sturgeon Bay announced plans to sell the shorefront property to a developer for a private hotel. The site included land that the State of Wisconsin holds title to under the the Public Trust Doctrine.
With legal representation from MEA and the late Mary Beth Peranteau, an attorney with Wheeler, Van Sickle & Anderson, the Friends of the Sturgeon Bay Public Waterfront took legal action to prevent the transfer of Public Trust land into private hands.
In 2019, after more than five years of litigation, MEA and the Friends of the Sturgeon Bay Public Waterfront prevailed, preserving public access to the waterfront and saving the 125-year-old granary.
Community members who had been involved in the years-long legal effort immediately turned their attention to repairing and repurposing the iconic structure. The first phase of the monumental effort was recently completed, and the granary—which has been transformed into a breathtaking interpretive museum—is now open to the public free of charge.
Last week, MEA Executive Director Tony Wilkin Gibart and Development Director Kara O’Connor toured the granary on a trip to Door County to meet with MEA supporters.
“The granary is more than a restored building,” said Tony. “It’s a symbol of what’s possible when community members come together to protect what belongs to everyone.”
More News
Legal Victory! Court Dismisses Citation in Shorewood Beach Trespassing Case
Today, a Milwaukee County Circuit Court dismissed a trespassing citation issued to MEA client Paul Florsheim for walking along the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Village of Shorewood. The court found that Mr. Florsheim’s walk was a protected activity under the public trust doctrine and that the Village could not enforce its trespass ordinance against him.
New documentary follows Wisconsin youth who are suing the state over climate change
A new documentary film brings viewers into the lives of 15 young Wisconsinites who are suing the state over climate change. They share what they love about the places they call home, what they hope to protect, and why they believe they deserve a chance to defend their health and future in court.
LEGAL VICTORY! State regulators must strengthen environmental oversight of Pierce County livestock operation
MEA clients in Pierce County have won a major victory in a three-year fight to protect their community from the impacts of a major expansion at Ridge Breeze Dairy. On August 24, an administrative law judge ruled that a DNR permit allowing the farm to expand its herd to more than 6,000 cows failed to ensure compliance with Wisconsin’s groundwater quality standards.
Legal victory! Judge orders release of information about energy use at Meta’s Beaver Dam data center
This week, a Dane County Circuit Court sided with MEA in a dispute over the public’s right to know how the unprecedented energy needs of hyperscale data centers will impact Wisconsin. The court ruled that the Public Service Commission acted unlawfully when it denied a public records request seeking information about energy use at Meta’s Beaver Dam data center and ordered that the information be released.
Protecting Public Rights in an Age of Privatization: A Talk by MEA Attorney Michael Greif
Join MEA and the Door County Environmental Council for a timely discussion on MEA’s legal work related to shoreline access and data centers. Attorney Michael Greif will discuss the importance of transparent government decision-making and why protecting public rights is essential to safeguarding the state’s waters and natural resources. Attend in person or virtually.
MEA Welcomes Senior Staff Attorney Tressie Kamp
Midwest Environmental Advocates is thrilled to welcome Tressie Kamp to our team as Senior Staff Attorney. Tressie’s experience in environmental enforcement, water policy, and public interest litigation makes her an incredible asset to our team. We’re excited to welcome her and know her leadership will strengthen our work on behalf of communities across Wisconsin.