The city of Green Bay expanded the Green Bay Conservation Corps with the launch of a new Roving Crew Program designed to partner with organizations throughout Northeast Wisconsin on habitat restoration and conservation projects.
The Roving Crew Program offers professional conservation services to eligible partners within a 60-mile radius of the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. It enables habitat restoration work on an ecological and watershed level, extending beyond traditional property boundaries to create more comprehensive environmental impact.
“This is also a critical funding stream due to reduced grant funding and will help offset the burden on the City’s budget,” said Maria Otto, Conservation Corps Coordinator.
Each Green Bay Conservation Corps crew consists of 5 trained crew members and an assigned city staff person. The program targets a minimum of 10 weeks of contracted work in 2026.
Eligible project types include:
- Habitat restoration
- Trail construction and maintenance
- Reforestation and native planting
- Forest thinning and fuels reduction
- Invasive species removal and treatment
The crew will provide basic herbicide, hand tools, and brush saws, crew transportation, vehicle, and gasoline, liability and workers’ compensation coverage ad professional technical expertise.
Partner organizations provide:
- Project supplies (mulch, seed, native plants, etc.)
- Technical oversight and support
- Project guidance with minimum two visits per week
- Proper project permitting
- Funding to cover crew costs
Cost-shares for the program range from $6,000 to $7,500 per week of fieldwork, which includes pre-project staff site visits, crew time and services, vehicle and trailer, equipment and tools, insurance, and administrative support.
Eligible partners must be located within 60 miles of Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary (1660 E. Shore Drive, Green Bay); be non-profit organizations (for-profit businesses are not eligible) and commit to projects ranging from 1-4 weeks in duration.
Organizations interested in partnering with the Green Bay Conservation Corps Roving Crew can access program information and request project proposal forms through the city’s website. The application process requires detailed project information, funding verification, and permit compliance.
For more information about the Green Bay Conservation Corps Roving Crew Program, visit https://www.greenbaywi.gov/1281/Conservation-Corps or contact Maria Otto at 920.448.3386 or Maria.Otto@greenbaywi.gov.
