The next several weeks will play a significant role in whether you will see a National Estuarine Research Reserve visitor center built in Sturgeon Bay. On September 7th and 8th, the Green Bay NERR selection committee will host public meetings for site selection for natural areas to be studied. Sites near Chambers Island, Washington Island, and the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal are all considered as spots to study in Door County for the NERR. The governor's office and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have the final say. 

As for the visitor center facility, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has narrowed its potential cities to Sturgeon Bay, Marinette, and Green Bay. The ad hoc committee tasked with finding a site for the possible facility has been working for approximately a year. They are preparing to present their final recommendation later this fall. Between the over two million visitors they welcome each year to the research already being done locally, Mayor David Ward likes their chances.

Land near Sunset Park and the Sturgeon Bay Yacht has been previously mentioned as potential places in Sturgeon Bay for the facility to land. The final decision on where it goes will come in early 2023.