In 2012, an environmental star of sorts was born, celebrated by Milwaukeeans, especially those who enjoy strolling along the Milwaukee Riverwalk or kayaking on Milwaukee River.
The Lynyrd Skymmr is a 50-foot-long river skimmer that cruises Port Milwaukee‘s waterways several times a week to collect floating debris — dead fish, plastic bottles, branches and other refuse.
However, when it comes to Port Milwaukee’s attempts to clean up the river, Lynyrd Skymmr only touches the surface of its efforts. The bulk of the work happens underground.
The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District contracts the services of Lynyrd Skymmr and also operates greater Milwaukee’s wastewater treatment, flood management and green infrastructure for the area’s 28 communities with 1.1 million residents. Managed by a commission of 11 elected and appointed officials, the district is the recipient of multiple U.S. Water Prizes for administering clean-water programs and infrastructure improvements.