A Comprehensive Solution to Aquatic Habitat Fragmentation in the Milwaukee River Watershed, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin

Anthropogenic land uses generally diminish biological integrity and interconnectivity of rivers, lakes, perennial and intermittent streams, and wetlands. Areas offering distinctly different physical and biological conditions become isolated, preventing many species from successfully utilizing remnant, high-quality, life-cycle-requisite habitat. This project identifes and restores full life-cycle access to naturally occurring refuge, spawning, and feeding habitat. Native potadramous fish species were the measure of habitat desirability and accessibility. Habitat ingress and egress were equally considered. Remedial work was supported by the NOAA, funded through the ARRA, and was carried out by a unique alliance of government agencies, non-profit organizations, volunteer and community service groups, and private industry. When completed in late 2010, the project will reconnect the Milwaukee River Estuary and nearshore waters of Lake Michigan to over 150 additional miles of rivers and major tributary streams, dozens of smaller streams, and 119,000 acres of watershed including over 14,000 acres of wetlands.