Public Comments Sought on Crooked Creek Dam Removals in the Mukwonago River System Environmental Assessment Available for Review

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 15, 2008

Contacts:

Lisie Kitchel, WI DNR, 608-266-5248

Fabian Romero, USFWS, 612-713-5145

EA 08-11

Public Comments Sought on Crooked Creek Dam Removals
in the Mukwonago River System
Environmental Assessment Available for Review

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the removal of two dams on Crooked Creek, located in the Town of Troy, Walworth County, Wis.

Federal funds are being sought for partial payment of the costs associated with this project. In such cases, an Environmental Assessment is required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Two action alternatives are evaluated in the EA, along with the “No Action” alternative required under NEPA.

The preferred alternative includes the permanent drawdown of two impoundments and partial berm removal followed by wetland and headwater restoration. This alternative is preferred because it will restore the river system’s ecology in a safe and efficient way while minimizing negative impacts downstream. Currently, the dams hold water, allowing it to warm before being discharged into the river system, impacting river water temperatures and temperature-sensitive river organisms

The impoundments will be drawn to historic water levels leaving only small pools in the currently impounded area. The dams will then be breached by earth moving equipment.

A second alternative being considered is drawdown of two impoundments and complete removal of the berms followed by wetland and headwater restoration.

Under the “No Action” alternative, no changes would be made to the dams or the impoundments.

The project is proposed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on behalf of The Nature Conservancy for partial funding through the State Wildlife Grants program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Projects funded by the Fish and Wildlife Service are required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and other associated federal requirements, including the Historic Preservation Act and the Endangered Species Act.

The proposed project is not expected to result in significant adverse environmental effects, and the Department has made a preliminary determination that an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required for this action.

The EA is available for public review on the Web at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/science/eis/eis.htm

Printed copies of the draft EA are also available from:

Lisie Kitchel
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 South Webster Street
Madison, WI 53707-7921
phone: 608-266-5248
e-mail: Lisie.Kitchel@wisconsin.gov

and from

The Nature Conservancy
Mukwonago River Project office
Pat Morton – Mukwonago Project Director
N8957 Pickerel Jay Road
East Troy, Wisconsin 53120
phone: 262-642-7276

Written comments on the draft EA are welcome and must be submitted to Lisie Kitchel no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 17, 2008.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.

-FWS-

Last updated: February 15, 2008

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