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Phone: 608-221-1206 Ext. 14Address: |
All land, lakes, rivers, creeks and streams in Wisconsin drain into the state’s two major watersheds--the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. Virtually every resident of Wisconsin lives within a half-mile of a stream or creek that eventually flows into one of the two watersheds. Streams shape the Wisconsin landscape. Flowing water transforms land features while soils are transported from one place and deposited on another. If deposited onto a floodplain, these mineral-rich soils are highly prized as farmland. Streams are an important source of fresh water for our reservoirs. Many wildlife species depend on these waterways. Streams provide spawning and breeding habitats for fish and other wildlife like aquatic insects, turtles, frogs, toads and salamanders. The land alongside streams is also an important habitat for amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Known as riparian habitat, these areas provide food, water, shelter and shade. Nationally, freshwater rivers and streams have been seriously degraded by man’s activities on the land. Sediment from runoff and in-stream erosion are the primary sources of non-point source pollution in America’s waterways. From 92-98 percent of America’s miles of rivers and streams are so altered that they no longer fit the criteria for National Wild and Scenic Rivers or U. S. Geologic Survey Benchmark Streams. These alterations reduce habitat for fish and wildlife. Due to loss of habitat and pollution, 33-75 percent of aquatic species are rare or extinct. Riparian restoration and enhancement projects involve the habitat immediately associated with streams and other waterways. Many times this habitat, typically trees and shrubs, has been cut back to a thin ribbon along the stream or removed completely. Loss of this habitat physically harms the stream, degrades water quality and has a negative effect on wildlife that depends on such habitat. Restoration may involve tree planting and fencing to control livestock. In-stream aquatic habitat restoration involves bringing back the features of a stream such as riffles, pools, meanders and woody debris. In-stream restoration is rarely done without also restoring the associated riparian habitat.
Riparian Fencing Typically, riparian fencing involves constructing two- or three-strand high-tensile electric or non-electric fence along streams to limit the access of cattle or other livestock to waterways. This assists creation of a buffer zone between pasture and stream. A typical buffer zone may be 30 feet in width, but the larger the area the more benefits are gained. It’s especially beneficial as fish and wildlife habitat, to improve water quality and to enhance adjacent farm operations.
One thousand feet of the Little Elk River in Price County was fenced off from intense cattle access in partnership with the landowner, Price County Conservation District, Phillips School District, Department of Natural Resources and Natural Resources Conservation Service. The river’s course was narrowed, large boulders were strategically placed and riffles, meanders and pools were created. The banks were planted with grasses and trees. Brook trout, as well as songbirds, ducks and geese, have already been observed using the restored river stretch. |
