The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment on a project to restore aquatic habitat for waterfowl on Lake Butte des Morts (LBDM) in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. This project will aid in the restoration of emergent and deep marsh wetlands that provide high quality habitat for Spring and Fall migrating waterfowl and also improve habitat for breeding and brood-rearing waterfowl.
Deeper water levels in the lake, along with timing of water level fluctuations, has transformed Lake Butte des Morts from a natural state with riverine marshes to a turbid, open-water system dominated by algae with very few aquatic plants. Major loss of marsh, receding shorelines, increasing surface area and wind fetch, and low abundance of aquatic vegetation has significantly contributed to poor water quality, low water clarity, and continued shoreline erosion. These impairments have been further exacerbated by nutrient and sediment pollution from the watershed. Despite past restoration efforts, aquatic and emergent vegetation as well as shoreland habitat have continued to decline.
The environmental assessment covers Phase 2 of the project which involves construction of the Samers Bay (south) breakwalls 1-5, approximately 2,850 linear feet in total. The proposed project includes the purchase and placement of 9,998 cubic yards of rock rip-rap. Placement will occur during the winter over the ice.
Expected results from the Samers Bay Wetland Habitat Restoration Project should decrease wave energy in the bay, resulting in less sediment resuspension, increased water clarity, decreased erosion, and conditions that support restoration of aquatic plant communities. The calm backwater created by the restored breakwalls should result in rapid expansion of residual native aquatic plants forming the basis for newly created fish and wildlife habitat where habitat had been previously lost.
The purpose of this environmental assessment is to look at the feasibility and potential for environmental consequences associated with the alternatives considered. The environmental assessment was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that applies to the actions of all federal agencies. This project is proposed by the Wisconsin DNR for funding through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Review the draft environmental assessment document.
The public may submit written comments to:
Sarah Brenner
WI Dept. of Natural Resources
1300 W Clairemont Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Sarah.Brenner@wisconsin.gov
(715) 492-0928
The public comment period will be open for 30 days through October 30, 2021.
