coldwater stream relocation
mill creek, wisconsin
 Enroute to Lake Michigan, numerous spring creeks flow east out of the terminal glacial moraines in Southeast Wisconsin. Mill Creek, once channelized for agricultural drainage, was later transformed into a series of aquaculture raceways and ponds. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) purchased the entire headwater area of Mill Creek and retained Inter-Fluve as part of the design team for restoration of the streams and wetlands in the area. The main goal of this project is to restore brook trout spawning habitat in this tributary to the Onion River. Streambed elevations were raised in excavated areas, and brook trout spawning and rearing habitat was incorporated into final bed morphology. Large woody debris and boulder habitat was incorporated into the design, and riparian areas were planted with over 20 different species of native shrubs and trees. Trout Unlimited and the WDNR enlisted Inter-Fluve to complete the design and provide construction oversight for:
- Restoration of forested wetlands
- Creation of one main stream channel and tributaries
- Brook trout spawning and rearing habitat
- Valley reconstruction
- Wetland and riparian area planting
Mill Creek Restoration Project won the John Nolen Award for Excellence in Ecological Restoration Practices (an Aldo Leopold Award for Excellence) in 2005. |
