Elk Creek (WI)

TU's Ocooch Creeks Chapter used Embrace-A-Stream funds for a restoration and research project on Elk Creek, a tributary to the Kickapoo River in Wisconsin. The chapter has worked closely with the Wisconsin DNR trout research biologists on the project. The goal is to increase survival of the native brook trout though there are also brown trout in the stream. The first task was to eliminate beaver dams and beavers, and remove the thick, restraining brush from the river corridor. By increasing the amount of instream habitat like deep pools, but not installing artificial overhead cover, Ocooch-TU hopes to advance the native brook trout population without encouraging competition from browns. Research and monitoring on the segments will provide important knowledge for future stream projects elsewhere.