Wisconsin Chapter of the Year

1995 & 1998

Video

1998 WI DNR Partnership Award

from the Dept of Fisheries

So... Just what does Kiap-TU-Wish do??

No one has done a better job of answering that question than Marty Engel, DNR Area Fish Manager. Marty nominated Kiap-TU-Wish for the DNR's first Contributors Award which the Chapter won in 1999. Below is Marty's memo outlining why Kiap-TU-Wish deserved the award, We were so impressed by Marty's work that we asked him if we could post his memo on our site and he was nice enough to say yes.

RECOGNITION AWARDS – 1998

Written by :

West Central Region - Baldwin

Nomination for: EXTERNAL PARTNER/COOPERATOR Award for 1998

Nominees: Kiap–TU–Wish Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Introduction:

The Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter of Trout Unlimited was founded in 1972 for the purpose of protecting, improving and restoring the trout habitat in western Wisconsin. They derive their name from local rivers of particular concern: the Kinnickinnic, Apple, Willow and Rush, however their activities are not restricted to western Wisconsin alone. This chapter has remained active on issues of regional and statewide significance. They draw their expertise to tackle a wide variety of projects from a talented and diverse group of professionals and craftsmen from the area. Their membership of approximately 200 (and growing) supportive individuals are organized into a series of committees to carry out Trout Unlimited’s mission. These committees are chaired by an outstanding core group of conservation minded professionals who have provided strong leadership through cooperation and the formation, of long term partnerships with local fisheries, water quality, watershed and water regulation and zoning staff. Over the years they have worked closely with private citizens, NCOs, local and state government and especially the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on various projects such as environmental education, in stream habitat improvement, watershed protection, storm water management, biological inventories, fish stocking and much more. Their list of outstanding accomplishments, partnerships and cooperation continues to grow annually. Over the past 10 years I have had the unique opportunity to work along side them to protect, enhance and restore coldwater fish communities. In many cases they have tackled tough, trying and politically sensitive environmental issues and prevailed. Because of their tireless outstanding support, willingness to form proactive partnerships and numerous accomplishments, I have gained the utmost respect for this organization and would like to see it rewarded for its long standing environmental efforts. Upon review of their accomplishments, I hope the selection committee agrees that the Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter of Trout Unlimited is most deserving of the External Partner/ Cooperator Award.

Listed below is a summary of activities worthy of statewide recognition:

Angler and Public Education Programs – Environmental education has always been an important part of managing natural resources, however state funding has always been limited. The education committee of the Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter of Trout Unlimited has helped the Department in cooperative education efforts for many years. There are at least four educational projects worthy of recognition. Each project addresses different needs of the community, whether it is angler education, resource information or ecological education.

Trout Unlimited’s most recent noteworthy accomplishment is the funding, development and production of the Kinnickinnic River Watershed Protection Video entitled "A Storm on the Horizon". This educational video summarizes why the Kinnickinnic River is special, what the threats to its survival are, and what citizens and government can do to protect it. It provides a brief history of the resource and its management, however the primary focus is on identifying and preventing urban development impacts through education, proper planning and installation of best management practices. It is an outstanding stream protection video that promotes a positive future for this precious resource. The Kiap-TU-Wish chapter is currently raising funds for distribution. Target audiences will include schools, local and county units of government, developers, politicians and more.

Another recent development in public education and communication is the Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter Web Page. It is a great informational resource for beginning anglers or experts to find out what’s happening on the streams in the area, but more importantly it is a resource to inform people of the issues that face coldwater resources in the area. It is intended to establish the value of the resource and to develop a strong friends of the river network. Negative impacts or positive fishing experiences can be reported on line and a discussion page is available for hot topics.

Every spring local Trout Unlimited members put on a Fly Fishing and Stream Ecology Workshop in cooperation with the River Falls Park and Recreation Program. The workshop is unique because it not only focuses on fishing skills, but attempts to inform participants of the special qualities of the Kinnickinnic River and develop a strong friends of the river network. The workshop has been conducted annually, beginning in 1994. It consists of an eight hour class with about 30 participants each year. The subject areas are: background information on the river, why it is special, what threatens it, and how they can help protect it; Trout Unlimited goals; fly fishing equipment and fishing tactics, casting techniques, stream ecology and entomology; stream ethics and hands on guided fishing activities.

Before TU members developed the Fly-Fishing and Stream Ecology Workshop, Kiap-TU-Wish members assisted Department staff with the annual Free Fishing Days at Willow River State Park. During the years of 1988 through 1994, members assisted the Department with this educational effort by volunteering time and materials during the annual event. Each year members have taught fly tying, assisted with electro fishing demonstrations, and provided casting instruction. Many members also provided one-on -one hands-on fishing instruction. About 100 participants took part in the activities each year. Without local Trout Unlimited help the Department could not provide this service to such large groups.

Environmental and Watershed Protection – As long as I can remember the Kiap-TU-Wish chapter of Trout Unlimited has served the State of Wisconsin as an environmental watch dog group. Through their network of avid anglers and concerned conservationists they have kept tabs on what is happening in the watersheds of Western Wisconsin. Over the years, they have developed an excellent rapport with DNR fisheries, water quality and water regulation and zoning staff, and are often the first to bring attention to problems or illegal actions negatively impacting watersheds or streams in the area. They have worked tirelessly in cooperation with NCOs, state and local units of government to obtain voluntary regulation or to assure environmental compliance with state and federal laws. At times they have also followed up by monitoring compliance. Several specific items are worthy of recognition.

Impacts from urbanization are of increasing concern in western Wisconsin. The local residents and local units of government did not understand the importance of regulation and proper treatment of storm water. The Kiap-TU-Wish chapter took the lead in changing public and local government attitudes on storm water issues. In the River Falls area, the Kinnickinnic River and its tributaries were considered by many to simply be drainage ways or "ditches" instead of an "Outstanding Resource Water". Over the past ten years that attitude has changed thanks to Trout Unlimited’s long term commitment to public education, and cooperation with community representatives, DNR other concerned citizen groups. Today, numerous Best Management Practices have been installed to prevent or mitigate storm water impacts. In addition, TU and a coalition of other groups have worked with the City of River Falls, surrounding townships and the university to tighten up the city’s Storm water Ordinances and to develop a long term storm water management plan. Today the 205J Storm water Initiative is the driving force behind regulating development and storm water in the City of River Falls and its extraterritorial areas. These efforts will set the course of future development so that it is proactive in the prevention and treatment of storm water impacts to this valuable resource.

Kinnickinnic River Priority Watershed Project – The approval of the Kinnickinnic River watershed as a priority watershed project in 1998 has been a goal of Trout Unlimited for many years. Educational and scientific efforts by members of Trout Unlimited have changed the public prospective of the river from a drainage way to a special resource worthy of protection for today and future generations. That endeavor has set the stage for the city, university, townships and environmental organizations to come together to support and pursue state funding for the priority project. As the Kinnickinnic Priority Project Plan is developed, Trout Unlimited staff continue to serve on the citizens advisory group to help lead the way to developing plans that will assure the watershed will be treated with respect and actions will be taken to reduce and prevent negative impacts in the future.

Construction Site Erosion in Kinnickinnic River Watershed has been on the increase because of rapid urban expansion. Once again Trout Unlimited members serving as watchdogs were there to prevent it. Industrial park development in the city of River Falls was resulting in large amounts of sediment entering the river. Members brought the issue up to city administrators but administrators felt a recently constructed retention basin was adequate. Trout Unlimited took the issue seriously and began photo documentation of the siltation and turbidity events. They used their documentation to educate and convince city representatives to modify the industrial park basin to prevent siltation and thermal pollution to the Kinnickinnic River. In addition, TU members closely monitored construction of the STH 35 bypass over the Kinnickinnic River. When contractors failed to maintain erosion control measures Trout Unlimited members notified Department and DOT staff responsible for project oversight to correct the problem. Over the lengthy course of construction TU monitored construction sites for erosion control compliance. Thanks to Trout Unlimited’s assistance, major construction site erosion was prevented.

The Kinnickinnic River has two hydroelectric dams on the river. FERC licensing required operators to operate at run of river. The lower Kinnickinnic River had shown some sign of trout year class failure, which was of great concern. Trout Unlimited members noted frequent water level fluctuations on the lower river. They contacted Department officials to find out what could be done to prevent the fluctuations from occurring. The Department in cooperation with Trout Unlimited met with the public utility to work out the problem. Initially, the utility denied responsibility for the fluctuations, however Trout Unlimited members set out to document fluctuations as the Department documented dam operations. Citizens and members of TU were asked to report all fluctuations through the Kiap-TU-Wish home page on the Internet and eventually the utility agreed to a USGS gauging trial. It was determined trash rack cleaning and lack of a ramping protocol for the turbines were responsible for the large fluctuations in water level. Thanks to Trout Unlimited’s assistance, a protocol was developed last year to minimize flow fluctuations on the lower river. Today, this unique cold water community is now protected from major hydroelectric flow fluctuations.

Over the years Trout Unlimited has reviewed Chapter 30 permits impacting streams in the area, either supporting or objecting to them. In some cases, the chapter has endorsed and even assisted landowners in the implementation of projects that would truly benefit the resource. That support came in a variety of ways including financial support or labor.

In stream Habitat Improvement – The Kiap-TU-Wish chapter has a rich history of supporting habitat restoration efforts. Their contributions have been both in the form of cash, hard labor and technical support. They have worked independently and as partners on projects with other conservation organizations, DNR, state and local municipalities. There are at least five projects they deserve recognition for.

For many years the Kiap-TU-Wish chapter of Trout Unlimited acted as care takers of the Lower Willow River, a popular trout stream in Western Wisconsin. Members monitored the condition of the habitat and maintained the habitat improvements completed during the 1940s and beyond. Several areas of the popular river needed repairs, so Trout Unlimited and the Department formed a partnership in 1997 to complete a major habitat project called the Willow River Race In stream Habitat Improvement Project. The project consisted of restoring 2,000 ft of stream and the installation of 42 lunker structures. TU provide the funding for lunkers and built the structures to assist the Department in completion of the project. Today many anglers enjoy the improved section of this wonderful river.

Several years ago heavy flooding in combination with the opening of floodgates in Willow River State Park caused numerous trees to pile up in the Willow River above the famous trout stream called the Race Branch of the Willow. The tree jam dammed the channel, a blow out occurred and resulted in a new channel, which now bypassed most of the water away from the popular Race Branch. Trout Unlimited members quickly identified the problem and sought help through the Department and St. Croix County Alliance. A plan was quickly developed to restore flow to the Race, however funding was needed. Trout Unlimited worked with the St. Croix Alliance to raise the $10,000 to complete Willow River Race Flow Restoration project. The project was quickly completed and flows were restored to the Race.

For many years the Kinnickinnic River in Glen Park suffered from severe bank erosion which was contributing heavy sand loads to the river, filling pools and degrading trout habitat. Officials from the City of River Falls were concerned about the erosion and the loss of a popular hiking trail along the river. Once again TU members helped form a partnership with the City and the Department to correct the problem. The Glen Park Trail and Bank Stabilization Project was completed during the spring of 1998. TU provided funding to build habitat structures and assisted the City of River Falls with grant requests for $10,000 to complete the job. Overall 1,000 ft of highly eroded bank was repaired and 12 habitat structures were installed along with placement of 40 boulder retards for fish cover. Today this is one of the heaviest fish sites on the Kinnickinnic River and the popular hiking and fishing access trail has been restored.

Highway construction in the coulee region is often difficult, and when caution is not used problems develop. Several years ago Trout Unlimited members became concerned about a major road construction project that crossed the Rush River in a steep canyon area. Construction activities exposed large expanses of soil. Heavy rains washed tons of soil into the Rush River. TU members were quick to notice the damage to the resource. Members were totally disgusted with erosion control measures and lack of oversight by DOT. In a very professional manner members demanded restoration or mitigation of the damages. TU once again formed a partnership with DOT, and DNR to develop and implement the Rush River / Highway 10 Mitigation and Restoration Plan. Although the sediment could not be removed the Rush River received major benefits of restoration. Three sites received in stream habitat improvement to enhance the resource.

The Kinnickinnic River Fishery Area lies in a prairie ecosystem. Restoration work during the 1950s through the 1970s resulted in fencing 15 miles of the Kinnickinnic River, a popular trout stream in the Midwest. Unfortunately the complete elimination of grazing along the stream resulted in heavy growth of invasive box elder and brush species. The Department’s master plan called for brush control to maintain a sturdy turf for the health of the prairie trout stream and to allow anglers respectable access to this outstanding resource. Annually, and beginning way long before my time, Trout Unlimited coordinated and implemented numerous brushing projects along the Kinnickinnic River. Each winter members would donate six Saturdays per year to carry out this needed work. Membership turnout often was large (20 - 30 people) despite cold weather conditions which often prevailed. Today, many anglers enjoy fishing these restored prairie river stretches. Since 1988 Trout Unlimited has improved about ½ mile of stream each year in cooperation with Department staff.

River Restoration Efforts – The Kiap-TU-Wish chapter has always been concerned about the environment and have been strong supporters of ecosystem management. Their efforts are not just geared toward trout or trout fishing. When opportunities arise to restore free flowing stream ecosystems Trout Unlimited would openly champion the cause. Their efforts to restore the Willow River were outstanding and without this contribution the Willow River would continue to suffer from the impacts of aging eutrophic reservoirs. Two highly successful river restoration projects on the Willow River are the direct result of Trout Unlimited’s effort to tackle complex and highly political projects.

The first project on the Willow River was the removal of the Willow Falls Dam and Restoration of the Old Burkhardt Millpond. This project included the removal of a 70ft dam that impounded approximately two miles of river. Due to decay the Willow Falls Dam had to be rebuilt or removed. Public opinion is often in opposition of flowages for various reasons. The Department wished to remove Willow Falls Dam and restore the area as a cold water resource because repair was costly. Public and political opposition was a problem. The Kiap-TU-Wish chapter of Trout Unlimited believed dams of this nature were detrimental to cold water resources and the economic perspective did not support rebuilding and maintaining a new dam. Trout Unlimited through their membership began to lobby, sell and support removal and restoration of a free flowing river resource. Lengthy debates and strong lobbying efforts resulted in the removal of Willow Falls Dam and restoration of the Willow River as a cold water fish community. Today this area has become a popular scenic gorge and sport fishing area in the state park.

The second project was the removal of the Mounds Pond Dam and Restoration of the Willow River. This project included the removal of a 40-ft. high dam that impounded approximately two miles of river. Initial plans called for the repair of Mounds Dam. State engineers believed repairs would be short lived. Fishery staff believed it was in the best interest of the Willow River to remove the dam rather than repair it. Public and political opposition was once again problematic to a long term solution to water quality and ecosystem health. Once again Trout Unlimited, through lengthy debates and lobbying efforts, convinced state government agencies and the public that it was in the best interest of the people and the ecosystem to remove the dam and restore the flowage rather than rebuild it. Today this segment of the Willow River is under restoration. It is anticipated this area will also become a popular sport fishing and hiking area in the state park.

Aquatic Inventory and Survey Support - Trout Unlimited members from the Kiap-TU-Wish chapter believe inventory and assessment of cold water fish communities is an important part of managing these important resources. This was evident by the strong interest and support of the Department’s inventory and assessment activities. Contributions in the form of labor by TU allowed the Department to gain valuable information on the status of fishery resources in a cost efficient manner. Their assistance gaining public access to stream reaches on private land was greatly appreciated. Two projects desire special recognition.

During 1988 through 1993 the State of Wisconsin was in the process of instituting a comprehensive trout stream regulation package. The package included regulations tailored to the type of stream a fishery could support. The Department wished to evaluate the negative or positive impact of new regulations on 10 stream reaches in western Wisconsin. This effort would require 20 electro fishing surveys of one mile each for a total of twenty miles. Each one-mile survey took one day and each segment required anywhere from 4 to 12 crew members. At the time only three or four Department staff were available to complete the projects. Trout Unlimited offered their assistance and coordinated their membership to help complete 20 miles of survey each year for three years. They donated well over 1,000 hours per year to complete the project. We could not have accomplished these size limit evaluations without their voluntary support.

Beginning in 1992 Eau Claire Staff began an intensive effort to document the condition of numerous streams in what is called the comprehensive stream survey program. This included the documentation of habitat, fish communities and sport fish populations on 50 to 100 sites per year in each watershed. Trout Unlimited staff again provided assistance to complete the labor intensive Willow River and Kinnickinnic River Watershed Surveys during the summers of 1996 and 1997.

Water Quality Monitoring Programs - The Kiap-TU-Wish chapter and its highly educated membership have volunteered to implement several outstanding water quality monitoring programs in this area. This information has resulted in many benefits and has aided the Department in development of priority watershed project plans. Two activities are worthy of recognition.

The Kinnickinnic River is classified as a state "outstanding resource water" and is a premiere Midwest trout stream. River Fall’s is located in the heart of the watershed and is experiencing rapid residential, commercial and industrial development. Concerns over urban impacts of higher stream flows, thermal population, and sediment prompted TU to begin a temperature-monitoring network throughout River Falls. Results have documented increased river temperatures near outfalls during summer rainfalls and temperatures approaching lethal levels for trout. In addition, TU’s work documented thermal impacts caused by two impoundments in River Falls. Storm event water quality sampling also showed residential, commercial and industrial areas had high concentrations of sediment, some high in metals. As a result River Falls adopted a storm water management plan that limits impervious surfaces to 10-12% in the city, recommends proper detention design to limit thermal pollution, strict erosion control ordinances, improved storm water BMPs, and increased public awareness. Today this continuous temperature monitoring data is being used by the Department to model urban development impacts in an attempt to explain or prevent future impacts here and elsewhere in the state.

The Lower Willow River contains some of the heaviest fished trout water in the state of Wisconsin. It contains the popular Race and Willow Branch. In recent years the Lower Willow River has also experienced thermal and water quality impacts, primarily from impoundments and dam operational changes. These impacts appear to be responsible for declines in trout populations. Trout Unlimited just recently has installed a temperature and water quality monitoring station to begin to understand the impacts of reservoir operation. Their data will be shared with the Department and future dam operation trials may provide best operation scenarios to protect the resource.

Supporting Regulation changes - During 1990 the Department had proposed sweeping changes in the trout regulations statewide. Some well organized groups threatened to derail these biologically sound regulations. Again Trout Unlimited came to the Department’s support and help sway public sentiment in favor of these regulations. Members attended numerous meetings, wrote newspaper articles, and discussed the pros and cons with the opposition in a highly professional manner. They at all times insisted biological evidence and need must outweigh personal agendas. Their support was instrumental in obtaining strong public support in Western Wisconsin.

Trout Stocking Assistance – The Willow River has had a strong reputation for providing excellent trout fishing opportunities. That reputation goes back to the mid 1800s. Since then the Willow River has experienced many perturbations that have nearly eliminated native trout. Currently, the Willow River still supports an outstanding trout fishery, however to maintain trout populations trout must be stocked annually. Many years ago the local chapter of Trout Unlimited offered to serve as a cooperator to facilitate trout stocking and that partnership continues today. Every year Kiap-TU-Wish members meet Department stocking trucks at key locations along the river and scatter plant 10,500-fall fingerling trout annually in the lower Willow River. Trout are placed in specially designed float tubes and transported throughout difficult to reach sections of the river. In addition, members travel to the hatchery to obtain fry which are placed in nursery springs. Because of this cooperation we can be assured our trout stocking program will have better survival rates and a greater return to anglers. We greatly appreciate Trout Unlimited’s long term commitment to the trout stocking program.

Marty Engel

Area Fisheries Manager

Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources

Suite 104, 990 Hillcrest

Baldwin, WI 54002