Foytik project site prior to restoration. - USFWS photo

Foytik project during construction. - USFWS photo

In October 2005, the Foytik stream restoration project was completed. The site is located on the Little Elk River in Price County, Wis., and had been heavily impacted by many years of cattle access. The Little Elk is a cold water trout stream with a good population of native brook trout. During the initial survey of the project site, a few brook trout were identified. Now with the stream improvements it is expected that brook trout populations will benefit in this reach of the river.

In total, 1,500 feet of stream was restored. The course was narrowed, large boulders strategically placed, and riffles, meanders and pools were created. Lunker structures were placed at strategic locations along the streambank in order to provide overhead cover for brook trout and other fish species. The stream courses through a 40 acre section of pasture, so a fenced cattle lane was constructed along the edge of the property in order to keep the cows out of the riparian area, but still allow access to pastures beyond the stream. To minimize erosion at the stream crossing point of the cattle lane and provide an area for the cows to drink, a rock crossing was installed. Disturbed areas from the construction were stabilized and seeded.

Overall the entire project went very well from planning through construction. The landowner and many partners are extremely pleased with the new look of the stream and surrounding landscape. Partners on the project include the Price County Land Conservation Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through our Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.