Ashland FRO and partner agencies working to establish a National Fish Habitat Action Plan for Lake Superior continue their efforts through the Lake Superior Habitat Partnership.  Formed in spring 2006, the Lake Superior Habitat Partnership currently has 23 partner organizations and agencies working cooperatively to “restore and protect watershed habitat to increase the abundance of coldwater species (like trout and salmon) and to enhance the health and stability of the aquatic community.”   Many of the agencies and organizations are currently involved with projects to protect and restore stream habitat.

Ashland FRO biologist, Henry Quinlan, delivered a presentation to the Lake Superior LaMP Superior Work Group at their meeting in Thunder Bay, Ontario on the Lake Superior Habitat Partnership and invited agencies to participate on the effort.  The Superior Work Group has representatives from 27 agencies/offices working to protect and restore the Lake Superior environment.  Henry also provided the presentation in electronic format for the subsequent Lake Superior Task Force call.  The Task Force is comprised of upper level managers from 16 agencies working in the Lake Superior watershed.  The presentation can be saved or viewed by click on the link under the National Fish Habitat Initiative www.fws.gov/midwest/ashland/Aquatic_Hab_Conservation.html  

The Partnership has developed a Guiding Document which identifies goals and objectives developed by consensus and identified 29 priority watersheds in the states of WI, MI, and MN.  The Service continues to provide leadership for the Partnership committing personnel and financial resources to the effort.  Over the past few years, the Service has provided over $230,000 to projects in Wisconsin’s priority watersheds, $21,000 to projects in Michigan’s priority watersheds, and $11,000 to projects in Minnesota priority watersheds.