The Ashland Fishery Resources Office has completed a project in which two corridors of conifers and hardwoods were planted in field openings to connect two wood lots and enhance wetland restoration projects on the property. 

The project provides native forest cover for migratory birds including common yellowthroat, yellow warbler and American woodcock. 

The project restores forested conditions in the Fish Creek Watershed.  Fish Creek supports native brook trout and large runs of migratory fish from Lake Superior. 

Studies have shown that deforestation in the area has contributed to the degradation of habitat in Fish Creek and other streams.  Historically, the shading effect of the native forest allowed for a gradual spring runoff period and lower peak flows. 

Now, with the sun beating down on a much more open landscape, the spring melt occurs very quickly, eroding banks and sending large amounts of sediment into critical fish spawning areas.  As outlined in Best Management Practices developed for the area, reforestation is critical to restoring the health of Wisconsin’s Lake Superior tributaries.

The Kindt property, in the town of Moquah, Wisconsin, obtained a Challenge Cost Share grant through the Ashland FRO for establishing the corridors and to also establish several food plots for passerine birds and wildlife found on the property. 

Approximately 2,900 trees, including red and white pine, black and white spruce, balsam fir, tamarack, white cedar, northern red oak, red and sugar maple, along with crabapples, mountain ash and common and American elderberry were planted on approximately eight acres of open field edges. 

In addition to providing cover and food for the wildlife found on the property, it also provides nesting cover for grassland bird species as a protected no-mow area has been established around and between the corridors. 

These corridors further enhance the work done on the property several years ago to restore emergent marsh wetlands.  The wetlands have provided migration and breeding habitat for many species of migratory waterfowl.  All of these projects include a 10-year Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Habitat Development Agreement.