Fishery Biologist Louise Mauldin of the LaCrosse FRO, gave a presentation at the Fish Tech section of the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee meeting held in Welch, Minnesota on March 22, 2007.  

Mauldin provided an update on the National Fish Habitat Action Plan and the year-old partnership, Driftless Area Restoration Effort (DARE). She explained that the overall goal of the DARE partnership is to increase the effectiveness of stream restoration efforts through coordination with upland conservation efforts.  

Mauldin also shared the general goals of the partnership during her presentation.  There are currently six goals: 1) Reduce sediment and nutrients inputs to Driftless Area rivers and streams; 2) Conserve and restore habitats that will enhance fish and other aquatic communities; 3) Increase angling and other recreational opportunities; Serve as a national model for landscape-scale community restoration and land protection efforts; 5) Increase public awareness about Driftless Area resources through outreach and education; and 6) Promote sustainable rural economies. 

Mauldin explained that the pilot partnership would be applying for full recognition by the National Fish Habitat Action Plan Board this coming August.  She also explained that over the next year the partnership would be drafting an in-depth strategic plan to aid those that would like to focus future stream restoration efforts.