The existing undersized culvert was perched several inches above the streambed, restricting water flow and limiting movement of fish and other aquatic life. Photo by Michael Arrowood of Walleyes for Tomorrow

The old culvert was removed and replaced with new, larger culverts. Photo by Michael Arrowood of Walleyes for Tomorrow

The new, large oval culverts were placed at and below the bottom of the streambed, greatly improving water flow and the ability of fish and other aquatic organisms to travel across the marsh. Photo by Michael Arrowood of Walleyes for Tomorrow

Green Bay Field Office Biologist Gary Van Vreede worked in cooperation with a private landowner and members of the local Walleyes for Tomorrow chapter to improve over 120 acres of floodplain wetland habitat located along the Wolf River just east of the City of New London, Wisconsin.  Each spring, water from the Wolf River floods this wetland area, providing critical spawning habitat for many species of fish, particularly walleye.  This wetland habitat is also heavily used by waterfowl, shorebirds, and a diverse collection of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. 

Many years ago, a road was constructed through the middle of the wetland to access the river. Except for the openings provided by two small, perched culverts, the road served as a barrier to the movement of water and aquatic organisms through the wetland area. To improve water movement, partners installed three large oval shaped culverts through the road. Two of the culverts were placed along the bottom of the streambed, and the third culvert was placed approximately 8” below streambed level.  The increased water flow and accessibility provided by these new culverts will greatly improve the quality of this wetland habitat for fish and other wetland wildlife.  This project was partially funded through a U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Development Agreement.