Trees planted at the Nyra Project. April 2008. Ashland Wisconsin. Photographer Mike Mlynarek

Equipment and trees to be planted at the Nyra Project. April 2008. Ashland Wisconsin. Photographer Mike Mlynarek

Nine acres of a hay field on private land within the boundaries of Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge were restored to native forest in the spring of 2008.  This project was a joint effort between the landowner and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge and Ashland National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office.  Funding was provided by the Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program with in-kind labor and equipment contributed by the landowner.  Approximately 1000 trees were planted and the native species consisted of red pine, white pine and white spruce. 

This project comprises part of an overall restoration approach for the Whittlesey Creek watershed and will benefit migratory fish and birds.  The 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 Whittlesey Creek and other streams.  In the past, the shading effect of the forest allowed for a gradual spring runoff period and lower peak flows.  Now with snowmelt occurring much faster in a more open landscape, the spring melt occurs very quickly, eroding banks and sending large amounts of sediment into critical fish spawning areas.  The restoration project will also benefit migratory birds such as the Canada warbler, olive sided flycatcher and American woodcock.  As outlined in Best Management Practices developed for the area, reforestation is critical to restoring the health of Wisconsin’s Lake Superior tributaries, and this project adds another piece to the Whittlesey Creek restoration puzzle.