Before photo of the bridge on Messenger Creek showing degradation of structure. - FWS photo

After photo showing completed bridge on Messenger Creek. - FWS photo

The Green Bay Fishery Resources Office worked cooperatively with the Oconto County Highway Department, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to replace the only bridge on Messenger Creek. 

Messenger Creek is a State designated class one trout stream supporting natural reproduction of native brook trout.  This bridge is more than 50 years old and needed replacement as the surface and structures were in poor condition and required continuous maintenance.  

Initial cost estimates suggested a 150-foot culvert was the most affordable option for the County.   After consultation with environmental professionals, Oconto County decided to construct a new bridge instead of a culvert to accommodate fish passage, at a substantially higher cost. 

Due to the higher cost, additional funding sources were needed.  Oconto County Highway Department searched for additional funding sources from variety of agencies until the final cost was covered. The decision to construct a bridge instead of a culvert will have direct positive impacts by allowing fish passage to all five miles of coldwater trout stream.