A Gordon Correctional Facility crew installs fish habitat structures on Ox Creek. - FWS photo by Ted Koehler

A Gordon Correctional Facility Crew installs fish habitat structures on Ox Creek. - FWS photo by Ted Koehler

Fish habitat structure on Ox Creek. - FWS photo by Ted Koehler

The past two years, habitat restoration partners in northern Wisconsin have worked with three separate landowners to restore brook trout habitat on Ox Creek. 

The first reach of stream including one privately owned was completed in 2005.  The second and third reaches included two separate landowners and were completed in 2006. 

Working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, County Land Conservation Department and the landowner, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Ashland Fishery Resources Office participated in the project through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. 

Over the course of the project anchored wood structures were installed at selected locations in the stream to restore large woody cover as well as create scour holes to expose spawning gravel.

In the past, poor land management practices have impaired fish habitat on Upper Ox Creek in Douglas County, Wisconsin.  Historic large woody debris was removed from the stream and higher sediment loads have eliminated or degraded many brook trout spawning sites. 

This sediment also covers natural resting and cover structure remaining  for brook trout and other aquatic species.  Ox Creek is a spring fed tributary to the wild and scenic St. Croix River and designated as Class II trout water. 

It supports a population of native brook trout which are expected to benefit from the restored habitat.  The restoration will also benefit wading birds as well as herptiles such as turtles with additional loafing sites.  Mammals such as mink will benefit as well through the creation of additional structural habitat in the stream within which they will live and hunt.

To restore habitat for brook trout and other aquatic life in Ox Creek, red pine logs were strategically placed to mimic natural conditions which once existed in the stream.  They were drilled and wooden posts driven through both ends, then water jetted and pounded into the substrate to hold them in place. 

Through both seasons of field work a crew from the Gordon Correction Center performed the majority of the labor and did an excellent job.  In this case, not only will the public benefit from the restored habitat, but also by the crew from the correctional facility gaining new experience and insight which will help them better integrate into society in the future.   The resulting habitat benefits from the entire project include approximately 1400 feet of brook trout habitat restored, and miles of habitat beyond enhanced through reduced sediment and an improved fishery.