Project Title: NFHAP Kickapoo DARE Habitat Improvement Project (FFS #R3UD)

State: Wisconsin

Project Description: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s La Crosse National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Wisconsin will receive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding will support the Driftless Area Restoration Effort (DARE) Habitat Improvement project along the Kickapoo River in Vernon County, Wisconsin. The project consists of stabilizing a section of eroding stream bank to reduce sediment inputs to the river and enhancing in-stream habitat for trout and other fish.

Kickapoo is a popular river known for its fishing and canoeing. The Kickapoo is a unique system with an upper cold water portion with trout and sculpin, a middle reach containing smallmouth bass and walleye, and a lower warm water reach consisting of catfish, blue suckers and redhorse. The Kickapoo was severely impacted by floodwaters in 2007 and 2008, causing stream bank erosion and instability. This has caused increased silt loads to the stream likely driving sensitive species such as southern redbelly dace, brook trout, and other species from preferred seasonal habitats.

News Release: Secretary Salazar Announces $40,000 to La Crosse NFWCO for Kickapoo DARE Habitat Improvement Project

Originally posted 08/06/2009