It's All Connected: Demonstrating Benefits of Dam Removal as a Means of Improving the Integrity and Health of Aquatic Resources in the Great Lakes Basin
Natural System and Location: Sheboygan River System (Sheboygan and Onion Rivers) in eastern Wisconsin near Sheboygan.
Hypothesis/Goal: Dam removal and natural channel restoration can improve the health and integrity of river and stream systems.
Restoration Strategy: Dam removal and natural channel restoration. Trout Unlimited will remove several small dams in the headwaters of the Sheboygan River in Wisconsin. Headwater springs and channels will be restored by removing as many as 11 small dams, most of which were constructed as part of a fish hatchery. Removal of the Franklin Dam will restore over 10 miles of free flowing river and will improve native cold water fisheries and mussel populations in the Sheboygan River.
Anticipated Outcomes/Environmental Affects: Return stream and river segments to free-flowing condition. Expect improvements in water quality, fishery, and ecosystem health.
Progress to Date: Land acquisition at Kamrath Dam site was completed by the WDNR and restoration of historic stream channel is complete. Based on initial project success, WDNR has drained the upper pond at the Kamrath site and is planning to restore the historic stream channel. Property acquisition at Silver Spring site has been completed by WDNR. Design and project planning continue. The Franklin Dam on the Sheboygan River completely removed. Draft summary of small dam removal workshop proceedings received for review. Overall dam-removal and restoration costs were significantly less than anticipated. A one-year no-cost extension and reallocation of funds was requested and approved. Monitoring work will be extended through December 2002 and project publications/public outreach efforts will be expanded and improved.
