Address critical infrastructure issues and public safety while also restoring aquatic organism passage to a class 1 premier brook trout stream in bayfield county activities include replacing a…

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Region 3, awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $247,000 to Bayfield County under the National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements program (CFDA 15.654) to address critical infrastructure and aquatic ecosystem restoration in Wisconsin. The award, issued June 1, 2025, with completion targeted for May 19, 2027, focuses on two primary project components in the Grand View area. The first component involves replacing a 12-foot round culvert with a bottomless arch structure to restore aquatic organism passage and fish habitat in a Class 1 premier brook trout stream. Activities include excavation, site grading, structure placement, and slope stabilization, with deliverables of 25.7 miles of stream restored or enhanced, 25.7 miles of stream opened to aquatic organism passage, and removal of one fish barrier, while also slowing stream velocities to create safer highway conditions along Highway 63.

The second project component involves collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on infrastructure improvements where 20 Mile Creek crosses U.S. Highway 63, supplementing their replacement of box culverts with a bridge structure. Trout Unlimited will serve as a project partner, conducting site visits and providing oversight to ensure grade control structures support beneficial habitat for brook trout and other aquatic species. The cooperative agreement directly supports public safety objectives through infrastructure improvements while delivering ecological benefits including enhanced recreational opportunities and restored aquatic connectivity.

Address critical infrastructure issues and public safety while also restoring aquatic organism passage to a class 1 premier brook trout stream in bayfield county activities include replacing a twelve foot round culvert with a bottomless arch structure for fish and aquatic organism passage in grandview WI activities performed are excavation of the current culvert and grading and placement of the new structure including slope stabilization deliverables include 25 7 miles of stream restored or enhanced 25 7 miles of stream opened to aquatic organism passage 1 fish barrier removed and slowed stream velocities intended beneficiaries include increased and safer recreation opportunities and infrastructure safety including safe highway 63 reroute around grandview withe second part of this project is where 20 mile creek crosses US HWY 63 and will supplement a larger wisconsin department of transportation project where they are replacing box culverts with a bridge underneath highway trout unlimited will work with partners and conduce site visits and project oversight to ensure that grade control structures provide beneficial habitat for brook trout and other species in this location