Targeted Sediment Reduction on Fish Creek
Real-time data: North Fish Creek Stream Gauge
The Chequamegon Bay region of Lake Superior contains many healthy ecosystems and abundant recreational opportunities like fishing, swimming, and boating that help support the local economy. However, one of the largest threats to these activities is excessive erosion and sedimentation from streams draining to the lake. Excess sediment covers up fish habitat, turns crystal clear waters muddy, costs money when it needs to be removed from the local drinking water supply, and may contribute to the surprising emergence of blue green algal blooms in parts of Lake Superior.
Fish Creek is the largest sediment contributor to Chequamegon Bay. The Burke Center’s Associate Director Matt Hudson leads a long-term effort funded by the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to dramatically reduce sediment to Fish Creek and restore this important waterway for current and future generations.
First initiated in 2018, this multi-partner Burke Center project is now in its third phase. By the fall of 2025, the cumulative phases will have reduced approximately two thirds of the long-term sediment-reduction goal of 16,000 tons per year.
A Phase Four GLRI proposal is currently under review. If funded, the cumulative projects will achieve over 90 percent of the sediment-reduction goal.
Video produced in August 2023 by the Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation at
Northland College and funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Project Deliverables Since 2018:
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Restored 5,600 feet of stream channel for fish habitat
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Reduced approximately 10,600 tons of sediment annually to Fish Creek and Lake Superior
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Invested $1.3 million of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds to support the economy of rural northwest Wisconsin
$300,000 in Grants Boost Fish Creek Sediment Reduction Project: Northland College’s Burke Center Nears Key Restoration Milestones- Northland College release, January 2025
Northland College highlights restoration of Fish Creek in northwestern Wisconsin- US EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, November 2023
This Northern Wisconsin Project Looks To Slow The Flow Of Runoff Made Worse By Climate Change- Wisconsin Public Radio, September 2021
Northern Wisconsin Project Seeks To ‘Slow The Flow’ Of Stormwater- Wisconsin Public Radio, August 2018