Snyder Slough Backwater Complex Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project

Rock Island District

Partners

• USFWS

Description

Island erosion, island dissection and sedimentation have greatly reduced the quality of much of the floodplain and aquatic habitat in this location.  Historically, this area was used by migratory waterbirds, but the use has been low since 1990 when aquatic vegetation declined in the area.  In 2005, there was an increase in aquatic vegetation due to favorable water clarity conditions and a corresponding increase in waterfowl use.  However, the observed 2005 aquatic vegetation coverage is not expected to remain stable due to continued wind fetch and current and static summer water levels.

Fishery resources in the area are poor for backwater species.  Surveys conducted in 2004 and 2005 did not locate any quality centrarchid overwintering habitat within the project area.  The closest overwintering habitat is located approximately 3 miles upstream in the Bertom/McCartney backwater area, or approximately 6 miles downstream at the Mud/Zollicoffer Lakes backwater complex.

Quick Facts

• Approximate Acres: 2064
• Congressional District: Wisconsin - 3
• State(s) Covered: Wisconsin
• Land Ownership: Federal
• Management Agency: USFWS
• Management Authority: Refuge

Features

• Restoring and protecting existing islands
• Backwater dredging
• Forest diversity 

Milestones

• The Fact Sheet was approved in September 2010.