East Channel Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project

St. Paul District

Pool 7, Upper Mississippi River, Miles 700 - 702, La Crosse County, Wisconsin and Winona County, Minnesota, Congressional District: WI - 3, MN - 1

Partners

• USFWS
• MNDNR
• WIDNR

Description

At Interstate 90 Bay, erosion of a peninsula jeopardized the fishery resources of upper pool 8.  At Lower Island 98 and Minnesota Island, erosion contributed to long-term loss of island habitat.  These islands also maintained the East Channel as a large side channel.  The areas downstream provide high quality overwintering habitat and spawning area for walleye.

Quick Facts

• Approximate Acres: 320
• State(s) Covered: WI, MN
• Land Ownership: USFWS
• Management Agency: USFWS
• Management Authority: Refuge

Features

• Use rockfill to restore and stabilize 600 feet of peninsula at Interstate 90 and 900 feet of shoreline along Lower Island 98 and Minnesota Island

Milestones

• The Definite Project Report was completed in September 1995.
• Construction was initiated in October 1996 and completed in June 1997.
• The Operation and Maintenance Manual was completed in October 1997.