Description
McGregor Lake is a 200-acre backwater lake in Pool 10 of the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. It is bordered on the west by islands separating it from the main channel and on the east by a peninsula separating it from the east channel. The lake lies within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. It is relatively shallow, with an average depth of 2½ feet. In 1989, about 75 percent of the lake had aquatic vegetation. Since then, aquatic vegetation and depth have decreased because of increased sedimentation and turbidity resulting from erosion of the barrier islands.
The proposed project could include various features, such as dredging the lake, restoring or strengthening the barrier islands and constructing small islands within the lake to reduce wave action. It could also improve adjacent forest habitat. The project will provide productive habitat for fish and protect the lake from main channel flows during the winter.
Increased aquatic vegetation would provide cover and food for young fish. Project features will be considered not only for McGregor Lake, but also for island and slough habitat that forms the entire complex between the main channel and east channel.
Quick Facts
- Approximate Acres: 580
- State(s) Covered: WI
- Land Ownership: Federal
- Management Agency: USFWS
- Management Authority: Refuge
Features
- 26 acres of islands
- 28 acres of dredging
- 1300 feet of revetment
- 2 acres of aquatic structure
Milestones
- The Fact Sheet was approved in March 2010.
- The draft Feasibility Report is expected to be completed in 2018.
- Plans and specifications, and contract award are anticipated in 2019.