The Gary Borger Chapter of Trout Unlimited (GBTU) and the Southeast Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited (SEWTU) and have been instrumental in providing support for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Paradise Springs, Scuppernong River and Genessee Creek trout habitat restoration projects in Waukesha County. And on March 2nd, 2011 the efforts from both chapters was recognized by the WDNR and each were awarded the 2009-10 External Partner / Cooperator Award.
Since 2008, the GBTU chapter has repeatedly responded to the call for local volunteer assistance on the projects, providing materials, volunteer hours, and financial assistance. Regardless of weather conditions, distance of travel, or desirability of tasks, the GBTU chapter has shown strong dedication and commitment to restoring this valuable and unique fisheries resource in the southeast portion of the state.
Paradise Springs is located near Eagle, WI in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The stream flows from a popular trout pond and winds through the nearby prairie before joining the Scuppernong River approximately two miles downstream. Since the first stream restoration and bank structure installation, trout habitat has improved dramatically. Paradise Springs is becoming an increasingly popular fishing destination for anglers near and far. However, without significant increases the resources dedicated to the restoration project, greater improvements and maintenance at Paradise Springs was unlikely to progress swiftly.
Our chapter leapt at the opportunity to contribute to the habitat maintenance and restoration project at Paradise Springs, Scuppernong River and Genesee Creek. In the past few years, we have contributed the following accomplishments at Scuppernong Creek and Paradise Springs Creek:
Ø Fabricated over 150 lunker structures.
Ø Implemented ¼ mile of bank cover installation erosion control techniques.
Ø Removed streamside invasive buckthorn.
Ø Installed biologs as an effective erosion control and bank stabilization.
Ø Collected local prairie seed as a part of the Scuppernong Prairie restoration effort.
Ø Removed instream invasive aquatic plants.
Ø Assisted in bank cover installation.
Ø Donated thousands of dollars of funding for lunker structure fabrication.
Ø Acquired Embrace-A-Stream National TU grant ($4,500) for use on Paradise Springs Creek.
Ø Acquired Friends of Wisconsin TU Grant ($4,000) for use at Paradise Springs Creek.
Ø Worked alongside volunteers from the Illinois based Oakbrook and Lee Wulff chapters. The Oakbrook chapter also contributed $1000 to the project.
The GBTU chapter has provided countless hours and endless commitment to protecting and enhancing our coldwater habitat in the southeast region, as well as across Wisconsin. Thank you to the volunteers who have participated during the numerous workday outings over the years. Without your help the success of this “home waters” project would not have happened. A special thanks goes to Jim Bailey and his wife Nancy for their dedication and leadership on this project. They truly are beacons, shining a light on a project that reflects the vision and mission of Trout Unlimited.
