16 Apr 2025

Upper Mississippi River – Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program: Systemic Mitigation Island 4 Project, Wisconsin

The primary purpose of this project is to address general degradation of habitat quality due to sediment deposition, wind-driven wave action, declining bathymetric diversity, and a decline in aquatic vegetation. Concerns over habitat deficiencies in Upper Pool 4 include reduced habitat diversity and quality, lack of aquatic vegetation and invertebrates, and reduced abundance of fish and wildlife.

16 Apr 2025

Upper Mississippi River – Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program: Wacouta Bay Project, Wisconsin

Concerns over habitat deficiencies in Wacouta Bay, most resulting from sedimentation and turbidity, include reduced aquatic and terrestrial habitat diversity and quality, lack of aquatic vegetation, lack of protected wetlands, and reduced abundance of fish and wildlife. The Wacouta Bay project is a Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program study that will consider alternatives including island building and enhancement, forest enhancement and creation, backwater restoration and dredging, island and shoreline protection, and use of dredged material.

21 Apr 2025

Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program: Big Lake, Pool 4, Wisconsin

The sedimentation of backwater areas of the Upper Mississippi River is an ongoing issue. The project area is greatly influenced by the input of sand from the Chippewa River, entering Pool 4 at approximately river mile 764. Other potential sources of sand are the historic channel maintenance dredging side-cast islands and the four active temporary placement sites within the study area. Big Lake has lost much of its island complex and bottomland forest to wind and wave erosion. The barrier islands between the lake and Catfish Slough have been degraded and/or eliminated over the past several years.

21 Apr 2025

Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program: Robinson Lake Habitat Restoration, Pool 4, Minnesota

Sedimentation of the backwater lakes of the Upper Mississippi River, including the lower Pool 4 area, is an ongoing issue. Potential sources of sand are the Chippewa River, historic channel maintenance dredging side-cast islands and the four active temporary placement sites within the study area. The extent of open water has been shrinking in Robinson Lake.