Fish passage proposed on Yellow River by Cadott

DNR representatives Heath Benike (left) and Dan Baumann were on hand during a Cadott Village Board meeting, March 7, to see whether the village is interested in a partnership to construct a fish passage around the Cadott dam. The passage would allow fish to get above the dam during spawning. Board members agreed they would like more information on the options, including what funding options are available. Photo by Julia Wolf

By Julia Wolf

Is there interest in improvements to the Cadott dam area to allow for fish passage farther upstream?

Dan Baumann, DNR secretaries director, and Heath Benike, DNR fish team supervisor, were on hand during a Cadott Village Board meeting, March 7, to hear if the project is something the village is interested in considering.

“Really, our ask here today, is whether the village is interested in partnering with us and doing a feasibility on what opportunities exist on the Yellow River, to enhance the fishery,” said Baumann.

Baumann says he knows the Yellow River is an important part of the village and local history, so they wanted to start the process in Cadott, before checking if there is support elsewhere.

Benike says they are approaching the village now, because there are some federal and state funds available, as well as a settlement agreement funds, which could be tapped for the project. He also says they would like to reach out to area sportsmans clubs, if the project moves forward.

“The goal would be zero cost to the village,” said Baumann.

The Chippewa River and Lake Wissota are downstream about eight miles, and there are about 40 miles of stream upstream from the dam.

“It’s a different fishery downstream of the dam, than upstream of the dam,” said Baumann.

Benike says some of the fish species found in the river swim upstream in the spring to spawn.

“Obviously, they can’t get past the dam,” said Benike. Above the dam, Benike says those types of fish are not present in large numbers. However, he says the habitat above the dam is conducive to those fish doing well, if they could get there.

The proposed idea is for a fish passage structure, like a bypass channel or a small riffle section fish can jump up to get around the structure. The dam would stay in place, as part of the idea.

There are similar structures across the nation, including some near the Milwaukee area.

“It’s amazing to me, during spawning, I’ve been there during spawning, the amount of people that come and watch big sturgeon come up to these things,” said Baumann, “or giant walleyes or these monster muskies, and use this to get into the upper end of the stream.”

Beyond tourism, Baumann says the structure could also provide learning opportunities for schools.

Baumann says the passages are not visually obtrusive and can be made to look like the dam that’s there.

The next step, if the village is interested, would be a feasibility study to explore the options.

The village role in the potential partnership would be to assist in grant applications, since they are the structure and land owner. Baumann says, up until an application is sent in or money is awarded, the village has the option to say they don’t think the project is a fit.

“There’s probably no other time in our generation, or in the next generation, that things are lining up to even look at the opportunity here,” said Baumann.

For maintenance, Baumann says most plans are pretty hands-off and maintenancefree. He says they could try to secure those dollars up front, as part of a maintenance package, in an endowment or similar fund.

Eric Weiland, board member, says he would be in favor of exploring the project further, if there is not a lot of cost to the village.

“Actually, I think it’s a no-brainer,” said Les Liptak, board member.

He says the river was part of his childhood, so it means something to him, and he would like to see the spawning capabilities go above the dam.

Board member Randy Kuehni asked what effect the project would have on surrounding landowners. Baumann says it depends on the findings of the feasibility study, for best placement. If the village does not own the land along the best placement, Baumann says the DNR will work with the village to talk to the landowners.

Board members agreed they would like to hear more information on the project.