Lincoln County stream crossing inventory — Phase 1 results now available

According to Conservation Program Manager Tom Boisvert, Lincoln County’s Land Services Department completed Phase 1 of its stream crossing inventory, assessing culvert conditions and environmental impacts on public roadways.
Using the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (WDNR) Surface Water Data Viewer, 573 crossings were identified for review. A WDNR Surface Water Grant funded Phase 1, which assessed 209 crossings in the Townships of Birch, Harrison, King, Merrill, Pine River, Russell, Schley, and Skanawan.
Results show 86% of assessed crossings were barriers or potential barriers to fish passage at certain flows, while 11% were not barriers. Additional findings indicate 54% of crossings were undersized, 90% did not meet buried depth standards, 28% showed major to severe deterioration, and 25 crossings experienced significant erosion.
The assessments followed Great Lakes Stream Crossing Inventory protocols. Municipal officials recently reviewed the findings at a workshop that included guidance from Trout Unlimited, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and the WDNR.
The final Phase 1 report is available on the Lincoln County website at co.lincoln.wi.us/land-services/page/streamcrossing-inventory-and-assessment. For more information, contact Tom Boisvert, Conservation Program Manager, at 715.539.1054 or thomas.boisvert@co.lincoln.wi.us.