Rosenow Creek Workday a Success!
On Saturday, July 16, 2011, 40 volunteers from Trout Unlimited worked to restore Rosenow Creek, a class 1 trout stream in Oconomowoc, WI. Led by the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, volunteers broke up logjams and removed elodea (an aquatic invasive species), both of which were impeding the flow of the stream. We worked in the Nature Hill area just north of the new middle school.
The creek had long been cared for by local teacher Mike Olander and his students. Since Mike’s retirement several years ago, no one has been around to clean up after several severe storms washed trees and debris into the creek. Mike reached out to the DNR who in turn contacted SEWTU. It’s not often we get asked to work on a class 1 trout stream in our own area!
After we got the stream flowing again, volunteer took some time to enjoy an SEWTU Brat Fry and share their favorite Rosenow Creek fishing stories. It turns out that many of members have fond memories of catching wild brook trout in years past. Then the DNR crew electroshocked a small stretch of the improved stream and found many brook trout ranging from 4-9”. It’s good to know these wild, native fish are still doing well in a stream so close to urban development.
Thanks to all who showed up to lend a helping hand and until next time, we’ll see you on the river.
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