Rush Lake

Partners

Rush Lake Watershed Restoration Inc.

The Rush Lake Steering Committee worked for over 5 years on formulating a restoration and management plan for the Lake. This included monthly meetings and several public open houses. The committee was made up of representatives from Utica, Rushford, Ripon, and Nepeuskun Townships, Winnebago County Land and Water Conservation Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Glacierland Resource and Development. The steering committee has now restructured to become the non-profit corporation, Rush Lake Watershed Restoration, Inc.

Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited [Exit DNR] provided $100,000 worth of funds and engineering services for the restoration project. DU engineers designed the new dam and stream channel, oversaw project construction, and provided funds to make the restoration happen.

Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program (NRDA)

The Fox River NRDA [Exit DNR] provided $475,000 to the project as part of the Lower Fox River Damage Assessment. This was the first grant awarded to Rush Lake and was instrumental in jumpstarting the project.

North American Wetland Conservation Act Grant (NAWCA)

The Rush Lake project was awarded a 1-million dollar NAWCA [Exit DNR] grant in December of 2004. These grants funds will be utilized to fund the new dam and stream dredging along with habitat work and land acquisitions within the Rush Lake watershed.

Pheasants Forever

The Fox River Valley chapter of Pheasants Forever [Exit DNR] partnered with the Wisconsin DNR on two land acquisitions in the Rush Lake Area. The land will be managed as wildlife habitat and open to the public.

Winnebago County Land and Water Conservation Department

The Winnebago County LWCD [Exit DNR] participated on the steering committee and provided GIS and technical support to the project.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources participated on the steering committee, participated in project design and construction oversight, secured grants for the project, and acted as project manager.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The USFWS [Exit DNR] participated on the steering committee, conducted grassland and wetland restorations in the area, and administered NRDA and NAWCA funds to the project.

For more information about Rush Lake, send email to: DNR Wildlife Biologist.

Questions for Wildlife Management