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Great Lakes AOCs

Remediation and Restoration Projects for the St. Louis River AOC

Project Title Project Description Date Completed Targeted BUI(s)
Wild Rice RestorationExit The goal of this project is to restore a culturally and ecologically significant species, wild rice, to the AOC. 2024 (est.)
  • Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat
  • Degraded Fish & Wildlife Populations
Spirit Lake Remediation & Restoration Over 100 acres of estuary sediment will be remediated and 30 new acres of sheltered bay will be created.  2022 (est.)
  • Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat
  • Restriction on Fish & Wildlife Consumption
  • Beach Closings
  • Degradation of Benthos
Howards Bay Remediation  Remove legacy contaminants from the environment by dredging 75,000 cubic yards and placing a sand cover. 2021 (est.)
  • Restrictions on Dredging
Kingsbury Bay and Grassy Point Restoration This project will restore 240 acres of degraded fish and wildlife habitats through sediment reuse and habitat feature construction. 2021 (est.)
  • Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat
  • Degraded Fish & Wildlife Populations
Pickle Pond Remediation & Restoration Sediment remediation and habitat restoration will restore an important fish nursery and stopover site for migratory birds. 2021 (est.)
  • Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat
  • Degraded Fish & Wildlife Populations
21st Ave. W. and 40th Ave W. Restoration Routine harbor dredge material was beneficially used to enhance 680 acres of in-water habitat.  2021 (est.)  
Little Balsam Creek-Fish Passage Culverts RestorationExit Culvert replacement, streambank stabilization, and instream structure enhancements will allow fish passage from Lake Superior, through the Estuary, and to the tributary headwaters. 2020 (est.)
  • Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habita
  • Degraded Fish & Wildlife Populations
Perch Lake Restoration 21 acres of “critically imperiled” Lake Superior Coastal Marsh habitat will be restored and connectivity to the estuary will be reestablished. 2020 (est.)
  • Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat
  • Degraded Fish & Wildlife Populations
  • Degradation of Benthos 
Piping Plover Habitat/Beach Nourishment Restoration Exit Clean dredge material was beneficially used to increase available nesting habitat within an area designated as a critical habitat for piping plover. 2020
  • Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat
  • Degraded Fish & Wildlife Populations
Site Characterization Wisconsin has identified several sites needing sediment sampling to determine future remediation actions. 2020
  • Restrictions on Dredging