Stabenow Wetland – Lake Winneconne Restoration

The Stabenow Wetland is located in Winnebago County on the north shore of Lake Winneconne. Over 1,700 feet of wetland frontage was currently unprotected and experiencing a high rate of erosion threatening the remaining wetlands. Since 1941, the damage done by high water, waves and ice has resulted in an average lateral recession of around 2.5 ft. of wetland per year. This shoreline recession releases large amounts of sediment and nutrients to Lake Winneconne and results in increased turbidity and a loss of fish and wildlife habitat.

In order to address the wetland loss and erosion concerns, three offshore breakwalls totally 1,220 ft. were designed by the Winnebago County LWCD to protect the wetland frontage from future losses and reestablish wetlands that have been lost over time. In the winter of 2021, the ice conditions allowed for a portion of the offshore breakwall project to be installed. Approximately 50% of the project (626 ft.) was completed before the ice conditions deteriorated and construction had to stop.

The Winnebago County LWCD plans to document any change in species composition and area of plant coverage at the Stabenow breakwall project post construction. Secchi disk readings will be done to document and monitor the water clarity. The Winnebago County LWCD will also fly a UAV and plans to document the plant response by capturing video and pictures behind the Stabenow breakwall project. The WDNR will also do Fisheries post-breakwall monitoring surveys to evaluate fish abundance and population metrics.

The remainder of the project will plan to be completed in the winter of 2022, if Mother Nature cooperates with cold temperatures and enough ice to support the equipment.