The Town of Port Wing and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) used GLRI funding to restore 10 acres of degraded wetlands within the Flag River estuary. Wastewater treatment ponds, constructed in 1968 within the estuary, were abandoned as part of a facility upgrade in 2011. This restoration project is restoring these abandoned ponds into functional wetlands and reconnecting them to the estuary.
The Flag River estuary is a high-quality coastal wetland complex that is home to a variety of waterfowl, unique wetland habitats and boreal forest. It is also a critical migratory bird stopover along the Lake Superior coast. Additionally, several rare plant and animal species have been documented at the Flag River estuary wetland.
Restoration project work included dewatering and re-grading of the site to elevations that will support desired habitats and spreading weed-free organic wetland soils as a seed source. After the first year of construction in 2019, partners determined that the wetland vegetation was established and that some aquatic invasive plants were being controlled. Partners began vegetation assessment and management in 2020. These assessments are planned to continue through 2023 or until restoration success and project objectives are achieved. The project thus far has succeeded in restoring hydrology and achieving high migratory bird use. It has become a treasured community destination for birdwatching, waterfowl hunting and boat access to Bibon Lake.
This project was made possible by WDNR water resources specialist Michele Wheeler, whose leadership and dedication to working with the Town of Port Wing were key to the project’s success. This site is dedicated to Michele in memoriam.
To see more of the wetland restoration project, watch drone footage from the site: Wheeler Road- Michele Wheeler Wetland Restoration Project.