Stream conditions running through Dave Phillips property had degraded over time from sedimentation and establishment of non-native vegetation. To restore conditions suitable for trout in the stream - St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation staff designed a streambank restoration project to restore nearly 600 feet of streambank. Funding was obtained from WI-DNR’s Targeted Runoff Management Grant Program and landowner match.
About the project
Eroding banks and degraded stream conditions were leading to serious soil loss and harming trout habitat on Dave Phillipps’ land. Over time, silt-covered stream bottoms and unstable banks accelerated the creek’s decline. To reverse the damage, a targeted conservation project was launched.
The solution
- Restore the degraded Class 2 trout stream to enhance future trout population and provide improved stream conditions with less sediment moving downstream.
- Bank Protection installed on eroded banks and along curves to withstand storm flows.
- Stabilized slopes through seeding deep-rooted cool-season native grasses.
The results
- Halted ongoing erosion on banks, reduced sedimentation, and improved water quality for Parker Creek
- Restored stream to allow for healthy trout populations in the future and other aquatic life.
Partners
Landowner - Dave Phillips
St Croix County LWCD
DNR – TRM Funding
Pollution Reduction
Nitrogen: 15 LB/YR
Phosphorus: 5.6 LB/YR
Sediment: 9 TONS/YR
Watershed
Parker Creek
Completion date
June 6, 2025