In February 2005, a small roller mill dam built in 1847 was removed on Genesee Creek. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) bought the dam with the goal of restoring connectivity and ecological function of Genesee Creek. Like many small impoundments throughout Wisconsin and other states, the dam had long outlived its purpose and many years of sediments collected behind the dam resulted in a shallow, muck-bottomed impoundment of limited recreational and ecological value.

Old dam top picture
New dam bottom picture

Together with the DNR and the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited (SEWTU) and through grants from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (NRCS WHIP) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Five Star Program (USEPA 5-Star), restoration has begun on approximately one mile of Genesee Creek. We are currently conducting studies to assess the physical, chemical and biologic responses to dam removal. Dr. Joseph Piatt, associated professor of chemistry and environmental science, has conducted several studies examining the sediments of the former impoundment and has long-term water quality data for the stream. Dr. Jason Freund, assistant professor of environmental science, is interested in assessing the changes to the physical habitat of the stream and the biological responses to these changes. In particular, he is interested in how fish respond to the restored habitats and the removal of the barrier to fish movement.