Our funding would support a conservation blueprint for Cedar Creek in the 2,600-acre state-owned Jackson Marsh. Over the last century, fifty percent of Cedar Creek has been deepened and channelized to expand agricultural land, disconnecting the stream from its historical floodplains and wetlands. The result is a creek that is flashy during heavy rain events, causing increased waterflows, bank erosion, downstream flooding, and sediment and nutrient transfer to the Milwaukee River.

In Phase 1 of this project, partners will collect hydrological data, document vegetation, evaluate infrastructure, and develop preliminary concepts to restore the natural hydrology of Cedar Creek.

The conservation blueprint will identify and prioritize wetland and stream improvements, laying the groundwork for future restoration phases that will increase flood storage capacity, decrease nutrient loading, and improve aquatic habitat in this significant tributary to the Milwaukee River.