Shared Streams –Kickapoo River, Wisconsin

Jeff Christie shows off an innovative water deflector

The greatest threat to water quality and trout populations along the Kickapoo River comes from high sedimentation rates due to damaging land use practices. The Kickapoo River is one of many tributaries of the Mississippi River, the source of drinking water for more than 18 million Americans. Trout Unlimited, Tree Farm, and Wisconsin DNR foresters chose the Christie Tree Farm as the project site as an excellent model of forestry along the Kickapoo River. The demonstration day highlighted the importance of forestry practices and BMPs in protecting the watershed.

The project highlighted the Christie’s participation in the NRCS Conservation Reserve (CRP) program. Tree Farmer Jeff Christie hosted a demonstration field day in September of 2000.

The event built on intensive efforts made by Trout Unlimited in the Kickapoo Valley to improve water quality and stream habitat.

Project support was provided by a grant from Philip Morris Co., Inc.

For additional information about Shared Streams, email Drue DeBerry or call (202) 463-2462.