Contact: Dave Melum
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Michels will work with DNR to help stabilize watershed in Sheboygan County
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. – In celebration of Earth Day 2011, Michels Corporation on Friday announced that it has partnered with the Lakeshore Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to help with restoration efforts along the Onion River in Sheboygan County.
The 100-square-mile watershed has undergone sustained reclamation and restoration efforts since the late-1990s to help trout and other wildlife reinhabit the area.
Michels will assist the conservation efforts of the Lakeshore Chapter and the DNR in preparing five to six sites along the Onion River for the installation of lunker structures. The structures, which are embedded into the riverbank, are covered with layers of limestone and mulch, and ultimately help minimize erosion and stabilize the watershed.
“Michels has a core value commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. We’re very thankful for the great commitment from Michels in helping us restore the Onion River to its former glory,” said Jon Christiansen, Trout Unlimited’s Board of Trustees chair. “The Onion River is a natural treasure, and Michels’ financial support, time and effort is instrumental in our efforts to help grow the trout population in the watershed.”
The Onion River, the only Class A trout stream in southern Wisconsin, has seen its natural trout populations almost vanish since the mid-20th Century. Headwater alterations caused the narrow, cold stream to grow wider and warmer which, combined with nearby agricultural practices that lead to pollution and contamination, made it almost impossible for trout to inhabit the river.
Beginning in the late-90s, the Lakeshore Chapter of Trout Unlimited and other environmental groups, with the support of local businessman Terry Kohler and the Sheboygan County Land and Water Department, began purchasing area around the Onion River to allow restoration efforts to take place. Those efforts were aided by a restoration plan developed by the DNR.
While the Onion River trout have begun to make a comeback, population levels are still only at approximately 10 per 100 feet of stream – well below the original levels prior to environmental changes.
“Michels’ conservation efforts are to be applauded and will be invaluable in encouraging natural spawning pools of trout and once again making the watershed a place to be enjoyed by all Wisconsin residents,” said Jerry Bauman of the Lakeshore Chapter of Trout Unlimited. “We have made great progress in making the Onion River a great trout river and we are excited to continue the effort with Michels’ help.”
Michels plans to continue working with Trout Unlimited and the DNR to improve local watersheds around Wisconsin and throughout the Unites States in the communities we serve through our construction services.
“We are very excited about this opportunity to partner with Trout Unlimited and the Wisconsin DNR. Michels has always been committed to protecting the environment and advancing conservation efforts. In addition to helping in this specific community, we are committed to preserving habitats and outdoor traditions enjoyed by our employees,” said Tim Michels, vice president of Michels. “The Onion River project is just the latest effort to ensure future generations of Wisconsin residents are able to enjoy the wonderful natural resources for which our state is known.”
Brownsville-based Michels Corporation has been pioneering innovative new technologies for more than five decades. With a proven track record of success, Michels has earned a sterling reputation while growing from a small pipeline construction company into one of the largest utility contractors in North America. With its collective strength, Michels offers construction, engineering and procurement services to keep pace with the growing demand in the energy, transportation, telecommunications and utility construction industries. For more information, please visit http://www.michels.us.
