WisDOT public information meeting on Moses Creek restoration Apr. 30

April 14, 2009

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Schmeeckle Reserve are conducting a public information meeting to discuss the restoration of Moses Creek located within Schmeeckle Reserve. WisDOT is funding the restoration to compensate for wetland impacts associated with construction of the US 10 project.

The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitors’ Center meeting room, 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, on Thursday, Apr. 30, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. No formal presentations are scheduled.

Local officials, property owners and other parties with information that may assist in the development of this project are encouraged to attend the meeting. Information will be available regarding the proposed location, restoration plans, construction schedule, and aesthetic improvements.

Construction activities to restore Moses Creek include:

• Removal of trees, with the exception of some high quality trees and buffer areas.
• Excavation of soil to lower the ground surface levels to intercept seasonal groundwater.
• Construction of a new Moses Creek channel that connects to surrounding restored floodplain wetlands.
• Planting native vegetation and trees in the wetland and along new creek channel.
• Reconstruction of the Green Circle Trail at this location and add recreational signage.

Tree removal is scheduled to occur January to March 2010. The remainder of construction is scheduled to take place in fall 2010. Some of the benefits of restoring Moses Creek to a natural meandering creek include:

• Improved drainage within flood prone areas north of campus.
• High-quality habitat and increase in the diversity of wildlife and plants.
• Improved quality of aquatic habitat.

For more information, contact:
Kristin McHugh, Regional Communications Manager
(715) 421-8380, kristin.mchugh@dot.wi.gov