DNR outlines "fish stick" habitat plan for Menominee Park and Winnebago system; city to review permits

Angelo Cozzola, a fisheries biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Oshkosh office, told the Parks Advisory Board the agency has installed coarse woody habitat — commonly called “fish sticks” — to restore shoreline structure, create spawning and refuge habitat, reduce erosion and provide shoreline angling opportunities. “Essentially what these projects are doing is introducing coarse woody habitat to the shallow areas of the lake to promote structure in the water,” Cozzola said.

Cozzola described installation methods used at recent sites: trees are dropped from shore, anchored with cable and earth anchors, and secured with driven posts so they persist despite wind, waves and ice. He showed photos of recent work at Riverside and Asylum Bay, and listed potential Menominee Park locations in Millers Bay and Sunset Bay, as well as sites on the Lower Wolf River, Arrowhead Park, Sammers Bay and Terrells Island.

The DNR is coordinating signage and outreach with the Fox‑Wolf Watershed Alliance and said a larger NRDA grant supports multiple installations across the system. Cozzola said the projects require a Chapter 30 fish habitat permit and Army Corps approvals and that each site will be selected in consultation with city staff to avoid navigational hazards. When board members asked about boat visibility and navigability, Cozzola said crews will be cautious about highly navigated channels and make on‑site decisions with the city.

Cozzola also noted the DNR was out the night of the meeting tagging walleye for a movement study and described reward tags to encourage reporting of recaptures. Board members expressed general support for trial installations near Ames Point and for educational signage at installed sites.

The board did not vote; staff said the DNR will pursue permitting and return to the city for signature/authorization where required.