Ashland Nonprofit Moves Section of Creek to Keep Sediments Out

ASHLAND, Wis. (WBZH) – The Burke Center for Ecosystem Research in Ashland recently rerouted part of North Fish Creek to keep sediments out of area waterways.

The nonprofit was established earlier this year following the closure of Northland College. It had previously been known as the Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation when it was still affiliated with the environmentally-focused school.

According to a Northern News Now report, the organization recently completed a reroute project of a 500 foot section of North Fish Creek between Ashland and Iron River. Officials say the creek was one of the largest sources of sediment contamination in Lake Superior.

The relocated section sat along a bluff that researchers identified as an area contributing a massive amount of sediments to the creek. Instead of focusing on ways to keep the sediments from that bluff out of the creek, researchers instead decided to move the entire creek about 50 yards away.

Officials say the reroute project will reduce the amount of sediments entering Chequamegon Bay at the end of the creek by around 2,800 tons each year. The City of Ashland draws its drinking water from the bay. In addition to keeping more sediments out of the drinking water in Chequamegon Bay, officials also say it will benefit the trout population in waterways across the area.

The Burke Center for Ecosystem Research has been working on projects along Fish Creek since 2018. Relocating this section of the creek is the fifth and largest of those projects. Officials also say they’re seeking more federal funding to complete an even larger project downstream in the coming years.