Southern Wisconsin Trout Unlimited Work Day

media release: October 19, 2024 – Big Spring Branch, Iowa County, 9 am to 12 noon (Chapter Approved Sawyers please arrive at 8:30).

Where:  This work site is located in a beautiful wooded valley near Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery. Unless you know this area, it may be difficult to find. The Fire Code is 5465 Big Spring Road, town of Highland, which can be entered into your phone. The Google Map Link is  https://maps.app.goo.gl/WabkPHPkFyWHqj6c8

And for those that want written directions: Go to Cobb, then north on STH 80 to Highland, take County Rd Q west for about 2 miles, then turn right on Big Spring Rd and go 1 mile to our worksite.

What:  This will be a joint workday with the Nohr Chapter, assisting the DNR with removing willows and box elders along Big Spring Branch in Iowa County. There are tons of willows to be removed. Hopefully his will finish up this phase of the project. Next year we will be planting trees. Justin Haglund, DNR Fish Biologist, and Lloyd Meng, Fisheries Technician, will be directing and assisting us, along with some other DNR staff.

It is absolutely critical that all willow cuttings are treated. If you are using loppers or a chainsaw, it is probably best to do your own treating. Not sure if we will be using our brush cutter, but someone should follow you with herbicide if we use it. There are some young red oaks and some other trees that need to be left alone. When in doubt, check with someone to make sure before cutting. 

Bring: Bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, and eye and ear protection. Also bring reusable water bottles that can be filled from our 5-gal water jug. Stay hydrated. 

Parking:  There are two DNR parking areas and lots of parking along Big Spring Creek Road. Traffic is light on this road, so it is okay to park on both sides of the road,

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Next Workdays (detailed information will be provided later): 

Nov 9 – Sawmill Creek (Green County, Hay Hollow Rd) – Removing invasive woodies and box elders. This site is located at located in Green County near N8584 Hay Hollow Rd, which is about 4 miles east of Blanchardville on County Rd H, then north on Hay Hollow Rd. Here is a Google Map Link:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/FiBSqCDbWjr9gx6J7 If this not an active link, copy and paste it into your search engine.

Dec 7 – Conley Lewis (Iowa County, Banner Road) – This is another joint workday with the Nohr Chapter, removing box elders and invasive woodies. There is a lot of work to be done, especially by our sawyers.  This site is located northwest of Hollandale, near the intersection of Hwy 191 & Banner Rd. The work area is located on the north side of the bridge on Banner Rd – we will be working upstream. 

Here is a Google Map Link:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/aNdKkj5871GrysSr9 (If not an active link, copy and paste into a search engine.)