Dane County Executive Joe Parisi has pioneered an ambitious stream and lake conservation project in the Yahara watershed known as “Suck the Muck.”  The muck is the phosphorous-laden sediment clogging the stream bottoms of almost all the tributary streams of the Madison Lakes,  especially Lake Mendota’s.  “Suck” is the removal of those sediments so that they are no longer a perpetual and big source of phosphorous to the lakes. 

When the County Exec announced this program he promised the project would go beyond dredging and involve the restoration of those streams.  He is keeping that promise in a big way for the only sizable trout stream in the northeast part of the County, Token Creek.

This summer the County will spend almost $1 million to dredge and restore a mile of Token Creek that runs through Token Creek Park.  The effects on Lake Mendota should be significant with over 20,000 TONS (!??!) of sediment removed from the creek (hence the high cost).  In addition, the County developed the plans in consultation with Dan Oele, the DNR fish biologist for this area, to greatly improve trout habitat.  This project will be the first step in restoring  what should be a major trout stream on the northeast edge of our growing metropolitan area.

SWTU has supported “Suck the Muck” in the hopes that it’ll bring new vitality to Token Creek.  We’re eager to watch the progress of this work.