By Topf Wells

SWTU joins the creek in thanking Dane County for two steps to preserve the creek and improve it for trout and those of us who pursue them.

In mid-March, the County agreed to purchase 14 acres including 100s of feet of frontage along BEC. The segment is located just south of Highway 14, about a mile west of the intersection with 14. It connects two pieces of DNR easements and lands and provides easy access to miles of public fishing. The land will also help the County develop a trail along the creek. See the following link for more information and a map.

Most of the 14 acres is currently planted in row crops. Those should be converted to prairie in a couple of years, which will improve water quality and provide wonderful wildlife cover. SWTU will ask Dane County and Dan Oele, the DNR’s fish biologist, if this part of the stream would benefit from a workday.

This link is to register for an important meeting (virtual or in-person) Dane County is holding on April 13 from 5:30  to 7:30 p.m. to discuss a huge restoration on lower BEC and a nearby and massive wetland restoration project. This stretch of creek is on the western end of Mazomanie and is accessed through the Village’s Lion’s Park. It too is available for public fishing. One hears reports of large fish in those waters, sometimes trout and sometimes pike, but the operative word is big. Please consider attending in person or virtually.

WAY TO GO Dane County for its constant efforts to protect Black Earth Creek.