More on Fish Ladders

From the WI DNR

Progress on the fish passage front took a slight and unfortunate detour several years ago. The 1999 budget bill revised the almost century old statute by removing the DNR's authority to require fish passage. The department can now only require passage after two things occur: 1) rules are created and promulgated that clarify the fish passage prescription process (what, where, when, how, etc.), and 2) a cost-share program is implemented and money is available to dam owners for fish passage work.

Over the past several years, DNR staff has been working with the hydropower and paper industries, municipalities and other dam owners to develop these important rules. A process for proposing fish passages calls for a thorough evaluation of environmental benefits and includes a planning procedure with plenty of public input. Fish passage techniques may vary from changing a dam operation (for example, opening gates at critical periods) to a natural, sloped rock ramp, to a full-blown concrete structure. Costs, likewise may vary from several thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars.

Because dams have been constructed on public waters and many for private benefit, resource managers, anglers and public interest representatives believe the responsibility of providing funding for passage rests with the dam owner. The proposed cost-share program will require the DNR and others to ensure that financial assistance is available before fish passage can be ordered at a facility. The rules also mandate that fishways be evaluated for effectiveness and to learn how subsequent structures may be improved. The Natural Resources Board will ultimately review the rule package.