Established in 1992, the Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office meets Service fishery goals in Lake Huron, western Lake Erie and connecting waterways of the St. Marys River, St. Clair River and Detroit River.

What We Do

Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office works to rehabilitate and stock native species, conduct early detection and monitoring for invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species , restore fish and wildlife habitat on private lands, address fish passage fish passage
Fish passage is the ability of fish or other aquatic species to move freely throughout their life to find food, reproduce, and complete their natural migration cycles. Millions of barriers to fish passage across the country are fragmenting habitat and leading to species declines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program is working to reconnect watersheds to benefit both wildlife and people.

Learn more about fish passage issues and provide fishery assistance on federal and tribal lands. Fish and wildlife conservation and management is conducted with assistance from federal, state, tribal, provincial and non-governmental partners.

Our Species

Restoration of native fish species and promoting healthy fish communities is a priority for the Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. Native species that the office routinely works with include lake trout, lake whitefish, cisco and lake sturgeon. The office also monitors for invasive fish and invertebrates by targeting grass carp, bighead carp, silver carp, snakehead, rudd, tench and other species not native to the Great Lakes.

Visit Us

Our stations are field-based offices and we host activities and demonstrations to educate the public about our mission and goals. Visits are generally pre-arranged with staff. Please reach out to the station to arrange a visit.

Latest News

Staff member uses PCR to process eDNA samples
Wildlife Management
You can swim, but you can’t hide
Scientists can detect invasive fish in the Great Lakes by identifying their DNA in the water.
A biologist holds a young lake sturgeon
Habitat Restoration
Restoring reverence along with the lake sturgeon
For one of North America’s most wide-ranging species, it takes an equally broad approach to restoration to create a comeback. Across 24 states and along with five provinces in Canada, we join a network of partners in bringing a flagship fishery back to health in our Great Lakes and mighty rivers.
Image of brook trout being held in pair of hands.
Habitat Restoration
Monitoring Brook Trout
Brook trout populations across the Great Lakes basin have drastically declined. We have been working with our partners for years to improve water quality and habitat for brook trout. Monitoring is essential to understanding the effectiveness of these habitat investments.
A young man in waders smiles and holds a crayfish in front of a shallow freshwater lake
Recreation
Casting lines and connecting lives
Outside of Detroit, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, a unique program named the Detroit River Youth Fishing Team, known as DRYFT for short, has been making waves. The brainchild of Jody DeMeyere, Paige Wigren and Nicole LaFleur, DRYFT was born out of a shared passion for...
A group of people hold a large fish over a tank of water
Endangered Species Act
Marking 50 years of conservation successes in Michigan
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams toured two national wildlife refuges in Michigan this week as she celebrated National Wildlife Refuge Week and highlighted the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act.
A group of people at tables working on a craft project.
For Parents and Educators
A Day in the Life of a Fish Biologist
Partnering with the Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan, Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office co-led an outreach event entitled ‘A Day in the Life of a Fish Biologist’. The focus of this event is to demonstrate what it’s like to be a fish biologist.
View All News

Get Involved

Volunteering opportunities are available. Please check with the office. We match volunteers with their interest and capabilities.

Location and Contact Information