What We Do
The Ashland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office works to rehabilitate native fish species, conducts early detection monitoring efforts for non-native, potentially invasive fish, restores fish and wildlife habitat on private lands, restores aquatic connectivity in streams and rivers of the Lake Superior basin and provides fishery assistance to federal and tribal partner agencies.
Management and Conservation
We implement a comprehensive suite of activities to conserve and manage self-sustaining populations of native fish. These activities are linked to fishery management and rehabilitation plans that help achieve restoration goals, support recreational benefits and address federal trust responsibilities such as inter-jurisdictional fisheries. Our focal species include coaster brook trout, lake sturgeon, lake trout, lake whitefish and walleye.
We are on the front line of defense against the prevention, early detection and rapid response planning of aquatic 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 introductions into Lake Superior. We implement a rigorous, scientifically based, early-detection sampling protocol in several locations across Lake Superior to increase the odds of finding new invasive species before they become established. Additionally, we work with our partners to develop rapid response plans in the event a new species is detected.
We restore instream, riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian , coastal and upland habitats that are important for many life stages of fish and wildlife through the Fish Passage Program, National Fish Habitat Partnership, Coastal Program and Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. We rely heavily on partnerships with other federal, tribal and state agencies, along with non-governmental organizations, watershed councils and local municipalities to leverage resources to accomplish far more than we can on our own.