Volunteers Sought for Area Electrofishing Surveys

The water is warming, fish are biting and the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department is getting back in full swing with several planned area electrofishing surveys — many dates in need of volunteers.

"We still need at least four people for our first date, June 13, in Newburg," Program Assistant Luke Roffler wrote in an e-mail. "This site will feature a ton of fish (probably over 1,000!) and the chance to see the fish community immediately before removal of the Newburg Dam, which is another Ozaukee County project."

The electrofishing survey is part of the Fish Passage Program with the main goal of reconnecting fish with their native habitats throughout Ozaukee County. A typical day for volunteers will start with participants meeting on location, after which program managers will explain to volunteers the electrofishing process. Once fish are gathered, crews document the samples’ length and species type. Larger fish samples will have a tiny tag inserted onto one of their fins for further tracking.

Current dates where volunteers are needed include June 13, 19, 21, 28 and July 2. Volunteers should have availability between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and have the ability to walk safely through a flowing river. Volunteers also need to bring a pair of waders, water, sunglasses, lunch and — if  you want — a camera for photos of fish. 

Here's a description from the Fish Passage Program managers of the sites in need of volunteers:

• June 19 — Pioneer Road: Easy access from a private residence on Klug Lane, a good number of fish (over 500 last year), and some great native species (including smallmouth bass, channel catfish, several redhorse species, and various minnow and darters).
• June 21 — Highway T:  More challenging access, either from Highway T or from a private residence on Aqua View Drive.  Less fish than Pioneer Road, but still an entertaining mix of quality native species.
• June 28 — Ehlers Park:  Very easy access and sampling, great opportunity to have family or friends stop by and view the fish identification portion of the day, relatively small number of fish (equals an early finish!).
• July 2 — River Barn Park:  Easy access and sampling, good opportunity to see some unique fish (giant smallmouth bass and some white crappies), relatively small number of fish (another early day!).

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Roffler at lroffler@co.ozaukee.wi.us or by calling 262-236-2007.