Shell Lake Wetland Enhancements
Wetland Scrapes
Wetland scrapes are used to restore or enhance wetlands that have filled with silt or to increase the depth of open water in existing wetlands. It involves digging a shallow, depressional area with a scraper (pictured below) and removing the spoil to an upland site. This process requires a permit. It is illegal to fill any wetland or deposit excavated soil into surrounding wetland soils. Scrapes can sometimes be used to create a wetland on sites that have suitable soils, elevation, and water conditions.
The City of Shell Lake, located in Washburn County has successfully completed construction of three wildlife scrapes/ponds in a degraded and drained wetland within the City limits. Partners in this venture include the USFWS, WIDNR, City of Shell Lake, and a very generous contractor who donated time and equipment to make this project happen. USFWS dollars were utilized through the “Partners for Fish and Wildlife” program which required matching funds from the City.
The scrapes were completed during winter months by freezing down access roads to haul the excavated materials out of the wetland. Two islands were also constructed for waterfowl nesting. The functions and values of this wetland are enhanced two-fold by providing wildlife benefits and storm water retention (as a 1/3rd of the City's storm water is discharged to this wetland which ultimately drains into another waterbody; Little Long Lake). Stormwater retention fore bays are proposed to be constructed in the near future at the discharge points for ease in removal of accumulated sediments. More scrapes will be proposed in the future with an interpretive walking trail for all to enjoy and educate on the values of wetlands.
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