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Scotch Creek Restoration Project

The Village of Edgar is undertaking a multi-year wetland and stream restoration effort in the heart of the community. This 2–3 year initiative focuses on restoring Scotch Creek, its watershed, associated wetlands, and its primary tributary, Omar Creek.

These sites are in critical need of restoration and enhancement to improve ecological health and wildlife habitat value. The watershed and wetland ecosystems have suffered from long-term impairments including decades of phosphorus levels exceeding EPA standards, physical channel degradation reducing aquatic and invertebrate life, invasive plant infestations, sediment accumulation, and degraded wetland habitat conditions. These stressors have reduced the system’s ability to support diverse wildlife, pollinators, native plant communities, and natural floodwater storage that benefits the Village.

Comprehensive Watershed Planning

A foundational component of this effort is development of a Comprehensive Management Plan covering approximately 7.57 miles of Scotch Creek and Omar Creek. Emmons & Olivier Resources has summarized baseline data, described historical management actions, identified stakeholder goals, modeled nutrient loading, evaluated stormwater contributions, determined watershed management strategies, and identified stressors and threats. The resulting plan will guide long-term protection and restoration actions.

Wetland Habitat Enhancement

This project will also significantly enhance 9 acres of palustrine emergent wetland within the Village to improve habitat for bird species and other wildlife. These areas are currently degraded by invasive vegetation and sedimentation that impair native plant communities and water quality. Restoration will reduce invasive species competition and reestablish diverse native plant communities, improving food sources and habitat structure for birds and other species.

Project Phasing and Timeline

Phase 1 – Planning & Partnership Development (2024)

Beginning in Q1 2024, a collaborative public-private restoration planning effort focused on the 9 acres of delineated wetland and upland adjacent to Scotch Creek Park. This phase identified broader watershed issues, fostered public engagement, and built partnerships that shaped grant applications and long-term restoration strategies. Planning and conservation easement work were privately funded, supplemented by corporate donations.

Grant applications submitted in 2024 included:

  • NAWCA Small Grant (not awarded, Feb 2025)

  • Wisconsin DNR Surface Water Grant – Comprehensive Planning (not awarded, Feb 2025)

Phase 1a – Watershed Assessment & Management Planning (Late 2024–2025)

Work began in Q4 2024 to develop the Comprehensive Management Plan for Scotch Creek and Omar Creek. This includes professional assessments of stream impairments in collaboration with engineers, biologists, the Wisconsin DNR, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, partner organizations, and Village residents. The completed plan (anticipated 2025) will identify corrective actions and form the long-term framework for watershed restoration and maintenance, aligned with Marathon County planning efforts.

Phase 1b – Invasive Species Management (2025)

In Q1 2025, invasive plant management began within the 9-acre wetland area, including fill removal, invasive vegetation control, and prescribed burning. Additional invasive management, native plant acquisition, and planting occurred in Q2 2025.

Phase 2 – Permitting, Engineering & Implementation Preparation (Late 2025–2026)

Following completion of the Comprehensive Management Plan, Phase 2 focuses on engineering design, regulatory coordination, and preparation for in-stream and wetland restoration activities.

In late 2025, the Village engaged Star Environmental, Inc. to assist with pre-application coordination for the Scotch Creek dredging and rip-rap components of the project. This work includes compiling required information for Wisconsin DNR pre-application review and participating in agency field reviews as needed, which is a key early step toward securing necessary state and federal permits for restoration work.

Throughout 2026, the Village anticipates:

  • Submitting formal permit applications based on agency pre-application feedback

  • Advancing engineer-stamped restoration designs

  • Continuing funding requests for DNR Surface Water Grant – Management Plan Implementation

  • Coordinating future construction phases, including potential boardwalk and habitat access features supported by volunteers and contractors

These steps position the project for larger-scale restoration construction as funding and permits are secured.

Project Partners

This project is supported by a strong collaborative network, including:

  • Marathon County (planning collaboration)

  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (planning, biology, permitting, funding)

  • Upper Mississippi River–Great Lakes Joint Venture (wildlife conservation collaboration)

  • Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council (stream invertebrate surveys, education)

  • Aldo Leopold Audubon Society (migratory bird surveys and education)

  • Central Wisconsin Conservation Club (stream management collaboration)

The Upper Mississippi/Great Lakes Joint Venture has provided guidance regarding wildlife benefits. This project supports regional goals to conserve habitat for wetland-associated waterbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and landbirds across breeding, migration, and wintering periods, and aligns with the Wisconsin Waterfowl Habitat Conservation Strategy, which designates this area as a high-priority conservation zone.

 

  1. Gold Sponsors
    • Funding: $25,000 +
    • In-Kind Donations: Significant supplies, professional services
    • Benefits: Logo on project materials, social media mentions
  1. Silver Sponsors
    • Funding: $5,000 - $24,999
    • In-Kind Donations: Moderate supplies, volunteer hours
    • Benefits: Logo on website, project signage, social media mentions
  1. Bronze Sponsors
    • Funding: $1,000 - $4,999
    • In-Kind Donations: Basic supplies, small services, volunteer hours
    • Benefits: Mention in newsletters, event programs, project recognition
  1. Community Sponsors
    • Funding: $100 - $4,999
    • In-Kind Donations: Minor supplies, local services, volunteer hours
    • Benefits: Name listed on website, thank-you notes, project recognition

 

CURRENT SPONSORS:

(SILVER) Pfizer Foundation

(SILVER) Wisconsin Public Service Foundation

(COMMUNITY) State Farm Insurance, Fleet Farm