HOWARD, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — An effort to help restore the wild rice population on the western shores of the Bay of Green Bay got a boost Tuesday.
On a relatively crisp calm morning, a boat loaded with bags of wild rice headed out. The destination was something new.
“We’re going to be seeding the Duck Creek Delta Woody Breakwater today, which is a new structure that was put in this fall, in the lower portion of Green Bay,” said Amy Carrozzino-Lyon, Green Bay Restoration Project Coordinator.
Carrozzino-Lyon says the 2,000 foot-long string of logs and stumps will help protect the wetlands nearby and the seeding crew. The method is simple, just grab and toss. The rest is left up to nature. In a typical year, biologists say 2,000 pounds of seed are planted, but in 2021, only 300 pounds are available.
“The high water has wiped out some of those seed sources we usually rely on in northern Minnesota. So there’s just less rice to go around for all parts of the Great Lakes where we seed rice,” said Betsy Galbraith, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist.
Scientists say rice used to grow wild in the waters of Green Bay, and is an important part of the ecosystem. In the six years since the restoration started, some results are being seen.
“We’re kind of finding that shallow, clear water seems to be best for rice. So, we’re learning, and then adjusting the seeding plan to account for that new information,” said Amy Carrozzino-Lyon.
The seeding continues all week.
The effort is a partnership between Ducks Unlimited, The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Coastal Program, and local volunteers.
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