Fishermen chip in for Sucker Brook restoration

The Great Lakes Sportfishermen Club —Ozaukee Chapter have donated $5,000 to the Ozaukee County Parks and Planning Department to help fund ongoing creek and stream restoration work on Sucker Brook and Sauk Creek.

“These projects are important in restoring water quality to the waterways and increase habitat for fish and wildlife alike,” the group said in a press release. “These projects also allow for increased fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities along the streams.”

In addition, the group in May donated $3,390 to the Ozaukee County Rescue Boat at the Port Washington Marina to help them purchase supplies and medical equipment.

The county has received or applied for more than $8 million in grants to restore fish habitat and reduce flooding on Sucker Brook.

Sucker Brook extends south from Sheboygan County through the Town of Belgium and empties into Lake Michigan in the Town of Port Washington.

Private foundation and landowner funding is also being used to support work on the stream as is funding from the state Department of Natural Resources to remove fish movement impediments, such as above ground culverts.

The county’s 42-foot Rescue Boat was created in 1952 and is manned by a 16-person crew.

The boat’s operations ­­cost about $27,000 per year and have been funded by the Sheriff’s Office and the county property tax levy.

Last year, the county allocated $100,000 of federal grant funds to repaint the boat.

The City of Port Washington contributes dock space, worth $4,500, and provides a 1,200-gallon fuel allotment for the boat.