Wetland restoration project benefits water quality near Ashland
Wetlands and ponds in northern Wisconsin.
Enbridge Ecofootprint grant supports local effort to remove invasives and restore wetland ponds
April 3, 2025
A 120-acre parcel of land southwest of Ashland is being transformed thanks to an Enbridge Ecofootprint Grant, which supports environmental restoration and conservation projects in northern Wisconsin.
Wetlands that had been drained for agricultural purposes are being restored to their original size by landowner Mark Mackey. Working with the Bayfield County Land and Water Conservation Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the project involves excavating and deepening existing wetland ponds and removing invasive plants such as narrow-leaf cattail and reed canary grass.
Ultimately, the goal of the restoration is to create better habitat for wildlife, migratory birds and pollinators. The project will also prevent erosion, slow water run-off and capture sediment before it reaches the Fish Creek water basin and eventually Chequamegon Bay where Ashland gets its drinking water.
“I’m proud to be involved with Enbridge, Bayfield County and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to get this project done,” said Mackey. “We all live on Chequamegon Bay, and we all want to see the water quality improve.”
Mark Mackey and wetland pond on his property in northern Wisconsin.
About the Ecofootprint grant program
Ecofootprint is a two-year, $500,000 grant program created in 2023 by Enbridge to support environment restoration and improvement projects in northern Wisconsin across Ashland, Bayfield, and Iron counties.
“It’s exciting to see projects funded by Ecofootprint grants coming together in local communities,” said Michelle Johnson Community Engagement Strategist for Enbridge. “These projects reflect local priorities and are having real impact.”
During the first round of funding, $150,000 was granted to the Bayfield County Barrens Project and the Cranberry River Fish Passage Project. The second round of grants totaled $350,000 and supported four projects, including the Mackey wetland enhancement project.
Enbridge partners with Lumberjack Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. to administer Ecofootprint grants. Lumberjack RC&D is a multi-county, conservation nonprofit in northeastern Wisconsin.
Ecofootprint grant awards were selected from among applicants by a panel of ecology, conservation, and philanthropy experts.
To learn more about how all the projects are progressing, visit our Enbridge Ecofootprint Grant webpage or the Lumberjack RCD website.
