WHAT are
Ozaukee Watersheds
A watershed is the land area from which surface runoff drains into a stream channel, lake, reservoir, or other body of water that flows toward a common outlet. For example, in Ozaukee County, all the creeks and rivers eventually flow into Lake Michigan.
We all live in a watershed, and watershed health is important to everyone and everything that uses and needs water. Healthy watersheds provide critical services, such as clean drinking water, productive fisheries, and outdoor recreation, that support our economies, environment and quality of life.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) has designated seven watersheds within Ozaukee County. Milwaukee River South has the largest watershed, covering 164 square miles, or 66% of the county. In the northern part of the County, the Sucker, Sauk and Ulao watershed network is critical for a variety of reasons. Consider:
The Ulao Creek Watershed contains approximately 30% of the riparian wetlands potentially suitable for northern pike spawning in the Milwaukee River Watershed. This makes it a vital contributor to a healthy northern pike population in Ozaukee County.
Over time, about 60% of the wetlands within the Sucker and Sauk Creek watersheds have been lost. Wetlands offer natural flood control and water pollution reduction – essential in agricultural areas and in times of changing climate and more frequent high intensity rain events. However, the DNR has determined that nearly 2,000 acres of wetlands – or about 90% of what has been lost over time – are recoverable and restorable.
There is significant land and water conservation work to be done in these Ozaukee County watersheds. Ozaukee County Watershed Coalition (OCWC) and Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) are proud to be leading that work forward! Find out more.
learn about
Ozaukee County Watershed Coalition
Established in early 2021, the Ozaukee County Watershed Coalition (OCWC) is a group of stakeholders working to conserve and restore the watersheds of Ozaukee County. Conservation, engagement, and restoration work will focus upon the Ulao Creek Watershed and the Sauk Creek Watershed, including the Sucker Creek sub-basin, during the initial grant period, with the possibility of an expanded future focus across Ozaukee County. Find out more.
our purpose
Established in early 2021, the Ozaukee County Watershed Coalition (OCWC) is a group of stakeholders working to conserve and restore the watersheds of northern Ozaukee County. Conservation, engagement, and restoration work will focus on the Sauk Creek Watershed, including the Sucker Creek sub-basin, and direct to Lake Michigan drainage.
Find out more.
our impact
In addition to focusing on the restoration of the Sauk Creek watershed, OCWC’s impact includes community driven engagement opportunities. These include community-based data-driven water quality monitoring, community outreach and education, and collaborative leadership of Earth Week activities. These projects are made possible through community involvement both by local businesses and environmental nonprofit groups.
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our waters
OCWC is focused on the Sauk, Sucker and Ulao Creek watersheds – all of which drain into Lake Michigan. Land use on these streams is varied, and includes more urbanized areas, such as the City of Port Washington. However, over 75% of the total area is devoted to agriculture and open lands. With this in mind, cultivating authentic relationships with our agricultural partners, environmental groups, and governmental entities is important, and something OCWC is focused upon doing.
Find out more.