Fisheries Studies

Recently, the Berger Group was hired by the Rhinelander Paper Company to assist in the re-licensing of the 2.12-megawatt Rhinelander Hydroelectric Plant located on the northern Wiscon- sin River. The dam regulates the reservoir levels and discharge into the Wisconsin River, while providing power generation for Rhinelander Paper. The Berger Team, drawing on extensive knowledge of the Wisconsin River, fisheries entrainment and FERC regulations, conducted an instream flow evaluation to establish the minimum flow to a by-passed reach of the Wisconsin River, assessed the existing fishery activities and the merits and costs of a fish barrier. An evaluation of the potential effects of fish entrainment and turbine mortality on fish populations was also conducted. In addition, the Team reviewed whitewater boating and other recreational activities on the river. The studies examined five critical elements: access to other regional boating resources, suitability of the reach for boating, public safety and site access, the likely ecological impact of recreational flows and costs associated with recreational releases.