Tree Drops

We had Walleyes for Tomorrow at a summer meeting where they discussed the walleye habitat on Butternut Lake. They promoted tree drops as a way to increase the forage for walleyes. The following information will help you drop trees on your property if you are interested.

Individual trees may be placed as “tree drop” fish habitat structures in Butternut Lake under an exemption from the permitting requirements, provided that the project meets all criteria on the exemption checklist for “tree drop” structures. Details are posted on the Department’s website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Waterways/construction/ponds.html. Scroll down past the section on ponds to the “FISH HABITAT STRUCTURES” heading, and then select “Tree drops.” You’ll find the checklist there. Butternut Lake is not designated as an Area of Special Natural Resource Interest (ASNRI), so the project can qualify for an exemption from permitting, if the checklist criteria are met. Only the riparian may place (or give permission to place) fish habitat structures in their riparian zone of interest.