About Us
Working in partnership, we provide leadership in science, technology and education for conservation of aquatic ecosystems emphasizing fisheries, aquatic invasive species , genetics and aquatic animal health for the benefit of the public
La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office works to:
- Restore native, inter-jurisdictional fishes and aquatic habitats
- Prevent the extinction of federally endangered fish and mussels
- Impede the spread of nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species
- Provide environmental education and outreach
- Attain fish passage on streams and restore historic fish migrations through the National Fish Passage Program
- Work on river and stream restoration, rehabilitation and enhancement projects
- Coordinate two National Fish Habitat Partnerships for the Upper Mississippi River Basin: the Driftless Area Restoration Effort and the Fishers and Farmers Partnership for the Upper Mississippi River Basin
- Fulfill federal trust responsibilities to Native American tribes
Our History
1995 - La Crosse Fish Health Center and the La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, along with the offices for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge – La Crosse District, moved to its current location in Onalaska, Wisconsin.
2009 - The first annual youth outdoor fest is held in partnership with La Crosse Parks, Recreation and Forestry.
2013 - The Midwest Fisheries Center was established, housing the Whitney Genetics Laboratory within the La Crosse Fish Health Center along with housing the La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office and the Regional Watercraft Safety Coordinator.
2015 - The first Midwest Fisheries Center Director was hired in addition to core administrative and GIS staff.
2018 - The Midwest Fisheries Center lobby was renovated to add more workspace as well as visitor information and displays.
Our Partners
Tribal Trust Responsibilities
Conserving U.S. fish and other aquatic resources cannot be successful without the partnership of tribes. They manage or influence some of the most important aquatic habitats both on and off reservations. In addition, the federal government and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have distinct and unique obligations toward tribes based on trust responsibility, treaty provisions and statutory mandates.
La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office works with the Red Lake, White Earth, Meskwaki, Prairie Island and other tribal communities in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Projects include lake sturgeon restoration efforts on the Wolf and Red River basins, walleye and trout fish assessments, wild rice assessment and habitat restoration.