Wisconsin DNR Sturgeon Spawning Event at Cedar Lodge
This spring, Cedar Lodge in Wisconsin Dells will host a fascinating conservation event led by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR): the spawning of sturgeon along the Wisconsin River. This remarkable process not only supports the preservation of one of the state’s most ancient fish species but also offers a rare opportunity for guests and visitors to witness conservation efforts firsthand.
The Process: Shocking and Netting the Sturgeon
To facilitate the spawning process, the Wisconsin DNR uses a method called electrofishing, commonly referred to as “shocking.” This technique temporarily stuns the fish, allowing biologists to safely collect mature sturgeon from the river. Once captured, the sturgeon are placed in a pen or net along Cedar Lodge’s pier, where they can be closely monitored and cared for during the spawning process.
The pen acts as a temporary holding area, providing the ideal environment for the sturgeon to release and fertilize their eggs. The DNR team carefully oversees the process to ensure the fish remain healthy and the eggs are successfully fertilized. Once the spawning is complete, the sturgeon are released back into the river.
Why It Matters
Sturgeon spawning is a critical step in the Wisconsin DNR’s efforts to sustain and rebuild sturgeon populations in the state. By collecting and fertilizing eggs, the DNR can ensure that new generations of these prehistoric fish thrive in their natural habitat. This work helps to counteract the effects of habitat degradation, overfishing, and other challenges that have historically threatened sturgeon populations.
The eggs collected during the spawning process are often used in hatchery programs, where they are carefully incubated and raised before being released into Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes. This method increases the survival rate of young sturgeon, giving them a better chance to reach maturity.
A Front-Row Seat to Conservation
Cedar Lodge’s pier provides the perfect vantage point for guests and visitors to observe this incredible process. Watching the DNR team in action—stunning, netting, and caring for these massive fish—is an unforgettable experience. Guests can learn about the science behind sturgeon spawning, ask questions of the DNR biologists, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving Wisconsin’s aquatic ecosystems.
Event Details and Opportunities
While the exact timing of the sturgeon spawning event depends on water temperatures and other natural factors, it typically takes place in the spring. Cedar Lodge guests will have the unique chance to witness:
- Electrofishing in Action: See how the DNR safely collects sturgeon from the river.
- Close Encounters with Sturgeon: Observe these magnificent fish up close, some of which can weigh over 200 pounds.
- Educational Talks: Learn about sturgeon biology, their role in the ecosystem, and ongoing conservation efforts.
A Commitment to Conservation
By hosting this event, Cedar Lodge demonstrates its dedication to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The lodge’s prime location on the Wisconsin River makes it an ideal partner for the DNR’s sturgeon conservation efforts, and its guests have the unique privilege of witnessing this important work firsthand.
Stay tuned for updates on the exact dates and times of the sturgeon spawning event. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to connect with Wisconsin’s natural heritage and be part of a conservation success story!
