Office of the Secretary

For Release: June 17, 1997

Contact: Jame Workman 202/208-6416

Standing before the Pine River Hydro Dam, which will be removed to bring back free flowing waters, Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt endorsed an agreement today between the Wisconsin Electric Power Company, state and federal officials, and conservation groups, to restore three entire watersheds, replenish 160 river miles, and protect more than 22,000 acres of pristine lands in the Menominee River Basin of Wisconsin and Michigan.

The 40-year, landmark settlement represents the first time in America that a utility, public officials and environmentalists have negotiated a cooperative agreement prior to the start of the relicensing process. Wisconsin Electric, serving thousands of customers, will continue profitable, low-cost energy production. By restoring the watershed for brook trout, lake sturgeon, smallmouth bass and walleye, as well as for hunting and rafting throughout the area, the agreement will boost and broaden the diverse, renewable recreation-driven economy.

"This is a watershed agreement in both meanings of the term" said Babbitt. "By looking at the entire natural Menominee basin, as well as all current and future needs of the stakeholders who live in it, we proved it was possible to save time, millions of dollars, and above all the fish and wildlife we care for as stewards of God's creation. As others approach the complex and contentious process of operating and relicensing dams, this stands as a model for the nation."

Specifically, the Wilderness Shores Settlement Agreement:

Hydro dam overhaul, fish benefits within entire basin

•Removes the Sturgeon Hydro Dam in Michigan and the Pine Hydro and Woods Creek Dams in Wisconsin to restore free flowing river habitat

•Stabilizes flow down 70 miles of Menominee River from the Sturgeon Falls Dam to Green Bay

•Increases minimum flows in Paint and Michigamme River for fish, recreation

•Provides for run-of-river at Way Dam, Hemlock Falls Dam, and the Lower Paint Diversion Dam. Provides Run-of-rover at all dams during the spring spawning period for fish

•Installs fish barriers at all hydro project intakes to reduce fish loss from turbine mortality. Establishes a $3.4 million fish protection fund

•Provides fish passage upstream of several hydro projects when and where appropriate

Thousands of acres of land and water now open to public, wildlife management

•Protects 22,000 acres of pristine and riparian project land from development

•Conserves endangered and threatened species like gray wolf and bald eagle

•Develops a Canoe Trail with wilderness camp sites along the Menominee River, with signs to describe Voyager historical and cultural heritage in area