11/10/2025

N. WISCONSIN - The St. Croix Chippewa Tribe, in partnership with the Wisconsin DNR, released 400 lake sturgeon fingerlings into Clam Lake. The conservation effort, funded by the tribe’s $1 million hatchery expansion, aims to restore the culturally significant species. Tribal Chairman Conrad St. John emphasized the importance of this restoration for future generations. The tribe hopes for an 80% survival rate and has committed to a two-decade repopulation effort, as female sturgeon take 20 years to mature. Lake sturgeon are long-lived-up to 150 years, can grow up to seven feet, and are vital for clean water and biodiversity. Indigenous communities and environmental advocates are collaborating to protect this threatened species.