Newburg Dam

Before Dam Removal

Aerial Photo Before Dam Removal

After Dam Removal

Aerial Photo After Dam Removal

In 2012, the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department partnered with the Village of Newburg to remove the Newburg Dam to reconnect 37 mainstream river miles for passage of fish and other aquatic life from the Bridge Street Dam in Grafton to the Barton Dam in West Bend.

Anticipated results include economic benefits through increased tourism, improved water quality, kayak/canoe recreational passage, re-established floodplain, enhanced opportunities for area residents to enjoy the area’s natural resources, an improved fishery, and restored habitat access for multiple threatened and endangered species, including the state threatened greater redhorse, which is found immediately downstream of the former dam.

The project restored access to a total of 46 miles of in-stream habitat in the Milwaukee River and tributary streams and was funded by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant and a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Dam Removal grant.

Project Photos

Project Highlights
  • Sediment transport study and excavation
  • Bridge abutment and pier reinforcements
  • Riverbank stabilization 
  • Native wetland seeding and tree planting 
  • Multi-use trail extending through former dam raceway
  • Construction of observation deck 
  • Improved fishing access and kayak/canoe launch
  • Installation of Osprey nest and platform
  • Installation of four dry fire hydrants

Additional Information: