Habitat Archives | Page 2 of 4 | Minnesota Trout Unlimited

The importance of pools as trout habitat in stream restoration

On a rainy afternoon a few months ago, I stopped at a newly constructed project on my way home to see how it was reacting to the higher flows.

By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on January 16, 2026

Moving the needle on fish passage in northeastern Minnesota

Fish passage is not always just about fish passage. A culvert replacement might start as a solution to a barrier in a watershed, but when MNTU gets involved, it becomes an opportunity to address habitat beyond the ability for a trout to get from point A to point B.

By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on December 15, 2025

Evaluating stream habitat designs across southeast Minnesota

Over the past few decades, Minnesota has made tremendous progress in restoring and enhancing its coldwater streams.

By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on November 15, 2025

Why toewood is showing up along Minnesota trout streams

For MNTU, the goal of using toewood is not just to “hold the bank”. It’s to restore function, including banks that resist erosion, channels that can move a little without failing, and cover habitat that supports abundant fish and invertebrates.

By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on September 8, 2025

Bare soil to thriving native habitat: What happens after stream restoration

When a stream restoration project wraps up, the work on the ground is just beginning.

By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on August 11, 2025

Duluth’s Amity Creek receives new protection

Minnesota Trout Unlimited is proud to be a part of an effort to add the highest level of protections to over 1,100 acres of land in the City of Duluth now called the Lester–Amity–Hawk Ridge Natural Area as a part of Duluth’s Natural Area Program (DNAP). The area includes a...

By Kristen Poppleton on July 7, 2025

From the field: Habitat director’s report

July is the heart of field season when it comes to carrying out stream restoration work across the state.

By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on July 7, 2025

MNTU’s barrier removal projects also benefit aquatic invertebrates

Culvert replacements also help rebuild the larger aquatic food web.

By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on June 10, 2025

Trees for trout: An update on our riparian reforestation project

If you’ve fished along a trout stream in northeast Minnesota lately, you’ve probably noticed the standing dead spruce and balsam fir, open gaps in the forest canopy, and more brush than you’d expect in what used to be shaded, coniferous woods. It’s not just about aesthetics - it’s a coldwater...

By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on June 10, 2025

Wade in and make a difference: Volunteers contribute to stream restoration

Our assistant director, Kristen Poppleton, often says “teamwork makes the dream work.”As I reflect on my first two years with Minnesota Trout Unlimited, I have a new appreciation for the phrase. The culture of service and commitment to conservation through boots and shovels on the ground by MNTU volunteers and...

By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on May 12, 2025