Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge is part of a large wetland complex on Lake Superior, near Ashland, Wisconsin. These coastal wetlands are a significant part of the wildlife habitat and aquatic resources of the south shore of Lake Superior.
The refuge was established in 1999, and it is still being created. Its purpose is to protect, restore, and manage coastal wetland and spring-fed stream habitat. Up to 540 acres (2.2 km2) of coastal wetland in the Whittlesey Creekwatershed will be acquired, and up to 1,260 acres (5.1 km2) will be protected through conservation easements. As of 2010[update], 329 acres (1.33 km2) are protected.[2]
Restoration of coaster brook trout, a potamodromous fish native to Lake Superior, is one of the refuge goals. The refuge will also restore stream and wetland habitat to benefit other fish species and migratory birds.