Multispecies and Watershed Approaches to Freshwater Fish Conservation

Abstract.—This chapter shifts a multispecies approach beyond the banks to consider interactions between fish species, stream systems, and the humans that make decisions about riverine landscapes. Building from the idea that successes in stream restoration and fisheries management depend not only on ecological outcomes, but also on manager learning and public support, this chapter uses the Driftless Area region in southwestern Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and northwestern Illinois as a case study. The chapter synthesizes existing research about angler preferences, economic impacts of fisheries, and the human dimensions of stream restoration in the region. It then points to future directions for research, public engagement, and collaboration in the Driftless Area and beyond that could support stream restoration and fisheries management into the future.