The Chippewa Flowage benefits from a community working together to address the needs of various stakeholders and ensure a continued healthy habitat for the fish, wildlife and humans who share this unique habitat.

Common concerns about the well-being of the Chippewa Flowage have led to several cooperative initiatives between tribes, resort and property owners, and wildlife and fishery management agencies. The result has been an enhanced fishery and numerous efforts leading toward improved fishery habitat. A premier example of cooperation has been the Wildlife Habitat, Youth Education and Skills Training Program which provided 25 cribs for the Chippewa Flowage and 25 duck nest boxes, all built and installed by youths employed by the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Tribe.

Cost of materials for the cribs and nesting boxes was shared by the Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association (LCFRA) and the Chippewa Flowage Area Property Association (CFAPOA) while the cost of labor was funded through a grant from the Miller Brewing Company. All in all, it was a true community project resulting in improved fishery habitat in the Flowage.

In addition to crib placement, the Youth Education program initiated a frog survey and performed water quality studies on the Flowage, both projects designed to establish information relevant to habitat health and changes.

The Fishing Has No Boundaries Program, with the involvement of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe, resulted in the stocking of nearly a million walleye fingerlings into the Chippewa Flowage while promoting educational and recreational opportunities on the Flowage for youths. In addition to cooperative projects, representatives from the LCO Tribe, resort and property owners and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) meet periodically to discuss ideas and issues relating to a common interest in the Flowage and its community. This provides a positive forum to share information, concerns and problem solving.

Keeping the Chippewa Flowage healthy requires a cooperative vision and effort. Successes, such as fish stocking and crib placement, have already been born from an open dialog between community members and recognition of shared goals.