Much of the famed Horicon Marsh in Dodge County is in a degraded state due to sediment and nutrient inputs from the surrounding watershed, carp activity, and inadequate water level management capabilities.   The result has been an expansion of cattail monocultures and a reduction in submergent vegetation that offers little wildlife value. DU has completed the survey work and conceptual design for a new impoundment on Horicon Marsh known as the East Burnett Unit.  This project, which will restore 410 acres of emergent wetlands, was designed last winter with construction scheduled for next winter, 2004. The development of this new impoundment will allow managers to manipulate water levels to promote beneficial plant species and to increase the interspersion of open water and marsh vegetation, which will increase waterfowl and overall wildlife use of the marsh.  The project is a cooperative effort among the Wisconsin DNR, DU, and Dr. Charles and Shirley Pechous.