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3.14 Watershed Drainage System the 12 , G which streams surrounding these ravines, is located in the central portion of exacerbating the process 3.14.1 Tributary Streams and the watershed, is the longest at and threatening ravine habitat. Ravines to Lake Michigan approximately 34,679 linear feet or In 2006, Hey and Associates, Inc. about 6.6 miles. E and was contracted by the Village of aterways such as F, the second and third longest Caledonia to conduct a study of streams and ravines streams in the watershed, are 14,550 several ravines within Caledonia are a barometer of linear feet (2.8 miles) and 11,631 including Rifle Range, Cliffside Park, the health of their linear feet (2.2 miles) respectively. Breaker’s, Dominican Creek, and watersheds. The story of waterways, The remaining 9 streams account Birch Creek Ravines. The study, Was with so many natural resources, for 36,051 linear feet or 6.8 miles. entitled Ravine Erosion and Natural has been one of exploitation conditions vary greatly Resources Assessment Study, and lack of understanding. depending on their location, past looked at erosion and ecological Few waterways throughout the and currently surrounding land and stability in respect to these world have escaped pollution, uses, ownership, etc. ravines and made management modifications, and recommendations accordingly. increased flooding as a result of One important observation was mismanagement of development in made in fall of 2012 that all streams Additional recommended ravine the watershed (Apfelbaum & Haney in the watershed are intermittent. related resources can be found at: 2010). Fortunately, many waterways In other words, all streams may dry can be restored if stressors in the up during dry periods that usually Ravine Restoration Toolkit, alliance watershed can be mitigated. occur in summer and early fall. for the Great Lakes: http://www. Aside from channelization, one of greatlakes.org/ravinerestoration/toolkit Tributary Streams the most significant problems with Humans have drastically changed streams in the watershed is the Resident Guide for Protecting the geometry and location of most existence of headcuts adjacent Ravines and Bluffs, City of streams in Wind Point watershed to ravines on several tributaries. Lake forest, IL: http://www. since European settlement in the These headcuts likely began to form cityoflakeforest.com/assets/1/7/ mid 1800s. Some of these changes following initial changes in land use Ravine_brochure_pdf.pdf can be observed by looking at the to more impervious surfaces in the pre-settlement stream mapping early 1900s. Headcuts are described Wisconsin coastal Management: depicted on Figure 6 in Section 3.1. in more detail below. Wisconsin Shoreline Inventory & Today, twelve (12) primary streams Oblique Viewer: http://floodatlas. totaling 96,911 linear feet or 18.4 Ravines org/wcmp/obliqueviewer/ miles are located within Wind Point Many of the primary tributary watershed; all are tributary to Lake streams in Wind Point watershed Tributary Streams/Ravines Inventory Michigan (Table 15; Figure 36). become natural ravines adjacent In fall 2012, Applied Ecological It is important to note that there to Lake Michigan. Generally, Services, Inc. (AES) completed are numerous smaller secondary ravines are defined as steep- a field inventory of each primary tributaries branching off many of the sided or V-shaped valleys that tributary stream in the watershed primary tributaries but that mapping are larger than but smaller including ravines formed near Lake and describing all secondary than . They may contain Michigan. There are also numerous tributaries is beyond the scope of perennial or intermittent streams, smaller secondary tributaries this project. The swale that extends but are typically formed when branching off many of the primary south from Tributary J, across 4 moving water incises and erodes a tributaries. However, mapping and Mile Road, through ponds on SC channel into the underlying material describing all secondary tributaries Johnson property and finally along (ICMP 2011). The shape and depth and small ravines is beyond the Shoop Park Golf Course is defined of ravines offer protection from scope of this project. All primary as a wetland swale by SEWRPC temperature extremes as well as a tributary streams were assessed and is not a stream. Therefore, a more moist environment, creating based on divisions into “Stream summary of this area is included in a unique ecosystem within and Reaches” (Table 15; Figure 36). Section 3.14.3. often harboring critical species Reaches are defined as stream habitat. While erosion is a natural segments having similar hydraulic, For this watershed plan, the 12 component within ravines, most of geomorphic, riparian condition, and tributary streams are labeled the ravines in Wind Point watershed adjacent land use characteristics. Tributary A through Tributary are threatened by excessive erosion Methodology included walking L for purposes of maintaining as a result of urbanization and portions of each stream reach, and reporting data although it is surrounding land use changes. collecting measurements, taking understood that many local names Significantly higher volumes of photos, and noting channel, may apply to these streams. Of runoff are being diverted into the streambank, and riparian corridor

3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 83 conditions on Stream Inventory/ their corresponding priority for BMP Data Forms. Ravines were eventual inclusion into the Action also documented where they were Plan section of this report. Results of found along these stream channels. the inventory including data sheets, Detailed notes were also recorded photos, and maps of each stream related to potential Management reach can be found in Appendix C. Measure recommendations and

Table 15. Summary of stream and tributary reaches and lengths.

Primary Stream Stream Map Number of Tributary Length Length Code Reaches Name Assessed (ft) Assessed (mi) Tributary A TRA 1 3,468 0.7 Tributary B TRB 2 3,788 0.7 Tributary C TRC 1 2,693 0.5 Tributary D TRD 2 2,684 0.5 Tributary E TRE 6 14,550 2.8 Tributary F TRF 4 11,631 2.2 Tributary G TRG 7 34,679 6.6 Tributary H TRH 1 4,501 0.9 Tributary I TRI 1 5,880 1.1 Tributary J TRJ 1 7,468 1.4 Tributary K TRK 1 2,428 0.5 Tributary L TRL 1 3,141 0.6 Totals 24 96,911 18.4

84 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan 3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 85 Tributary A We Energies. Two reaches make Tributary A (Reach Code: TRA) up the tributary. Reach 1 (TRD1) is located in the northern tip flows primarily through a wetland of the watershed and drains complex but is disturbed. It is approximately 279 acres of land channelized, moderately eroded, in South Milwaukee. Tributary A is and the riparian corridor is in poor comprised of only one reach (TRA1) ecological condition. Reach 2 beginning near the Union Pacific (TRD2) is naturally meandering Railroad and continuing east for through high quality woodland 3,468 linear feet before reaching prior to entering Lake Michigan Lake Michigan. This stream is but because the gradient is high, more or less a channelized swale moderate streambank erosion is dominated by wetland vegetation occurring and erosion is severe with a riparian area consisting along a ravine formation near the mostly of old field and residential lake known as Clay Ravine. lots. Despite the somewhat degraded conditions, streambank erosion is low.

Tributaries B & C Tributaries B and C are located entirely within Milwaukee County’s Bender Park and together drain 285 Images, clockwise from left: Tributary A Reach 1 at 5th Avenue; Tributary D Reach 2 acres. Tributary B (Reach Code: & Clay Ravine; Aerial view of Clay Ravine at TRB) consists of two reaches totaling Trib D Reach 2 (Source: Google Maps, 2013); 3,788 linear feet. The headwaters of Tributary B Reach 2 near Lake Michigan. Tributary B Reach 1 (TRB1) begin in a wetland complex just east of the Union Pacific Railroad. Reach 1 flows primarily through shrubland before entering a mesic woodland along Reach 2 (TRB2). Reach 1 is generally in good condition. Reach 2 becomes higher gradient as it nears Lake Michigan. As a result, streambank erosion is moderate. And a headcut was observed within Reach 2 that contributes significantly to streambank erosion and channel .

Tributary C (Reach Code: TRC) consists of only one Reach (TRC1) that is 2,693 linear feet in length. This reach flows northeast through primarily open fields and shrubland until it reaches a culvert perched above the Lake Michigan bluff. From here it is presumed that water flows through a pipe to a created wetland detention facility along the bluff. Although channelization is moderate in Tributary C, streambank erosion is low and the riparian condition is in average ecological condition.

Tributary D & Clay Ravine Tributary D (Reach Code: TRD) flows for 2,685 linear feet and drains 243 acres on property owned by

86 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan 3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 87 Tributary E & Rifle Range Ravine Tributary E (Reach Code: TRE) is known locally as Rifle Range Tributary. The six stream reaches making up Tributary E span 14,550 linear feet draining 947 acres of land. Reach 1 (TRE1) begins in a wetland complex just west of State Highway 32 and flows northeast to just north of 7 Mile Road on We Energies property. Most of this reach suffers from past agricultural disturbance such as channelization and a narrow/degraded riparian corridor. Reach 2 (TRE2) is located entirely on We Energies property. This reach is naturally meandering with a riparian corridor in good ecological condition. The most concerning issue is the presence of a severe headcut at the end of Reach 2 that is migrating upstream causing significant erosion and transport to Lake Michigan. Reach 3 (TRE3) begins at the headcut and continues downstream to Lake Michigan. This reach is a deep ravine (Rifle Range Ravine) exhibiting severe erosion through a high quality oak woodland. Reaches 4 and 5 (TRE4&5) are essentially wetland swales located between State Highway 32 and the C&NW Railroad. These two Images, counter- reaches come together to form clockwise from top left: Aerial view of Rifle Range the beginning of Reach 6 (TRE6) Ravine (Source: Google which naturally through Maps, 2013); Tributary a high quality oak woodland E Reach 2; Tributary E before joining Reach 3. Similar to Reach 3 – Rifle Range Ravine; Tributary E Reach Reach 2, there is a headcut that is 5; Tributary F Reach 1; Trib migrating upstream within Reach F Reach 2 upstream of 6 and is causing erosion and headcut; Trib F Reach 3 downstream of headcut

88 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan Stream Headcuts

A headcut is an erosional feature of both intermittent and perennial streams where an abrupt vertical drop, also known as a in the occurs following hydrologic disturbances in the contributing watershed. As erosion of the knickpoint and the streambed continues, the headcut migrates upstream. This can cause significant streambank erosion and often results in a disconnected that then increased channel incision.

Controlling a headcut is one of the most difficult challenges in . Common headcut treatments include installing check , or sloping the bank face and laying in fabric and rock to control continued upstream migration of the knick point. Other methods for headcut control are to elevate the incised channel by filling to original .

sedimentation downstream. ecological condition. This reach is known as Cliffside Park Ravine and also highly channelized through is incised with highly eroded banks Tributary F & Cliffside Park Ravine the residential area via a human as a result of headcutting. The Four reaches totaling 11,631 constructed concrete channel. ravine study conducted by Hey and linear feet combine to make up Reach 2 (TRF2) begins on the south Associates identifies the following Tributary F (Reach Code: TRF). side of Cliffside Park and meanders as erosion and stabilization This tributary drains 789 acres. northeast through a floodplain problems within Cliffside Ravine: Reach 1 (TRF1) begins between forest until it reaches a headcut down-cutting of the streambed State Highway 32 and the Union that is actively migrating upstream. and erosion at the toe of the banks, Pacific Railroad and flows northeast A similar condition was observed slumping of the ravine banks at the through mostly shrubland and along Reach 3 (TRF3). This reach toe of slope, and loss of vegetation agricultural fields then through is stable and meandering through on the side slopes. The study also a residential subdivision south a wooded riparian area up to a denotes deteriorating culverts and of Cliffside Park. This reach is second headcut. Reach 4 (TRF4) headwall structures, undermining of degraded by past channelization is located between the headcuts culverts, and erosion downstream of practices used by farmers and the along Reaches 2 and 3 and Lake culvert outfalls as structural issues adjacent riparian areas are in poor Michigan. Reach 4 forms a ravine within Cliffside Park Ravine.

3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 89 Tributary G is severe and hard armoring has stabilization problems for this ravine Tributary G (Reach Code: TRG) is been installed to control erosion just and also noted that only minor known locally as Turtle Creek. The east of Novak Road. structural issues were found at one seven stream reaches that combine road crossing. to form Tributary G result in the Tributaries H (Breaker’s Ravine), longest tributary in the watershed I (Dominican Creek Ravine), & J Tributary J (Reach Code: TRJ), also at 34,679 linear feet or 6.6 miles. (Birch Creek Ravine) known as Birch Creek Ravine, is It drains about 2,138 acres or 3.3 The characteristics of Tributaries 7,468 linear feet in length and drains square miles within the central H, I, and J are somewhat similar. 1,040 acres of mostly residential portion of Caledonia. Tributary G One 4,500 linear foot reach (TRH1) land in the Villages of Caledonia has likely been altered the most beginning near Charles Street and Wind Point. The tributary by human activities. Many of these and entering Lake Michigan near begins near the intersection of alterations including channelization Erie Street make up Tributary H Erie Street and 4 Mile Road. From and channel relocation can be (Reach Code: TRH). This tributary there, Tributary J flows east to near observe by looking at the pre- drains 332 acres in Caledonia and Ravenswood Lane before turning settlement stream mapping flows southeast through large lot sharply to the north and to Lake depicted on Figure 6 in Section residential areas near the Lake Michigan. Tributary J is generally 3.1 and comparing it to existing Michigan coast. There are no in good condition. It is naturally mapping on Figure 36. Reaches 1 significant problems with Tributary meandering along its length with and 6 are the small tributaries that H; streambank erosion is low no significant streambank erosion join two larger tributaries. Reach 1 and the adjacent riparian area is problems. And, the riparian corridor begins just east of State Highway mostly natural. This reach is also consists of floodplain forest in 31 and runs through turf grass identified as Breaker’s Ravine. average ecological condition. The lined channels within a residential Natural debris log jams, erosion Hey and Associates ravine study subdivision prior to joining Reach 2 and sedimentation due to a lack of concurred that generally the area just east of State Highway 32. Reach measures in new was stable as were structures within 6 is mostly channelized within development were identified as this ravine, but noted excessive an agricultural parcel between erosion and stabilization issues sediment loading in one section of Catherine Drive to the north for this ravine, according to the the stream. and Rebecca Drive to the south. Hey and Associates study, and Reaches 2 and 3 are somewhat generally the surveyed structures Tributaries K & L & North Bay Ravine similar. Reach 2 begins west of within the ravine were found to be Tributary K (Reach Code: TRK) is the State Highway 31 and flows east to in good condition. smallest stream in the watershed the Union Pacific Railroad through at 2,428 linear feet. One reach a moderately channelized system. Tributary I (Reach Code: TRI), also (TRK1) comprises Tributary K and Reach 3 begins at the railroad known as Dominican Creek Ravine, drains 574 acres. The headwaters and joins Reach 5 near 5 ½ Mile flows for 5,880 linear feet and of this tributary begin just north Road. Both reaches are buffered drains 443 acres of land between of 3 Mile Road in a small lake by relatively narrow/low quality Charles Street and Lake Michigan west of the Prairie School. From floodplain woodlands. in Caledonia. The one reach (Reach there, the tributary flows through a TRI1) comprising the tributary flows channelized ditch among residential Reach 4 begins as a swale at through a wide floodplain forest development then enters Lake Holy Cross Cemetery and flows that is in good ecological condition. Michigan near Lighthouse Drive. east through ditches between Overall, the stream channel is also Tributary L (Reach Code: TRL) is commercial areas prior to joining in good condition. Streambank 3,141 linear feet and flows east Reach 5 at Caledonia Park. Reach erosion is low and the channel is from Erie Street to Lake Michigan 5 flows north through a large naturally meandering. The Hey and through residential development human created drainage channel Associates ravine study identified within the Village of North Bay. It is bordered primarily by residential down-cutting of the streambed also referred to as the North Bay development. Reach 7 becomes a and the toe of the banks as well as Ravine and functions as North Bay’s ravine between Novak Road and slumping of the ravine banks at the storm water infrastructure. Lake Michigan. There, slope erosion toe of slope as general erosion and

Images, top to bottom, left to right: Tributary G Reach 3; Tributary G Reach 5; Tributary G Reach 7; Tributary I Reach 1; Tributary J Reach 1; Tributary L Reach 1.

90 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan 3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 91 Stream Channelization Each stream reach in Wind Point Tributary A, Tributary K, Tributary G, Naturally meandering streams watershed was characterized and the upper reaches of Tributaries generally provide and pools as either having none or low E, F, and D. that benefit the system by creating channelization (highly sinuous, no habitats while oxygenating the human disturbance), moderate Channelized areas present water during low flow or summer channelization (some sinuosity opportunities for Management heat. Channelized or ditched but altered), or highly channelized Measure projects such as artificial streams often lack or have poorly (straightened by humans) (Table 16; and pool restoration and developed riffles and pools. Berms Figure 37). According to the stream regrading or breaking of adjacent along channelized streams are inventory, 34% (34,321 lf) of stream spoil piles for reconnection of the often common where landowners and tributary length is naturally stream to adjacent . spoiled soils excavated from the meandering; approximately The Action Plan section of this channel. These spoil piles often 31% (29,639 lf) is moderately report addresses opportunities inhibit or alter natural flooding into channelized; 35% (34,950 lf) is for improving many of the adjacent floodplains. highly channelized. The most severe channelized reaches. channelization is found along

Table 16. Summary of tributary channelization.

Stream None or Low Moderate High Primary Length Map Code Channelization Channelization Channelization Tributary Name Assessed (feet) (feet) (%) (feet) (%) (feet) (%) Tributary A TRA 3,468 0 0 0 0 3,468 100 Tributary B TRB 3,788 1,497 40 2,291 60 0 0 Tributary C TRC 2,693 0 0 2,693 100 0 0 Tributary D TRD 2,684 1,537 57 0 0 1,147 43 Tributary E TRE 14,550 6,359 44 0 0 8,191 56 Tributary F TRF 11,631 5,264 45 1,977 17 4,390 38 Tributary G TRG 34,679 1,815 5 17,537 51 15,326 44 Tributary H TRH 4,501 4,501 100 0 0 0 0 Tributary I TRI 5,880 5,880 100 0 0 0 0 Tributary J TRJ 7,468 7,468 100 0 0 0 0 Tributary K TRK 2,428 0 0 0 0 2,428 100 Tributary L TRL 3,141 0 0 3,141 100 0 0 Totals 96,911 34,321 34 29,639 31 34,950 35

92 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan Channelization along Tributary G

3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 93 94 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan Streambank Erosion headcut formations that are actively systems near Lake Michigan and Unnatural streambank erosion migrating upstream. The headcuts accounting for 7% (7,188 lf) of the generally results following an likely formed following increased total stream length. Many of these instability in flow rate or volume impervious cover and eroded ravines are considered in the stream channel, human runoff in the contributing watershed “Critical Areas” because they are alteration such as channelization, or beginning in the early 1900s. actively contributing significant change in streambank vegetation. sediment loads to Lake Michigan. Resulting sediment transportation The location and severity of downstream can cause significant streambank erosion in the All highly eroded and some water quality problems. Streambank watershed is summarized in Table moderately eroded streambanks erosion is low on average 17 and depicted on Figure 38. provide excellent opportunities for throughout the watershed but Approximately 86% (83,274 lf) of streambank or ravine stabilization becomes severe along Tributaries the total tributary length exhibits projects. The Action Plan section D, E, F, and G as they flow through no or low bank erosion while of this report addresses and ravines near the Lake Michigan moderate erosion is occurring prioritizes opportunities for reducing coast. In several cases it is evident along 7% (6,448 lf) of streambanks. streambank and ravine erosion. that these ravines are experiencing Highly eroded streambanks unnatural erosion as a result of are all associated with ravine

Table 17. Summary of tributary bank erosion.

Stream None or Low Moderate Primary Length High Erosion Map Code Erosion Erosion Tributary Name Assessed (feet) (feet) (%) (feet) (%) (feet) (%) Tributary A TRA 3,468 3,468 100 0 0 0 0 Tributary B TRB 3,788 2,291 60 1,497 40 0 0 Tributary C TRC 2,693 2,693 100 0 0 0 0 Tributary D TRD 2,684 0 0 1,147 43 1,537 57 Tributary E TRE 14,550 9,360 64 1,989 14 3,201 22 Tributary F TRF 11,631 9,181 79 0 0 2,450 21 Tributary G TRG 34,679 32,863 95 1,815 5 0 0 Tributary H TRH 4,501 4,501 100 0 0 0 0 Tributary I TRI 5,880 5,880 100 0 0 0 0 Tributary J TRJ 7,468 7,468 100 0 0 0 0 Tributary K TRK 2,428 2,428 100 0 0 0 0 Tributary L TRL 3,141 3,141 100 0 0 0 0 Totals 96,911 83,274 86% 6,448 7% 7,188 7%

3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 95 Severely eroded ravine along Tributary E

96 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan 3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 97 Riparian Area Condition communities. Areas in “Poor” are several common attributes of Riparian areas that are in good condition are usually found riparian areas in poor condition. All ecological condition buffer streams along channelized streams that are associated with past or present by filtering pollutants, providing have been heavily farmed in the farming and development. Most beneficial wildlife habitat, and past causing degraded plant are also narrow and degraded connecting green infrastructure. communities to establish. by invasive species including Riparian areas along tributaries reed canary grass (Phalaris was assessed during the stream The location and condition of arundinacea), buckthorn (Rhamnus inventory by noting the “Condition” riparian areas in the watershed sp.), honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.), as it relates to function and quality is summarized in Table 18 and and box elder (Acer negundo). of plant communities present and Figure 39. Approximately 22% of Others degraded riparian areas hydrologic connection with the the riparian areas are in “Good” are comprised of turf grass within stream. Areas in “Good” condition ecological condition, 33% are in residential and commercial areas. connect hydrologically with “Average” ecological condition, Fortunately, ecological restoration streams during events and and 45% are in “Poor” condition. helps eradicate these species have remnant plant communities. The best riparian areas are found and encourages native plant “Average” condition riparian along Tributaries B, D, E, and I establishment. The Action Plan lists areas retain some hydrological near the coast of Lake Michigan and prioritizes opportunities for connection to the adjacent stream where remnant mesic and dry- improving riparian areas. with somewhat degraded plant mesic woodlands persist. There

Degraded riparian area along Tributary A

98 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan Table 18. Summary of tributary area riparian condition.

Stream Average Primary Length Good Condition Poor Condition Map Code Condition Tributary Name Assessed (feet) (feet) (%) (feet) (%) (feet) (%) Tributary A TRA 3,468 0 0 0 0 3,468 100 Tributary B TRB 3,788 1,497 40 2,291 60 0 0 Tributary C TRC 2,693 0 0 2,693 100 0 0 Tributary D TRD 2,684 1,537 57 0 0 1,147 43 Tributary E TRE 14,550 6,359 44 4,410 30 3,781 26 Tributary F TRF 11,631 5,264 45 1,977 17 4,390 38 Tributary G TRG 34,679 0 0 9,046 26 25,632 74 Tributary H TRH 4,501 0 0 4,501 100 0 0 Tributary I TRI 5,880 5,880 100 0 0 0 0 Tributary J TRJ 7,468 0 0 7,468 100 0 0 Tributary K TRK 2,428 0 0 0 0 2,428 100 Tributary L TRL 3,141 0 0 0 0 3,141 100 Totals 96,911 20,537 22% 32,386 33% 43,987 45%

3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 99 100 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan 3.14.2 Detention Basins wetland bottom, or dry bottom and the Action Plan section of this report. planted with various types of natural Results of the inventory and detailed ver the past half century, or manicured vegetation. Wet and summaries of each detention the drainage system in wetland bottom basins typically basin can be found in Appendix C. Wind Point watershed has hold water that is controlled by the Ten (10) dry bottom turf grass, 13 changed from farmland elevation of the outlet structure. Wet naturalized wet or wetland bottom, driven drain tiles, channels, and bottom basins are usually greater and 16 wet or wetland bottom with Oditches to one that is driven by than 3 feet deep and do not have turf slopes detention basins were runoff from developed areas. Most emergent vegetation throughout inventoried (Figure 40). developed areas are drained by whereas wetland bottom detention swales and stormsewers to the basins are shallow enough to be Of the 39 basins, 10 (26%) provide tributaries of the watershed or dominated by emergent wetland “Good” ecological and water directly to Lake Michigan. More plants. These designs promote water quality benefits while 18 (46%) recently, detention basins are part quality treatment via settling and plant basins provide “Average” benefits. of a development site. A detention uptake and also support wildlife. Dry The remaining 11 (28%) basins basin is a human-made structure bottom basins are designed to drain provide “Poor” ecological and that is designed by engineers for the completely after temporarily storing water quality benefits because temporary storage of stormwater and infiltrating stormwater following most were designed simply to runoff with a controlled release rain events. They can be planted to meet stormwater storage volume rate that is usually designed to either turf grasses or naturalized with requirements. Designs that also hold and release water based on native vegetation. improve water quality and wildlife predevelopment rates. Detention habitat were not necessarily basins can also provide excellent Thirty nine (39) detention basins considered because they are not wildlife habitat and improve water were located and inventoried within required under local regulations. quality if designed with the proper Wind Point watershed (Figure Often, regulations require that Best configuration, slopes, and water 40). Applied Ecological Services, Management Practices (BMPs) be depths then planted with native Inc. (AES) completed a basic part of permitted developments to prairie and wetland vegetation. assessment of each detention provide healthy aquatic ecology, Detention basins capture runoff basin in fall 2012. Assessment sustainability, minimize human from several developed areas of methodology included a visit to intervention, and to treat stormwater the watershed making the quality each basin and collection of data as a multiple use resource. and quantity of water leaving these relevant to existing conditions. However, detailed examples and basins critically important to the Detailed notes were recorded standardized specifications are not health of the watershed. related to existing ecological/ always provided leaving a great water quality benefit condition deal of ambiguity regarding what is Detention basins can be designed and potential retrofit Management actually required. and constructed as wet bottom, Measures for eventual inclusion into

Naturalized at Audubon Arboretum Subdivision

3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 101 102 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan The majority of dry bottom detention basins are located in the southern half of the watershed within the municipalities of Caledonia and Racine. Of the 10 dry bottom basins in the watershed all are planted with turf grass. Unfortunately, turf grass basins provide limited water quality benefits and wildlife habitat. Dry bottom basins planted with turf grass hold water for shorter periods following rain events and infiltrate less water compared to dry bottom basins naturalized with deep rooted native vegetation. Many of the dry bottom basins in the watershed present excellent retrofit opportunities and most would be relatively easy to naturalize with native plantings.

Wet and wetland bottom detention basins are found scattered throughout the watershed. Individual development sites tend to have basins that are all similarly planted. For example, most wet and wetland bottom basins in a development are planted with either turf grass along the basin slopes or are naturalized with native vegetation along the slopes and emergent edge. Basins planted with turf grass are designed with aesthetics in mind and not necessarily the potential water quality and wildlife habitat benefits. Because of this, most homeowner and business associations will likely disapprove of installing water quality retrofits such as native plant buffers unless they can be designed to look formal and require minimal maintenance. Thirteen (13) of the 29 wet and wetland bottom detention basins in the watershed are naturalized with native vegetation. Perhaps the best example of naturalized basins can be found at Audubon Arboretum Subdivision in Caledonia. The remaining 16 wet and wetland bottom basins have turf grass slopes. Like most dry bottom basins, the side slopes and emergent areas of wet and wetland bottom basins can be retrofitted with native vegetation relatively easily.

Images, top to bottom: Typical dry bottom turf grass detention at Stephan Rd.; naturalized section of pond at Prairie School; wet bottom basin with turf slopes in development off Shore Dr.

3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 103 3.14.3 Wetlands & Potential Wetland Restoration Sites Wisconsin Regional Planning stream reaches and are relatively Commission (SEWRPC) in small and fragmented. Many of the etlands are a critical conjunction with the Wisconsin existing wetlands were inspected by part of the earth’s Department of Natural Resources Applied Ecological Services, Inc. in hydrologic system, (WDNR). The wetland features fall of 2012 during reconnaissance receiving water from were delineated according to the of the watershed (Appendix C). Most snowmelt and rain, slowly releasing definitions of the Wisconsin Wetland have been negatively impacted by Wit from the land to recharge streams Inventory Classification Guide, with farming and other human practices and lakes (Apfelbaum & Haney the addition of special features at some point in the last 150 years 2010). Functional wetlands do more such as drained wetlands and to the extent that hydrology has for water quality improvement drainage ditches. ADID wetlands changed and invasive species such and flood reduction than any and waters include all aquatic as narrow leaved cattail (Typha other natural resource. In addition, resources located within Primary angustifolia), common and glossy wetlands typically provide habitat Environmental Corridors and natural buckthorn (Rhamnus sp.), reed for a wide variety of plant and areas as identified by SEWRPC and canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), animal species. They also provide categorized as either “Wetlands”, and common reed (Phragmites some groundwater recharge “Lakes/Ponds”, or “Natural Area australis) now dominate. capabilities and filter Wetlands”. “Other Wetlands” and nutrients. A diverse network of are located outside Primary Some of the largest existing wetland wetlands remained intact in Wind Environmental Corridors. Of the complexes can be found near the Point watershed until the 1830s when 577 total acres of wetlands in Wind headwaters of Tributary A between European settlers began to alter Point watershed, 395 acres have the Union Pacific Railroad and significant portions of the watershed’s been identified as ADID wetlands 5th Avenue, along Tributaries B & natural hydrology and wetland by SEWRPC (Table 19; Figure 41). C in Bender Park, Cliffside Park, processes. Where it was feasible, These include 127.3 acres of ADID at the headwaters of Tributary D wetlands were drained, streams Wetlands and 0.33 acres of ADID on WE Energies property, and a channelized, and existing vegetation Lakes/Ponds. The remaining 449.3 wetland swale extending from Lake cleared to farm the rich soils. acres is “Other Wetlands”. Michigan and north of Four Mile Road and through The Johnson There were approximately 2,945 Most existing wetlands in Wind Point Foundation at Wingspread. acres of wetlands in the watershed watershed are concentrated around prior to European settlement based on the most up to date hydric soils mapping provided by the USDA Table 19. Milwaukee and Racine County wetlands and attributes. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). According to existing wetland inventories, Wetland Category Acres Wetland Attributes about 577 acres or 20% of the The intersection of 2005 wetlands pre-European settlement wetlands ADID Wetlands 127.3 and primary environmental corridors remain (Table 19; Figure 41). The as defined by SEWRPC largest loss of wetlands occurred in the southern portion of the Generally all deep water features watershed on a large flat plateau ADID Lakes/Ponds 0.33 within primary corridors and natural between Six Mile Road and the areas that are to be protected southern end of the watershed. Additional wetlands outside of the Early vegetation mapping suggests Other Wetlands 449.3 SEWRPC primary corridors that are this area was southern lowland to be protected forest and marsh. The vast majority of this historic wetland has since been drained and developed primarily to residential development.

Existing wetland information and mapping is available for the entire Wind Point watershed via the 2005 Regional Wetland Inventory and 2005 Advanced Disposal Identification of Disposal Areas (ADID) Wetland Inventory conducted by the Southeastern

104 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan 3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 105 Potential Wetland Restoration Information Systems (GIS) exercise and field visits where appropriate Sites whereby sites were selected that (Table 20; Figure 42). Of the 25 sites, Wetland restoration projects are include at least 5 acres of drained 14 are “Potentially Feasible”, and among the most beneficial in the hydric soils located on an open 11 have “Limited Feasibility”. Most context of improving watershed or partially open parcel where no of the wetland restoration sites are health. Wetlands are vitally wetlands currently exist. located in the southern half of the important because they improve watershed on remaining agricultural basic environmental functions such The GIS exercise resulted in 28 fields or vacant parcels that overlap as storing floodwaters, increasing sites meeting the above criteria. a large swath of drained hydric soils. biodiversity, creating green However, the extent of development The three sites that were eliminated infrastructure, and improving water in Wind Point watershed limits were found in areas where the quality. The wetland restoration the number and size of potential proximity of existing development process involves returning wetland restoration sites. Of the simply would not allow for wetland hydrology (water) and vegetation original 28 sites, 25 sites accounting restoration. It is important to note to soils that once supported for 516 acres were determined to that a feasibility study beyond the wetlands but no longer do because be potentially feasible or have at scope of this project will need to of human impacts such as tile least limited feasibility after careful be completed prior to the planning and ditch draining and/or filling. review of each site using 2012 aerial and implementation of any potential Potential wetland restoration sites photography, open space inventory wetland restoration. were identified using a Geographic results, existing (2012) land use,

Wetland swale south of Johnson Foundation at Wingspread

106 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan Table 20. Size, feasibility, and existing condition of potential wetland restoration sites.

Map Area (ac) Feasibility Existing Condition ID # 1 ≈ 44 Limited Feasibility Located at John H. Batton Airport (Batten International Airport) Located on vacant land owned by Vulcan Materials Company south of 2 ≈ 25 Potentially Feasible 3 mile road Located on vacant land owned by Vulcan Materials Company east of 3 ≈ 76 Potentially Feasible Charles Street Located on vacant land owned by Vulcan Materials Company west of 4 ≈ 14 Potentially Feasible Charles Street 5 ≈ 8 Limited Feasibility Located on private residential lot west of Erie Street 6 ≈ 2 Limited Feasibility Located in undeveloped residential area off Ruby Avenue 7 ≈ 4 Potentially Feasible Located on private agricultural land south of the Prairie School 8 ≈ 8 Limited Feasibility Located on private residential Lot east of N. Main Street 9 ≈ 3 Potentially Feasible Located on Shoop Park Golf Course Located in area that is currently a created pond at Johnson 10 ≈ 4 Potentially Feasible Foundation’s Wingspread 11 ≈ 14 Limited Feasibility Located across several private residential lots south of 4 Mile Road 12 ≈ 5.5 Limited Feasibility Located on private residential/agricultural lots 13 ≈ 7 Limited Feasibility Located on private residential/agricultural lots 14 ≈ 9 Potentially Feasible Located on private agricultural land west of Erie Street Located on private agricultural land north of 4 Mile Road and adjacent 15 ≈ 30 Potentially Feasible to Crawford Park 16 ≈ 12 Potentially Feasible Located on private agricultural land south 4 ½ Mile Road Located across multiple private residential and agricultural lots east of 17 ≈ 11 Limited Feasibility Middle Road Located across multiple private residential and agricultural lots east of 18 ≈ 7.5 Limited Feasibility Charles Street Large drained wetland complex on land that is currently a defunct 19 ≈ 130 Limited Feasibility development surrounded by agricultural land between 5 Mile and 5 ½ Mile Roads Located on private agricultural land along Tributary G and east of 20 ≈ 16.5 Potentially Feasible Middle Road Located on private agricultural land along Tributary G and east of 21 ≈ 15 Potentially Feasible Middle Road 22 ≈ 46.5 Potentially Feasible Located at headwaters of Tributary F within Cliffside Park 23 ≈ 9 Limited Feasibility Located on partially developed land owned by WE Energies 24 ≈ 5 Potentially Feasible Located on vacant private land owned by DuPont 25 ≈ 5 Potentially Feasible Located near the headwaters of Tributary A 26 ≈ 5 Potentially Feasible Located on private agricultural land along Tributary G Reach 2

Note: A feasibility study will need to be completed prior to the planning and restoration of any potential wetland restoration.

3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 107 108 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan Wetland restoration Another potential option is to $100 thousand dollars. Although recommendations are included restore large wetland complexes as this may seem like an enormous and prioritized in the Action Plan part of a wetland mitigation bank. expense to a developer, it is often section of this report. Site #s 9, 10, In this case, wetlands are restored cheaper than going through a 11, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, and 22 are on private or public land and must long permitting process to impact among the highest priority because meet certain performance criteria wetlands and provide mitigation of their location, size, or potential before they become “fully certified.” on the development site. It is to remediate watershed problems. Following certification, developers also possible that entities such Municipalities should strongly are able to buy wetland mitigation as wastewater treatment plants consider requiring “Conservation or credits from the wetland bank could purchase “water quality Low Impact Design” development for wetland impacts occurring trading credits” from wetland that incorporates wetland elsewhere in the watershed. A mitigation banks as a way to offset restoration on parcels slated for fully certified acre of restored phosphorus in plant . future development. wetland can sell between $40 and

Potential wetland restoration Site #21 along Trib G Reach 3

3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 109 3.14.4 Floodplain that has a one percent chance of increasing the water surface. Figure occurring in any given year (100- 43 depicts the 100-year floodplain FEMA 100-Year Floodplain year flood). 100-year can and floodway in relation to a unctional floodplains along and do occur more frequently, hypothetical stream channel. stream, , and lake however the 100-year flood has corridors perform a variety become the accepted national Figure 44 depicts the 100-year of green infrastructure standard for floodplain regulatory floodplain which occupies 235 benefits such as flood storage, and flood insurance purposes and acres or about 2% of the watershed. Fwater quality improvement, passive was developed in part to guide The most extensive floodplain areas recreation, and wildlife habitat. floodplain development to lessen are associated with Lake Michigan The most important function the damaging effects of floods. coastal areas. Other floodplain however is the capacity of the areas have been delineated along floodplain to hold water following The 100-year floodplain along the lower reaches of Tributaries A, significant rain events to minimize streams also includes the floodway. D, G, and J. A large wetland swale flooding downstream. The 100-year The floodway is the portion of near Wind Point and the pond floodplain is defined by the Federal the stream or river channel that adjacent to the Prairie School are Emergency Management Agency comprises the adjacent land also within the floodplain. (FEMA) as the area that would be areas that must be reserved to inundated during a flood event the 100-year flood without

Figure 43. 100-year floodplain and floodway depiction along streams.

110 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan 3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 111 3.15 Groundwater & Recharge, Contamination lower sandstone aquifers. The natural ground-water discharge, Potential, & Water Supply upper sandstone includes intercepting it before it reaches sandstone and dolomite of the bodies and then Groundwater Aquifers and Ancell and Prairie du Chien Groups, discharging it to those few Recharge while the lower sandstone aquifer that receive wastewater effluent Groundwater is water that saturates is made up of the thick sedimentary (SEWRPC, 2010).” Rather than result small spaces between sand, gravel, sequences of Cambrian sandstone in large drawdowns, groundwater silt, clay particles, or crevices in (SEWRPC, 2002). deficits in the shallow aquifer underground rocks. Groundwater effectively reduce groundwater is found in aquifers or underground Groundwater modeling studies (SEWRPC, 2010). formations that provide readily conducted by Southeastern available quantities of water Wisconsin Regional Planning As the pumping of the deep aquifers to wells, springs, or streams. Commission (SEWRPC) for the and subsequent drawdowns Groundwater sources available to southeastern Wisconsin region has progressed, water from the southeastern Wisconsin are found in 2010 suggest that deep water shallow aquifer has been diverted in shallow, unconfined aquifer aquifers are experiencing excessive downwards toward the deep units and deep, semi-confined or drawdown centered on the area aquifers. Groundwater recharge confined aquifer units (Figure 45). of eastern Waukesha County (see of the deep sandstone aquifer Both shallow and deep aquifers are Figure 46, left image). Drawdowns does not occur within Wind Point tapped and used by private and in this area exceed 400 feet. This is watershed due to the Maquoketa public users and municipalities. part of a larger general drawdown shale formation which underlies the occurring in Milwaukee and area and serves as an aquitard. The hydrogeology of Wind Point Chicago and the area around them. watershed falls entirely within the Simulated drawdowns within the Soil-water balance recharge Silurian dolomite aquifer. This shallow aquifer (see Figure 46, right occurs mostly along the northern aquifer, formerly known as the image), however, appear much portion of Wind Point watershed Niagara dolomite aquifer, is the smaller in size and extent. This is (Figure 47). The lower soil-water uppermost bedrock aquifer in because of the unconfined nature balance recharge values across the the area, hydraulically connected of the aquifer and its connection watershed generally relate to areas to the adjacent sand and gravel to surface water bodies. “Under of increased urban development aquifer, and generally falls under natural conditions, most ground such as in the northern- and water table conditions. It is also water recharge to the shallow southern-most portions of the the primary source of most public aquifer flows through the shallow watershed, while higher recharge water supplies and wells within aquifer and discharges to surface areas tend to occur where the land is the watershed. Below the Silurian water bodies as baseflow. Pumping more vegetated such as within parks dolomite aquifer are the upper and the shallow aquifer can reduce the and open space (SEWRPC, 2008).

112 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan Figure 45. Aquifer Systems in Southeastern Wisconsin. Source: SEWRPC, 2002.

Figure 46. Simulated drawdowns for SEWRPC Region between 1860 and 2000. Left image depicts deep aquifers and right image depicts the shallow aquifer. Source: SEWRPC, 2010.

3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 113 114 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan Groundwater Contamination the southern portion of the investigating the extent of well Potential watershed that falls generally contamination in the region, In SEWRPC’s research into within Racine and the Village of which included parts of Caledonia groundwater resources, they North Bay were determined to be within Wind Point watershed. Both determined areas in which moderately vulnerable where low public and private wells were shallow groundwater resources soil percolation compensates for affected by molybdenum and were potentially susceptible to shallow depths to aquifer. boron levels exceeding the state contamination. They did this by groundwater standard (Bergquist, measuring three parameters: 1) Potential problem areas are places 2013). WDNR completed an initial distance from the land surface where naturally vulnerable areas investigation into the sources to the aquifer, 2) properties overlap areas where potential of the contaminants and could of materials through which contaminant sources are located. not identify the source of the contaminants have to pass to For the Wind Point watershed, molybdenum and that the data reach the aquifer, and 3) rates at much of the Wind Point area and on boron suggested that neither which such contaminants can area surrounding and including We Energies coal ash landfills nor travel (SEWRPC, 2002). North Bay fall within this category. the Hunts Landfill is the origin of the boron. WDNR recommends SEWRPC also identifies areas Finally, wellhead protection areas that private well owners in which should be targeted for can be determined in order to Caledonia have their water tested groundwater protection measures. protect municipal wells within for molybdenum along with their These areas are also referred to the shallow aquifer. Wisconsin recommended annual testing for as Special Management Areas Administrative Code NR 881 bacteria and nitrates (WDNR, 2013). and include naturally vulnerable requires a Wellhead Protection areas, potential problem areas, Plan for all municipal water Community Water Supply and wellhead protection areas. supply wells built since 1992, with Groundwater is an essential Naturally vulnerable areas voluntary compliance for existing resource to the southeastern include those identified as being wells prior to that date. These Wisconsin region as underlying vulnerable to contamination or plans are meant to delineate aquifers provide the drinking water critical groundwater recharge and protect the area of land that supply for many people. According areas, either to deep or shallow supplies groundwater to a well, to a WDNR well inventory within groundwater aquifers. All of the as determined by hydrogeologic in Wind Point watershed, there Village of Wind Point and a portion analysis (SEWRPC, 2002). are 87 private drinking water wells of neighboring Caledonia were with depths ranging from 83 to 325 determined by the study to include Well contamination is a real feet, with an average depth of 155 areas that are highly vulnerable concern for southeastern feet. Seven (7) public water supply to potential contamination (Figure Wisconsin. In January of 2013, wells are located within Wind Point 48), due predominantly to shallow Wisconsin Department of Natural watershed but only four are active depth to aquifer. Additionally, Resources (WDNR) began (Table 21).

Table 21. Public water supply wells within Wind Point watershed.

Well ID Facility Depth (ft) Well Status Casing Diameter BG740 Racine Crestview San District 1,200 Permanently Filled 12 BG741 Caledonia Water Utility – Village 1,500 Inactive 12 FG771 Northside Calvary Church N/A Active 6 FG798 New Hope Lutheran Church N/A Active 6 FG805 East Side Community Center N/A Active 7 FG811 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church N/A Permanently Filled 6 GU727 Johnsons N/A Active 6

Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Well Inventory

3.0 Watershed Resource Inventory 115 116 Wind Point Watershed-Based Plan