Rinehart Lake

Final Results Portage County Lake Study

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Portage County Staff and Citizens April 5, 2005

What can you learn from this study? You can learn a wealth of valuable information about: • Critical habitat that fish, wildlife, and plants depend on • Water quality and quantity of your lake • The current diagnosis of your lake – good news and bad news

What can you DO in your community? You can share this information with the other people who care about your lake and then plan together for the future. 9 Develop consensus about the local goals and objectives for your lake. 9 Identify available resources (people, expertise, time, funding). 9 Explore and choose implementation tools to achieve your goals. 9 Develop an action plan to achieve your lake goals. 9 Implement your plan. 9 Evaluate the results and then revise your goals and plans.

1 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005

2 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ Location

Rinehart Lake Between County Road Q and T, North of the Town of New Hope

Surface Area: 42 Maximum Depth: 27 feet Lake Volume: 744

Water Flow

• Rinehart lake is a groundwater drainage lake • Water enters the lake primarily from groundwater, with Outlet some runoff, and precipitation • Water exits the lake to groundwater and to an outlet stream that flows only during peak runoff periods or during high groundwater levels.

• The fluctuation of the groundwater table significantly impacts the water levels in Rhinehart Lake

3 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ Land Use in the Surface Watershed

Surface Watershed: The land area where water runs off the surface of the land and drains toward the lake

Cty Hwy T

Hotvedt Rd. Surface Watershed: 326 Acres Current Predominant Land Use

ƒ Around the lake: forest, shrub cover, and residential ƒ In the watershed: non- irrigated cropland, forest and shrub cover

Trout Creek Rd

Surface Watershed Land Use Surface Watershed Land Use

160 ƒ Residential land 140 has been 120 1948 increasing along 100 with forest and 1968 80 shrub land 1990 Acres 60 2002 ƒ Non-irrigated 40 cropland has 20 decreased a great 0 deal since 1948 d e al n n s d b s tial n a d e u e n a st di tio L stur e o ƒ Permanent pasture tu rtatio p Pa st re Shr B i o ro t r st sp n rm Fo e and institutional Reside In a t n d C ne F te a Wa uses remain very Tra a ig rr erm minimal in the -I P on landscape N

4 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ Land Use in the Groundwater Shed

Groundwater Shed: The land area where water soaks into the ground and travels underground to the lake.

Current Predominant Land Use

ƒ Major land uses in the groundwater shed are forest, non-irrigated cropland, and shrub cover Hotvedt Rd

Groundwater Shed Land Use Groundwater Shed 180 Land Use 160 140 ƒ Forest and non- 120 irrigated cropland have dominated the 100 land use since 1948 80 ƒ Shrub cover has Acres 60 slightly decreased 40 since 1948 20 ƒ Residential and transportation uses 0 have been slowly l ia on nd re s ed er es increasing since 1948 nt ti la tu ion st di de ta p s t re Cov o si or ro Pa ra o b r B e sp C nt pe F ru te R n ed e O a a at an al Sh W Tr ig m m Irr r ni n- Pe A o ed N in nf 1948 1968 1990 2002 Co

5 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ Taking a closer look (Within 1,000 feet of the lake)

Points of Interest

1. Residential and forested areas have replaced cropland

1968 Air Photo

Noted Features

1000 Foot Buffer Road Network 2000

1

2000 Air Photo

6 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ Taking a closer look (Within 1,000 feet of the lake)

Changes from 1938 to 2000

1938 2000

# of Docks 6 14

Impervious Surface (acres) 1 5

Residential (acres) 2 14

Cropland (acres) 76 72

Forest (acres) 101 93

Percent Land Cover Within 1000 Foot Buffer

60%

50%

40%

30%

20% 1938 2000 10%

0% Im F D Op Wa C o pe eve ro rest en te plan rm lo / r e p Range ab ed d le S ur la nd faces

7 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ Water Quality

Total Phosphorus In more than 80% of Wisconsin’s lakes phosphorus is the key nutrient affecting aquatic plant and algae growth. Once in a lake system phosphorus levels are difficult to reduce, so limiting phosphorus input is key. Phosphorus at levels above 30 parts per billion (ppb) can lead to nuisance aquatic plant growth and accelerate a lake’s change from oligotrophic to eutrophic. Sources of phosphorus include septic systems, detergents, animal waste, farmland and storm sewer runoff, soil erosion, and fertilizers for lawns, gardens, and agriculture.

Oligotrophic Lakes Common uses: 9 Swimming 9 Skiing 9 Boating

Vegetation of oligotrophic lakes: 9 Very little vegetation

Mesotrophic Lakes Common uses:

9 Boating 9 Fishing

Vegetation of mesotrophic lakes: 9 Increased vegetation 9 Occasional algal blooms

Eutrophic Lakes Common uses: 9 Fishing 9 Wildlife watching

Vegetation of eutrophic lakes: 9 Lots of aquatic plants 9 Frequent algal blooms

Winter kill problems are most common on shallow lakes

8 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ Water Quality

Average Total Phosphorus Levels

The graph to the left shows total 30 Eutrophic phosphorus levels measured when the Rinehart Lake lake was well mixed (overturn). 25 Phosphorus levels in Rinehart Lake in Historic Average 1998-1999 and 2002-2003 were much less than average historic levels. Current 20 1998-99 Average phosphorus levels in the Rinehart Lake Mesotrophic 2002-03 Average are also much lower than the 16 ppb 15 average concentration in other groundwater drainage lakes in this Definitions for region. 10 eutrophic, mesotrophic Concentration (ppb) Concentration 5 and Overturn: uniform temperature Oligotrophic oligotrophic are on the from top to bottom in the lake. 0 previous page.

Water Clarity Water clarity (Secchi disc depth) is an indicator of water quality. The two main components affecting water clarity are materials dissolved in the water and materials suspended in the water. Water clarity can indicate overall water quality, especially the amount of algae and suspended sediment present.

Rinehart Lake 0 The water clarity in Rinehart Lake is 5 considered good. The average Secchi depth reading for similar lakes in the 10 region is 10 feet; Rinehart Lake consistently has better clarity than this. The water clarity of Rinehart Lake during 15 2002-03 growing seasons was generally slightly better than the historical growing 20 season average. The month of May shows the best water clarity and the month of 25 September the poorest. These fluctuations Depthfrom (ft) surface throughout the summer are normal as algae 30 populations and sedimentation increase and decrease. y ly ne u J Ma Ju Sept. August Historic Average 2002/2003 Average Historic Maximum Historic Minimum

9 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 2002 Amphibian Distribution at Portage County Lakes

This summary provides preliminary information on the amphibian species present and their distribution at the twenty-nine Portage County lakes. Surveys were conducted from April 2002 - August 2002, the typical breeding period of the frogs and salamanders found in the county. Twelve frog species have been documented in Wisconsin, nine of which currently inhabit Portage County: American toad, chorus frog, spring peeper, eastern gray treefrog, Cope’s gray treefrog, green frog, pickerel frog, northern leopard frog, and wood frog. Historically, Blanchard’s cricket frog inhabited Portage County but is believed to now exist only in southeastern Wisconsin. Of all species believed to inhabit Portage County, only the pickerel frog was not found during the spring and summer of 2002. The pickerel frog has been listed as a species of special concern in Wisconsin. No new species to Portage County were recorded in 2002. Seven salamander species have been documented in Wisconsin, all of which currently inhabit Portage County: blue-spotted salamander, spotted salamander, tiger salamander, central newt, mudpuppy, northern redback salamander and four-toed salamander. The four-toed salamander is listed as a species of special concern in Wisconsin. Large sections of continuous natural shoreline on lakes are ideal habitats for frog and salamander populations. Natural areas with large amounts of submergent, emergent and floating-leaf vegetation provide protection for amphibians. Many species also use the vegetation for attachment of eggs during the breeding season. Green frogs, bullfrogs, pickerel frogs and leopard frogs depend on the shoreline area throughout the year. In contrast, American toads, spring peepers, tree frogs, wood frogs and chorus frogs depend on the shoreline area in the spring for breeding and then move to other areas for the rest of the year. Undisturbed areas of shoreline that are also connected to large natural upland areas provide ideal habitat for many amphibian species because they lessen frogs’ exposure to predators. Many frog and salamander species migrate to the lakes in the spring to breed and spend the summer months foraging in the uplands. Many amphibian species will also over winter in the uplands.

Chorus Frog

Eastern Gray Treefrog Spring Peeper Northern Leopard Frog

Wood Frog

American

Green Frog Cope’s Gray Treefrog

Blue-spotted Northern Redback Salamander

10 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ Frogs & Salamanders

Rinehart Lake Map Key Frogs Red outlined areas = primary frog habitat Number of species: 7 Yellow outlined areas = primary salamander habitat

Species observed to date: wood frog, spring peeper, chorus frog, northern leopard frog, gray treefrog, American toad, green frog Good News

Location of primary habitat: south and west sides of lake ƒ Numerous frog species present, many residential areas have protected portions of the Key features of habitat: protected areas of marsh with shoreline submergent, emergent and floating leaf vegetation ƒ Undisturbed temporary wetlands are excellent

breeding locations for salamanders Salamanders Number of species: 1 Bad News

Species observed to date: blue-spotted salamander ƒ Large areas of altered shoreline due to residential development Location of primary habitat: wetland area just southeast of lake

11 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ Shoreline Vegetation

Frogs and toads depend on shoreline and aquatic vegetation for: • attachment of eggs during the breeding season, • shelter for adults throughout the spring and summer, • food for larvae, • habitat for prey, and • slowing evaporation and moderating temperature fluctuations. Rhinehart Lake Green Frog Habitat

Frogs are commonly found in areas with large amounts of tree cover, aquatic plants, leaves, and downed branches, characteristics typical of natural areas. Frogs are not frequently found in sandy areas or open water, characteristics typical of altered areas. Though amphibians use drier prairies and woodlands Excellent 29% near lakes and wetlands, this study focused on areas reaching from 16 feet Poor into the lake to 33 feet inland. 39%

Green frogs are used as an indicator for the health of aquatic life in Wisconsin lakes because they are abundant, live in many cover types, and remain along the edge of the lake throughout the spring and summer. While other amphibians may require more specific cover types, the green frog Adequate habitat is a useful indicator. Some cover types (as shown on map above) are 32% better than others for green frogs. Specifically: • Excellent green frog habitat = cover types 1 and 2 • Adequate green frog habitat = cover types 3, 4 and 6 • Poor green frog habitat = cover types 5, 7 and 8 Best Green Frog Habitat: Ebert Lake 33% excellent habitat + 67% adequate Lakes with larger amounts of good green frog habitat will likely support more amphibians and more species of amphibians. Likewise, Worst Green Frog Habitat: Helen Lake amphibians are more likely to be harmed or eliminated with 2% excellent habitat + 6% adequate + increasing shoreland development. 92% poor

12 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rhinehart Lake ~ Fish

Rhinehart Lake Fish

Number of observed species: 13

Species observed to date: This chart represents all species detected, by decade, in Rhinehart Lake since censusing began. Data before 2002 was collected by the Wisconsin DNR and 2002/2003 data was collected by UW-Stevens Point. X represents a decade when the species was detected and S represents a decade when the species was stocked.

1930's 1950's 1970's 1980's 1990'S 2000's Bluegill S XXXXX Bluegill/Pumpkinseed hybrid X Pumpkinseed XXX Bluegill/Green Sunfish hybrid X Green Sunfish XX Warmouth XXX X Rock Bass X Largemouth Bass SXXX,SX,SX Black Crappie XX,SX Wal l eye SXX Yellow Perch XXX,SXX Northern Pike XXX,SXX Yellow Bullhead XXX Bullhead sp. XX,S White Sucker XX Bluntnose Minnow X Golden Shiner X Blackchin Shiner XX Blacknose Shiner XX Brook Silverside XX Banded Killifish X Central Mudminnow X

13 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005

Substrate: Bottom substrate is mostly marl or marl over sand. There is an area of clean sand and gravel not on the map near the boat landing which was attractive to schools of blackchin and blacknose shiners and bluntnose minnows and may be important to the continued presence of these fish. Largemouth bass successfully excavate through marl down to the sandy substrate for their nests. Areas of sand and gravel should be protected from sedimentation. .

Vegetation: A moderate growth of Chara covers the bottom of much of Rhinehart Lake. The southwestern shore’s expanse of emergent and floating vegetation provides excellent spawning habitat for northern pike. A freshwater sponge, not seen in other lakes, appearing as a green to brown coral-like branched projection growing from the substrate, was observed.

14 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rhinehart Lake supports a warm water fishery. Thirteen species were found in 2002 and 2003 compared to 18 from historical records. Three newly documented species were found, but two were hybrids, bluegill/green sunfish and bluegill/pumpkinseed and the third was the bluntnose minnow. The sport fish population is presently dominated by bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow bullheads and yellow perch. Because of the extensive development around the lake and public access, the lake has been sampled frequently and there is a long history of stocking dating back to the 1930s. A number of warm water sport fish species had been stocked including largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Few of these fish never appeared in the creel prompting WDNR biologists to note in the early 1980s that stocking did not appear to be worthwhile. The most recent WDNR survey in 1995 noted an absence of sunfish possibly from poor spawning success and no bass over 14 inches probably from over fishing. The population of bluegill appeared to have recovered in numbers by 2003, but individuals were small in average size indicating stunting. Young of year largemouth bass were sampled in 2002- 2003 indicating spawning is successful, but no adults were collected. A floating electofishing barge was used to sample the wadable portions of the lake shoreline which cannot reach deep water where adult largemouth would be found in late fall. Typically, the average size of largemouth bass in most lakes in Portage County is small because of high fishing pressure. Eight species previously known from the lake were lost or not documented in the present study. These include the walleye which would only be present from stocking as there is no spawning habitat for this species in the lake, the rock bass, pumpkinseed, black crappie, white sucker, golden shiner, banded killifish, and central mudminnow. Several of these species could naturally find their way back into the lake through the semi-permanent outlet, the headwaters of Nace Creek. Several species with restricted distributions were also found in the lake including the blackchin shiner, blacknose shiner and the brook silverside which was the only lake where the latter species was found.

15 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plant surveys were conducted in each lake. More detailed information is available in the final report.

Aquatic Plant Survey There are 37 species (36 species of vascular plants plus one macrophytic alga) that have been found in Rhinehart Lake or on the shore and adjacent wet areas. This is below average for Portage County lakes.

Rhinehart Lake has a relatively small aquatic flora, but no aggressive alien species have been noted in the lake. A considerable portion of the shore has been developed, but few aliens are present, of which the most aggressive is reed canary-grass at several locations. The southwestern shallow-water portion of the lake holds a good quality assemblage of emergent and marsh vegetation.

Invasive Exotic Aquatic Plants

Invasive species displace native species, disrupt ecosystems, and affect citizen’s livelihoods and quality of life. They hamper boating, swimming, fishing, and other water recreation, and take an economic toll on commercial, agricultural and aquatic resources. (Wisconsin DNR)

Aquatic plants surveys revealed that some of the lakes in the study have invasive aquatic plants present.

Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) was present in • Bear Lake • Lake Emily • Lake Joanis • Jordan Pond • McDill Pond • Springville Pond • Thomas Lake

Curly leaf pondweed (Potomogetan crispis) was identified in • Spring Lake • Amherst Millpond

Contact the Portage County Land Conservation Department for additional information.

16 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ What can you do to help?

A lake is a magnificent water resource. The quality of its water is a reflection of what happens on the land that surrounds it.

Lake Users: 9 Run boat engines efficiently. 9 Observe no/low wake zones. 9 Refuel away from water. Land Owners: 9 Control soil 9 Dispose of trash properly erosion. 9 Remove all aquatic 9 Keep livestock out plants from boats of lakes and Home Owners: and trailers. streams. 9 Leave natural 9 Control manure vegetation runoff. buffers in place 9 Carefully manage or replace them if they have been nutrients and pesticides. removed.

9 Learn to identify 9 Eliminate the use and look for of fertilizer or use invasive species. low/no phosphorus fertilizer. 9 Eliminate or

Project support provided by: minimize use of

pesticides. ƒ Wisconsin DNR Lake Protection grants 9 Control soil ƒ UW-Stevens Point erosion. ƒ Portage County 9 Clean up after ƒ Portage County Citizens pets. 9 Learn to identify Study Contacts: and look for invasive species.

Portage County: Steven Bradley at 346-1334

UW- Stevens Point: Nancy Turyk at 346-4155

17 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005 Rinehart Lake ~ Primary Researchers

Algae Dr. Bob Bell

Aquatic Plants Dr. Robert Freckmann

Birds Dr. Tim Ginnett Brad Bulin (Graduate Student)

Fish Dr. Ron Crunkilton

Land Use Coverages/Watersheds Steve Bradley (Portage County Conservationist)

Planning Assistance Lynn Markham Mike Hansen

Reptiles and Amphibians/Near Shore Habitat Dr. Erik Wild Rori Paloski (Graduate Student)

Water Quality/Watersheds Becky Cook Dr. Paul McGinley Dr. Byron Shaw Dick Stephens Nancy Turyk

Near Shore Summary Dr. Glenn Bowles

Special thanks to UWSP undergraduate and graduate students and local citizens for their assistance!

18 Portage County Lake Study – Final Results April 2005