The Kickapoo River Watershed: a Focus on Water Protection and Stewardship FOREWORD

Produced by the Valley Stewardship Network

The Kickapoo River Watershed: A Focus on Water Protection and Stewardship FOREWORD

For over a decade, Valley Stewardship Network has scientific report that investigates the water quality focused on local water quality through water quality of the Kickapoo Watershed. Data gathered from monitoring and public outreach programs. Valley 2000-2010 by VSN’s dedicated citizen-based Stewardship Network’s dedicated volunteer water volunteer water monitors and by Wisconsin’s monitors have recorded over 10,000 data points Department of Natural Resources formed the basis from the Kickapoo Watershed. The analysis of this for this report, which gives those who live, work and data suggests areas of high quality waterways as play within the Kickapoo a glimpse into the health well as areas needing improvement. Clean water of our streams and rivers. is essential to healthy food and local communities, and because water quality is greatly influenced by In many cases, there was not enough data to make our actions, we can all play an important role in conclusive determinations affecting the health conserving and protecting this valuable resource. of each stream and river within the watershed. However, the assessment does offer a rare snapshot Characterized by unique beauty and ecological of the state of our unique water resources at this diversity, the Kickapoo Watershed lies in the heart point in time. While many of the streams of the of the Driftless Region, an area untouched by Kickapoo valleys are high quality and considered glaciers. This watershed, defined as an “area of land in good health, some water bodies exhibit definite that catches rain and snow and drains into a marsh, indications of compromised water health. These stream, river, lake or groundwater,” lies in portions generalizations reinforce the idea that taking care of of Monroe, Richland, Vernon and Crawford County our water is essential to our economy, environment, in rural southwestern Wisconsin. The Kickapoo and us…now and into the future. Watershed is also characterized by streams and rivers, many supporting native brook trout or brown For more information on specific streams and trout. rivers, please read VSN’s “Kickapoo River Watershed Assessment” and Appendices A-E, available online The Valley Stewardship Network’s Water Quality at VSN’s website (kickapoovsn.org) and local Program recently completed a highly detailed, libraries. WATER

Water is perhaps the most unique natural substance on Earth, and it is vital to the creation and survival of all living organisms. As a building block for life, water is neutral, with a pH of 7, meaning that it is neither acidic nor basic. In its pure form water is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, and unlike all other natural substances, water naturally exists in all three states: gas (vapor), liquid, and solid (ice). Also distinctive, water in the solid state is less dense than as a liquid. As a result, ice has the capacity to float in water. Ice forms at the uppermost surface of a waterbody, acting as an insulating layer for life below. This unique property allows life to flourish even in extreme climates. Water is considered a “universal solvent,” which means it has the ability to dissolve almost all other substances. Oceans, saltwater bodies that comprise about 70% of Earth’s surface, are perhaps the greatest example of this capability. Water is cohesive, or sticky, due to a high surface tension. In other words, water molecules cling to other water molecules. This property leads to the formation of water droplets, which in turn attract other neighboring water molecules to create such natural phenomena as humidity, precipitation, streams, rivers, lakes and oceans.

2 condensation water storage in ice and snow

water storage precipitation sublimation in the atmosphere snowmelt runoff to streams evapotranspiration evaporation streamflow surface runoff

water storage in oceans spring infiltration freshwater storage

groundwater discharge

THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN WATER QUALITY The better the water quality, the cleaner the water!

Water quality: The health of our streams and rivers may be Encompasses all biological, chemical, and • negatively affected by: physical properties of a waterbody, Runoff of toxins, nutrients, and metals; Supports all living organisms which are • • Erosion of soil; dependent on water, and • Natural disasters such as flooding and Defines limits which meet or exceed • • droughts; and drinking water standards for consumption • • Human activities. Our waterways interconnect as water Examples of human activities include recycles throughout the atmosphere, both nonpoint and point sources of land, soil, vegetation, groundwater, and pollution. Point source pollution can be surface waters. Within the water cycle, traced back to a single source, such as a pollution can enter and spread throughout factory pipe discharging toxic materials this intertwined system. directly to a waterbody. Nonpoint source pollution may be difficult to pinpoint to an Clean water is especially important as it identifiable source, and in fact, may come is a priceless resource that becomes from many different human activities which expensive to fix when contamination make the pollution difficult to isolate and occurs. control. Examples of nonpoint source pollution may include runoff from construction sites, urban and residential areas, and improperly managed farming practices.

3 KICKAPOO VALLEY er iv R WATERSHED o o p k a c i

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K 0 5 10 CRAWFORD Miles

Kickapoo Valley Watershed Major Rivers and Streams Communities County Boundaries

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE KICKAPOO WATERSHED Meandering throughout the valleys, the the Kickapoo River include Moore Creek, Kickapoo River twists and turns for 130 Billings Creek, West Fork of the Kickapoo, flowing miles. Yet, the Kickapoo River only Reads Creek and Tainter Creek. covers 60 miles as the crow flies. Because of its winding nature, indigenous people Untouched by glaciers, the Kickapoo to this area named the primary river of Watershed encompasses an ancient, our watershed “Kickapoo” (Algonquin for unique landscape lying at the heart of “One who goes here, then there”). The the Driftless region, giving us a glimpse Kickapoo River and its tributaries form into the past of pre-glacial Wisconsin. a dendritic stream pattern, resembling In fact, some geologists believe that the branching of trees such as oaks and the Kickapoo may well be one of the maples. The largest tributaries feeding oldest rivers in existence today. 4 The landscapes of the Kickapoo have and native brook trout. These high quality abundant karstic features. Karst refers to waterways also support diverse populations countless cracks, fissures, underground of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. streams, and caves that are formed in highly-soluble dolomite and limestone At the turn of the 20th century, unsuitable bedrock. Interestingly, many of these farming practices on steep terrain and karstically-formed caves within the heavy logging took a toll on land and Kickapoo region house archeological water resources. Such activities on the records of native societies, and these lands vastly accelerated soil erosion and records are incredibly important as deposited sediment into the waterways of historic bookmarks of ancient culture. the Kickapoo. In the 1930s dust-bowl era, Bedrock, mostly comprised of dolomite the Soil Conservation Service (now known and sandstone with some shale and as the Natural Resources Conservation limestone, is steeper in the upper watershed, Service, or NRCS) formed to develop transitioning into the gently rolling, forested nationwide conservation practices. The hills of the lower watershed. Following the very first of these projects began in Coon course of the Kickapoo River, sandstone Valley, Wisconsin. Today, better water outcroppings dominate the landscape, quality and appropriate farming practices adding beauty and fostering a diverse flourish throughout the watershed. habitat that supports rare plants and animals. Prairies dot this unique landscape However, soil erosion and deposition and provide high-quality plant and animal still threaten the quality of our rivers habitats. However, these ecologically and streams. Other threats include sensitive and important habitats are runoff, nonpoint and point source considerably smaller in number and size pollution, aquatic invasive species, and since the influx of European settlers to the flooding. Most recently, major flooding area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. in both 2007 and 2008 had devastating economic and environmental impacts Natural springs are common throughout in communities of the Kickapoo, such as the Kickapoo Valley. These feed over 200 Gays Mills, Soldiers Grove, Readstown, miles of Class I and Class II trout streams, Ontario, La Farge, and Viola. home to aquatic life including brown trout

MONITORING THE HEALTH OF A WATERWAY

Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources VSN has been successful in providing (WDNR) staff performs water quality testing extensive water quality data for improving throughout Wisconsin. However, WDNR’s water and maintaining the health of streams and division team cannot possibly monitor every rivers within the watershed. One of the most water body in the state and have historically sustainable aspects of VSN’s efforts is human depended on outside organizations and power in the form of volunteer water quality volunteers to provide crucial water quality data. monitors, whose efforts are the heart of the One such organization advocating for clean Water Quality program at VSN. water within the greater Kickapoo Watershed region is the Valley Stewardship Network (VSN).

5 VALLEY STEWARDSHIP NETWORK: WATER QUALITY PROGRAM

The Valley Stewardship Network’s and adjacent regions in an effort tocreate a mission is to “promote stewardship and balance between a healthy environment inspire cooperative efforts to improve the and strong communities. sustainability of the communities and ecosystems in the Kickapoo Watershed Since 2000, VSN has provided the equipment, Region.” training and oversight while local volunteers have provided their time and energy. To date, VSN’s Water Quality program is an extensive, VSN has collected and analyzed over a decade grassroots watershed initiative aimed of valuable water quality data from staff and at protecting and improving the health volunteer citizen-based water monitors. This of the Kickapoo Watershed region. The data provides the key to understanding the Water Quality program encompasses health of our watersheds and VSN has played water monitoring by citizens and staff, a major role in contributing water data— education, water protection advocacy and in some cases, VSN’s volunteers have watershed research. provided nearly 99% of all water quality data currently available from the Kickapoo VSN teaches our volunteers practices and region! All data contributed by VSN’s procedures for monitoring the water quality volunteers has played an integral role in the of our hometown streams and rivers through “Kickapoo River Watershed Assessment” the statewide-utilized Wisconsin Water completed by VSN in 2011. Action Volunteers (WAV) program, managed by the University of Wisconsin-Extension and the Wisconsin DNR. By empowering local volunteers, VSN strives to promote proactive stewardship in the Kickapoo River watershed

WATER ACTION VOLUNTEERS (WAV) PROGRAM

WAV is a statewide program for Wisconsin WAV monitoring, which uses the same citizens who want to “learn about and methods and equipment as the WDNR staff. improve the quality of Wisconsin’s streams Monitors can also engage in WAV Level III and rivers.” Monitors begin with the Level “Special Projects” testing waterways that I WAV program. WAV Level I monitors face potential environmental threats. follow statewide monitoring protocols to ensure consistency in citizen-monitoring data collection and a standardized level of quality. Level I volunteers monitor dissolved oxygen, pH, stream flow, water temperature, transparency, macroinvertebrate identification and habitat assessment. After the completion of Level I, volunteers may choose to step up their knowledge and perform Level II

6 WAV Level I: Volunteers monitor monthly from April- October. WAV Level II: Volunteers monitor monthly from May- WAV Level III: • Dissolved Oxygen September. This method uses a combination of • pH both Level I and II procedures. Lab • Stream flow Uses sophisticated equipment samples are commonly submitted to a • Macroinvertebrates (aquatic and WDNR-approved protocols. water analysis laboratory to perform bugs and critters) Data collected in Level II is used specific testing. • Water temperature in WDNR research. • Transparency (or water Lab testing may include: clarity) • Dissolved Oxygen • Habitat Assessment (to • pH • Nutrients (ammonia, nitrate observe and record changes • Water temperature and nitrate, phosphorous) to the aquatic and terrestrial • Transparency • Bacteria (fecal coliform and landscape) E. coli) • Chemistry (hardness, magnesium, calcium, triazine, atrazine, and DISSOLVED O2 arsenic).

Fish and other aquatic plants and animals However, in some instances dissolved oxygen depend on oxygen in the water to survive. dipped below saturation. Locations showing Photosynthesis by plants and water’s dips in dissolved oxygen levels included absorption of oxygen from the air creates streams surrounding Jersey Valley during higher dissolved oxygen levels. On the the fish kills of 2005, Moore Creek in the other hand, respiration, warmer water Upper Kickapoo, Brush Creek and South Bear temperatures, and degrading nutrient levels Creek in the Middle Kickapoo, Sand Creek in lower dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen the Lower Kickapoo, and the Kickapoo River readings are ever-changing and depend on throughout the watershed, especially following time of day as well as time of year. Typically, heavy precipitation and flooding events. the lowest levels will be just before sunrise, as oxygen is used for respiration. Trout need at A notable drop in dissolved oxygen levels minimum 6 mg/L of dissolved oxygen, while is evidenced in Figure 1. Data represented carp and bloodworms can survive on less was gathered by VSN volunteers at than 1 mg/L. Dissolved oxygen saturation a site at the Kickapoo River south of values of 90-110% are considered excellent. Haney, WI. Dissolved oxygen levels do not typically show impairment, with Overall, recorded dissolved oxygen levels the exception of the July 2009 sample from the past 10 years point towards healthy with a percent saturation of 63.8 %. streams with good dissolved oxygen ranges.

Figure 1 - Kickapoo River East of Highway 131 and Docs Lane Intersection 7 TEMPERATURE

Figure 2 - Bufton Hollow Creek - 65 feet Downstream from Bridge on Highway 56

Temperature plays an integral Most streams, including but not role in determining the health limited to Cook Creek, Seas Branch, of a stream or river and is Bishop Branch, Bufton Hollow interconnected with most Creek, Camp Creek, Reads Creek, other measured water quality Tainter Creek, Otter Creek, Pine parameters. For instance, warmer Creek, Sand Creek, and Plum water holds less dissolved oxygen Creek, could be classified as cold than cooler water, thus limiting water streams, supportive of trout what aquatic life is present. Trout populations and indicators of require waters between 55-65 clean water, although some larger degrees Fahrenheit while other streams, such as Knapp Creek and organisms, such as carp, can Brush Creek, have less-than-ideal be found in warmer waters. warmer water temperatures.

The temperature of streams Figure 2 illustrates temperature and rivers may be affected by variations typical of the Kickapoo heated runoff from parking lots, Watershed’s cold streams. This roof tops and roads, eroding site was monitored by VSN for soil (sediments warmed by the their WDNR partnership to ground sun), wide, shallow streams, and truth temperature modeling in thermal pollution discharged from the watershed. As depicted, the industries. Streams fed by seeps daily mean maximum of 17.1°C and springs typically have fewer and summer maximum of 20.9 °C fluctuations in water temperature. indicates that this tributary can

properly classified as a trout stream. Amphipod HABITAT ASSESSMENT Amphipod

Habitat assessment, determined through answering a series of questions, is used to document the surrounding environmental condition of each WAV site. This is important to monitor as change, such as construction of a nearby road or erosion, may affect the entire surrounding habitat as well as water quality. 8 Transparency is the such as bass, pike and turbidity units). measure of water clarity trout to see. Monitoring or turbidity (amount of transparency is especially Although transparency suspended particles in useful before, during and levels throughout the water). Turbidity warms immediately after rain watershed were typically the water, as suspended storms to address runoff in acceptable ranges, the sediments are warmed by issues from such sources Lower Kickapoo River the sun’s rays, hindering including construction exhibits consistently aquatic plants’ ability to sites, urban runoff poorer readings, especially photosynthesize as well from rainstorms and after a heavy precipitation as limiting the amount of melting snow, eroding event. Isolated cases oxygen dissolved in the stream banks, excess of, lower transparency water. Turbid waters harm algal growth, and heavy also occurred in streams fish, aquatic bugs and logging activity. Excellent such as Brush Creek, critters by irritating their values for transparency Hay Valley Creek, and gills. Increased turbidity and indications of clean South Bear Creek. also limits the ability for water are below 10 sight-dependent predators NTUs (nephelometric pH pH is the measure of the hydrogen ion. Figure 3 provides an example of a stream While a pH of 7 is neutral, values above with typical pH levels. This station has that are considered alkaline (or basic) been monitored by VSN since 2008 for while those below are considered acidic (or temperature and core data. The pH levels corrosive). Ideal range for waters is 6-9. are generally around pH 8, slightly basic Throughout the Kickapoo Watershed, pH and consistent with limestone bedrock. values in general were more basic, ranging between 7.5-8.5 and within acceptable limits. Higher, slightly basic pH levels are typical in the Driftless area, characterized by limestone bedrock.

Figure 3 - Bishop Branch Off of Highway 56 At Starr Property 9 MACROINVERTEBRATES

Group 1: These are sensitive to pollutants. Relative Size Key:

= larger than picture

Macroinvertebrates, or Water Snipe = smaller than picture aquatic bugs and critters, are Fly Larva Larva living indicators of stream Larva

health, as some tolerate Group 2: These are semi-sensitive to pollutants. pollution and warmer waters better than others. Because they are relatively immobile they cannot easily escape either short- Larva Water or long-term pollution. Penny WAV’s biotic index divides macroinvertebrates into (side view) four groups depending on Crane Fly Larva* Freshwater Mussel or Larva Adult* their sensitivity to pollution. Larva Fingernail clam Healthy streams have a wide variety of organisms from Group 3: These are semi-tolerant of pollutants. all four groups.

Non-Red Midge Larva Available macroinvertebrate Black Fly Amphipod or Scud Larva data showed a wide Snails: Orb or Gilled (right side opening) range of pollution levels, *All Snails = 1 from “unlikely” to “very Group 4: These are tolerant of pollutants. significant,” throughout the watershed. However, most streams were in the “slight” Bloodworm Midge to “unlikely” pollution Larva (red) Pouch Snail Isopod or Aquatic Tubifex category, which indicates (left side opening) Sowbug Worm water health capable Leech

of sustaining a diverse Download and print data sheets from watermonitoring.uwex.edu/wav/monitoring/sheets.html For more information, call (608) 265-3887 or (608) 264-8948. population of aquatic bugs © 2010 University of Wisconsin. This publication is part of a seven-series set, “Water Action Volunteers Volunteer – Monitoring Factsheet Series.” All recording forms are free and available from the WAV coordinator. WAV is a cooperative program between the University ofWisconsin-Extension & the Wisconsin rtunities in employment and critters. Additional and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements. macroinvertebrate data is much needed and provides the key to a better understanding of the connection of living biota within the Kickapoo Watershed to potential pollution problems.

10 STREAM FLOW

Steam flow is the volume of water moving phenomena including droughts and floods. past a cross-section of a stream over a set period of time, measured in cubic feet Figure 4 illustrates how stream flow varies per second (cfs). Streams flow faster with from year to year and season to season. heavy rainfall and snowmelt, and the flow VSN citizen monitors gathered data at this changes throughout the year. Stream station on Brush Creek from 2000-2005. flow affects the shape, size and course of As depicted, stream flow values widely the stream, as well as habitats for aquatic fluctuate from 2000-2003 and are more organisms. Stream flow is affected by consistent from 2004-2005. urban, domestic, and agricultural land use, industrial activities, and natural weather

Figure 4 - Brush Creek at 17th driveDate 200 ft. DS of bridge, L. Kampf property

E. COLI Escherichia coli (E. coli), bacteria present been detected in Moore Creek, Poe in the gut of humans and animals, are an Creek, Sleighton Creek, Upper Kickapoo indicator of fecal contamination. This River, Knapp Creek, West Fork, Hay bacterium was found throughout the Valley Creek, Middle Kickapoo River, watershed, specifically in the Kickapoo and the Lower Kickapoo River. River. E. coli, may come from such human activities as wastewater discharge, septic The station whose data is depicted in system malfunction, and agricultural Figure 5 was monitored by VSN during runoff from animals. The WDNR has the E.coli testing program. As depicted, set an instantaneous limit of 400 colony numerous E.coli values exceed the WDNR forming units (cfu)/100 mL for E. coli flowing rivers and streams recreational presence in recreational waters. limit of 400 cfu/100 mL. The data indicates that impact by human activity Although E. coli has not been studied was causing elevated E.coli levels. extensively, historically, E. coli has Figure 5 - Morris (Moore) Creek Station 1 - Cth T Bridge In S23

11 Date NUTRIENTS Nutrients are naturally found in the extensively throughout the watershed, high environment. However, streams and levels of nitrates/nitrites were recorded at rivers often have unnecessarily high Brey Creek, Sleighton Creek in the Upper levels of nutrients, resulting in heavy Watershed, and a spring feeding Cook Creek plant and algal growth which negatively in the West Fork of the Kickapoo Watershed. impact the diversity of organisms that High phosphorous levels were recorded can survive in nutrient-laden waters. in the past at Moore Creek, Poe Creek, Sleighton Creek in the Upper Watershed, The most alarming nutrients present in West Fork of the Kickapoo, Middle the Kickapoo Watershed are nitrogen Kickapoo River, Warner Creek in the Middle (nitrate-nitrite) and phosphorous. Sources Watershed, and the Lower Kickapoo River. of excessive nitrogen include animal waste runoff, fertilized fields or lawns, and The spring site whose nutrient levels faulty septic systems. Naturally occurring are shown in Figure 6 was monitored by nitrogen in surface waters is less than 1 VSN as a part of the Karst Pilot Project. mg/L. Limits vary from 0.5-1.7 mg/L. Due to the groundwater nature of this site surface water limits should not be High phosphorous levels in the Kickapoo applied. However, the values from the Valley may be attributed to fertilizers, spring for nitrates and nitrites appear pesticides, detergents, animal waste runoff, to be much higher than past nitrate/ sewage, as well as wastewater treatment nitrite data downstream in Cook Creek. plant and industrial discharges. Stream impairment limits are set in Wisconsin at Figure 7 illustrates an example of excessive 0.075 mg/L. The EPA set phosphorous limits phosphorous values in Moore Creek. typical for the region at 0.033-0.070 mg/L. As shown, total phosphorous greatly exceed the 0.033 mg/L EPA aggregate Although nutrients were not studied values and WDNR impairment levels.

Figure 6 - Cook Creek Spring 150ft downstream of Highway 56 Bridge

Figure 7 - Moore Creek at County Highway T 12 CONCLUSIONS

WDNR, including Jug groundwater. Creek, Halls Branch, and Better understanding In most cases the portions of the Kickapoo of the interconnectivity data available was River. The presence of ground and surface not extensive enough of both bacteria and waters is needed. for a conclusive nutrients is perhaps determination. As the most concerning Flooding within the such, the data was used water quality data valleys of the Kickapoo to provide a general within the watershed, continues to be a indication of the health as many waterways had common occurrence of our watershed. compromised levels of and correlates directly to both. This reinforces poorer water quality data. In 2011, the Water Quality the philosophy that Within the watershed, program completed landowners and local further examination of the Kickapoo River communities must be the impacts of severe Watershed Assessment, a dedicated stewards rain events is necessary, highly detailed scientific of our lands, as best as extreme, heavy report determining the management practices precipitation becomes current state of water are essential to more frequent with bodies located within continued improvement increased intensity. the Kickapoo Watershed. of our hometown The report’s findings streams and rivers in In conclusion, the are based on over a the Kickapoo region. Kickapoo River decade’s worth of water Watershed Assessment data from VSN staff, Additionally, it is worth revealed that continued VSN volunteer water noting that through monitoring by the monitors, and the WDNR. the VSN’s preliminary WDNR and VSN findings, elevated within the Kickapoo Overall, water quality nutrient levels were Watershed region is within the Kickapoo recorded at higher crucial in furthering our Watershed is generally readings in certain understanding of the high, indicating clean springs than in the health of our streams water resources. streams they feed. This and rivers. VSN’s success However, this is not may be a reflection thus far has depended on the case with every of the Karst geology the teams of volunteer stream or river within common to the Driftless water monitors, and the watershed. In some region. Karstic features continued expansion cases, water quality data can easily and quickly of VSN’s Citizen- from the past ten years transport polluted Based Monitoring shows clear evidence runoff throughout Program is the key of human impacts and these underground to water stewardship poorer water quality. passageways within and protection of Only a few streams are the bedrock and into our waterways. classified as impaired by the aquifers below, contaminating our 13 HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR WATERSHED

The Kickapoo Watershed’s unique beauty and diversity of life is a draw to both silent- sport and outdoor enthusiasts alike. To help protect and improve the quality of our streams and rivers, consider becoming a volunteer water monitor with the Valley Stewardship Network. Trainings are offered every spring and outreach is available from our staff throughout the year.

Contact [email protected] or call 608-637-3615 for more information. And be sure to check out our website at www.kickapoovsn.org for up-to-date information within the Kickapoo Watershed.

To control erosion and runoff, consider implementing: • Managed grazing • Mulching • No-till planting • Managed forests • Cover crops • Nutrient management practices • Grassed waterways • Streambank stabilization

Other ways to help conserve and protect our water resources:

• Pick up litter • Plant trees and native grasses • Properly dispose of hazardous waste and chemicals • Test your private well water annually • Turn off water while brushing teeth and washing hands • Implement rain gardens • Use rain barrels to collect water for irrigation purposes • Install low-flow showerheads and toilets (and consider composting toilets for no- water usage) • Xeriscaping; beautiful landscaping that uses minimal water

And, remember to enjoy the unique beauty that the Kickapoo Watershed has to offer. Canoeing, kayaking, fishing and angling, bicycling, camping, birding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking are available throughout the region seasonally. Both Wildcat Mountain State Park and the Kickapoo Valley Reserve are here to fulfill all your silent sports and educational desires.

14 Production Credits: Written by Katya Leonard

Design by Rozalyn Heidtke, Dairyland Printing

Edited by VSN Board Members: Tamara Dean, Sarah Grainger, Michael Link and 124½ South Main St. Tom Lukens Viroqua, WI 54665 608-637-3615 www.kickapoovsn.org Acknowledgements: [email protected]

Publication work produced under the Wisconsin Department of Natural Like us on facebook Resources’ “River Planning Grant”.

Design costs produced under Vernon Electric’s “Operation Round Up”

Portions of design work generously donated by Dairyland Printing. www.dairylandprint.com

Printed on July 2012 Sources Conservation Technology Information Center. “What is a Watershed?” Know Your Watershed. URL: http:// www.ctic.purdue.edu 2012.

Grainger, Sarah. Valley Stewardship Network. “Kickapoo River Watershed Assessment.” Water Quality Monitoring (WQM). URL: http://www.kickapoovsn.org/programs/water-quality-monitoring/watershed- assessment. December 2011.

Hewitt, Laura. Trout Unlimited. “Kickapoo Watershed Conservation Plan.” URL: http://www.tu.org/atf/ cf/%7BED0023C4-EA23-4396-9371-8509DC5B4953%7D/KickapooPlan99-Chapters1-5.pdf. 1999.

“Kickapoo River Watershed.” Watershed and Clean Water Grants Program. URL: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/ watershed/factsheets/WI_Kickapoo.pdf. June 2002.

Kickapoo Valley Reserve. “Natural Resources.” URL: http://kvr.state.wi.us/. 2012.

Natural Resources Conservation Services. “Kickapoo River Rapid Watershed Assessment.” Wisconsin NRCS. URL: ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/WI/rwa/rwakickapoo.pdf. July 2008.

UW-Extension. “Volunteer Stream Monitoring.” Water Action Volunteers: Citizen Stream Monitoring. URL: http://watermonitoring.uwex.edu/wav/monitoring/index.html. 2007.

Valley Stewardship Network. “Owning Rural Lands: A Guide for the Kickapoo Watershed, 2nd Edition.” Resources. URL: http://kickapoovsn.org/downloads/OwningRuralLands2ndEdweb.pdf. January 2007.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “Lower Wisconsin River Basin.” Gateway to Basins, Watersheds. URL: http://dnr.wi.gov/water/basin/lowerwis/index.htm. August 28,2011.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “Wildcat Mountain State Park.” Wisconsin State Park System. URL: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/wildcat/. May 9, 2012.

Image Credits:

“Thermometer” symbol by Paul te Kortschot 2011, from The Noun Project collection.

“Water” designed by Nacho Jankowski 2012 from the Noun Project collection.

“Map of Ontario”, from the United States Geological Survey Historical Topographic Maps Collection, 1983. www.nationalmap.gov/ historical

“Macroinvertebrates Chart” from UW-Extensions’s Water Action Volunteers program.

Figures 1-7 by Sarah Granger and John Conlon

Printed on 100% Recycled Paper 15