DOCSLIB.ORG

Rapid Watershed Assessment Kickapoo River Watershed Wisconsin

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Rapid Watershed Assessment Kickapoo River Watershed Wisconsin KICKAPOO RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07070006 Wisconsin Rapid Watershed Assessment Kickapoo River Watershed Rapid watershed assessments provide initial estimates of where conservation investments would best address the concerns of landowners, conservation districts, and other community organizations and stakeholders. These assessments help landowners and local leaders set priorities and determine the best actions to achieve their goals. Wisconsin July 2008 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To fi le a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Offi ce of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 1 KICKAPOO RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07070006 Contents INTRODUCTION 1 COMMON RESOURCE AREAS 3 ASSESSMENT OF WATERS 5 SOILS 6 DRAINAGE CLASSIFICATION 7 FARMLAND CLASSIFICATION 8 HYDRIC SOILS 9 LAND CAPABILITY CLASSIFICATION 10 RESOURCE CONCERNS 11 PRS PERFORMANCE MEASURES 11 CENSUS AND SOCIAL DATA (RELEVANT) 12 POPULATION ETHNICITY 13 URBAN POPULATION 13 ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES 14 WATERSHED ASSESSMENT 14 WATERSHED PROJECTS, STUDIES, MONITORING, ETC. 14 PARTNER GROUPS 16 FOOTNOTES/BIBLIOGRAPHY 17 2 KICKAPOO RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07070006 1. INTRODUCTION The Kickapoo River watershed encompasses 492,000 acres in southwest Wisconsin. It begins north of Wilton, in Monroe County, and fl ows south-southwest through Vernon, Richland and Crawford counties, entering the Wisconsin River at Wauzeka. Kickapoo is an Algonquin word meaning “one who goes here, then there” and is an apt description for the river which winds 130 miles to fl ow about 60 miles overall. There are many small tributaries with the most signifi cant being Moore Creek, Billings Creek, the West Fork of the Kickapoo, Reads Creek and Tainter Creek. Most of the tributary streams and the Kickapoo River itself, upstream of Gays Mills, are trout waters. In all, there are over 250 miles of trout waters in the watershed, due to the basefl ow from coldwater springs and watershed and stream projects carried out over the recent decades. Characteristic of the TOMAH unglaciated Driftless Area 90 and its dendritic drainage 131 RIDGEVILLE WILTON CLIFTON pattern, the low number of WELLS 71 Norwalk lakes in the watershed are Monroe 27 Wilton 71 mainly small impoundments. Melvina Kendall 33 WELLINGTON 33 GLENDALE SHELDON Agriculture accounts for PORTLAND JEFFERSON 131 50.4% of the land use in the 162 Cashton 33 Ontario watershed followed closely 14 FOREST by forest land at 48%. CHRISTIANA CLINTON WHITESTOWN Wetlands, roads and 33 Hillsboro 14 Westby residential ares comprise the 131 remaining 1.6%. Farms UNION consist of dairy, cash grain Vernon WEBSTER STARK 82 80 VIROQUA 82 and beef operations. The La Farge 56 Viroqua area is also known for its 131 Yuba high concentration of organic LIBERTY FOREST Viola BLOOM farms. Major crops include 14 corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. KICKAPOO FRANKLIN 131 82 Readstown 56 The watershed is very rural SYLVAN with just over 20,000 Soldiers Grove residents. Only portions of Crawford 27 14 Richland the largest area cities, UTICA CLAYTON Mount 171 Viroqua (pop. 4,424), Westby Boaz Sterling Gays (pop. 2,142) and Cashton 171 Mills (pop. 1,018) are in the Bell Center watershed. The rest of the SENECA SCOTT area is dotted with several Lynxville HANEY 131 small villages, all with less 61 than 1,000 residents. In EASTMAN terms of per capita income, 179 Steuben MARIETTA the watershed is one of Eastman Wisconsin’s poorest areas. 60 Agriculture, food processing, WAUZEKA tourism and outdoor Wauzeka recreation are important to the local economy. 1 KICKAPOO RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07070006 Acreage in the Kickapoo River Watershed % of HUC % of County Acres in from County in County Acres HUC County HUC Crawford 383,164 148,293 30 38.7 Richland 376,779 29,425 6 7.8 Vernon 522,263 215,566 44 41.3 Monroe 580,838 98,067 20 16.9 MONROE CO. RICHLAND CO. VERNON CO. Wisconsin Watershed Map CRAWFORD CO. Elevation Map3. 2 KICKAPOO RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07070006 COMMON RESOURCE AREAS2. Common Resource Area delineations are defi ned as a geographical areas where resource concerns, problems and treatment needs are similar. Common 92.1 Resource areas are a subdivision of an existing Major 90A.1 93B.1 93B.2 Land Resource Area (MLRA). Landscape conditions, 93B.1 soil, climate and human considerations are used to 90A.1 91B.1 determine the boundary of Common Resource Areas. 94D.1 90A.2 90A.1 90A.1 105.WI1 WEST WISCONSIN DRIFTLESS LOESS HILLS 94B.1 94B.2 Highly dissected hills and valleys. Mississippi, 90B.1 Chippewa, and Wisconsin River valleys. Western 90B.1 90A.3 Baraboo Hills. Silty soils over bedrock residuum. 104.1 95A.2 Mostly cropland and pasture on ridgetops, deciduous 95A.1 forest on steep sideslopes. Eau Claire and LaCrosse 89.2 urban areas. 89.1 105.1 95B.2 MONROE CO. 95B.1 Common Resource Area Map110.1 32-34” VERNON CO. RICHLAND CO. 30-32” CRAWFORD CO. 4. Average Annual Precipitation Map (inches) 3 KICKAPOO RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07070006 MONROE CO. VERNON CO. RICHLAND CO. CRAWFORD CO. Land Cover Map 5. Low Intensity Residential 1,050 0.2 Pasture Hay 186,660 38.0 High Intensity Residential 197.5 0 Deciduous Forest 232,376 47.3 Evergreen Forest 1,721 0.4 Row Crops 61,000 12.4 Mixed Forest 1,500 0.3 Open Water 186 0.0 Transitional 0 0 Woody Wetlands 2,605 0.5 Urban / Recreational Grasses 117 0 Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands 1,604 0.3 Quarries / Strip Mines, Gravel Pits 185 0 Commercial/Industrial / Transport 2,765 1.0 Bare Rock / Sand / Clay 2.2 0 Grasslands / Herbaceous 79 0 Total Acres 492,048 100 4 KICKAPOO RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07070006 ASSESSMENT OF WATERS 6 Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act states that water bodies that are not meeting their designated uses (fi shing, swimming), due to pollutants, must be placed on this list. The MONROE CO. 303(d) impaired Waters List is updated every Headwaters Kickapoo River two years. Wisconsin is required to develop TMDLs, Total Maximum Daily Loads, for water bodies on this list. Exceptional Resource Waters (ERW) provide valuable fi sheries, hydrologically or geologically unique features, ek outstanding recreational opportunities, C Cre heyenne Valley unique environmental settings, and which are Bear Creek-Kickapoo River not signifi cantly impacted by human activities may be classifi ed as exceptional resource waters. Outstanding Resource waters (ORW) and ERW differ in that ORW do not have an ranch Seas B associated point source discharge, where ERWs do. West Fork Kickapoo River Bishop Branch S Bear Creek VERNON CO. C a mp Creek R e a 6-11 E d l k s Cre RICHLAND CO. C e re k Ta int er C r eek ek Tainter Creek- Kickapoo River CRAWFORD CO. Halls Branch Listed Waters 303(d) Listed Kickapoo River Exceptional Resource Waters Outstanding Resource Waters Sub Watersheds Streams / Rivers Pl Kickapoo River um Cre ek Listed Waters Map For more information on waters designated as Exceptional or Outstanding Resources waters, visit: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/wqs/orwerw/ For information on specifi c subwatersheds, 303(d) or Exceptional/Outstanding Resource Waters (ERW/ORW): http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/wqs/303d/faqs.html and http://dnr.wi.gov/org/gmu/gpsp/gpbasin/ 5 KICKAPOO RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07070006 Outstanding Resource Waters List Exceptional Resource Waters List Camp Creek Bishop Branch Elk Creek Cheyenne Valley Creek Creek 6-11 T11N R3W Plum Creek Reads Creek S. Bear Creek Seas Branch Tainter Creek 303(d) Waters Mercury Degraded Habitat Sediment Halls Branch X X Kickapoo River X SOILS7. This watershed is dominantly characterized by an unglaciated ridge and valley landscape and is located in the heart of the unglaciated part of Wisconsin (Driftless Area). The predominant bedrock type underlying the ridges is the indurated Prairie du Chien dolostone. Soils on the stable ridge summits formed dominantly in windblown material (loess), overlying clayey pedisediment and residuum from the Prairie du Chien dolostone. A steep bedrock escarpment which is commonly forested, separates the ridge summits from the more gently rolling hills at lower elevations which are underlain by the softer Tunnel City and Wonewoc Cambrian sandstones. Moderately deep to very deep (loess) overlies both of these bedrock-controlled landscapes. Common surface texture is silt loam. These soils are generally well drained, have moderate to slow permeability, and moderate to very high available water capacity. Erosion is a major concern. The valley parts of the landscape generally contain stream terraces and fl oodplains. The soils formed dominantly in silty alluvium. Drainage classes range from well to very poorly drained, permeability from moderate to slow, and available water capacity from moderate to very high. 6 KICKAPOO RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07070006 DRAINAGE CLASSIFICATION Drainage class (natural) refers to the frequency and duration of wet periods under conditions similar to those under which the soil formed. Alterations of the water regime by human activities, either through drainage or irrigation, are not a consideration unless they have signifi cantly changed the morphology of the soil. Seven classes of natural soil drainage are recognized–excessively drained, somewhat excessively drained, well drained, moderately well drained, somewhat poorly drained, poorly drained, and very poorly drained.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • LF0071 Ch6.Pdf
    Figure 6.2: Watersheds (HUC 10) and Sub‐Watersheds (HUC 12) of the Kickapoo River Region. 6‐2 1. OVERVIEW a) Physical Environment This region encompasses both the Kickapoo and La Crosse rivers with a long, large upland ridge running from Norwalk in La Crosse County, south‐southwest to Eastman in Crawford County. On either side of this ridge are numerous narrow hills and valleys that are home to countless headwater creeks. Fed by springs and seeps, these cold waters form some of the most popular trout angling streams in the Driftless Area. Much of the region is covered with deep loess deposits over bedrock (primarily dolostone, sandstone or shale). Soils are primarily silt loams. The region is home to many dry and wet cliffs. The valleys contain stream terraces and floodplains. Streams are high gradient with fast water flow in the headwaters transitioning to meandering low gradient segments as they move toward the Kickapoo and Mississippi Rivers. Groundwater is recharged directly through precipitation. This area has no natural lakes. Figure 6.3: Land cover of the Kickapoo River Region. b) Land Cover and Use The region’s most common land cover is upland forest which blankets most of the hillsides. Crop land is restricted to the uplands and valley floors. The broad, high ridge around Westby and Viroqua is the largest block of upland farmland in the region. The La Crosse River valley floor is also heavily farmed. Very little of the region is prime farmland. c) Terrestrial Habitats This region is especially noteworthy for its current opportunities for the management of big block forests and dry prairie/oak openings near the Mississippi and Kickapoo rivers as well as oak barrens and southern mesic forest in portions of Monroe County.
    [Show full text]
  • Stream Habitat Needs for Brook Trout and Brown Trout in the Driftless Area
    Stream Habitat Needs for Brook Trout and Brown Trout in the Driftless Area Douglas J. Dietermana,1 and Matthew G. Mitrob aMinnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lake City, Minnesota, USA; bWisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin, USA This manuscript was compiled on February 5, 2019 1. Several conceptual frameworks have been proposed to organize in Driftless Area streams. Our specific objectives were and describe fish habitat needs. to: (1) summarize information on the basic biology 2. The five-component framework recognizes that stream trout pop- of Brook Trout and Brown Trout in Driftless Area ulations are regulated by hydrology, water quality, physical habi- streams, (2) briefly review conceptual frameworks or- tat/geomorphology, connectivity, and biotic interactions and man- ganizing fish habitat needs, (3) trace the historical agement of only one component will be ineffective if a different com- evolution of studies designed to identify Brook Trout ponent limits the population. and Brown Trout habitat needs in the context of 3. The thermal niche of both Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis and these conceptual frameworks, (4) review Brook Trout- Brown Trout Salmo trutta has been well described. Brown Trout interactions and (5) discuss lingering un- 4. Selected physical habitat characteristics such as pool depths and certainties in habitat management for these species. adult cover, have a long history of being manipulated in the Driftless Area leading to increased abundance of adult trout. Brook Trout and Brown Trout Biology 5. Most blue-ribbon trout streams in the Driftless Area probably pro- vide sufficient habitat for year-round needs (e.g., spawning, feeding, Brook Trout.
    [Show full text]
  • Vernon County Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan 2018-2022
    VERNON COUNTY WISCONSIN MULTI- HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN 2018-2022 FOR R A W D J C AC O K L S A O F N F U L B A C N R This plan was prepared by the Mississippi River Regional O MRRPC O N S S R E E Planning Commission through a cooperative cost sharing V T E R O E agreement with the Vernon County Board of Supervisors, the R M N P O E Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, Wisconsin A M L E N A PI U PE Emergency Management, and the Federal Emergency PI E R C E Management Agency. Vernon County Multi-Hazards Mitigation Plan 2018-2022 ABSTRACT Title: VERNON COUNTY MULTI-HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN Plan Purpose: This plan’s purpose it to identify goals, projects and actions the county, other local governments and other organizations can undertake to reduce hazard risks to life, health and property. This plan through properly addressing the federal requirements in the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 makes the county and other local governments that participated in the planning process eligible for Federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. These programs can assist in planning, relocation and infrastructure projects that reduce and sometimes eliminate losses and damage from hazards. Plan Participants: This plan was prepared under the direction of the County Emergency Management Committee who coordinated their plan development efforts through the County Emergency Management Director. The Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission who wrote a planning grant to fund this plan was contracted with to write the plan and facilitate public meetings.
    [Show full text]
  • Washburn County)
    Kark's Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to 309 Wisconsin Streams By Richard Kark May 2015 Introduction A Badger Stream Love Affair My fascination with rivers started near my hometown of Osage, Iowa on the Cedar River. High school buddies and I fished the river and canoe-camped along its lovely limestone bluffs. In 1969 I graduated from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and soon paddled my first Wisconsin stream. With my college sweetheart I spent three days and two nights canoe-camping from Taylors Falls to Stillwater on the St. Croix River. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond blared from our transistor radio as we floated this lovely stream which was designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1968. Little did I know I would eventually explore more than 300 other Wisconsin streams. In the late 1970s I was preoccupied by my medical studies in Milwaukee but did find the time to explore some rivers. I recall canoeing the Oconto, Chippewa, Kickapoo, “Illinois Fox,” and West Twin Rivers during those years. Several of us traveled to the Peshtigo River and rafted “Roaring Rapids” with a commercial company. At the time I could not imagine riding this torrent in a canoe. We also rafted Piers Gorge on the Menomonee River. Our guide failed to avoid Volkswagen Rock over Mishicot Falls. We flipped and I experienced the second worst “swim” of my life. Was I deterred from whitewater? Just the opposite, it seems. By the late 1970s I was a practicing physician, but I found time for Wisconsin rivers. In 1979 I signed up for the tandem whitewater clinic run by the River Touring Section of the Sierra Club’s John Muir Chapter.
    [Show full text]
  • 2000 to 2010
    KICKAPOO RIVER WATERSHED ASSESSMENT 2000 TO 2010 VALLEY STEWARDSHIP NETWORK SARAH GRAINGER, M.A.SC. DECEMBER 2011 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Kickapoo River Watershed Assessment has been created by the Valley Stewardship Network (VSN) to provide a critical look at the health of the watershed based on surface water data. Surface water quality data, while one of many components used to assess the health of a watershed, is among the most informative. Thanks to the extraordinary commitment of citizen monitors VSN has provided a quantity of surface water quality data in the Kickapoo River Watershed that compares to that of the regulatory agencies. This assessment will review both Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and VSN data since 2000. Data was analyzed for each watershed, waterbody and station. The Kickapoo watershed was divided into five smaller watersheds as defined by the WDNR; Upper, Middle and Lower Kickapoo Watersheds, West Fork of the Kickapoo Watershed and Reads and Tainter Watershed. For the purpose of this assessment, data was separated into six assessment categories; temperature, core, nutrients, macroinvertebrate, bacteriological and chemical. Data was assessed using WDNR and US Environmental Protection Agency water quality limits and recommendations. In most cases the data available was not extensive enough for a conclusive determination. As such the data was used to provide an indication of the watershed health. The water quality data shows varying watershed health conditions. Some data shows no degradation, while other data showed evidence of human impact. Only a few streams had values that could be considered impaired by WDNR classification system. Most streams showed temperature ranges that could be classify it as a cold stream.
    [Show full text]
  • Media Contact
    WISCONSIN’S NATIONAL TREASURES Exploring Lesser-Known Recreational Areas Travelers looking to visit Wisconsin for its natural beauty will find plenty to do in some of the state’s best and lesser known recreational areas. Peacefulness and simplicity await hikers, bikers, paddlers, and adventure seekers at many Wisconsin National Parks, National Forest Service areas and other federally designated spots. For those looking to take a carefree road trip, Wisconsin scenic byways offer spectacular views. While other state parks across the country are overcrowded with visitors year round, these lesser-known Wisconsin destinations offer authentic and memorable experiences, with plenty of space for yourself, or your family. Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail The Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail (608/266-7012; www.wisconsinbirds.org/trail) is a mapped trail that reaches into every area of the state. Five main sites make up the trail, each in a different region of Wisconsin. Full-color viewing guides with maps and descriptions are available to download on the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail website. The guides provide visitors with descriptions of every site, along with the best places to see eagles, cranes, shorebirds, and more. In addition, the public has nominated National Forest Service properties, state natural areas, county, city and state parks, private museums, nature centers and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service properties that are included on the trail maps. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Travelers in the northern region of Wisconsin can cruise the waters or trek the trails at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (715/779-3397; www.nps.gov).
    [Show full text]
  • Middle Kickapoo River Watershed (Lw05)
    MIDDLE KICKAPOO RIVER WATERSHED (LW05) he Middle Kickapoo River Watershed is located in central Vernon County, but also includes portions of Watershed At A Glance south central Monroe County and northwest Richland T 2 Drainage Area (m ): 247 County as well. This watershed includes all streams that flow to the Kickapoo River between Ontario and Readstown. The Total Stream Miles: 205.5 topography of the Middle Kickapoo River Watershed is quite severe with steep wooded hillsides and narrow valleys which Trout Stream Miles: 128.6 limits the majority of farmland in this watershed to the ridgetops. Only a small portion of the Middle Kickapoo River Sport Fishery Miles: 0 Watershed contains wetlands and they are concentrated along the Kickapoo River, Weister Creek and Warner Creek. An Lakes: None abundance of trout streams drain this watershed. Recently the section of the Kickapoo River in this watershed was classified Exceptional/Outstanding as Class II trout. Resource Waters: Cheyenne Valley Creek, Elk Creek, Camp Creek, Bufton Hollow Creek, Population of the Middle Kickapoo River Watershed for the South Bear Creek year 2000 was estimated at approximately 4,120 which includes portions of 15 townships and three villages. The fastest growing Municipalities: La Farge, community in this watershed is Ontario at nearly 17%. Ontario, Viola Table 1: Growth in Municipalities in the Watershed Major Public Lands: Municipality 1990 2000 % Change ♦ Kickapoo Valley Reserve La Farge 766 775 1.17% ♦ Wildcat Mountain State Park Ontario (part) 407 476 16.9% Concerns and Issues: Viola 644 667 3.57% ♦ Nonpoint source pollution ♦ Proliferation of spring ponds La Farge, Ontario, and Viola each have Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permits to discharge Initiatives and Projects: treated wastewater to the Kickapoo River.
    [Show full text]
  • The Wilson Bulletin
    ^f^khn oi ™_^ The Wilson Bulletin Official Organ of the Wilson Ornithological Club An Illustrated Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Birds Edited by Lynds Jones Old Series, Volume XXV New Series, Volume XX Published by the Club, at Oberlin, Ohio Nineteen Hundred and Thirteen INDEX VOL. XXV, 1913 Acanthis bornemauni exilipes, Bunting, Indigo, 80, 140, 145. 147. Lark, 197. linaria linaria, 147. Lazuli, 197. Accipiter velox, 15, 75. Snow, 17, 43, 46, 94, 147. Actitis macularia, 74. Buteo borealis, 75. Agelaius plioeniceus, 78. calurus, 195. pliceniceus, 36. platypterus, 75, 141. sonorieusis, 196. Butorides virescens, 73. Aidemosyne, 208. Aix sponsa, 73. Ammodramus savannarum aus- Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus, tralis, 79. 18. Anas platyrhynchos, 73. Calamospiza melanocorys, 197. rubripes tristis, 73. Callipepla squamata squamata, Antbus I'ubescens, 19, 83. 195. Antrostomus vociferus, 76. Canacbites canadensis canace, Aqulla cbrysaetos, 146. 144, 146. Aramiis, 206. Capito maculicoronatus pirren- Arcbibuteo lagopus sancti-joban- sis, 46. nis, 75. Cardinal, 80, 86, 87, 95, 150, 151, Arcbilocbus colubris, 77, 153. 205. Ardea berodias, 73. Arizona, 197. Astragalinus tristis, 79. Cardinalis cardinalis, 80. tristis, 17, 21-26. superbus, 197. Astur atricapillus, 143, 146. Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis, Avocet, 195. 197. purpureus, 79. Bseolopbus bicolor, 84. Catbird, 83, 85, 86, 139, 157, Barbet, Mount Pirri, 46. 166-187. Blackbird, 62, 194, 196. Catbartes aura septentrionalis,. Red-winged, 43, 78. 195. 142, Rusty, 17, 43, 78, 86, Centrocercus uropbasianus, 90. 145. Certbia familiaris americana, Bluebird, 7, 41, 43, 85, 95. 19, 84, 147. IVJbuntain, 199. Ceryle, alcyon, 76. Bob-wbite, 74, 95, 99. alcyon, 15. Maslied, 192. Cbsetura pelagica, 77.
    [Show full text]
  • Grained Sediment and Other Limiting Variables on Trout Habitat for Selected Streams in Wisconsin by Barbara C
    Determination of the Effects of Fine- Grained Sediment and Other Limiting Variables on Trout Habitat for Selected Streams in Wisconsin By Barbara C. Scudder, Jeffery W. Selbig, and Robert J. Waschbusch U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Open-File Report 00-435 Prepared in cooperation with the WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Middleton, Wisconsin 2000 uses science for a changing world U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Charles G. Groat, Director Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. For additional information write to: Copies of this report can be purchased from: District Chief U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey Branch of Information Services 8505 Research Way Box 25286 Middleton, Wl 53562-3586 Denver, CO 80225-0286 CONTENTS Abstract................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................... ] Purpose and scope....................................................................................................................................................... 2 Study area...................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 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.
    [Show full text]
  • Lower Kickapoo River Watersheds Watershed
    Wisconsin Lower Kickapoo River Watersheds Watershed 2011 Water Quality Management Plan Update Lower Wisconsin Basin, Wisconsin November 2011 Th e Lower Kickapoo River Watershed lies entirely within Crawford County. It includes the reach of the Kickapoo River from Gays Mills downstream to where the Kickapoo meets the Wisconsin River. As with other watersheds in this system, tributary streams have a fairly steep gradient. A signifi cant per- centage of land is in woodland. Some sizable wetland complexes exist in the Kickapoo River fl oodplain. Contents Th e Kickapoo River Wildlife Area and a Watershed Details . 1 portion of the Lower Wisconsin River State Population and Land Use . 1 Riverway comprise most of the lands in public Hydrology . 2 ownership in this watershed. Th ree munici- Ecological Landscapes . 2 pal wastewater treatment facilities discharge Historical Note . 3 in the watershed: Gays Mills, Eastman and Map 1: Lower Kickapoo River Watershed Watershed Condition . 5 Wauzeka. Th e Crawford County Animal Priority Issues . 5 Waste Management Plan ranked this watershed as a priority watershed for animal waste-caused Overall Condition . 5 water pollution problems. Th e Crawford County Soil Erosion Control Plan ranked the Plum Rivers and Streams . 5 and Otter Creeks Subwatershed second priority for controlling soil erosion. Lake Health . 8 Wetland Health . 8 Groundwater . 9 Watershed Details Point and Nonpoint Pollution . 10 Waters of Note . 10 Table 1: Lower Kickapoo River Trout Waters . 10 Population and Land Use Watershed Land Use Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Forest and agriculture dominate land use Percent of Waters . 11 Land Use Acres in this watershed with 50% and 41% of the Area Impaired Waters.
    [Show full text]
  • Crawford County Tourism Council Tourism County Crawford
    GUIDE gravel. loose contain may which coat, on state and county highways. Some paved roads are seal seal are roads paved Some highways. county and state on On bicycle routes, beware of increased traffic traffic increased of beware routes, bicycle On WARNING: Flyway Fowling Guide Service LLC Service Guide Fowling Flyway Eric Frydenlund, Meg Buchner, Eric Jensen and and Jensen Eric Buchner, Meg Frydenlund, Eric PHOTOS: go to go emailing: [email protected] emailing: our outdoor map and guide, by calling 800-655-0683 or or 800-655-0683 calling by guide, and map outdoor our Please give us your comments and suggestions regarding regarding suggestions and comments your us give Please OUTDOOR Hospital: 608-357-2222 Hospital: Visit www.DriftlessWisconsin.com Visit 911 Squad: Sheriff/Rescue County The adventures are even better. even are adventures The The scenery is breathtaking. is scenery The Wauzeka Clerk: 608-875-5281 Clerk: Wauzeka things-to-do/outdoor-activities/ driftlesswisconsin.com/ Steuben Clerk: 608-476-2358 Clerk: Steuben www.soldiersgrove.com county.html#Crawford 608-624-3264 Clerk: Grove Soldiers dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/naturalareas/ Crawford County Tourism Council Tourism County Crawford Seneca Clerk: 608-874-4944 Clerk: Seneca www.developmentplanning.net/outdoor County its relaxing ambiance. Enjoy! Enjoy! ambiance. relaxing its County www.prairieduchien.org the outdoors. outdoors. the small-town hospitality that gives Crawford Crawford gives that hospitality small-town 800-732-1673 Chamber: Chien du Prairie live your passion for for passion your live outdoor recreation in Crawford County: Crawford in recreation outdoor you’ll experience the rural farmlands and and farmlands rural the experience you’ll offers you a place to to place a you offers these websites for additional information about about information additional for websites these Mt.
    [Show full text]