13 November 1970

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

LA FARGE LAKE

KICKAPOO RIVER, WISCONSIN

prepared by

U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 13 November 1970

LA FARGE LAKE, KICKAPOO RIVER, WISCONSIN ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962 (P.L. 8 7-8 7^). The plan consists of a multiple-purpose lake for flood control, enhancement of fish and wildlife resources and recreation; possible future channel enlargement at downstream restrictive points; and local flood pro­ tection works at the downstream communities of Soldiers Grove and Gays Mills, Wisconsin. The damsite and lake are located on the Kickapoo River about 1 mile north of La Farge in Vernon County, southwestern, Wisconsin. The dam will be an earth-fill structure with an overall length of 3,96*0 feet ... and a maximum height of 103 feet. The conservation or 'recreation pool at elevation 8*10 impounds about 3 3 ,0 0 0 acre-feet of water with a surface area of about 1,780 acres.

The project as originally authorized provided for an earth-fill structure with the conservation or recreation pool limited to an elevation of 822 and a surface area of about 800 acres. Recognizing the need for greater water area for recreational purposes in the southwestern part of the State and a possible future pumped storage hydroelectric power develop­ ment, the conservation pool was raised to elevation 8^0. This higher ele­ vation also obviated the need for several proposed impoundments for fish propagation on Weister Creek as recommended earlier by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING WITHOUT THE PROJECT " ‘ r 1 - T 1

GENERAL AREA

The Kickapoo -River originates in Monroe County 7 miles south of Tomah and flows southwesterly for 106 miles through parts of Vernon, Richland, and Crawford Counties. It enters the Wisconsin River below Wauzeka, ap­ proximately 17 miles above the confluence of the Wisconsin River with the Mississippi River. In the headwaters, the stream falls about U00 feet in the first 11 miles. The lower and flatter reach has a gradient of about 250 feet in 95 miles. The river meanders in a narrow floodplain and varies in width from 60 feet in the upper portion to 100 feet in the lower reaches.

The Kickapoo River drainage basin, consisting of 766 square miles of coulee-type terrain, is approximately 60 miles long and 8.5 to 18 miles wide. Except for the rolling country along the western and northern rim of the area, the watershed generally is extremely hilly. The maximum variance in elevation from the highlands of the northern sector to the lowlands of the southern portion is about 770 feet. West Fork, with a drainage area.of 118 square miles, is the largest tributary. Pine, Taintor, Weister, Brush, Morris, Billings, Warner, and Big Bear Creeks are the other principal subdrainages, varying in size from 21 to 53 square miles. In addition to these branches, there are 25 smaller subwatersheds ranging in size down to four square miles.

The average flow of the Kickapoo River at La Farge is l6l cfs (cubic feet per second). The minimum recorded flow, which occurred on 2 h Mar 51» was 1.8 cfs. The maximum discharge of 6,750 cfs, on U Apr 5 6 , is recorded . as a devastating flood. Overbank flooding normally occurs in March, April May, and June although it may occur in any month. The entire length of the main-stem floodplain is subject to inundation during periods of heavy precipitation.

The floodplain of the main stem, which varies in width from one-fourth to three-fourths of a mile, is largely confined by ridges that rise 300 to 500 feet above the valley floor. Rock outcroppings and rocky promontories are common. Numerous springs flow from the lowest exposed sandstone strata. The floodplain is cultivated or pastured except for areas too narrow or craggy to make farming feasible. Most of these areas, and the steeper slopes, are covered with hardwood timber and white pine. Remnant stands of hemlock occur on the north and northeast slopes and around spring holes and seeps.

The Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,has been active in the basin since 1935 providing technical services to individual farmers and soil and water conservation districts. Thus, many land treat­ ment measures such as waterways and strip cropping have been installed. Additionally, three watersheds within the basin, encompassing an area of about 265 square miles, have been planned, under P.L. 5 6 6 , to include conservation measures for watershed protection and structural measures for flood prevention and recreational developments. Of the three watershed projects, one is nearing completion and the remaining two were approved for operations in April 1 9 6 9 .

Two State highways intersect at La Farge. In addition, there are two Federal and six State highways, and several county roads within a 15-mile radius of the lake area. The ten Wisconsin counties lying within a 50-mile radius of the project have a total population of 358,700. La Crosse (population about 5 1 »^5 0 ) is the only town within this ten-county area having over 10,000 inhabitants.

The economy of Vernon County, in which La Farge Lake would be located, is dependent upon agricultural products. It is the principal tobacco- producing county in Wisconsin and is one of the principal dairying counties. There are two hydroelectric power plants on the Kickapoo River. These are located at Ontario and La Farge. Fishing end hunting opportunities are not abundant in the project area and pressure on these resources is relatively light. However, there are about 30 State-owned or leased public hunting and fishing areas, one State forest and one wildlife refuge within a 50-mile radius of the lake site. Wildcat Mountain State, Park (2,175 acres), is located east of the river and three miles from Ontario, adjacent to the upper limits of the flood control pool. There are also numerous roadside parks, rest areas, and scenic look-out sites in the general vicinity of the project.

LAKE SITE

The lake area is typical of the rugged terrain and picturesque bluffs found throughout much of the Kickapoo River basin. Characteristically rounded to nearly flat-topped ridges lie one-quarter mile back from the main stem and rise 300 feet or more above the valley floor. Small stands of white pine cover the upper face of some of the rock bluffs along the river.

As the river winds through the proposed reservoir area, it is joined by several tributaries, the largest of which are Weister Creek, which enters from the west, and Billings and Jug Creeks which join the Kickapoo River from the east. These tributaries and many of the smaller feeder streams are spring fed and have permanent flows.

The entire stream system in the lake area is in deplorable physical condition. Flash floods, their severity increased by land abuse, occur in all seasons of the year and have left denuded and eroded banks, new channels, cuts and heavy deposits of silt and sand. Even though the spring-fed feeder streams are usually clear, the main stem is permanently clouded with suspended silt. The pools and riffles of past years are gone and in their place are shallow holes and shifting beds of sand and,silt which blanket the channel bottom.

Approximately ^0 percent of the project area is wooded; 25 percent is open grass or pastureland; 25 percent is cropland, including tame hay; 2 percent is wetland, marsh, and ponds; and the remainder includes mis­ cellaneous uses such as farmsteads, villages, and public roads.

The upland soils in the lake area axe derived primarily from the sedimentary bedrock although on the higher and more level ridge tops there is a layer of fertile wind-borne soil. The alluvial deposits of the flood- plain are composed largely of soils washed from upper levels.

Most of the level land has been farmed for the last one hundred years. Cropland is confined primarily to the second-terrace bottom soils and loess soils of the ridge tops and to a lesser extent to the accessible hillsides. Strip cropping is common. Most of the corn, oats, and tame hay crops are fed to the dairy herds and tobacco is the chief cash crop. Because of the generally rough topography and periodic flooding, few prosperous farms are found in this viciruty. The "bottomland soils adjacent to stream courses are normally too vet to cultivate. They are marked by wet pastures, small lagoons and marshes, formed in old river channels. Bottomland hardwood timber is found in limited quantities along the sandstone outcroppings and, in the deeper sub-valleys, white pine and hemlock trees are common.

3. THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION

a. The proposed plan would dedicate about 1,780 acres of water sur­ face area and about 8,000 acres of land to public ownership for the benefit of present and future generations. Currently, 13 recreation areas are planned involving about 1,1+00 acres including access points. However, the actual number of sites and acreage will be dependent on the proposals made by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which has indicated its intent to maintain and operate the recreation sites in conjunction with the adjacent Wildcat Mountain State Park. The State has also indicated its intent to manage the remaining land not required for project operation for wildlife purposes. The fishing habitat of the river would benefit from a more uniform flow during the recreation season, from land stabilization which would re­ duce stream turbidity, and from the real estate acquisition policy that would make more bank fishing area available to the public. The conservation pool would provide a valuable and heavily utilized lake type fishery in an area now lacking in this resource. However, some habitat for downstream trout water management could be lost as a result of the possible encroach­ ment of farming operations due to the flood control provided. Also, land management problems may develop along the shore line of the lake from fluctuating water surface levels attributable to operations for flood control. Some improvement of upland game habitat conditions may be noted in local­ ized areas because of the fencing to reduce conflict with domestic cattle and because of game management of General Plan lands. The shallow bays and inlets could provide conditions for the_ production of natural waterfowl foods which could attract limited numbers of yaterfowl_to this area where such game is currently non-existent. The plan would also improve the scenic attractiveness of the area since it would provide a man-made lake in a rather primitive environmental setting. A number of canoe outfitters have stated that construction of the reservoir with a regulated outflow will provide a longer and more uniformly deep reach of the river than presently exists which is expected to increase their business several fold. Development of this water area will also provide the adjacent Wildcat Mountain State Park with a water resource that is needed, but which does not now exist in the park. Prior to development of the reservoir concept,the State of Wisconsin was considering construction of a dam on Billing's Creek within the park area at an estimated cost of about 1 million dollars to provide the nec­ essary water area.

b. There are no known significant historical‘values within the lake site or the area immediate3.y surrounding the site. However, archeological values are known to exist in the Kickapoo River Valley in the general region of the proposed lake. The National Park Service will be notified of any archeological sites found,and protection will be given such sites pending the site being recorded or salvaged. -1+. ANY ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH C M NOT BE AVOIDED SHOULD THE PROPOSAL BE IMPLEMENTED

....Construction of the project will create a conservation pool inundating about 1,780 acres which currently provide a part of the environmental- setting of the area. Some crop and pasture land and some cover and food for wildlife would also be lost. The pool would convert about 12-miles of free flowing stream to a slack water impoundment which would practically eliminate the existing marginal trout habitat in the lower reaches of some of the tributaries. There would also be some impact on the recreationist who favors canoeing in this reach of the river. The proposed plan would also have some economic impact on canoe rental business in this area. However, most resorters believe that the loss of a stream channel through the reservoir area would be offset by the in­ creased flow from the reservoir especially during the canoeing season. Extensive highway and utility line relocations would be required and the recreation resource development would encourage the commitment of adjacent natural areas to increased commercial use.

. There also will be some adverse economic impact encountered by the fur farms located in the project area that would be required to move. While the owners will be compensated for the cost of lands and equipment, there may be additional expenses for which payment may not be adequate. The flood control afforded downstream areas may result in clearing of woodlands in flood free bottomland areas. This could result in'more in­ tensive farming which would deplete upland game habitat.

5. ALTER1IATIVE TO THE PROPOSED ACTION

A variety of alternative solutions to the flood problems of the Kickapoo River Valley were considered in the formulation of the proposed plan including channel improvement, levees, floodwater storage, and flood- plain evacuation. The general use of channel improvement or levees for the reduction of agricultural flood damages could not be justified be­ cause of the low average annual agricultural damages per acre and the narrow width of the floodplain. Costs of localised channel improvements at the urban centers were found to be infeasible because the flat river slopes would require the continuation of the channel works substantial distances downstream to be effective. Continual soil erosion and sub­ sequent channel aggradation would require high annual maintenance expend­ itures. Preliminary studies of levees for protection of the villages subject to flood damages indicated that such protection could be economically justified at about one-half of the villages considered. Thus, levee protection was considered more appropriate where feasible, as a supplement to reservoir storage. Studies were made of flood storage at several loca­ tions on the main stem and at one location on the West Fork. Analyses showed that only the site on tin main stem above La Fargo would provide adequate storage for flood control. Evacuation of development from the floodplain was considered, but was found to be more costly than the most feasible reservoir plan. • An alternative to the proposed storage plan vould be to retain the river in its natural free-flowing state and institute flood plain zoning. This would preserve the flora and fauna and maintain the recreation activities at present levels at the expense of those benefits accruable to the proposed project. This would require watershed management to pre­ vent existing soil erosion and channel aggradation conditions.

6. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG TERM PRODUCTIVITY

The basic conflict between the short term use of man's environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long term productivity is the conversion from partial agricultural and wildlife use to general recrea­ tion and controlled wildlife management. Further, construction of the project would create opportunities for water-oriented recreation at the expense of the stream-oriented recreation. The more efficient uses of the existing land resources in the project appear to be compatible. Cer­ tain project lands not used for project operation or recreation will be managed for wildlife purposes by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Re­ sources. It is possible some land would be put to agricultural use to provide food for wildlife.

7. NY IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES WHICH WOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE PROPOSED ACTION SHOULD IT BE IMPLEMENTED

About 1,800 acres of habitat including some marginal agricultural land would be committed from a stream to a lacustrine ecosystem if the project were implemented. However, additional and improved habitat would be provided due to present land acquisition policies and the fact that proper management will be provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. In addition to the land loss,there will be a loss of about 12-miles of canoeing stream of currently unstable depths. Canoeing will be permissible through the reservoir. However, th'is is not considered the equivalent of canoeing in a free-flowing stream.

One other irreversible or irretrievable commitment of a resource would be the loss of animals that would occur when the fur farms are relocated. Losses would accrue from the stress placed on these sensitive animals and also from early pelting that might have to take place. A final irretrievable loss is the labor that is used in constructing the project and certain materials that would be consumed.

8. COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES

Planning for this project has been coordinated closely with other Federal, State and local interests throughout both preauthorization and preconstruction phases. A public hearing was held in the area prior to initiating planning studies, thus providing opportunity for participation by all interests from the beginning of planning. Public hearings were also held immediately prior to authorization and again on several oc­ casions following completion of preconstruction planning to inform the public and allow for comment. During preconstruction planning, notable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, the National. Park Service, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Highway Commission. Contributions were also made by utility company representatives and by other interested local groups.

Acceptance of the project plan by other Federal, State and local agencies 'has been almost universal. Recently, however, opposition to the project has been expressed by Sierra Club representatives and a few non-resident landowners and former residents of the area. The'John Muir Chapter of the Sierra Club alleges that the Corps planning process has failed to consider the full range of alternatives for management.of Kickapoo River and environmental values involved. Preauthorization and pre­ construction planning studies have given substantial consideration to alternatives on development and environmental aspects that are currently, being discussed by the Sierra Club. The project plan represents the most reasonable and practical use of natural resources within the Kickapoo Basin for present and future benefit.to the general public.

Draft of this environmental statement has been coordinated with the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, the National Park Service, the Soil Conservation Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Comments received are attached to this statement, and suggestions made have been incorporated in the text of the statement. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION LAKE CENTRAL REGION 3853 RESEARCH PARK DRIVE ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN <3104 October 26, 1970

District Engineer U. S. Army Engineer District, St. Paul 1210 U. S. Post Office and Custom House St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

Dear Sir:

This is in response to your letter of August 19, 1970, requesting our comments concerning the environmental aspects of Kickapoo River Reservoir at La Fargo, Wisconsin, in accordance with provisions of Section 102(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Public Law 91-190.

Our specific comments are keyed to the headings of your draft environmental impact statement.

1. Project Description

This section is adequate.

2. Environmental Setting Without the Project

This section is adequate.

3. Impact Statement

a. Subsection (c)(i),"T h c Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action”

This section is adequate. 3. b. Subsection (c)(ii), "Any Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot Be Avoided Should the Proposal Be Implemented"

This section is generally adequate. No mention is made of any adverse effects which may result from highway, railroad, or utility relocations resulting from the project. It is also likely that this recreation resource would encourage the commitment of adjacent natural areas to increased commercial use.

e. Subsection (c)(iii), "Alternatives to the Proposed Action”

One alternative to the proposed reservoir would be to retain the river in its natural free-flowing state and institute floodplain zoning. This would preserve the flora and fauna and maintain the recreation activities at the present levels at the expense of those benefits accruable to the proposed project. This alternative would be highly desirable if proper watershed management had been instituted to prevent the current con­ dition of soil erosion and channel aggradation.

d . Subsection (c)(iv), ,fThe Relationship Between Local Short-Term Uses of Man’ s Environment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long- Term Productivity”

The construction of the reservoir would create opportunities for water- oriented recreation at the expense of the existing stream-oriented recreation.

e. Subsection (c)(v), "Any Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources Which Would Be Involved in the Proposed Action Should It Be Implemented”

The wildlife habitat lost and the natural vegetation removed are specific indicators of the impact of this project. While the land acquisition policies and change in land management do improve the protection of adjoining lands to the reservoir, there is still the irreversible and irretrievable commitment of at least 1,800 acres of land to a lacustrine ecosystem. We thank you for the opportunity to present our views.

Sincerely yours,

ROMAN H. KOENINGS Regional Director

/John D. Cherry 'Acting United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OF SI’ORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE Federal Building, Fort Snelling Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111 September 38, 1970

Col. Charles I. McGinnis District Engineer U. S. Army Engineer District St. Paul 1210 U. S. Post Office & Customhouse St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

Dear Colonel McGinnis:

This letter is in reply to your August 19, 1970, letter to Mr. Vogtman requesting our review and comments on your draft environmental impact statement for LaFargo Reservoir, Wisconsin. (Your File Ref. NCSED-PB)

In general, we are in agreement with your analysis of project effects as outlined in the draft impact statement. Our specific comments and . suggested changes are keyed to the headings of your draft environmental impact statement.

1 . Project Description

This section is satisfactory and we have no suggestions for change.

2. Environmental Setting Without the Project

A. General Area -

The discussion of this subject is adequate. We suggest the follov/ing sentence to be added as a lead-in to the last paragraph of the subject. "Fishing and hunting opportunities are not abundant in the project area and pressure on these resources is relatively light."

B. Reservoir Site -

The discussion of the subject is satisfactory.

3 . Impact Statement - Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action

Section 102 (C)(a) Lines 16-18 state "Some improvement should be noted in the upland game habitat condition because of the fencing to reduce conflict with domestic cattle and because of game management." While this can be true in highly localized situations, the overall effect of a 3.arge inundated area normally has a depressing effect on upland wildlife habitat. We suggest this sentence be reworded as follows: "Some improvement of upland game habitat conditions may be noted in highly localized areas because of the fencing to reduce conflict with domestic cattle and because of game management of General Plan lands."

Lines 18-21 state "The shallow bays and inlets together with additional impoundments would provide adequate conditions for the production of natural waterfowl foods which would attract waterfowl to the area where such game is currently non-existent."

We understand no subimpoundments are now being planned. If this is true we suggest this sentence be reworded as follows: "The shallow bays and inlets could provide conditions for the production of natural waterfowl foods which could attract limited numbers of waterfowl to this area where such game currently is non­ existent."

(b) ny Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot be Avoided

We suggest that the following be added to the present discussion: "Flood control may result in clearing of woodlands in the bottoms of flood free areas. This could result in more intensive farming which will deplete upland game habitat."

(c) Alternatives to the Proposed Action

The present discussion is satisfactory.

(d) The Relationship Between Short Term Uses of Man's Environment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long Term Productivity

The present discussion is satisfactory.

(e) rreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources

Part of the draft statement is as follows: I "About 1,800 acres of habitat including some marginal agricultural land would be lost if the project was implemented. However, additional and improved habitat would be provided due to present land acquisition policies and the fact that proper management will be provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources." The proposed project will flood about 1,800 acres of land. This land now features a combination of agriculture, woodland, pasture ■ and wildlife habitat with associated flora and fauna. While intensive wildlife habitat management will be applied on some project acquisition lands, this practice cannot fully replace lost habitat. Long-term adverse effects will accrue to the ecology as flood-free areas are cleared and farmed intensively. Accordingly, the proposed project will reduce the upland diversity of the area by eliminating native flora and fauna.

We suggest that the follo\fing language be used in lieu of the quoted portion of the paragraph: "Inundation by LaFarge Reservoir will have irreversible and irretrievable commitments on 1,800 acres of land supporting a variety of ecological.communities. Although project lands will benefit from intensive wildlife management practices, lost habitat will not be replaced. Aquatic habitat will be created by the reservoir, in lieu of terrestrial forms which will be sacrificed."

The remainder of the proposed statement under (e) is satisfactory.

Sincerely,

R. W. Burwell Regional Director cc: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NORTHEAST REGION 143 SOUTH THIRD STREET PHILADELPHIA. PA. 1D106 September 2h} I97O

Chcries I. McGinnis Colonel, Corps of Engineers District Engineer St. Paul District 1210 U. S. Post Office & Custom House St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

Dear Colonel McGinnis:

Please pardon our delay in commenting on the environmental impact statement for the Kichapoo River Reservoir, enclosed in your letter of 19 August to the Director, Midwest Region. Upon its arrival in this.Office, the statement was Inadvertently mislaid and came to light only yesterday.

While no one in this Office is familiar with the La Farge area, ve feel that the environmental statement is accurate and adequate. However, ve would suggest that two additional items be included in future statements of this nature— the presence or absence of cultural values and natural history or ecological values. Under the former category, are any archeological sites, historic sites or structures or'architecturally significant structures affected. If so, how significant are they (are they unique in the region, state or nation, and so forth.) Under the latter, if any out­ standing natural communities or individual specimens a.re involved, they should be identified and evaluated. Vie feci that this type of data would increase the completeness and value of environmental statements, and make it easier to assess the full impact of a given project.

Sincerelym-your-iT

B r u c e T . Miller Assistant Director Cooperative Programs UNITED STATES DEI5ARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE S O IL C.Or.'SLRVAYlOr! SLT.’VICF: l’.O. Ho:: A24S Madison, Wisconsin 5371] September 22, 3970

Colonel Charles I. McGinnis Corps of Engineers District Engineer - St. Taul District 1210 U.S. l’ost Office 1. Custom House St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

Dear Colonel McGinnis:

We appreciate the opportunity to review the environmental impact statement concerning the Kickapoo Reservoir at La Fargo, Wisconsin which was trans­ mitted with your letter of August 19, 1970. :

We have several comments to make, particularly pertaining to our activities in support of the soil and water conservation district program and the PL-5G6 program. Our comments arc attached.

Sincerely,

tiding Staid CorcscirvatioaiG?. W. W. Russell Stn l.e Censer vat ioni s t COMMENTS 1’OR THE KNVJROKMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT KICKAPOO RIVER RESERVOIR - LA LARGE, WISCONSIN

During the pest 35 years the Soil Conservation Service has provided technical assistance' to individual farmers through soil and water conservation districts. Many land treatment measures have been planned ar.d installed such as waterways, stripcropping, and individual farm structures for various purposes. In addition during the past 14 years we have worked very closely with soil and water conser­ vation districts as sponsors of PL-566 projects in Monroe, Vernon, and Crawford comities.

Three watersheds in the Kickapoo River Basin, encompassing an area of about 170,000 acres, have been planned to include conservation measures for watershed protection and structural measures for flood prevention and recreational develop­ ments. Conservation measures planned and applied under an acceleration program will provide orderly removal of runoff and reduce erosion on.farmlands and other areas of concern within established limits.

The West Pork Kickapoo Watershed in Monroe and Vernon counties is nearing com­ pletion. Five of six floodwatcr retarding structures have been completed and the remaining one is now under construction. A multiple-purpose structure also has been completed in this watershed. A multiple-purpose structure is installed for the purpose of flood prevention and recreation. Basic recreation facilities will be installed in the multiple-purpose site.

The Tri-Creek Water.shed is located in Monroe County and. the B.lackh?.wk--Kickr.poo Watershed is located in Crawford and Vernon county and both were approved for operations in April 1969. These projects arc similar to the West Tork Kickapoo project. They include land treatment measures again for the orderly control of runoff and reduction of erosion, particularly on farmlands. The structural measures in the two watersheds consist of twelve single-purpose floodwatcr retarding structures .and two multiple-purpose structures. The multiple- purpose structure will serve both flood prevention and recreation. The total lake area in the three recreational developments is 189 acres. These, of course, will be very good quality water lakes and the one now completed in West Fork Kickapoo has been planted with trout.'

One feature of the multiple-purpose lake is the bottom withdrawal of cold water to maintain and also enhance trout potential of the stream downstream from the structures. A total land area of 1,636 acres has been acquired by the sponsors in the three recreational developments.

Within the three watersheds there are about 1100 farm units. Of this number 793 ai*c cooperators with SWCD’s and have proper conservation plans prepared for their .-individual farms. We believe that agriculture will- continue to be a major economic force in this area and proper consideration should he given for the environmental benefits brought about through installation of land treatment measures as well as structural measures in PL-566 projects. S ta te of W is c o n s in \ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

October 2, 1970

Mr. Charles I. McGinnis Colonel, Corps of Engineers District Engineer 1210 U.S. Post Office & Custom House St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

Dear Colonel McGinnis:

Thank you for your request for review information on the Kickapoo project. /,

In your letter of August 19, 1970 on the reservoir project at La Farge, Wisconsin, you request certain information regarding the environmental impact on the project.

I concur with the project requirements as they relate to discharge control and downstream trout water management. However, I do think we may lose some downstream habitat to encroachment of farming due to the more stable conditions. Another important consideration is the possible maintenance or operation problems that might be associated with the "zone of fluctuation". The "zone" is that area that is marked by the high and low water of the reservoir. This area may at times be inundated for two to three weeks or more. These high waters will kill vegetation and seriously affect the aesthetically important shoreline by changing its ecology and allow erosion of slopes and more rapid silting of the reservoir bottom. Consideration should be given to discharging the water as rapidly as possible to help alleviate this problem.

Such things as boating or canoeing activity will not be changed appreciably.

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this review.

Very truly yours,

L. P. Voigt Secretary