Water Detail - Morris Creek, Upper Kickapoo River Watershed (LW06)

Morris Creek, Upper Kickapoo River Watershed (LW06)

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Morris Creek (1200000)

Size

14 Miles

Segment

0 - 14

Natural Community

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results that use predicted flow and temperature based on landscape features and related assumptions. Ranges of flow and temperature associated with specific aquatic life communities (fish, macroinvertebrates) help biologists identify appropriate resource management goals. Wisconsin Natural Communities.

Cool-Cold Mainstem, Cool-Cold Headwater

Year Last Monitored

This is the most recent date of monitoring data stored in SWIMS. Additional surveys for fish and habitat may be available subsequent to this date.

2017

General Condition

Poor

This river is impaired

Impairments include

Impairment Unknown

Pollutants include

Total Phosphorus

County

Monroe

Trout Water

Trout Waters are represented by Class I, Class II or Class III waters. These classes have specific ecological characteristics and management actions associated with them. For more information regarding Trout Classifications, see the Fisheries Trout Class Webpages.

Outstanding or Exceptional

Wisconsin has designated many of the state's highest quality waters as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs) or Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs). Waters designated as ORW or ERW are surface waters which provide outstanding recreational opportunities, support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat, have good water quality, and are not significantly impacted by human activities. ORW and ERW status identifies waters that the State of Wisconsin has determined warrant additional protection from the effects of pollution. These designations are intended to meet federal Clean Water Act obligations requiring Wisconsin to adopt an 'antidegradation' policy that is designed to prevent any lowering of water quality - especially in those waters having significant ecological or cultural value.

Impaired Water

A water is polluted or 'impaired' if it does not support full use by humans, wildlife, fish and other aquatic life and it is shown that one or more of the pollutant criteria are not met.

Yes

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use

The use the water currently supports. This is not a designation or classification; it is based on the current condition of the water. Information in this column is not designed for, and should not be used for, regulatory purposes.

Restricted Aquatic Life

Fish and Aquatic Life communities are not fully supported in this ecosystem.

Attainable Use

The use that the investigator believes the water could achieve through managing "controllable" sources. Beaver dams, hydroelectric dams, low gradient streams, and naturally occurring low flows are generally not considered controllable. The attainable use may be the same as the current use or it may be higher.

WWSF

Streams capable of supporting a warm waterdependent sport fishery. Representative aquatic life communities associated with these waters generally require cool or warm temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that do not drop below 5 mg/L.

Designated Use

This is the water classification legally recognized by NR102 and NR104, Wis. Adm. Code. The classification determines water quality criteria and effluent limits. Waters obtain designated uses through classification procedures.

Default FAL

Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.

Overview

Morris Creek, also known as Moore Creek, is located in south central Monroe County. This stream flows in a southeasterly direction for 7.5 miles before reaching the Kickapoo River north of Ontario. Morris Creek has a gradient of 26 feet per mile and drains the Village of Norwalk and agricultural lands with wooded hillsides. Morris Creek receives treated wastewater from the village of Norwalk and Valley Pride Pack, an animal rendering plant. Morris Creek is not a classified trout stream.
The most recent survey, conducted in 1997, documented brook trout and numerous forage fish species. The stream bottom was comprised of equal amounts of gravel, rubble, sand and silt. In-stream cover included woody decris, boulders and some undercut banks. Temperature monitoring should be able to determine if Morris Creek is appropriate for introducing wild strains of trout to establish a self sustaining population. WDNR records indicate that Morris Creek has been stocked with brook trout regularly since 1994. Access to Morris Creek is from six road crossings, Monroe County land, and the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.

From: Ripp, Coreen, Koperski, Cindy and Folstad, Jason. 2002. The State of the Lower Wisconsin River Basin.
PUBL WT-559-2002. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date 2002

Author Cynthia Koperski

Historical Description

Livestock pasturing on the streambanks is degrading in-stream habitat. A water quality
assessment in 1990 in the vicinity of Pine Valley Meats indicated that the aquatic
invertebrate populations had been severely affected. The water quality assessment was
conducted to evaluate the impacts of runoff from farm fields and the landspreading of
wastes from Pine Valley Meats. A 1990 Fisheries Management survey found the following
endangered resources in the Moore Creek Watershed: wood turtle (threatened status)
and redside dace (special concern status).

Date 1994

Author Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Morris Creek, Upper Kickapoo River Watershed (LW06) Fish and Aquatic Life

Morris Creek, Upper Kickapoo River Watershed (LW06) Recreation

Morris Creek, Upper Kickapoo River Watershed (LW06) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

Moore (Morris) Creek was evaluated in 2012 for phosphorus and biology. Phosphorus levels were too high and this was reflected in poor biology. Reevaluation in 2020 showed continued high levels of phosphorus, but all seven sites sampled for biology showed fish and bug communities in good health. The 'degraded biological community' impairment was removed form this water in 2020.

Date 2019

Author Ashley Beranek

Condition

Wisconsin has over 84,000 miles of streams, 15,000 lakes and milllions of acres of wetlands. Assessing the condition of this vast amount of water is challenging. The state's water monitoring program uses a media-based, cross-program approach to analyze water condition. An updated monitoring strategy (2015-2020) is now available. Compliance with Clean Water Act fishable, swimmable standards are located in the Executive Summary of Water Condition in 2018. See also the 'monitoring and projects' tab.

Reports

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments

2017 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Morris (Moore) Creek Station 1 - Cth T Bridge In S23

Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List

Moore Creek, Moore (Morris) Creek - 25 Yds US of Cth T bridge near Mead Rd., Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Moore Creek, Moore Creek - 10 Yards Upstream Of Hwy 71, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Moore Creek, Moore Creek at Cth T Near Norwalk WI, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Moore Creek, Morris (Moore) Creek Station 1 - Cth T Bridge In S23, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Moore Creek, Morris (Moore) Creek Station 4 - Village Of Norwalk, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Moore Creek, Morris (Moore) Creek Station 8 - SW 1/4 of S15 trail is near stream, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Moore Creek, Morris Creek - Confluence With Wbic 1201700, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Moore Creek, Morris (Moore) Creek Station 1 - Cth T Bridge In S23, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Management Goals

Wisconsin's Water Quality Standards provide qualitative and quantitative goals for waters that are protective of Fishable, Swimmable conditions [Learn more]. Waters that do not meet water quality standards are considered impaired and restoration actions are planned and carried out until the water is once again fishable and swimmable

Management goals can include creation or implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load analysis, a Nine Key Element Plan, or other restoration work, education and outreach and more. If specific recommendations exist for this water, they will be displayed below online.

Monitoring

Monitoring the condition of a river, stream, or lake includes gathering physical, chemical, biological, and habitat data. Comprehensive studies often gather all these parameters in great detail, while lighter assessment events will involve sampling physical, chemical and biological data such as macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish communities integrate watershed or catchment condition, providing great insight into overall ecosystem health. Chemical and habitat parameters tell researchers more about human induced problems including contaminated runoff, point source dischargers, or habitat issues that foster or limit the potential of aquatic communities to thrive in a given area. Wisconsin's Water Monitoring Strategy was recenty updated.

Grants and Management Projects

Project Name (Click for Details)	Year Started
Fish Propagation Actions	2001

Monitoring Projects

WBIC	Official Waterbody Name	Station ID	Station Name	Earliest Fieldwork Date	Latest Fieldwork Date	View Station	View Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10016645	Moore Creek - 30 Yds US of intersecton of CTH T and Eagle Ave	9/16/1993	9/16/1993	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	423065	Morris Creek - Cth T Se Sec 3 T15nr2w	8/29/1984	10/4/1984	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10015623	Morris (Moore) Creek Station 8 - SW 1/4 of S15 trail is near stream	8/23/2017	10/18/2017	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10015628	Morris (Moore) Creek Station 3 - across from end of Kennel Ave			Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10016180	Moore Creek - 10 Yards Upstream Of Hwy 71	9/16/1993	11/1/2017	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	423004	Morris Creek - Norwalk Farmers Coop Creamery	7/22/1981	10/4/1984	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10015632	Morris (Moore) Creek Station 3 - 1000ft Downstream Of Cth T In Ne 1/4 Of S10			Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10032694	Morris (Moores) Creek below un. trib (NE 1/4 SW 1/4 SEC. 34 T16N-R2W)			Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10015633	Morris (Moore) Creek Station 4 - 1000ft DS of Cth T crossing in S34 T16n R2w			Map	Data
1200700	Unnamed	10020921	Creek 34-15 Or Cr. 3-2 Mead Ave. Crossing			Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	423219	Moore Creek at Cth T Near Norwalk WI	5/22/2002	11/1/2017	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10016642	Moore (Morris) Creek - 25 Yds US of Cth T bridge near Mead Rd.	10/7/1997	11/1/2017	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10032309	Moore Creek - Confluence with Unnamed 28-8 (WBIC 1201100)	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10015626	Morris (Moore) Creek Station 5 - Hwy 71 Bridge In S34			Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	423005	Morris Creek - Norwalk Stp	10/27/1977	5/23/2001	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10015620	Morris (Moore) Creek Station 2 - 2000ft Downstream Of Cth T In S10			Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10016647	Moore - 38 30m US from Hwy T	10/20/2002	10/20/2002	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10015621	Morris (Moore) Creek Station 3 - 2000ft Downstream Of Cth T Bridge Crossing In T16n R2w S34			Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10015619	Morris (Moore) Creek Station 1 - Cth T Bridge In S23	6/12/2012	11/1/2017	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10022488	Morris Creek - 140m Downstream Of Cth U Or Water St.	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	423222	Moore Creek Tributary at Norwalk WI	6/21/2001	10/17/2001	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10015625	Morris (Moore) Creek Station 2 - Farm Rd. Crossing In Se 1/4 Of S14			Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10033589	Morris Creek at bike trail in Norwalk			Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10015622	Morris (Moore) Creek Station 4 - Village Of Norwalk	8/23/2017	10/18/2017	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10022490	Morris Creek - Confluence With Wbic 1201700	1/1/2015	10/18/2017	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10015629	Morris (Moore) Creek Station 4 - in NW 1/4 of S15			Map	Data
1201700	Unnamed	10048904	Unnamed Trib WBIC 1201700- 20m US of Confluence with Moore Creek	10/18/2017	10/18/2017	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10049171	Moore Creek - near South St in Norwalk	9/12/2017	9/12/2017	Map	Data
1200000	Moore Creek	10016650	Moore Creek - CTH T bridge near Mead (Eagle) Rd	4/30/1997	4/30/1997	Map	Data

Watershed Characteristics

Moore Creek is located in the Upper Kickapoo River watershed which is 117.33 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (40.80%), grassland (31.10%) and a mix of agricultural (23.20%) and other uses (4.90%). This watershed has 267.92 stream miles, 29.35 lake acres and 698.36 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High for runoff impacts on streams, Not Ranked for runoff impacts on lakes and High for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of High. This value can be used in ranking the watershed or individual waterbodies for grant funding under state and county programs.However, all waters are affected by diffuse pollutant sources regardless of initial water quality. Applications for specific runoff projects under state or county grant programs may be pursued. For more information, go to surface water program grants.

Natural Community

Morris Creek is considered a Cool-Cold Mainstem, Cool-Cold Headwater under the state's Natural Community Determinations.

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results and DNR staff valiation processes that confirm or update predicted conditions based on flow and temperature modeling from historic and current landscape features and related variables. Predicated flow and temperatures for waters are associated predicated fish assemblages (communities). Biologists evaluate the model results against current survey data to determine if the modeled results are corect and whether biological indicators show water quaity degradation. This analysis is a core component of the state's resource management framework. Wisconsin's Riverine Natural Communities.

Cool (Cold-Transition) Mainstem streams are moderate-to-large but still wadeable perennial streams with cold to cool summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are common to uncommon, transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are uncommon to absent. Headwater species are common to absent, mainstem species are abundant to common, and river species are common to absent.

Cool (Cold-Transition) Headwaters are small, usually perennial streams with cold to cool summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are common to uncommon (<10 per 100 m), transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are uncommon to absent. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.

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