Water Detail - Elk Creek, Muddy and Elk Creeks Watershed (LC13)

Elk Creek, Muddy and Elk Creeks Watershed (LC13)

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Elk Creek (2120800)

Size

16.36 Miles

Segment

8.97 - 25.33

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, Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, Coldwater, Cool-Warm 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.

2023

General Condition

Poor

This river is impaired

Impairments include

High Phosphorus Levels

Pollutants include

Total Phosphorus

County

Chippewa, Eau Claire

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.

Yes

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.

Yes

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.

Cold (Class II Trout)

Streams supporting a cold water sport fishery, or serving as a spawning area for salmonids and other cold water fish species. Representative aquatic life communities, associated with these waters, generally require cold temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that remain above 6 mg/L through natural reproduction and selective propagation. Since these waters are capable of supporting natural reproduction, a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 7 mg/L is required during times of active spawning and support of early life stages of newly-hatched fish.

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.

Cold

Streams capable of supporting a cold water sport fishery, or serving as a spawning area for salmonids and other cold water fish species. Representative aquatic life communities, associated with these waters, generally require cold temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that remain above 6 mg/L. Since these waters are capable of supporting natural reproduction, a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 7 mg/L is required during times of active spawning and support of early life stages of newly-hatched fish.

Overview

Elk Creek is a Class I trout stream for nearly 14 miles above Elk Creek Lake and Class 11 for 3.6
miles below the lake. The Class I portion of Elk Creek is listed as an outstanding resource water
(ORW) in NR 102, Water Quality Standards for Wisconsin Surface Waters. The state's
antidegradation policy prohibits new point source discharges to ORWs unless the effluent water
quality is better than background water quality found in the stream.
In Elk Creek, polluted runoff contributes to the degradation of critical trout habitat. Significant
streambank erosion was identified in 1978 above the lake at 19 sites in Dunn County and 35 sites in
Chlppewa County. About 80 percent of the sites in Dunn County were stabilized by a Trout
Unlimited project. Several barnyards located on the stream degrade water quality and fishery
habitat. Cropping close to the streambank is also a problem. Elk Creek has the potential to
improve as an excellent trout fishery if polluted runoff is controlled. As with Big Elk Creek, the
tributaries to Elk Creek contribute sediment, which could be controlled with best management
practices (Dwoznik, Holzer) .
The Chippewa County portion of Elk Creek is designated as a State Fishery Area. WDNR has
acquired strearnbank easements and fenced the stream to protect the bank from erosion (Holzer).
Control of sources of polluted runoff, such as cropping close to streams, would benefit the majority
of Elk Creek's reaches.

Date 1996

Author Aquatic Biologist

Elk Creek, Muddy and Elk Creeks Watershed (LC13) Fish and Aquatic Life

Elk Creek, Muddy and Elk Creeks Watershed (LC13) Recreation

Elk Creek, Muddy and Elk Creeks Watershed (LC13) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

Elk Creek, from its mouth to inlet of Elk Creek Lake (mile 0-4.01) was put on the impaired waters list in 2012 for high phosphorus levels; this impairment was confirmed in the 2014, 2016, and 2018 cycles.

Elk Creek [outlet of Elk Creek Lake to last crossing of Dunn/Eau Claire county line (mile 5.4-8.74)]: This segment is attaining its designated use is not considered impaired. This segment was proposed to be identified as a new Category 2 water in 2018.

Elk Creek [Dunn/Eau Claire county line to 10th Ave. (mile 8.63-8.97)]: The 2018 assessment results show this segment is attaining its designated uses or there is not enough information to assess condition. This segment is not considered impaired.

Elk Creek, from 10th Ave. to headwaters (mile 8.97-25.33), was evaluated every two-year cycle from 2014 to 2022. In these evaluations fish and bug community health remained good, but phosphorus levels were too high in the 2020 cycle.

Date 2022

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

Elk Creek, Elk Creek at 35th Street, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments

Elk Creek, Elk Creek at 35th Street, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

2017 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Elk Creek 300 m west (downstream) from County Hwy T

2017 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Elk Creek at 35th Street

2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters

Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List

Elk Creek, Elk Creek at 35th Street, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments

Elk Creek, Elk Creek at 35th Street, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments

Comprehensive 2014 TP IBI Rivers Assessment

Rivers TP Summary 2012

Recommendations

Fisheries Trout Stream Habitat Maintenance and Development

The Wisconsin Clear Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited (former Ojibleau Chapter) proposes to continue its work toward restoration of trout habitat on Elk Creek in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) streambank restoration- 2) installation of instream structure- 3) water monitoring- 4) information and education.

Fisheries Trout Stream Habitat Maintenance and Development

The Wisconsin Clear Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited (former Ojibleau Chapter) proposes to continue its work toward restoration of trout habitat on Elk Creek in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) streambank restoration, 2) installation of instream structure, 3) water monitoring, 4) information and education.

Fisheries Trout Stream Habitat Maintenance and Development

Trout Unlimited- Ojibleau Chapter- in conjunction with the TU National- Xcel Energy and DNR Fisheries Management proposes to continue progress toward restoration of streambanks and trout habitat within Elk Creek in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) surveys and monitoring- 2) rock placement- 3) construction and placement of lunker structures- 4) replanting- 5) printing- postage and signs.

Fisheries Trout Stream Habitat Maintenance and Development

Trout Unlimited, Ojibleau Chapter, in conjunction with the TU National, Xcel Energy and DNR Fisheries Management proposes to continue progress toward restoration of streambanks and trout habitat within Elk Creek in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) surveys and monitoring, 2) rock placement, 3) construction and placement of lunker structures, 4) replanting, 5) printing, postage and signs.

Control Streambank Erosion

Elk Creek, a tributary to the Lower Chippewa River, in south eastern Dunn county, is classified as an Outstanding Water Resource by the WDNR. This stream supports a healthy brook and brown trout population and offers excellent angling opportunities. Elk Creek flows through a glacial lacustrine deposit overlain by sand and gravel outwash. This situation causes widespread slope instability and therefore natural streambank erosion. This project would stabilize one of the worst eroding sites on this portion of the stram and overhead bank covers would provide additional habitat for trout. Sediment delivery to Elk Creek Lake would be reduced.

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
TROUT UNLIMITED-WI CLEAR WATERS CHAPTER: Elk Creek Restore '09	2008
DUNN COUNTY: Elk Creek Streambank Stabilization	2000
TROUT UNLIMITED-WI CLEAR WATERS CHAPTER: Elk Creek Restore	2007
ELK CREEK LAKE R & P DISTRICT: Elk Creek Lake PRD-Elk Creek Lake Riprap Lined Waterway	2021

Monitoring Projects

WBIC	Official Waterbody Name	Station ID	Station Name	Earliest Fieldwork Date	Latest Fieldwork Date	View Station	View Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10040492	Elk Creek at County Line Rd	6/5/2004	10/19/2022	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10037262	Elk Creek -- Access on 20th St			Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10009314	Elk Creek 3- 20th Ave	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10030130	Elk Creek at 35th Street	6/2/2009	8/8/2023	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10031896	Elk Creek-1130 ft DS of CTH M	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10032034	Elk Creek 300 m west (downstream) from County Hwy T	11/6/2009	10/15/2017	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10029332	ELK CREEK - 44m upstream of CTH N	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10009316	Elk Creek 5- Parking Lot Off Cty Rd N	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10022435	Elk Creek at STH 29	6/21/2005	1/1/2015	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10009315	Elk Creek 4 - Cth M (60th Ave)	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10029333	ELK CREEK - 5m upstream of CTH T	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10031897	Elk Creek-Upstream CTH X begining of habitat work	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10037261	Elk Creek -- Access at Cty X			Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10037259	Elk Creek -- Access at Cty N			Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10039675	Elk Creek at CTH M on corner of 26th St and 60th Ave	6/24/2009	6/24/2009	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10029977	Elk Creek at Hwy 12	6/21/2005	9/2/2008	Map	Data
2120800	Elk Creek	10037260	Elk Creek -- Access at Cty M			Map	Data

Watershed Characteristics

Elk Creek is located in the Muddy and Elk Creeks watershed which is 237.94 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (48.60%), forest (21.80%) and a mix of grassland (16.80%) and other uses (12.80%). This watershed has 313.30 stream miles, 590.92 lake acres and 11,999.60 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Medium for runoff impacts on streams, High 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.This water is ranked High Stream for individual Rivers based on runoff problems and the likelihood of success from project implementation.

Natural Community

Elk Creek is considered a Cool-Cold Mainstem, Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, Coldwater, Cool-Warm 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 (Warm-Transition) Headwaters are small, sometimes intermittent streams with cool to warm summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are uncommon to absent, transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are common to uncommon. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.

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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