Silver Creek, Big Green Lake Watershed (UF07)
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Silver Creek, Big Green Lake Watershed (UF07)
Silver Creek (146800)
1.95 Miles
12.41 - 14.36
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.
Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, 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
Poor
 
This river is impaired
Degraded Habitat
Sediment/Total Suspended Solids
 
Fond Du Lac
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.
No
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.

Historical Description

From headwaters to town rd in S35, T16N, R14E [Willow Road] (class 2)

Date  1980

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Silver Creek, Big Green Lake Watershed (UF07) Fish and Aquatic LifeSilver Creek, Big Green Lake Watershed (UF07) RecreationSilver Creek, Big Green Lake Watershed (UF07) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

Silver Creek, from Willow Road southeast of Ripon to the headwaters (miles 12.41 to 14.36), was listed for sediment, degraded habitat, and high temperature in 1998. A 2018 evaluation of phosphorus and biology showed potential poor fish community, but further sampling is needed. In the 2020 evaluation temperature levels were low enough for removal of this impairment.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Silver Creek, from the mouth at the estuary to Willow Road southeast of Ripon (miles 0.97 to 12.41), was put on the Impaired Waters List in the 1998 cycle for sediment and degraded habitat, in the 2018 cycle for phosphorus, and is proposed for the 2022 list for bacteria. This water evaluated every two-year cycle from 2016 to 2022; chloride, fish and bug data showed no impairments. This water is covered by the Upper Fox & Wolf River Basins TMDL, approved by the US EPA on February 27, 2020.

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

Silver Creek, Silver Creek At Koro Rd, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
Silver Creek, Silver Creek Ds Scott Street Dam, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
Silver Creek, Silver Creek At Douglas St (Hwy 44), Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
Silver Creek, Silver Creek at County KK, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments
Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List
Big Green Lake TWA WQM PLAN 2017 (UF07)
Big Green Lake TWA WQM Plan 2017 [UF07] Presentation
Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Silver Creek At Koro Rd
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Silver Creek Ds Scott Street Dam
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Silver Creek At Koro Rd
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Silver Creek Ds Scott Street Dam
Streams/Rivers AIS ED Monitoring Pilot 2015 Fond du Lac County, Silver Creek, 146800, 203100
Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments
2014 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Silver Creek DS Scott Street Dam
2014 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Silver Creek at County KK
2014 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Silver Creek at Douglas St (Hwy 44)
2014 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Silver Creek at Koro Rd
SILVER CREEK, FOND DU LAC COUNTY, RIPON STP WWTP USE DESIGNATION

Recommendations

Lakes Protection Grant
The Green Lake Association is sponsoring a lake protection grant on Big Green Lake in Green Lake County.The main goal of this D&F Study is to study the metalimnetic oxygen minima issue, determine biological / chemical causative mechanisms and create models to assess degree of potential water quality improvements from management actions.
Lakes Protection Grant
Green Lake County Land Conservation Department is sponsoring a Lake Protection Grant to conduct a shoreline inventory of lakes in the county. The lakes to be inventoried are Big Green, Little Green, Puckaway, Big Twin, Little Twin, Spring (Kingston), Spring (Green Lake), Grand, Heart and Maria.
Best Management Practices, Implement
Green Lake Sanitary District will implement best practices described in Wisconsin's 2014-2017 Healthy Lakes Implementation Plan. Practices include: fish sticks, 350 feet2 native plantings, diversion practices, rock infiltration practices, and rain gardens on 6 lakeshore properties. The District will also monitor fish sticks dependent habitat. The best practices require a contract to remain in effect for 10 years and must include minimum operation and maintenance requirements and data as described in grant condition #16.
Habitat Restoration - Shoreland
Practices include: fish sticks, 350 feet2 native plantings, diversion practices, rock infiltration practices, and rain gardens on 6 lakeshore properties.
Lakes Protection Grant
Green Lake Sanitary District is sponsoring a lake protection grant on Big Green Lake in Green Lake County. The main goal of this protection grant is to reduce the nutrient loading to the lake through various activities: 1. Identification and implementation of strategic BMP's in the tributary sub-watersheds. 2. Identification of upland buffer problems/opportunities in the impaired tributary sub-watersheds 3. Evaluation and study of the potential to restore the County K Estuary to a plant dominated system. 4. Education and Informational Activities
Land Acquisition
The Green Lake Sanitary District proposes to purchase 6.7 acres of land known as the "ABA-East" property.
Land Acquisition
The Green Lake Sanitary District proposes to purchase 24.5 acres of land known as the "ABA-West" property.
Land Acquisition
The Green Lake Sanitary District proposes to purchase 52.899 acres of land on Green Lake for conservancy purposes.
Monitor Fish Community
AU 359092, poor fIBI, Station 10041510
Navigability Determination
T16N R14E ; Silver Creek;
Easement/Buffer
Management agencies and landowners in the watershed should work toward enhancing a combination of forest and native grass buffers, which may better reduce nutrients than strictly grassed buffers.
Fish Management, Access
Replace perched culverts in the watershed to increase available fish and aquatic life habitat.
Dam Safety or Removal
Mitigate impacts on water temperature and fish migration in Silver Creek from the Gothic Mill Dam in Ripon.
Best Management Practices, Implement
Implement cover crops to reduce cropland erosion during the late fall and spring.

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
GREEN LAKE SANITARY DISTRICT: ACQ-Green Lake Sanitary District Land Acquisition2008
GREEN LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC.: COMP - Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Green Lake (Grant 2 of 2)\005C00A02023
GREEN LAKE SANITARY DISTRICT: ACQ-Green Lake Sanitary District "ABA-East" Land Acquisition2009
GREEN LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC.: Big Green Lake CBCW Project2010
Monitoring Recommendations Stemming from CWA / IR Listings2000
GREEN LAKE SANITARY DISTRICT: LMI - Big Green Lake Implementation Grant - Green Lake County2019
GREEN LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC.: Green Lake Association, Inc. 2020 CBCW2020
GREEN LAKE COUNTY: Green Lake County Buffer Assesment2013
GREEN LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC.: COMP - Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Green Lake (Grant 1 of 2)\005C00A02023
GREEN LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC.: Green Lake Urban Edu. Proj.2014
GREEN LAKE COUNTY: Grand Lake LMP - AIS Dye Study2021
GREEN LAKE SANITARY DISTRICT: Green Lake AIS Monitoring & Control2013
Fond du Lac Navigability2008
GREEN LAKE SANITARY DISTRICT: ACQ-Green Lake Sanitary District "ABA-West" Land Acquisition2009
GREEN LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC.: Green Lake Assoc. Virtual Tour2013
GREEN LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC.: LMI-Big Green Lake D&F Water Quality Improvements2016
GREEN LAKE COUNTY: LMI - Twin Lakes/Hill Creek/Green Lake Phosphorus Reduction Project2019
Fish Propagation Actions2001
GREEN LAKE SANITARY DISTRICT: LMI-Management Plan Implementation2013
GREEN LAKE COUNTY: LCO-Green Lake Co. Shorline Inventory2015
GREEN LAKE SANITARY DISTRICT: HLk-Green Lake Fish Sticks2015

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
146800Silver Creek10041510Silver Creek at County KK5/2/201410/10/2023MapData

Watershed Characteristics

Silver Creek is located in the Big Green Lake watershed which is 107.31 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (54.10%), open (12%) and a mix of grassland (10.10%) and other uses (23.70%). This watershed has 141.08 stream miles, 655.29 lake acres and 5,102.67 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Not Available 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.This water is ranked High Stream for individual Rivers based on runoff problems and the likelihood of success from project implementation.

Natural Community

Silver Creek is considered a Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, 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) 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.