Easton Lake management plan for 2013-2018.

An aquatic macrophytes (plants) field study in Easton Lake was conducted during August 2012 by the Adams County Land and Water Conservatism Department. At the time the survey was conducted in 2012, the lake had been refilled for two years. Information about the diversity, density and distribution of aquatic plants is an essential component in understanding the lake ecosystem due to the integral ecological role of aquatic vegetation in the lake and the ability of vegetation to impact water quality (Dennison et al, 1993). This study will provide information useful for effective management of Easton Lake, including fish habitat improvement, protection of sensitive areas, aquatic plant management, and water resource regulation. There was a previous survey completed in 2006. However, since the Easton Dam was replaced, requiring the lake to be drawn down to the stream level for nearly two years, the 2012 aquatic plant survey will also provide a baseline by which to measure the return of the aquatic plant community to the lake.

Easton Lake is a 24.1-acre impoundment (man-made lake) located in the Town of Easton, Adams County, in the Central Sand Plains Area of Wisconsin. As an impoundment of Campbell Creek, it has both an inlet and outlet. Easton Lake is managed by the Easton Lake District, which formed in 1978. There is a public boat ramp on the north end of the lake owned by the Adams County Park District. The dam is owned and maintained by Adams County. A dam was first installed here in 1855 for a grist mill. The primary soil type in both the surface and ground watersheds is sand. There are also pockets of loamy sand, muck, sandy loam, and silt loam. Sandy soil tends to be excessively drained, no matter what the slope. Water, air and nutrients move through sandy soils at a rapid rate, so that little runoff occurs unless the soil becomes saturated. Although water erosion can be a problem, wind erosion may be more of a hazard with sandy soils, especially since these soils dry out so quickly. There are also drought hazards with sandy soils. Getting vegetation started in sandy soils is often difficult due to the low available water capacity, as well as low natural fertility and organic material. Onsite waste disposal in sandy soils is also a problem because of slope and seepage; mound systems are usually required.

Lakes Planning Report

Adams County will be doing a hydrologic study of the area around Easton Lake and Campbell Creek. The following will be included in the study; 1)Examine the groundwater flow and quality of water entering Easton Lake and Campbell Creek. 2)Determine the amount of nutrient contributions from surface and or groundwater. 3)Evaluate land use practices in the watershed. 4)Complete an aquatic plant analysis for Easton Lake.