Project Detail

Plum - Kankapot Creeks TWA, Brown, Outagamie, and Calumet Counties

Purpose

This Plum Creek and Kankapot Creek Watersheds targeted watershed assessment was designed to gather contemporary biological and physical information within the watershed. Water Chemistry and stream flow have been monitored through two gauge stations on Plum Creek since 2010 at CTH D and New Rd. A non-point source implementation plan that is consistent with EPA's Nine Key Element Plan has been recently approved by EPA in the Plum Creek and Kankapot Creek Watersheds (HUC12s). Read the Plum Creek and Kankapot Creek Watersheds TWA WQ Plan.

Objective

Contemporary biological, physical, and chemical monitoring was collected within the watershed prior to significant conservation practices occurring on the landscape through this Nine Key Element Plan (9KE plan). Sites within the Main Branch of Plum Creek and Kankapot Creek were evaluated using WisCALM guidance to evaluate fish, physical habitat, macroinvertebrate community, and water chemistry. The West Branch of Plum Creek was monitored and evaluated for Best Management Plan (BMP) effectiveness through additional CWA Section 319 project funding in 2015. A Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant was awarded to install buffers and stream bank stabilization practices in the West Branch between 2011 and 2014.

Outcome

Monthly water quality samples and a fall macroinvertebrate sample was collected and funded at the pour points of both Plum and Kankapot Creek through the Lower Fox River citizen monitoring grant. Additionally quantitative habitat and fish surveys were collected to complete data collection at these two locations. Fish, habitat, and macroinvertebrates were collected from an additional 16 sites in the watershed. An additional site upstream on both Plum and Kankapot Creeks were sampled for water chemistry six times from May-October by volunteers.