2018 Directed Lakes Provost Amherst Millpond
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Purpose

Amherst Millpond The Amherst Millpond (WBIC 268200) is an impoundment on the Tomorrow River (WBIC 270400; Class I trout stream) in the Village of Amherst, Portage County. There is a public boat landing, undeveloped parcels, and a county park on the east shoreline. Homes dominated the west shoreline. Reconstruction of the dam in 2016 required a drawdown. Repairs were completed in 2017. Prior to dam reconstruction, the Amherst Millpond was a 38 acre pond with a maximum depth of 7 feet. The substrate was 20% sand and 80% muck. During the drawdown, the muck was compacted and emergent vegetation took hold in most areas of the lakebed. Once the new dam was completed and the impoundment was allowed to fill back up, the emergent vegetation remained thus channelizing the river towards the east. The substrate in this new channel is now mostly gravel. Aerial photographical evidence clearly show channelization and significant emergent vegetation growth. There is substantial interest in the Amherst Millpond and its recent transformation by the local Trout Unlimited chapter, area residents, UW-Stevens Point researchers, and DNR water quality and fisheries staff. Many partnerships have development between interested parties during several discussions and site visits to the Millpond. Through this project, we hope to continue to foster these partnerships and encourage citizen based monitoring efforts. Several area citizens and TU members have already expressed interest in such monitoring.

Objective

This proposed Directed Lakes project will allow us to monitor the recent changes on the Amherst Millpond. We would like to conduct water sampling, PI aquatic plant survey, and an aquatic invasive species survey. In addition, we are also proposing a Local Needs project for the Amherst Millpond.

Outcome

The data from this proposed Directed Lakes project will be used in conjunction with the data from the related Local Needs project and will allow us to develop a comprehensive analysis of the recent Amherst Millpond transformation.

Study Design

We will conduct our surveys and sampling according to Directed Lakes protocol and WisCALM.

Related Reports

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Directed Lakes
DL2018_Provost
2017
Proposed
 
Activities & Recommendations
Aquatic Plant Monitoring or Survey
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
This proposed Directed Lakes project will allow us to monitor the recent changes on the Amherst Millpond. We would like to conduct water sampling, PI aquatic plant survey, and an aquatic invasive species survey. In addition, we are also proposing a Local Needs project for the Amherst Millpond.
Monitor Invasive Species
Train Volunteers
 
Watershed
Waupaca River
 
Waters
Tomorrow River
Monitoring Data