Project Detail

Waupaca River (WR05) Watershed Planning

Purpose

The Waupaca River Watershed is 291 square miles and lies almost entirely in Portage and Waupaca counties. A small part of its southwestern portion is in Waushara County. The river’s name changes as it fl ows from Portage County to Waupaca County. In Portage County it is called the Tomorrow River. In Waupaca County, it is the Waupaca River, which in its entirety runs approximately 63 miles. The Waupaca River’s major tributary, the Crystal River, ties into the system from the south and is included within the planning area and is classifi ed as Class II trout waters. The Crystal River is the outlet to the Chain O’ Lakes (Long Lake) which is a very prominent recreational and residential area consisting of 22 interconnected lakes. This chain of lakes comprises approximately 725 acres and is considered as part of the Tomorrow/ Waupaca River Priority Watershed Project. Recent changes to the Waupaca County Shoreland Ordinance should improve this resource, from a development standpoint, in the future. The Waupaca River Watershed was selected as a priority watershed project in 1993 and expired at the end of 2007. A priority watershed plan was prepared cooperatively by WDNR, DATCP, NRCS, University of Wisconsin Extension, Portage County Land Conservation Department, Waupaca County Land and Water Conservation Department, and Waushara County Land Conservation Department. The soils, geology, and other physical resources of the western 95% of this watershed indicate that this area is highly susceptible to groundwater contamination due to poor land use practices (WDNR and WGNHS, 1987). A data search revealed groundwater samples with contamination, mainly pesticides, in this area.

Objective

Assessment of water quality condition in this respective watershed will result in a summary of water condition and management recommendations that may influence future work.

Study Design

Watershed specified for planning and assessment purposes. Assessment of water quality condition in this respective watershed will use protocols described in WisCALM of the year of assessment. Minimum assessment work includes biological data (macroinvertebrates, fish indices), chemistry and habitat data. Additional work includes identification of priorities and goals, creating recommendations for actions, and updating narratives for watersheds and waterbodies. Assessments are to be double checked by at least one additional biologist.

Project Type

Water Quality Planning

Project Sub Type

Targeted Watershed Plans

Project ID

WR05_WTPLAN

Year Started

2010

Status

Complete

Reports and Documents

Bear Lake, Portage County