Project Detail

WCR 303d Stream Assessments 2012 - WCR_02_CMP13

Purpose

WCR proposes to monitor 5 streams and two rivers in 2012 that are currently on the 303d list. Data collection will include fish and qualitiative habitat surveys, macroinvertebrate samples and continuous temperature monitoring. In addition continuous data will be collected from the Black and Red Cedar Rivers. A segment of the Black River is listed for low dissolved oxygen concentrations but recent data is lacking that supports the listing. The Red Cedar River just below Lake Menomin in currently on the 303d list for eutrophication but this listing is likely appropriate for the entire river below Lake Menomin. Continuous monitoring equipment will be deployed in the river to document summer low flow dissolved oxygen and pH concentrations from Menomin downstream near the mouth.Regional staff will also monitor streams that have been previously identified as candidates for for 303d listing. These streams historically supported reproducing brook trout but few or zero trout have been found during recent surveys. Monitoring also indicates the streams should thermally support trout but degraded habitat conditions are likely the major limiting factor to the fishery. Trout may have been extirpated by some historic event and have not been able to migrate back into the streams. Downstream waters are not capable of supporting brook trout, therefore brook trout cannot migrate back to these streams. Previous attempts of establishing trout consisted of stocking hatchery brood stock. Fish Management now plans to stock feral fingerling brook trout in the streams to determine if trout are able to survive, carryover and reproduce in the system. Evaluating trout survival in these streams will help define the extent of the poor habitat conditions. Water Resources staff plans to conduct fishery surveys at 10 sites on four streams in late summer of 2012 to document the densities of trout following stocking in June. Additional surveys will be completed in the summer of 2013 to evaluate winter carryover success.

Objective

This project supports the impaired waters project category. Monitoring on the existing 303d waters will validate and improve the existing waterbody listings. Surveys completed on four streams to document carryover success of feral trout stocking will help define the extent of degraded habitat conditions and allow for more accurate 303d listing.

Outcome

Fish and qualitative habitat surveys, continuous temperature monitoring and macroinvertebrate samples will be completed at approximately 10 sites on five existing 303d listed streams. These streams are lacking recent information. Continous monitoring sondes will be deployed on segments of the Black and Red Cedar Rivers . The sondes will be deployed at summer low flow conditions and will capture dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and conductivity data. The data will determine if dissolved oxygen and pH standards are exceeded. Fish surveys will be completed at 10 sites on four streams to evaluate feral trout stocking in streams considered for 303d listing. Continuous temperature loggers will be deployed to document the summer regime. TP monitoring would also be completed to determine if streams exceed the TP criteria. Samples will be collected near the mouth of these small streams. Monitoring will follow WISCALM guidance where 6 monthly samples will be collected during the growing season.

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