Project Detail

Wolf Creek TWA WQM Plan, 2017

Purpose

The Wolf Creek watershed is a 15.71 square mile, HUC-12 sub-watershed that lies in the Wausaukee and Lower Menomonee River watershed in Marinette County. Soils and topography in the Wolf Creek sub-watershed are unique in that the entire area is fairly isolated with glacial deposits forming distinctive breaks in the upper watershed surrounding the lakes and then dropping into poorly drained organic soils immediately adjacent to the lakes and streams. Wetlands are extensive throughout the watershed along the stream and lake corridors with minimal fragmentation. Read the Wolf Creek TWA WQ Plan.

Objective

Wolf Creek was selected for evaluation monitoring in 2014. Based on current surveys, it would appear water quality of the streams in the Wolf Creek watershed, are in overall good to excellent condition. Current land use practices in the region do not appear to be causing adverse impacts to water quality conditions. Total Phosphorous concentrations at the pour point would suggest that nutrients are in balance and excess phosphorous is not a problem.

Study Design

Water quality monitoring was conducted at 6 wadeable sites throughout the watershed in the spring, summer, and fall of 2014. During each field visit, basic water quality parameters including air temperature, water temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, dissolved oxygen percent, pH, flow, and water clarity were collected. Total Phosphorous samples were collected by a citizen volunteer once per month throughout the growing season from May-October. A continuous temperature HOBO was installed at this site and collected continuous water temperature reading between May-October.

Project Type

Targeted Watershed Approach

Project Sub Type

Evaluation (TP SSC, Stressor, Bioassess)

Project ID

East_TWA_3_2014

Year Started

2014

Status

Complete

Reports and Documents

Wolf Creek TWA WQM Plan 2017 [GB13]

Assessments and recommendations for the Watershed. Wolf Creek TWA WQ Plan 2017 Draft Final Report GB13

Wolf Creek- Island Lake Drive

Wolf Creek Keating Drive Photo

Wolf Creek TWA Presentation

Wolf Creek TWA WQM Plan 2017 [GB13] Presentation

Wolf Creek TWA 2014 Project (613900) Wolf River photo by Andrew Hudak

Wolf Creek TWA Final Technical Report 2016 Andy Hudak

2014 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Wolf Creek DS of bridge crossing at Pike River Rd

This Targeted Watershed Assessment (TWA) will address needs for baseline water quality monitoring of the Wolf Creek Watershed. In 2014, Water Action Volunteers stream monitors were asked to assist in the monitoring process by collecting water samples. The TWA will hopefully provide enough information in order to evaluate the watershed for total phosphorus levels, update water body assessment status (i.e. future monitoring for 303(d)), make management recommendations, and update water body and watershed narratives in WATERS.

Wolf Creek photo 4 (613900) by Andrew Hudak

wolfriver-small

Wolf Creek 4 - small

Wolf Creek-2 (613900) photo by Andrew Hudak

Wolf Creek TWA 2014 (613900) Fish2 photo by Andrew Hudak

Wolf Creek TWA 2014 (613900) Fish photo by Andrew Hudak

Wolf Creek-1 (613900)photo by Andrew Hudak

Wolf Creek TWA 2014 (613900) Fish3 photo by Andrew Hudak

Wolf Creek-3 (613900) photo by Andrew Hudak

Wolf Creek Headwaters (613900) photo by Andrew Hudak

Activities & Recommendations

Monitor and/or Protect Groundwater, Sourcewater

Site selection for new septic systems should be conducted with care on suitable sites where poor filtration or high groundwater tables are not present.

Protect Riparian or Shorelands

Protection of riparian corridors and streams and the landscape of streams and lakes is a highpriority.

Protect Riparian or Shorelands

Land divisions and new development in the riparian areas of lakes and streams should be conducted only after careful consideration of how to reduce impacts such as short and long-term erosion.

Protect Riparian or Shorelands

Proper site placement and planning to protect shoreline cutting and clearing for home development is needed.

Best Management Practices, Implement

Land managers should follow and promote the use of forestry best management practices to protect water quality.

Monitor Targeted Watershed Area (TWA)

Wolf Creek TWA [HUC12] 2014