Neenah Creek, Neenah Creek Watershed (UF14)
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Neenah Creek, Neenah Creek Watershed (UF14)
Neenah Creek (173800)
9.38 Miles
19.35 - 28.73
Natural Community
Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results that use predicted flow and temperature based on landscape features and related assumptions. Ranges of flow and temperature associated with specific aquatic life communities (fish, macroinvertebrates) help biologists identify appropriate resource management goals. Wisconsin Natural Communities.
Cool-Cold Mainstem, Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, Coldwater, Cool-Warm Headwater
Year Last Monitored
This is the most recent date of monitoring data stored in SWIMS. Additional surveys for fish and habitat may be available subsequent to this date.
2021
Excellent
 
Marquette
Trout Water 
Trout Waters are represented by Class I, Class II or Class III waters. These classes have specific ecological characteristics and management actions associated with them. For more information regarding Trout Classifications, see the Fisheries Trout Class Webpages.
Yes
Outstanding or Exceptional 
Wisconsin has designated many of the state's highest quality waters as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs) or Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs). Waters designated as ORW or ERW are surface waters which provide outstanding recreational opportunities, support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat, have good water quality, and are not significantly impacted by human activities. ORW and ERW status identifies waters that the State of Wisconsin has determined warrant additional protection from the effects of pollution. These designations are intended to meet federal Clean Water Act obligations requiring Wisconsin to adopt an 'antidegradation' policy that is designed to prevent any lowering of water quality - especially in those waters having significant ecological or cultural value.
No
Impaired Water 
A water is polluted or 'impaired' if it does not support full use by humans, wildlife, fish and other aquatic life and it is shown that one or more of the pollutant criteria are not met.
No

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use
The use the water currently supports. This is not a designation or classification; it is based on the current condition of the water. Information in this column is not designed for, and should not be used for, regulatory purposes.
Supported Aquatic Life
Waters that support fish and aquatic life communities (healthy biological communities).
Attainable Use
The use that the investigator believes the water could achieve through managing "controllable" sources. Beaver dams, hydroelectric dams, low gradient streams, and naturally occurring low flows are generally not considered controllable. The attainable use may be the same as the current use or it may be higher.
Default FAL
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.
Designated Use
This is the water classification legally recognized by NR102 and NR104, Wis. Adm. Code. The classification determines water quality criteria and effluent limits. Waters obtain designated uses through classification procedures.
Cold
Streams capable of supporting a cold water sport fishery, or serving as a spawning area for salmonids and other cold water fish species. Representative aquatic life communities, associated with these waters, generally require cold temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that remain above 6 mg/L. Since these waters are capable of supporting natural reproduction, a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 7 mg/L is required during times of active spawning and support of early life stages of newly-hatched fish.

Historical Description

Neenah Creek, T15N, R7E, Section 12, Surface Acres = 6.2, Miles = 6.0, Gradient = 12 feet per mile.
A clear, hard water, principally sand bottom stream that flows in a general southerly
direction into Marquette County. The stream originates in springs and lake drainage
(McGinnis Lake). It is classed as brown trout water and there is some natural
reproduction, especially in that portion lying north of Goose Lake. Although it is primarily
a trout stream, largemouth bass, bluegills , pumpkinseed, green sunfish, rock bass, and
bullheads are present in the area immediately above the flowage at Oxford and scattered
elsewhere through the stream. Wood ducks nest along the creek. Beaver and muskrat are
present. Open water was observed from CTH "A", east of Brooks, south for most of its
length in Adams County during the February, 1963, aerial groundwater survey.
Approximately one-tenth of a mile of stream passes through public land. Several road
crossings provide additional access.

From: Klick, Thomas A. and C.W. Threinen. 1966. Surface Water Resources of Adams County:
Lake and Stream Classification Project. Wisconsin Conservation Department, Madison, WI.

Date  1966

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Historical Description

Neenah Creek T13N, R9E, Section 9, Surface Acres = 55.15, Miles = 9.1, Gradient = 1.41 feet per mile.
A wide sluggish stream which flows through marshlands in northwestern
Columbia County to the Fox River. Catfish, walleye, northern pike, carp, dogfish,
bass and several species of panfish sustain the fishery. The entire stream in this
area is traversible by light boat. Extensive wetlands (219 acres in Columbia County,.
2,874 acres in Marquette County) adjoin the stream and afford high waterfowl potential.
Access is possible at two county roads and a state highway. High rough fish
populations perhaps deter greater use by game species.

From: Poff, Ronald J. and C.W. Threinen, 1965. Surface Water Resources of Columbia County:
Lake and Stream Classification Project. Wisconsin Conservation Department, Madison, WI.

Date  1965

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Historical Description

Neenah Creek, T14N, R9E, Section 32, Surface Acres = 104.1, Miles = 27.7, Gradient = 3.1 feet per mile.
A long stream which originates in springs and lake drainage from the base of the terminal moraine and flows southerly through Oxford to the Columbia County line. The stream reenters Marquette County a short distance east but is a
tributary to the Fox River in Columbia County. The Oxford Power and Light Company has maintained a dam with IS-foot head, the only dam on the stream. The water is light brown over sand and gravel. Portions of the stream have been traversed by canoe. About seven miles of stream are considered as sustaining trout; there is some natural reproduction above the lake at Oxford. Downstream. northern pike, catfish, walleye, carp, dogfish, bass and panfish are common. Trout are also present. Access is possible from several road crossings.

From: Poff, Ronald J. and Threinen, C.W., 1963. Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of Marquette County, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date  1963

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Recommendations

Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
I think there is insufficient data to make a clear decision. We need more data downstream. AU: 18127; ID: 013135
Nine Key Element Plan
Neenah Creek PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan - The Neenah Creek Priority Watershed Project plan assesses the nonpoint sources of pollution in the Neenah Creek Watershed and guides the implementation of nonpoint source control measures. These control measures are needed to meet specific water resource objectives for the Neenah Creek Watershed and its tributaries. The purpose of this project is to reduce the amount of pollutants originating from nonpoint sources that reach surface water and groundwater within the Neenah Creek Priority Watershed Project area.

Management Goals

Wisconsin's Water Quality Standards provide qualitative and quantitative goals for waters that are protective of Fishable, Swimmable conditions [Learn more]. Waters that do not meet water quality standards are considered impaired and restoration actions are planned and carried out until the water is once again fishable and swimmable

Management goals can include creation or implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load analysis, a Nine Key Element Plan, or other restoration work, education and outreach and more. If specific recommendations exist for this water, they will be displayed below online.

Monitoring

Monitoring the condition of a river, stream, or lake includes gathering physical, chemical, biological, and habitat data. Comprehensive studies often gather all these parameters in great detail, while lighter assessment events will involve sampling physical, chemical and biological data such as macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish communities integrate watershed or catchment condition, providing great insight into overall ecosystem health. Chemical and habitat parameters tell researchers more about human induced problems including contaminated runoff, point source dischargers, or habitat issues that foster or limit the potential of aquatic communities to thrive in a given area. Wisconsin's Water Monitoring Strategy was recenty updated.

Grants and Management Projects

Project Name (Click for Details)Year Started
Neenah Creek PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan1994
OXFORD CONSERVATION CLUB, INC.: Neenah Lake APM Planning Project2007
Neenah Creek at 1st Ave (near CTH EE)2009
Monitoring Recommendations Stemming from CWA / IR Listings2000
Neenah Creek at CTH G2009
Fish Propagation Actions2001
VILLAGE OF OXFORD: East Chauncy Street Construction2001
OXFORD CONSERVATION CLUB INC.: Neenah Lake APM Plan Phase 12007

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
173800Neenah Creek10017027Neenah Cr. - 6 - Neena Creek Hwy D5/22/19925/22/1992MapData
173800Neenah Creek10031845Neenah Creek - County Highway A1/1/20151/1/2015MapData
173800Neenah Creek393011Neenah Creek - Hwy 82 At Dam4/24/19804/24/1980MapData
173800Neenah Creek10031846Neenah Creek - Fox Ave.1/1/20151/1/2015MapData
5564362Unnamed10048971Neenah Creek - CTH P8/9/20058/9/2005MapData
173800Neenah Creek10048971Neenah Creek - CTH P8/9/20058/9/2005MapData
173800Neenah Creek393145Neenah Creek - Chauncey St. In Oxford5/26/19929/16/2021MapData
173800Neenah Creek10021458Neenah Ck 300 M Upstream Of Trib9/11/20071/1/2015MapData
173800Neenah Creek393144Neenah Creek - CTH A5/13/19869/16/2021MapData
173800Neenah Creek10016775Neenah Cr. at Fox R. Bridge.5/13/19869/16/2021MapData

Watershed Characteristics

Neenah Creek is located in the Neenah Creek watershed which is 173.35 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (38.20%), agricultural (30.80%) and a mix of wetland (14.80%) and other uses (16.20%). This watershed has 198.75 stream miles, 2,104.14 lake acres and 14,499.98 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Not Available for runoff impacts on streams, Not Ranked for runoff impacts on lakes and High for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of High. This value can be used in ranking the watershed or individual waterbodies for grant funding under state and county programs.However, all waters are affected by diffuse pollutant sources regardless of initial water quality. Applications for specific runoff projects under state or county grant programs may be pursued. For more information, go to surface water program grants.

Natural Community

Neenah Creek is considered a Cool-Cold Mainstem, Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, Coldwater, Cool-Warm Headwater under the state's Natural Community Determinations.

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results and DNR staff valiation processes that confirm or update predicted conditions based on flow and temperature modeling from historic and current landscape features and related variables. Predicated flow and temperatures for waters are associated predicated fish assemblages (communities). Biologists evaluate the model results against current survey data to determine if the modeled results are corect and whether biological indicators show water quaity degradation. This analysis is a core component of the state's resource management framework. Wisconsin's Riverine Natural Communities.

Cool (Warm-Transition) Headwaters are small, sometimes intermittent streams with cool to warm summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are uncommon to absent, transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are common to uncommon. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.

Cool (Cold-Transition) Mainstem streams are moderate-to-large but still wadeable perennial streams with cold to cool summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are common to uncommon, transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are uncommon to absent. Headwater species are common to absent, mainstem species are abundant to common, and river species are common to absent.

Cool (Cold-Transition) Headwaters are small, usually perennial streams with cold to cool summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are common to uncommon (<10 per 100 m), transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are uncommon to absent. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.