White River, White River Watershed (UF08)
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White River, White River Watershed (UF08)
White River (148500)
18.90 Miles
0 - 18.90
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-Warm Mainstem
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.
2024
Good
 
Green Lake, 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.
No
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.
WWSF
Streams capable of supporting a warm waterdependent sport fishery. Representative aquatic life communities associated with these waters generally require cool or warm temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that do not drop below 5 mg/L.
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.
Default FAL
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.

Historical Description

White River, T17N, RIlE, Section 10, Surface Acres. 37.6, Miles = 6.9, Gradient = 1.2 feet per mile.
A large, low-gradient stream wWch flows through the Neshkoro Millpond easterly to the Fox River in Green Lake County. The dam at Neshkoro, with a 12-foot head, is still used for hydroelectric power. The water is light brown, over sand and muck. Largemouth bass, panfish, and northern pike inhabit the stream. Access is possible at the pond and from a town road downstream.

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

White River, White River Watershed (UF08) Fish and Aquatic LifeWhite River, White River Watershed (UF08) RecreationWhite River, White River Watershed (UF08) Fish Consumption

General Condition

The White River was assessed during the 2018 listing cycle; new total phosphorus and biological (fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scores) sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Fish and Aquatic Life use. This water was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Condition

Wisconsin has over 84,000 miles of streams, 15,000 lakes and milllions of acres of wetlands. Assessing the condition of this vast amount of water is challenging. The state's water monitoring program uses a media-based, cross-program approach to analyze water condition. An updated monitoring strategy (2015-2020) is now available. Compliance with Clean Water Act fishable, swimmable standards are located in the Executive Summary of Water Condition in 2018. See also the 'monitoring and projects' tab.

Reports

WHITE RIVER NEWSLETTER
2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments
2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters
Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Waushara County, White River @ Cottonville Lane & 17th Drive
Streams/Rivers AIS ED Monitoring Pilot 2015 Green Lake County, White River, 148500, 243066
Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments
WHITE RIVER BROCHURE
WHITE RIVER PROJECT POWERPOINT
Stream Classification- Neshkoro Tributary to White River- November 1990

Recommendations

Aquatic Plant Monitoring or Survey
The Friends of the White River Assn proposes to conduct a preservation and restoration planning project. The primary goals of this project will be to gather baseline information on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the White River and Neshkoro Millpond and the surrounding watershed; to address excessive aquatic plant growth and the presence of exotic species; to identify and prioritize management concerns; and to provide information needed to make informed decisions regarding the future management of the waters both ecologically and sociologically. Deliverables include: Aquatic Plant/Sediment Depth Assessment: Conduct a point-intercept survey of submergent aquatic plants; Map the distribution and acreage of nuisance aquatic plants; Measure soft sediment depths at PI locations. Water Quality Assessment: Assess trophic condition of millpond; Develop Trophic State Indices (TSIs). Watershed Assessment: Delineate watershed boundaries via topographic maps; Document watershed land uses and cover types using standard use categories used in WILMs Lake Model Suite; Identify potential nutrient and other pollution loading sources. Citizen Participation: Present appraisal findings at public meeting; Present recommended strategy; Finalize public adopted strategy and incorporate into plan. Develop Final Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
Informational Meetings
The Friends of the White River Assn proposes to conduct a preservation and restoration planning project. The primary goals of this project will be to gather baseline information on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the White River and Neshkoro Millpond and the surrounding watershed; to address excessive aquatic plant growth and the presence of exotic species; to identify and prioritize management concerns; and to provide information needed to make informed decisions regarding the future management of the waters both ecologically and sociologically. Deliverables include: Aquatic Plant/Sediment Depth Assessment: Conduct a point-intercept survey of submergent aquatic plants; Map the distribution and acreage of nuisance aquatic plants; Measure soft sediment depths at PI locations. Water Quality Assessment: Assess trophic condition of millpond; Develop Trophic State Indices (TSIs). Watershed Assessment: Delineate watershed boundaries via topographic maps; Document watershed land uses and cover types using standard use categories used in WILMs Lake Model Suite; Identify potential nutrient and other pollution loading sources. Citizen Participation: Present appraisal findings at public meeting; Present recommended strategy; Finalize public adopted strategy and incorporate into plan. Develop Final Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
Aquatic Plant Management Project
The Friends of the White River Assn proposes to conduct a preservation and restoration planning project. The primary goals of this project will be to gather baseline information on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the White River and Neshkoro Millpond and the surrounding watershed; to address excessive aquatic plant growth and the presence of exotic species; to identify and prioritize management concerns; and to provide information needed to make informed decisions regarding the future management of the waters both ecologically and sociologically. Deliverables include: Aquatic Plant/Sediment Depth Assessment: Conduct a point-intercept survey of submergent aquatic plants; Map the distribution and acreage of nuisance aquatic plants; Measure soft sediment depths at PI locations. Water Quality Assessment: Assess trophic condition of millpond; Develop Trophic State Indices (TSIs). Watershed Assessment: Delineate watershed boundaries via topographic maps; Document watershed land uses and cover types using standard use categories used in WILMs Lake Model Suite; Identify potential nutrient and other pollution loading sources. Citizen Participation: Present appraisal findings at public meeting; Present recommended strategy; Finalize public adopted strategy and incorporate into plan. Develop Final Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
Rivers Planning Grant
The Friends of the White River Assn proposes to conduct a preservation and restoration planning project. The primary goals of this project will be to gather baseline information on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the White River and Neshkoro Millpond and the surrounding watershed; to address excessive aquatic plant growth and the presence of exotic species; to identify and prioritize management concerns; and to provide information needed to make informed decisions regarding the future management of the waters both ecologically and sociologically. Deliverables include: Aquatic Plant/Sediment Depth Assessment: Conduct a point-intercept survey of submergent aquatic plants; Map the distribution and acreage of nuisance aquatic plants; Measure soft sediment depths at PI locations. Water Quality Assessment: Assess trophic condition of millpond; Develop Trophic State Indices (TSIs). Watershed Assessment: Delineate watershed boundaries via topographic maps; Document watershed land uses and cover types using standard use categories used in WILMs Lake Model Suite; Identify potential nutrient and other pollution loading sources. Citizen Participation: Present appraisal findings at public meeting; Present recommended strategy; Finalize public adopted strategy and incorporate into plan. Develop Final Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
Monitor Baseline Survey
The Friends of the White River Assn proposes to conduct a preservation and restoration planning project. The primary goals of this project will be to gather baseline information on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the White River and Neshkoro Millpond and the surrounding watershed; to address excessive aquatic plant growth and the presence of exotic species; to identify and prioritize management concerns; and to provide information needed to make informed decisions regarding the future management of the waters both ecologically and sociologically. Deliverables include: Aquatic Plant/Sediment Depth Assessment: Conduct a point-intercept survey of submergent aquatic plants; Map the distribution and acreage of nuisance aquatic plants; Measure soft sediment depths at PI locations. Water Quality Assessment: Assess trophic condition of millpond; Develop Trophic State Indices (TSIs). Watershed Assessment: Delineate watershed boundaries via topographic maps; Document watershed land uses and cover types using standard use categories used in WILMs Lake Model Suite; Identify potential nutrient and other pollution loading sources. Citizen Participation: Present appraisal findings at public meeting; Present recommended strategy; Finalize public adopted strategy and incorporate into plan. Develop Final Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
Watershed Mapping or Assessment
The Friends of the White River Assn proposes to conduct a preservation and restoration planning project. The primary goals of this project will be to gather baseline information on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the White River and Neshkoro Millpond and the surrounding watershed; to address excessive aquatic plant growth and the presence of exotic species; to identify and prioritize management concerns; and to provide information needed to make informed decisions regarding the future management of the waters both ecologically and sociologically. Deliverables include: Aquatic Plant/Sediment Depth Assessment: Conduct a point-intercept survey of submergent aquatic plants; Map the distribution and acreage of nuisance aquatic plants; Measure soft sediment depths at PI locations. Water Quality Assessment: Assess trophic condition of millpond; Develop Trophic State Indices (TSIs). Watershed Assessment: Delineate watershed boundaries via topographic maps; Document watershed land uses and cover types using standard use categories used in WILMs Lake Model Suite; Identify potential nutrient and other pollution loading sources. Citizen Participation: Present appraisal findings at public meeting; Present recommended strategy; Finalize public adopted strategy and incorporate into plan. Develop Final Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
Map Invasive Species
The Friends of the White River Assn proposes to conduct a preservation and restoration planning project. The primary goals of this project will be to gather baseline information on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the White River and Neshkoro Millpond and the surrounding watershed; to address excessive aquatic plant growth and the presence of exotic species; to identify and prioritize management concerns; and to provide information needed to make informed decisions regarding the future management of the waters both ecologically and sociologically. Deliverables include: Aquatic Plant/Sediment Depth Assessment: Conduct a point-intercept survey of submergent aquatic plants; Map the distribution and acreage of nuisance aquatic plants; Measure soft sediment depths at PI locations. Water Quality Assessment: Assess trophic condition of millpond; Develop Trophic State Indices (TSIs). Watershed Assessment: Delineate watershed boundaries via topographic maps; Document watershed land uses and cover types using standard use categories used in WILMs Lake Model Suite; Identify potential nutrient and other pollution loading sources. Citizen Participation: Present appraisal findings at public meeting; Present recommended strategy; Finalize public adopted strategy and incorporate into plan. Develop Final Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
The Friends of the White River Assn proposes to conduct a preservation and restoration planning project. The primary goals of this project will be to gather baseline information on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the White River and Neshkoro Millpond and the surrounding watershed; to address excessive aquatic plant growth and the presence of exotic species; to identify and prioritize management concerns; and to provide information needed to make informed decisions regarding the future management of the waters both ecologically and sociologically. Deliverables include: Aquatic Plant/Sediment Depth Assessment: Conduct a point-intercept survey of submergent aquatic plants; Map the distribution and acreage of nuisance aquatic plants; Measure soft sediment depths at PI locations. Water Quality Assessment: Assess trophic condition of millpond; Develop Trophic State Indices (TSIs). Watershed Assessment: Delineate watershed boundaries via topographic maps; Document watershed land uses and cover types using standard use categories used in WILMs Lake Model Suite; Identify potential nutrient and other pollution loading sources. Citizen Participation: Present appraisal findings at public meeting; Present recommended strategy; Finalize public adopted strategy and incorporate into plan. Develop Final Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
Watershed Mapping or Assessment
The Friends of the White River Assn proposes to conduct a preservation and restoration planning project. The primary goals of this project will be to gather baseline information on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the White River and Neshkoro Millpond and the surrounding watershed; to address excessive aquatic plant growth and the presence of exotic species; to identify and prioritize management concerns; and to provide information needed to make informed decisions regarding the future management of the waters both ecologically and sociologically. Deliverables include: Aquatic Plant/Sediment Depth Assessment: Conduct a point-intercept survey of submergent aquatic plants; Map the distribution and acreage of nuisance aquatic plants; Measure soft sediment depths at PI locations. Water Quality Assessment: Assess trophic condition of millpond; Develop Trophic State Indices (TSIs). Watershed Assessment: Delineate watershed boundaries via topographic maps; Document watershed land uses and cover types using standard use categories used in WILMs Lake Model Suite; Identify potential nutrient and other pollution loading sources. Citizen Participation: Present appraisal findings at public meeting; Present recommended strategy; Finalize public adopted strategy and incorporate into plan. Develop Final Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
Aquatic Plant Management Plan
The Friends of the White River Assn proposes to conduct a preservation and restoration planning project. The primary goals of this project will be to gather baseline information on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the White River and Neshkoro Millpond and the surrounding watershed; to address excessive aquatic plant growth and the presence of exotic species; to identify and prioritize management concerns; and to provide information needed to make informed decisions regarding the future management of the waters both ecologically and sociologically. Deliverables include: Aquatic Plant/Sediment Depth Assessment: Conduct a point-intercept survey of submergent aquatic plants; Map the distribution and acreage of nuisance aquatic plants; Measure soft sediment depths at PI locations. Water Quality Assessment: Assess trophic condition of millpond; Develop Trophic State Indices (TSIs). Watershed Assessment: Delineate watershed boundaries via topographic maps; Document watershed land uses and cover types using standard use categories used in WILMs Lake Model Suite; Identify potential nutrient and other pollution loading sources. Citizen Participation: Present appraisal findings at public meeting; Present recommended strategy; Finalize public adopted strategy and incorporate into plan. Develop Final Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands

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
FRIENDS OF THE WHITE RIVER ASSN INC.: Lower White River Preservation & Restoration Planning Project2007
Wetland Restoration Database2016
WHITE RIVER LAKE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT: White River Flowage Flowering Rush Rapid Response2015
WHITE RIVER LAKE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT: White River Flowage EWM/CLP Control Project2008
WHITE RIVER LAKE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT: White R. Flowage EWM & CLP Control Project2006
WHITE RIVER LAKE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT: Eurasian Water Milfoil Management on West Branch Mill Pond2019
Fish Propagation Actions2001

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
148500White River10045731White River halfway btw Hwy D & White River Rd5/23/20075/23/2007MapData
148500White River10041320White River - White River Rd Landing8/24/202010/30/2024MapData
148500White River10015765White River - 1 Mile Below Outfall8/21/19916/23/2009MapData
148500White River10034999White River at White River Rd (USGS 04073440)6/25/20028/8/2002MapData
148500White River10031485White River W of dam and Hwy 735/3/20101/1/2015MapData
148500White River10038939White River Below Neshkoro Dam1/1/20151/1/2015MapData
148500White River10041697White River - Radley Bridge Boat LandingMapData
148500White River703046White River - Above Neskoro DamMapData
148500White River393126White River at 22 Ave Se Of Neshkoro2/24/19979/21/2010MapData
148500White River243066White River at Cth D5/13/19988/31/2015MapData

Watershed Characteristics

White River is located in the White River watershed which is 149.81 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (47%), agricultural (21.20%) and a mix of wetland (20%) and other uses (11.90%). This watershed has 156.65 stream miles, 1,017.38 lake acres and 18,495.17 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Not Ranked 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

White River is considered a Cool-Warm Mainstem 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.

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