Bark Lake, Bark River Watershed (LR13)
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Bark Lake, Bark River Watershed (LR13)
Bark Lake (828600)
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64.94 Acres
Natural Community
Deep Lowland
Year Last Monitored
2025
Fair
 
Washington
Trout Water 
No
Outstanding or Exceptional 
No
Impaired Water 
No

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use
Deep Lowland
Attainable Use
Default FAL
Designated Use
Default FAL

Overview

Rock River Water Quality Management Plan, Lower Rock River Appendix. WT-668-2002. South Central Region, WDNR.

Bark Lake is a fairly good-sized seepage lake in Washington County with 64 surface acres and a mean depth of 14 feet. A lake district has existed for some time but has been inactive. The lake is considered eutrophic and it exhibits sedimentation, septic problems, and severe development pressure. The lake was monitored in 1994. There is currently a moratorium on the development of new septic systems due to groundwater contamination and shallow soils; only holding tanks are allowed. Due to the many needs of this resource, the lake district should either become more involved in the lake or disband.

Date  2002

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Source: 1963, Surface Water Resources of Washington County Bark Lake - T9N, R19E, Sec. 26,

A small spring and drainage-fed lake on marsh deposits, generally considered as the headwaters of the Bark River. Managed for largemouth bass and panfish, with northern pike making a minor contribution to the creel. Access is afforded by undeveloped public right-of-way along the west shore, and by fire lanes. Over 80 per cent of the community residents live here year-round. Weeds and stunted panfish are major use problems. Water skiing and speedboating are regulated by Town of Richfield ordinance. About 55 acres of tamarack and shrub swamp adjoin the east end of the lake and offer some nesting of mallards and black ducks. Hunting is permitted but of marginal quality.

Surface Acres = 65, S.D.F. 1.59, Maximum Depth = 32 feet.

Date  1963

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Deep lowland lake describes the depth and location of the lake in a watershed. These variables affect the lakes response to watershed variables.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.