Water Detail - W. Fork Kickapoo River, West Fork Kickapoo River Watershed (LW04)

W. Fork Kickapoo River, West Fork Kickapoo River Watershed (LW04)

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W. Fork Kickapoo River (1187900)

Size

11.68 Miles

Segment

10.34 - 22.02

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

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

General Condition

Good

County

Vernon

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.

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.

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.

Cold (Class I Trout)

Streams supporting a cold water sport fishery, or serving as a spawning area for salmonids and other cold water fish species through natural reproduction. 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.

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.

Overview

The West Fork of the Kickapoo River, located in central Vernon County, flows in a
southeasterly direction for 24 miles before reaching the Kickapoo River. This river has a
gradient of 11 feet per mile and drains forested hillsides and agricultural valleys. A wet flood
control structure is located on the upper end of this river creating Jersey Valley Lake. The
West Fork of the Kickapoo River is a Class II trout stream from its mouth upstream 15.8
miles to the STH 82 bridge and Class I upstream from this bridge for 8.2 miles.
The most recent survey, conducted in 2000, documented healthy brook trout and brown trout
populations as well as a diverse forage fishery. The stream bottom was dominated by cobble
and gravel. In order of abundance, in-stream cover consisted of LUNKER structures, woody
debris, boulders, undercut banks, and boulders. Since the 2000 survey was conducted
upstream of STH 82, an updated fish and habitat survey should be conducted of the river
downstream of STH 82. The West Fork of the Kickapoo River would benefit from the
purchase of streambank easements from willing sellers and the restoration of in-stream
habitat. WDNR records indicate that the West Fork of the Kickapoo River has been stocked
with brown trout consistently from 1960 to 1998. Wild brook trout have been stocked yearly
since 1999. Access to the West Fork of the Kickapoo River is from 14 road crossings, WDNR
owned land and the Vernon County Jersey Valley Park. A rare aquatic species has been found
in this creek.

From: Ripp, Coreen, Koperski, Cindy and Folstad, Jason. 2002. The State of the Lower Wisconsin River Basin.
PUBL WT-559-2002. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date 2002

Author Cynthia Koperski

Historical Description

The West Fork Kickapoo River has the potential to improve from a Class III to a Class II trout stream if nonpoint source water pollution is controlled. A portion of the stream is managed as a catch-and-release, trophy trout stream.

Date 1994

Author Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Historical Description

Kickapoo River, West Fork, T11N, R3W, Section 4. Surface Acres = 78.5, Miles = 24.0, Gradient = 10.8 feet per mile.
Flowing in a southerly direction, this clear, hard water stream joins the Kickapoo River just north of Readstown. Locally, that portion of the West Fork above the junction of Knapp Creek is called Jersey Valley Creek. From State Trunk Highway 82 crossing upstream, the stream is Class III brown trout water. That portion of stream between 82 and County Trunk Highway "P" is also managed for smallmouth bass. Northern pike, green sunfish and numerous species of minnows and other forage species are also present. Sand is the dominant bottom type, with some rubble and small amounts of bedrock, silt and gravel.
Jersey Valley Lake is located on the stream. A quasi-public park, several road crossings, Jersey Valley Lake and park, and the Kickapoo River all provide access. Beaver are present and muskrat are significant. Teal, mallards, and wood ducks nest along the stream, and migrant puddle and diving ducks use the water.

From: Klick, Thomas A. and Threinen, C.W., 1973. Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of Vernon County, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date 1973

Author Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

W. Fork Kickapoo River, West Fork Kickapoo River Watershed (LW04) Fish and Aquatic Life

W. Fork Kickapoo River, West Fork Kickapoo River Watershed (LW04) Recreation

W. Fork Kickapoo River, West Fork Kickapoo River Watershed (LW04) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

The West Fork Kickapoo River (Mouth to Highway 82, miles 0 - 10.3) was evaluated in the 2022 cycle: phosphorus levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This stream was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date 2022

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

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments

2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters

Kickapoo Farmer-Led Watershed Councils - RP 278-16 - River Planning Grant Final Report

Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments

2016 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Kickapoo River_ West Fork - se1/4ofnw1/4ofnw1/4 Sec. 33

West Fork Kickapoo River, West Fork Kickapoo River - CTH Y (Near S and Avalanche Rd), Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

West Fork Kickapoo River, West Fork Kickapoo River 125 yds downstream of CTH P, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

West Fork Kickapoo River, Kickapoo River West Fork - Se1/4ofnw1/4 Sec.33, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments

West Fork Kickapoo River AIS Grant Application

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

Watershed Mapping or Assessment

The Valley Stewardship Network is sponsoring a project to initiate two farmer-led watershed councils to identify and cooperatively solve nutrient runoff issues with conservation practices fundable though the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI). Project activities and deliverables include: 1) mailings, meetings, and events to identify leaders and goals within Tainter and Knapp Creek watersheds, 2) establishment and facilitation of councils, 3) sociological surveys, 4) outreach and training re: MRBI conservation practices including water quality sampling, 5) data summarization with annual reports and mapping, 6) development of outreach materials for field day events, 7) pre and post-practice water quality samping and data entry (SWIMS), and 8) final report. This scope summarizes the project detail provided in the application and does not negate tasks/deliverables described therein. Data, records, and reports, including GIS-based maps and digital images must be submitted to the Department in a format specified by the regional Lake Planner.

Protect Riparian or Shorelands

stabilize over 2000 feet of streambank and place 24 LUNKERS(trout habitat overhead cover). Between the bank stabilization sites we propose to shape and stabilize additional feet of bank and place additional in water structures for trout

Rivers Management Grant

The project is located on the West Fork of the Kickapoo River. Proposing to stabilize over 2000 feet of streambank and place 24 LUNKERS(trout habitat overhead cover). Between the bank stabilization sites we propose to shape and stablize additional feet of bank and place additional in water structures for trout.

Control Streambank Erosion

Restore Wetlands

Monitor Water Quality or Sediment

Our analysis shows a median of 73 ug/l. Please provide the data used for analysis. The 924 ug/L value seems anomalous and without it the median is 74.6 ug/L and lower confidence value is 73.6 ug/L. I recommend we don't list this water right now. More monitoring recommended.

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
West Fork Kickapoo River 125 yds downstream of CTH P	2009
Wetland Restoration Database	2016
WEST FORK SPORTSMAN CLUB: West Fork of the Kickapoo	2000
West Fork Kickapoo River at Peaceful Valley Rd	2009
West Fork Kickapoo River 2 miles up from confluence with Bishop Branch	2009
West Fork Kickapoo River 100 yds downstream of CTH S	2009
VERNON COUNTY LWCD: Jersey Valley Nutrients	2010
VALLEY STEWARDSHIP NETWORK: Kickapoo Farmer-Led	2016
Fish Propagation Actions	2001

Monitoring Projects

WBIC	Official Waterbody Name	Station ID	Station Name	Earliest Fieldwork Date	Latest Fieldwork Date	View Station	View Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10013077	West Fork Kickapoo St. 2-05 Snowmobile Bridge Livingwaters Bible Camp	4/14/2005	4/14/2005	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10009120	West Fork Kickapoo River #3- 1350 Feet Below Cty S Bridge Fence Line South End Of Park	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10013076	West Fork Kickapoo River St. 1-05 Bridge On Cty P	5/13/1980	8/15/2020	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10013773	West Fork Kickapoo River Station 7 - 500 Ft. Upstream Of Cth P Bridge			Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10029589	West Fork Kickapoo River St. 4 - 2008 (Serendipity Golf Course)	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10041633	West Fork Kickapoo River at Stream Crossing on Wahl's Land	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	633164	Kickapoo River West Fork - Sportsmans Club	10/7/1998	6/29/2003	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	633060	Kickapoo River West Fork - Ne1/4ofsw1/4 Sec. 30			Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10030275	West Fork Kickapoo River 125 yds downstream of CTH P	5/16/2009	10/8/2024	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10013772	West Fork Kickapoo River Station 6 - Bridge On Cth S In Section 6	1/1/2015	8/15/2020	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10009124	West Fork Kickapoo River #2- 1000 Feet Below River Rd. Bridge			Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10009121	West Fork Kickapoo River - Smart Hollow Rd. Bridge	9/12/2016	6/27/2020	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10009123	West Fork Kickapoo River #1- Hwy 82 Bridge	5/13/1980	9/12/2024	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	633199	West Fork Kickapoo River at Knapp Valley Rd	5/2/2005	8/15/2020	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10009122	West Fork Kickapoo River #6- 787 Feet Downstream From Cty P Bridge Where Feeder Stream Joins West Fo			Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10033415	West Fork Kickapoo River 100 yd downstream of CTH S bridge in Avalanche	4/16/2007	9/30/2008	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	633185	Kickapoo River West Fork - Below Left Embankment Seep Tributary	4/26/2005	5/2/2005	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10022630	West Fork Kickapoo River - Bloomingdale Rd.	6/28/2012	6/27/2020	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10013771	West Fork Kickapoo River - CTH Y (Near S and Avalanche Rd)	7/7/2011	10/8/2024	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	633198	West Fork Kickapoo River at Living Waters Bible Camp	5/2/2005	5/2/2005	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	633057	West Fork Kickapoo River - Hwy 82 Bridge	10/29/1980	9/14/2016	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	633076	Kickapoo River W Fork - Wesby Road Near Bloomingdale	8/7/1991	7/7/1992	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10033414	West Fork Kickapoo River 0.9 mi. N of STH 82 on CTH S downstream of bridge	4/7/2002	9/30/2008	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10029590	W Fork Kickapoo R St. 9 - 2008 (Living Waters Bible Camp)	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	633184	Kickapoo River West Fork at Jersey Valley Outfall	4/26/2005	5/2/2005	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10044920	West Fork Kickapoo River at River Road Bridge	1/1/2015	6/27/2020	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10052398	West Fork Kickapoo River 700 m above Smart Hollow Rd.			Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10009125	West Fork Kickapoo River #5- 1650 Feet Below Cth S Bridge	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10013770	West Fork Kickapoo River - CTH S Bridge	9/10/1998	6/27/2020	Map	Data
1187900	West Fork Kickapoo River	10030274	West Fork Kickapoo River 100 yds downstream of CTH S	5/9/2006	4/10/2021	Map	Data

Watershed Characteristics

West Fork Kickapoo River is located in the West Fork Kickapoo River watershed which is 118.04 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (41.10%), grassland (29%) and a mix of agricultural (25.50%) and other uses (4.40%). This watershed has 283.75 stream miles, 49.18 lake acres and 672.36 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High 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

W. Fork Kickapoo River is considered a Cool-Cold Mainstem, Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, Coldwater 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 (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.

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