Rowan Creek, Lake Wisconsin Watershed (LW19)
Rowan Creek, Lake Wisconsin Watershed (LW19)
Rowan Creek (1263700)
2.76 Miles
13.98 - 16.74
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.
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.
2015
Good
 
Columbia
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.
Yes
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.
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

Rowan Creek is classified as a trout stream for 12 miles of its length with some natural reproduction of brown trout. About four miles are Class I trout waters and designated as an
exceptional water resource (ERW), while eight are Class II. Approximately 8 miles of the
trout stream portion of the stream has been listed on the state's list of impaired waters.
Despite this, the stream has been known as one of the best trout streams in Columbia County.
Surveys conducted in 1998 found the stream to have fair to good fish community health and
good to excellent habitat quality. There are nonpoint source pollution problems in its upper
end due to cattle access, bank erosion, and cropland erosion. In addition, new housing
developments are springing up, which has resulted in problems with stormwater runoff. A
River Planning Grant, sponsored by Columbia County, has been granted to help examine
current and potential stormwater issues along Rowan Creek. The grant will help with future
stormwater planning and management to control this potential source of pollution.
As a result of the threat from nonpoint sources and the streams potential to support a healthy
and fishable population of trout, the stream has been ranked as a high priority for nonpoint
source pollution and would benefit as a nonpoint source pollution reduction project.
The Friends of Rowan Creek have also received a River Planning Grant. The grant will be
used to facilitate educational and outreach activities in the watershed. The grant will also help
the group to address problems and issues that affect the overall health of the watershed.

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

Rowan Creek is classified as a trout stream for 12 miles of its length (WDNR, 1991)
About four miles are Class I trout waters, while eight are Class II. The Class I waters are
also listed as exceptional resources waters under the state's antidegradation rules. This
is the best trout stream in Columbia County (Larson, 1992) . There are some minor
nonpoint source pollution problenls in its upper end due to cattle access, bank erosion,
and cropland erosion, but not enough to impair water quality, fisheries or recreational
use (Larson, 1992). The village of Poynette discharges treated effluent to the stream
and a canning plant discharges non-contact cooling water to the stream. A spill occurred
at the canning plant, but it apparently did not affect water quality (Heim, 1992).

Date  1994

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Historical Description

Rowan Creek T11N, R9E, Section 30, Surface Acres = 12.84, Miles = 10.6, Gradient = 11.79 feet per mile.
A fair gradient spring-fed stream tributary to the Wisconsin River. Brown
trout constitute the fishery for about 5.5 miles, below which warm water fishes
from Lake Wisconsin inhabit the stream. The stream has perhaps more potential
than any in Columbia County for sustaining a cold water fishery. Several state,
county and town roads provide access. Over 800 acres of varied marshland adjoin
the stream.
Powers Creek (That portion of Rowan Creek from its junction with Hinkson Creek
to the Wisconsin River is referred to as Powers Creek)

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

Rowan Creek, Lake Wisconsin Watershed (LW19) Fish and Aquatic LifeRowan Creek, Lake Wisconsin Watershed (LW19) RecreationRowan Creek, Lake Wisconsin Watershed (LW19) Fish Consumption

General Condition

Rowan Creek (miles 0-10.41) was assessed during the 2018 listing cycle; new 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

General Condition

Rowan Creek (Mile 10.4 to 13.98) was assessed during the 2018 listing cycle; new biological (macroinvertebrate and fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scores), chloride, and temperature 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

Recommendations

Watershed Mapping or Assessment
Columbia County Land and Water Conservation Department will sponsor a project on Rowan Creek, Columbia County, to complete a watershed impacts needs inventory. This watershed resource gathering process will be an important step in the development of a long-term management plan for Rowan Creek. Project deliverables include the development of a GIS database to include delineation of the watershed, lists of landowners, location of identified watershed sources of sedimentation, nutrient loading, and ultimately scenarios that will correct or minimize the amount of sediment and nutrients entering the system.
Stormwater Planning, Implementation
This grant will provide information to facilitate effective stormwater planning and management in the Rowan Creek Watershed. This will be done through a comprehensive study that will include: a stream and watershed assessment, a stakeholder analysis, a compilation of effective stormwater management practices, and outreach activities intended to communicate the study's findings.
Aquatic Invasive Species Removal
The Friends of Rowan Creek will: 1) strengthen their organizational development, 2) educate the public on the value of Rowan Creek watershed and how they can help protect it, 3) publicize the Friends of Rowan Creek and recruit members, and 4) protect the watershed by participating in planning efforts, identifying and controlling exotic species, planting trees, and other activities.
Educate and engage residents
The Friends of Rowan Creek will: 1) strengthen their organizational development, 2) educate the public on the value of Rowan Creek watershed and how they can help protect it, 3) publicize the Friends of Rowan Creek and recruit members, and 4) protect the watershed by participating in planning efforts, identifying and controlling exotic species, planting trees, and other activities.

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

Monitoring Projects

Watershed Characteristics

Rowan Creek is located in the Lake Wisconsin watershed which is 214.96 miĀ². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (42.60%), forest (28%) and a mix of grassland (13.10%) and other uses (16.40%). This watershed has 299.58 stream miles, 521.55 lake acres and 6,644.90 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Medium for runoff impacts on streams, Low 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.This water is ranked High Stream for individual Rivers based on runoff problems and the likelihood of success from project implementation.

Natural Community

Rowan Creek is considered a 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.

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