Culver Br, Platte River Watershed (GP02)
Culver Br, Platte River Watershed (GP02)
Culver Br (950900)
1.94 Miles
2.30 - 4.24
Cool-Cold Headwater, Coldwater
Good
 

Overview

Culver Branch is a spring fed tributary to the Platte River just south of the community of Ellenboro. It is considered a class II trout stream (WDNR, 1980). Its biological and recreational uses have been impaired over the years by agricultural nonpoint sources of pollution resulting in its listing on the 303(d) list of impaired waters. A species listed on the state’s threatened and endangered species list has historically been found along Culver Branch (WDNR, 1997). This endangered species is very sensitive to water pollution. Nonpoint source best management practices, particularly stream buffer corridors and managed grazing, would help protect and improve the stream.

Date  2001

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Entire stream.

Date  1980

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Historical Description

From: Smith, Tom D., and Ball, Joseph R., Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of Grant County, Department of Natural Resources, 1972. Surface Area = 2.09 acres, Length = 2.3 miles, Gradient = 43 ft./mile, Flow = 2.5 c.f.s.

A rocky, spring-fed tributary of the Platte River located two miles south of Ellenboro. Firm pasture is the predominant bank type and some fairly deep pool areas are found throughout the stream. Brown trout have been stocked by the Platteville SportsmanB Club, but the stream is only considered as very marginal trout water. Forage fish including white suckers, bluntnose minnows, and creek chubs are commonly observed. Game assets including deer, raccoon, squirrels, and ruffed grouse are present in the watershed. One bridge crossing and the Platte River provide access. Only one dwelling is seen along the banks.

Date  1972

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.
Waters that support fish and aquatic life communities (healthy biological communities).
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.
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.
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.
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.