Little Grant River, Upper Grant River Watershed (GP06)
Little Grant River, Upper Grant River Watershed (GP06)
Little Grant River (963100)
1.50 Miles
14.50 - 16
Cool-Cold Headwater
Unknown
 

Overview

The Little Grant River rises near the community of Mount Hope and flows southerly to the Grant River. About six miles of the middle reach of the stream is considered as class II trout waters and a series of springs contribute to water quality of this reach. (WDNR, 1980). While general water quality of the Little Grant is good, there are reaches that have a history of habitat and water quality problems due non-point sources of pollution. Excessive streambank grazing resulting in bank slumping and erosion is a problem. Other problems are barnyard runoff and erosion from cropland. The DNR, in cooperation with some local landowners, has installed some instream habitat and bank stabilization measures. The DNR has also acquired some land easements for public access along some stream reaches.

The Village of Mount Hope operates a small wastewater treatment plant that discharges to a tributary to the Little Grant River near the headwaters. Department records show this facility is in generally good condition. The village is not growing rapidly, if at all, and construction site erosion and stormwater runoff are not considered problems at this time.

Date  2001

Author   Aquatic Biologist

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 = 26.91 acres, Length = 14.8 mi~es, Gradient =
23 ft./mile, Flow = 15.1 c.f.s.

A seepage- and spring-fed stream beginning just south of Mount Hope and flowing southeast to enter the Grant River five miles west of Lancaster. This stream has a fairly large watershed; therefore rapid runoff and bank erosion are major problems. The stream is characterized by large pools and long riffles. Algae growth is abundant in the wide, slow-flowing portions of the stream. The central three miles of this stream, which is more commonly known as "Milner Branch", is considered good trout water. Brown and rainbow trout are common in this section while forage fish are abundant throughout the stream. Smallmouth bass also provide a limited fishery in the lower one-half of the stream. A spring entering from the northwest six miles above the mouth is the nucleus of the "Milner Branch" trout resource. Some natural reproduction occurs here. This spring was impounded and used as a trout rearing pond by the Bloomington Sportsman's Club prior to 1955. The Department of Natural Resources acquired an easement on this portion of stream in 1957.

Aquatic game assets include muskrat, mink, and a few puddle ducks. Approximately 20 percent of the watershed is forested and deer, raccoon, squirrels, and ruffed grouse are common. The Village of Mt. Hope is considered to be a potential source of pollution to this stream. The stream easement on the trout stream portion provides 0.5 mile of public frontage. Additional access is also available from ten bridge crossings and the Grant River. About 25 dwellings are located along the stream.

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 small populations of forage fish or tolerant macro-invertebrates that are tolerant of organic pollution. Typically limited due to naturally poor water quality or habitat deficiencies. Representative aquatic life communities associated with these waters generally require warm temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that remain above 3 mg/L.
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.