Water Detail - La Crosse River, Lower La Crosse River Watershed (BL04)

La Crosse River, Lower La Crosse River Watershed (BL04)

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La Crosse River (1650200)

Size

17.84 Miles

Segment

0 - 17.84

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.

Macroinvertebrate, Coldwater, Large River

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.

2023

General Condition

Poor

This river is impaired

Impairments include

Impairment Unknown

Pollutants include

Total Phosphorus

County

La Crosse

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.

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.

Yes

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.

Restricted Aquatic Life

Fish and Aquatic Life communities are not fully supported in this ecosystem.

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.

Default FAL

Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.

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.

Default FAL

Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.

Overview

Approximately 23 miles of the La Crosse River flows through the heart of the Little La Crosse River Watershed. All streams in the Little La Crosse River Watershed ultimately drain to this middle portion of the La Crosse River. Many acres of wetland are found adjacent to the La Crosse. The uppermost 17.9 miles of the La Crosse River down to the dam at Perch Lake in Sparta flow through the Upper La Crosse River Watershed. The river originates just east of the Fort McCoy eastern border.

Date 2011

Author Aquatic Biologist

Overview

The La Crosse River flows in a southwesterly direction for approximately 64 miles through Monroe and La Crosse Counties before reaching the Mississippi River at Riverside Park in the City of La Crosse. The river drains approximately 500 square miles of forested and agricultural land. Five dams on the La Crosse River create Lake Neshonoc in West Salem, Perch Lake in Sparta, Angelo Pond in the Town of Angelo, and Alderwood Lake and Hazel Dell Pond both of which lie within the Fort McCoy Military Reservation. All five impoundments are used for recreational purposes; however, the dams at Lake Neshonoc and Perch Lake also generate hydroelectric power.

The La Crosse River is classified as a warmwater sport fishery from its mouth upstream to Rockland. The river then gradually becomes colder and is capable of holding trout. From Rockland upstream to the confluence of Squaw Creek in Fort McCoy, the La Crosse River is a Class II trout stream. Upstream of Squaw Creek, the river is considered Class I.

Date 2002

Author Aquatic Biologist

La Crosse River, Lower La Crosse River Watershed (BL04) Fish and Aquatic Life

La Crosse River, Lower La Crosse River Watershed (BL04) Recreation

La Crosse River, Lower La Crosse River Watershed (BL04) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

La Crosse River, from its mouth to Neshonoc Lake (miles 0 to 17.84), was evaluated every two-year cycle from 2012 to 2022; phosphorus was found to be too high in the 2012 cycle and this was confirmed in subsequent assessments. Chloride, bug, and fish data indicated good conditions.

La Crosse River, from Neshonoc Lake to Fish Creek (miles 19.7 to 29.3), was evaluated every two-year cycle from 2012 to 2018; phosphorus was found to be too high in the 2012 cycle and this was confirmed in subsequent assessments. Biology and chloride data showed no additional impairments.

La Crosse River, from Fish Creek to Perch Lake (miles 29.3 to 40.19), was evaluated for phosphorus and biology every two years from 2012 to 2018. In 2018 chloride was also evaluated. Phosphorus levels were found to be too high for healthy plant, bug, and fish communities, though fish were found to be in good condition.

La Crosse River, from Perch Lake to Anglo Pond (miles 40.75 to 43.23), has not been evaluated for water quality.

La Crosse River, from Angelo Pond to Suukjak Sep Creek (miles 43.94 to 49.72), was evaluated in 2014 and phosphorus showed no impairment.

La Crosse River, from Suukjak Sep Creek to headwaters (miles 49.72 to 61.94), was evaluated in 2014 for phosphorus and for biology in 2018; neither showed no impairment.

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

La Crosse River, La Crosse River Station 13 - Cth B Bridge Crossing, Nonwadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments

2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters

Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List

Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments

LaCrosse_R_zebramussel_AISIncidentReport_station10044468

Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments

AIS Bridge Snapshot Day 2014 Data Form [La Crosse - Mississippi]

AIS Bridge Snapshot Day 2014 Data Form [La Crosse - Mormon]

AIS Bridge Snapshot Day 2014 Data Form [La Crosse River - Earls Landing]

AIS Bridge Snapshot Day 2014 Data Form [La Crosse River - Hwy 16]

AIS Bridge Snapshot Day 2014 Data Form [La Crosse River - West Ave]

AIS Bridge Snapshot Day 2014 Data Form [La Crosse River 3rd St N]

Comprehensive 2014 TP IBI Rivers Assessment

2012 Angelo Dam Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 13417, Order Issuing Original License

2012 Angelo Dam Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 13417, Wisconsin DNR Water Quality Certification

Rivers TP Summary 2012

WCR Field Session Summary

PLEASANT VALLEY CREEK, LA CROSSE RIVER, UNNAMED TRIBUTARY, MONROE COUNTY, MAPLE CREEK COUNTRY CLUB, ROCKLAND WWTP, WARRENS WWTP USE DESIGNATION

LACROSSE RIVER WETLAND TRIB, LACROSSE COUNTY, ROCKLAND WWTP USE DESIGNATION

1982 Neshonoc Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 6476, Order Granting Exemption From Licensing of a Small Hydroelectric Project of 5MW or Less

Recommendations

Monitor or Propose 303(d) Listing

La Crosse proposes to monitor one lake (impoundment) in 2012 that is currently on the 303d list. Data collection will include collecting Total Phosphorus (TP) and Chlorophyll a (Chl a) samples and documenting the vertical dissolved oxygen and temperature profiles. The monitoring activites are proposed for Lake Neshonoc located in La Crosse County.

Sewer Service Area Planning

The La Crosse Sewer Service Area Water Quality Management Plan 2013 - 2035 ("the Sewer Service Area Plan") is an update to the La Crosse Sewer Service Area Water Quality Management Plan 1999- 2020 which was completed in 1999 by the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, with input from the Department of Natural Resources, the La Crosse Area Planning Committee and the La Crosse Area Planning Committee's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).

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
La Crosse 303d Lakes Monitoring	2012
CITY OF LA CROSSE: Stormwater Plan & Utility	2005
Lacrosse Onalaska SSA Plan (2013 - 2035)	2015
Fish Propagation Actions	2001

Monitoring Projects

WBIC	Official Waterbody Name	Station ID	Station Name	Earliest Fieldwork Date	Latest Fieldwork Date	View Station	View Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014070	La Crosse River Station 6 - Confluence With Kinney Coulee Creek			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10052275	La Crosse River Marsh Mud Lake	1/8/2018	1/4/2019	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014083	La Crosse River Station 3 - 1500 Ft Upstream Of Cth B Bridge Crossing			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014089	La Crosse River - Mitigation Site To Riffle S21 T16n 7w Ne1/4 Ne 1/4			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014082	La Crosse River Station 2 - 1500 Ft Upstream Of Old Bridge Near Riffle			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10048181	Lower La Crosse River - Below Neshonoc Dam	4/19/2022	4/19/2022	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014332	La Crosse River Marsh 1989 - Lower Northern Pike Study			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10052270	La Crosse River ab Bike Trail	12/13/2017	2/21/2019	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10015357	La Crosse River - Hwy 16 Bridge To Mississippi River			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10030930	LaCrosse River -- Veterans Memorial Park Canoe Launch	7/4/2021	7/5/2021	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10049128	La Crosse River DS 250M Great River State Trail Bridge	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011942	La Crosse River Station 3 Ibi			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014068	La Crosse River Station 4 - Hwy 16 Bridge Crossing			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10012048	La Crosse River - La Crosse River Game St. 2 - 2 Bend Down From Rr Tracks			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011218	La Crosse River - La Crosse River Station 5 Game (End Of Station 5 Ibi-3 Miles From Hwy 16 Bridge)			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011941	La Crosse River Station 2 Ibi By Rr Tracks			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014077	La Crosse River Station 13 - Cth B Bridge Crossing	5/13/1998	8/20/2022	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011219	La Crosse River - La Crosse River Station 6 Ibi (End Of Station 5 Game-4 Miles From Hwy 16 Bridge)			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011220	La Crosse River - La Crosse River Station 6 Game (End Of Station 6 Ibi-5 Miles From Hwy 16 Bridge)			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10012051	La Crosse River - La Crosse River Station 3 Ibi Starts Under I-90 Bridge			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014065	La Crosse River Station 2 - Cth M Bridge Crossing			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014081	La Crosse River Station 1 - 1500 Ft Upstream Of Hwy 53 Bridge Crossing			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10046862	La Crosse River at Old Man Johnson Field Acess			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014073	La Crosse River Station 9 - 5280 Ft Downstream Of High Sand Cut Bank In S13 Ne 1/4 Nw 1/4			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014078	La Crosse River Station 14 - Lang Drive Bridge Crossing (Sth 35)	9/13/2014	8/18/2018	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10052263	La Crosse River Culvert in Willow Trail	12/18/2017	7/3/2018	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	323136	La Crosse River at 1st RR Br below Hwy 16	5/21/2003	9/3/2015	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10055331	La Crosse River - HWY 35 Bridge	8/21/2021	8/21/2021	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10053803	La Crosse River near N Kinney Coulee Rd	7/24/2020	4/13/2021	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10044468	La Crosse River - La Crosse R Causeway	4/15/2016	4/15/2016	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011215	La Crosse River - La Crosse River Station 4 Ibi (Hwy 16 Bridge-Conoco Rd.)	9/19/1989	9/13/2014	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10012050	La Crosse River - La Crosse River Station 2 Ibi - 2 Bends Up From Rr Tracks			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014072	La Crosse River Station 8 - High Sand Cut Bank In S13 Ne 1/4 Nw 1/4			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014091	La Crosse River - Riffle To Logjam T16n R7w S28 Sw 1/4 Ne 1/4	9/19/1989	9/19/1989	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	323013	La Crosse River at Cth M			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	323141	La Crosse River - West Salem			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011217	La Crosse River - La Crosse River Station 5 Ibi (End Of 4 Game-2 Miles From Hwy 16 Bridge)			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10012027	La Crosse River - La Crosse River Catfish Station Below Hwy 16 Onalaska To Mississippi			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	323017	La Crosse River - Near Mouth	6/2/1994	10/31/2022	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011943	La Crosse River Station 3 Game			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014094	La Crosse River - Menards To Mouth T16n R7w S29 Se 1/4 Sw 1/4			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014071	La Crosse River Station 7 - 5000 Ft Downstream Of Confluence With Kinney Coulee Creek			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10052277	La Crosse River Silver Creek Box Culverts	12/18/2017	2/21/2019	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	323016	La Crosse River Causeway - La Crosse R Causeway	8/29/2015	8/15/2020	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011940	La Crosse River Station 2 Game			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10012052	La Crosse River - La Crosse River Game Station 3 - 3094 M Below I-90 Bridge			Map	Data
5589855	Unnamed	10032844	Unnamed	7/28/2009	8/22/2023	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10037026	La Crosse River - Vets park to B/Hwy16			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	325005	La Crosse River - La Crosse	8/31/1994	8/31/1994	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10042876	La Crosse River at 3rd St N	9/13/2014	8/15/2020	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	323014	La Crosse River at Old Sth 16	8/9/1989	8/4/2015	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	323001	La Crosse River - (Sth 35)	4/4/1961	11/16/1976	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	323011	La Crosse River at Sth 108	8/22/2016	8/22/2016	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014069	La Crosse River Station 5 - 10560 Feet Downstream Of Hwy 16 Bridge Crossing			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014066	La Crosse River Station 3 - Old Cth B Bridge Crossing			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10010032	La Crosse River - Smith Valley St. 1-2002 Golf Course Fence On Northbrook Rd.			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10015586	La Crosse River - Vets Park To Misssissippi River			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014075	La Crosse River Station 11 - 5280ft Downstream Of Highline Crossing In S15			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014093	La Crosse River - Logjam To Menards T16n R7w S29 Ne 1/4 Se 1/4			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10053805	LAXRiversideCl	7/24/2020	4/13/2021	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	323012	La Crosse River - West Salem Stp	11/9/1976	8/17/1982	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011216	La Crosse River - La Crosse River Station 4 Game (End Of Station 4 Ibi-1 Mile From Hwy 16 Bridge)			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011821	La Crosse River -1 Game 5800 Feet Below Neshonoc Dam	7/27/1994	8/3/2004	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014133	La Crosse River Station 1 - 1997 T16n R6w S8 Nw 1/4 Ne 1/4			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014074	La Crosse River Station 10 - Highline Crossing In S15			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10011820	La Crosse River 1 Ibi Below Neshonoc Dam For 5800 Feet	10/12/1998	10/12/1998	Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014134	La Crosse River Station 2 - T16n R7w S13 Ne 1/4 Ne 1/4			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10015585	La Crosse River - Dam On Lake Neshonoc To Vets Park			Map	Data
1650200	La Crosse River	10014135	La Crosse River Station 3 - 1997 T16n R7w S14 Ne 1/4 Ne 1/4			Map	Data

Watershed Characteristics

La Crosse River is located in the Lower La Crosse River watershed which is 145.46 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (42.30%), agricultural (14.80%) and a mix of urban (10.30%) and other uses (32.50%). This watershed has 295.20 stream miles, 1,187.12 lake acres and 5,641.64 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Medium for runoff impacts on streams, Not Ranked for runoff impacts on lakes and Low for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of Low. 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

La Crosse River is considered a Macroinvertebrate, Coldwater, Large River 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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