Water Detail - Farmers Valley Creek, Little La Crosse River Watershed (BL05)

Farmers Valley Creek, Little La Crosse River Watershed (BL05)

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Farmers Valley Creek (1659400)

Size

9.94 Miles

Segment

1.71 - 11.65

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, 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.

2015

General Condition

Good

County

Monroe

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.

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.

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

Farmers Valley Creek, located in west central Monroe County, flows in a northwesterly direction for approximately 11.5 miles before reaching the La Crosse River immediately downstream of Perch Lake in Sparta. The stream has a moderate gradient of 44 feet per mile and drains gently rolling agricultural and forested land. Several large springs in the upper reaches of the creek contribute cool water temperatures ideally suited for successful trout spawning. Farmers Valley Creek is a Class I trout stream for the 10.4 miles above STH 71 and Class II for the 1.0 mile below STH 71.

The most recent fish and habitat survey, conducted in 1981, documented cool, clear water with a bottom comprised mostly of sand and silt with lesser amounts of gravel and rubble. Moderate to severe bank erosion was noted in the lower and middle sections of this stream due to high water and excessive livestock grazing. In-stream cover was limited to log and brush tangles, undercut banks, and overhanging grasses. Many long deep pools found throughout the stream also provided cover for fish. The 1981 fish survey documented self-sustaining populations of brown trout and brook trout. Rock bass and some forage fish species were also documented. Land acquisition and in-stream habitat improvements are recommended for the entire stream system. A fish and habitat survey of Farmers Valley Creek should be conducted to document the current status of the stream. The creek hasn’t been stocked since 1978 when browns were planted. Access is possible from several road crossings, DNR owned land adjacent to Farmers Valley Creek off CTH AA and DNR owned easements. The Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail crosses the upper end of the stream, then runs parallel to it until Sparta.

Date 2002

Author Aquatic Biologist

Farmers Valley Creek, Little La Crosse River Watershed (BL05) Fish and Aquatic Life

Farmers Valley Creek, Little La Crosse River Watershed (BL05) Recreation

Farmers Valley Creek, Little La Crosse River Watershed (BL05) Fish Consumption

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

Comprehensive 2014 TP IBI Rivers Assessment

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

Monitoring Projects

WBIC	Official Waterbody Name	Station ID	Station Name	Earliest Fieldwork Date	Latest Fieldwork Date	View Station	View Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	423213	Farmers Valley Creek - (Bridge)	6/23/2003	10/22/2003	Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	423212	Farmers Valley Creek - Farmers Valley Creek	6/23/2003	10/22/2003	Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10014152	Farmers Valley Creek Station 4 - Sth 71 In The Nw 1/4 Of S32			Map	Data
1659500	Unnamed	10010097	Trib To Farmers Valley Creek 4-5 Station 1 - 300 Ft Downstream Sparta Rod And Gun			Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10014147	Farmers Valley Creek Station 3 - Sth 71 In The Se 1/4 Of S32			Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10010104	Farmers Valley Creek - Farmers Valley Cr. Station #1 100 Feet Below I-90 Bridge			Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10038788	Farmers Valley Creek at County Easment Stream Crossing North of STH 71	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10010102	Farmers Valley Creek - Farmers Valley #2	11/5/1994	3/22/1995	Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10010106	Farmers Valley Creek - Station 4 Bridge On Aa			Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10010307	Farmers Valley Creek - Farmers Valley Creek Remap 069-B			Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	423087	Farmers Valley Creek at 11 Ave.	4/12/1994	12/6/1994	Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10014149	Farmers Valley Creek Station 7 - Sth 71 Sharp Bend In The Nw 1/4			Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10010107	Farmers Valley Cr - Station 5 Hwy 71 Bridge			Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10014153	Farmers Valley Creek Station 6 - Nw 1/4 Se 1/4 Of S4 (atConfluence With Un Creek)			Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10038785	Farmers Valley Creek at Brooks property machinery crossing	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10014148	Farmers Valley Creek Station 5 - Farm Rd. Bridge Crossing In S10			Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10015527	Farmers Valley Cr. St. 2 - Approx. 200m Upstream Of Driveway Crossing (Downing Property)			Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10010105	Farmers Valley Creek - Farmers Valley Cr. Station 3 Hwy 71 Bridge			Map	Data
1659400	Farmers Valley Creek	10010306	Farmers Valley Creek - Farmers Valley Creek Remap 069-X			Map	Data

Watershed Characteristics

Farmers Valley Creek is located in the Little La Crosse River watershed which is 240.79 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (48%), agricultural (25.70%) and a mix of grassland (15.60%) and other uses (10.80%). This watershed has 445.88 stream miles, 114.59 lake acres and 5,439.88 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High 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

Farmers Valley Creek is considered a Cool-Cold Mainstem, 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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