Jackson
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No
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Fish and Aquatic Life
Overview
Lake Wazee was created after reclamation of the Jackson County iron mine. Groundwater naturally filled the mine pit creating a deep, clear, cold lake. Jackson County Forestry and Parks Department received a lake protection grant in May 1995. The purpose of the grant was to assist in implementing a stormwater management plan and shoreland stabilization project in the southeast portion of the lake. These projects have been successful in protecting lake water quality. The stormwater management project involved the modification of surface drainage patterns to minimize the amount of land draining to the lake. Areas within the watershed that were graded have been planted with native grasses. The Lake Wazee surface watershed was reduced to less than 30 acres. Several hundred feet of severely eroding shoreline in the southeast portion have been stabilized along with the development of a swimming beach. The depth (~300 ft.) and clarity of the lake attracts scuba enthusiasts from the upper midwest.
Lake Wazee has outstanding water quality as indicated by very low phosphorus and algal levels with exceptional water clarity. Water chemistry was monitored in the lake during 1992 and 1997. Background low level metals monitoring was included in 1997.
A significant water quality change has occurred in Lake Wazee over the five year period between 1992 and 1997. Dissolved oxygen levels significantly decreased in the deepest portion of the lake. Dissolved oxygen concentrations of 2-3 mg/l was recorded at 97 meters (300 ft) in 1992. By 1997, a dissolved oxygen concentration of 2-3 mg/l level was encountered at 75 meters (246 ft) with concentrations near zero by 83 meters (272 ft). This zone of reduced dissolved oxygen can be expected to continue to move upward in the water column. Water temperature profile data from 1992 and 1997 indicated that the water column mixes at spring and fall turnover to a depth of about 30 meters (100 ft). The lack of mixing deeper than 30 meters prevents the reoxygenation of deeper portions of the lake. As organic matter continues to settle into and decompose in this portion of the lake, oxygen levels will continue to decline.
Date 1999
Author Aquatic Biologist
Land Use
Wazee Lake is located in the Morrison Creek watershed which is 178.14 mi . Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (57.84%), wetland (23.18%) and a mix of grassland (10.15%) and other uses (8.85%). This watershed has 236.05 stream miles, 1,525.11 lake acres and 27,521.66 wetland acres.
Date 2013
Author Lisa Helmuth
General Condition
Wazee Lake (1670030) was assessed during the 2016 listing cycle; total phosphorus sample data were clearly below 2016 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use and Fish and Aquatic Life use. This water is meeting these designated uses and is not considered impaired.
Date 2015
Author Ashley Beranek
General Condition
The Wazee Lake Recreation Area is Jackson County's newest and largest County Park. The focal point of the 1300-acre recreation area is Wazee Lake. The lake is 146 acres in size and is the clearest and deepest inland lake in Wisconsin.Wazee Lake has become the most popular scuba diving site in the Midwest, attracting more than 1000 divers annually. For more information on scuba diving click here It is also host to a two-tier fishery including two species of trout, smallmouth bass, bluegills and walleye. The lake is non-motorized to ensure protection of the pristine water quality, and to promote a "quiet" recreational experience.The area offers 12 rustic campsites with pit toilets and water, 9 miles of hiking trail, 3 miles of surfaced bicycle trail, a large beach, picnic areas, handicap fishing pier, boat launch and several scenic vistas of the surrounding forest land. Reservations are accepted on 6 of the 12 campsites. Reservations can be made for camping Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. TO MAKE A RESERVATION PLEASE VISIT HTTP://WWW.JACKSONCOUNTYPARKS.US
Date 2013
Author Jackson County
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
Lakes Protection Grant
Jackson County will initiate the first phase of improvements to the Wazee Lake shoreland that will improve water access, expand recreation opportunities, enhance fish habitat, and restore wetland complexes for lake protection.
Issue News/Media Release
Develop a watershed plan to reduce runoff to lake. Develop a design for shoreline stabilization. Develop a plan for beach construction. Develop a plan to improve fish habitat and boat access. Information will be disseminated to the public by videoprograms, public meetings, press releases to newspaper and radio stations.
Lake Management Plan Development
Develop a watershed plan to reduce runoff to lake. Develop a design for shoreline stabilization. Develop a plan for beach construction. Develop a plan to improve fish habitat and boat access. Information will be disseminated to the public by videoprograms, public meetings, press releases to newspaper and radio stations.
Informational Meetings
Develop a watershed plan to reduce runoff to lake. Develop a design for shoreline stabilization. Develop a plan for beach construction. Develop a plan to improve fish habitat and boat access. Information will be disseminated to the public by videoprograms, public meetings, press releases to newspaper and radio stations.
Lakes Planning Grant
Wazee Lake should be considered high priority for receiving a lakes planning grant for developing lake management alternatives. (Type C)
Restore Hydrology, Morphology
DNR water program staff should discuss with Jackson County staff the possibility of routing cold water from Lake Wazee to Indian Grave Creek. (Type B)
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
| WBIC | Official Waterbody Name | Station ID | Station Name | Earliest Fieldwork Date | Latest Fieldwork Date | View Station | View Data |
|---|
| 1670030 | Wazee Lake | 10030946 | Wazee Lake -- Recreation Area Boat Ramp | 5/22/2024 | 5/22/2024 | Map | Data |
| 1670030 | Wazee Lake | 10033275 | Wazee Lake | 7/5/2009 | 9/2/2016 | Map | Data |
| 1670030 | Wazee Lake | 273028 | Wazee Lake - Deep Hole | 2/19/1992 | 7/22/2022 | Map | Data |
|
Watershed Characteristics
Wazee Lake is located in the Morrison Creek watershed which is 178.14 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (79%), wetland (15.80%) and a mix of open (2.30%) and other uses (2.90%). This watershed has 236.05 stream miles, 1,525.11 lake acres and 27,521.66 wetland acres.
Nonpoint Source Characteristics
This watershed is ranked Not Ranked for runoff impacts on streams, Not Available 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.