Plover River, Plover and Little Plover Rivers Watershed (CW12)
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Plover River, Plover and Little Plover Rivers Watershed (CW12)
Plover River (1402800)
11 Miles
49.86 - 60.86
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
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.
2022
Excellent
 
Marathon
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.
No

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.
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.
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

The Plover River is classified as a warm water game fishery below STH 153 and Class I, II, and III trout waters above HWY 153. Fishery surveys, completed in 2000, found localized low density trout populations below STH 153. Recent surveys also indicated that warm water temperatures and poor habitat conditions impact mid-portions of the river. This section of the river is very wide and shallow, lacking pools, riffles and sufficient fish cover. Excessive nutrients and sediment were also recorded. Portions of the stream are suitable for stream habitat improvement. Trout Unlimited and the Department are proposing to complete in-stream habitat work down to STH 153 within the next ten years.

Biotic index values on samples taken from the Plover River have indicated excellent, good and fair water quality. A stream survey conducted in 1978, indicated cattle were impacting certain sections of the river. Both streambank pasturing and animal waste run-off occurred at that time. The Plover River watershed is also susceptible to both wind and water soil erosion (Shelbrack). The Jordan Project, a hydroelectric project, (FERC No. 10903) is located on the river.

Date  2002

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Recommendations

County Land and Water Management Plan
Portage County seeks to implement Phase 4 of its lake management planning efforts for 17 lakes in Portage County to help facilitate county-wide lake protection planning. Major project elements to include: 1) individual lake resident/user surveys and plan development, 2) web-based reporting system, 3) build-out assessment and predictive modeling, 4) development of guide for local boards and commissions, 5) final project report.
County Land and Water Management Plan
Portage County seeks to implement Phase 3 of its lake management planning efforts for 17 lakes in Portage County to help facilitate county-wide lake protection planning. Major project elements to include: 1) individual lake resident/user surveys and plan development, 2) web-based reporting system, 3) build-out assessment and predictive modeling, 4) development of guide for local boards and commissions, 5) final project report.
Monitor to Evaluate Stream Baseflow
Flow monitoring
Educate and engage residents
The North Central Conservancy Trust, Inc. proposes to provide education on voluntary conservation measures to land owners within priority areas identified in the Plover River Watershed. Major project elements to include: a) GPS mapping of parcels, b) identification of property owners, c) development and distribution of info/edu. packet, d) presentations and educational displays, e) site visits and technical assistance to interested land owners, f) mapping of public waterway access within towns of Reid, Guenther, Plover, and Bevent, and g) final report.
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Analysis of samples from three events, two base flows and for fecal coliform at 18 sampling stations. Believe that additional sampling covering an entire year would produce data that would provide a more accurate and thorough understanding of the water quality of the Plover River. It is desirable to collect samples in accordance with the agricultural seasons; 1) Post planting but prior to emergence, 2) crops on, 3) post harvest and 4) spring law. The crops on and post harvest periods will be sampled with the current grant using funding for the two event and two base flow samples. Propose sampling for herbicides and pesticides at sites with elevated nutrient levels.
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
The Golden Sands RC@D will conduct water quality monitoring of the Plover River in Marathon and Portage Counties. Activities involved with this project will include collection of water quality samples at 18 locations along the river, installation and collection of data from 7 water temperature monitors. Data collected will be used to identify problem areas and will also be used in the development of a long term management plan for the river.
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Four stations within trout area (one at edge) exceed temperature criteria in 2018. Fish surveys do not indicate temperature elevated temperatures that would impact stream biota. Further investigation needed.

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
PORTAGE COUNTY LCD: LCO-Portage Lakes Class 42009
PORTAGE COUNTY LCD: LCO-Portage Lakes Class 32009
GOLDEN SANDS RC&D COUNCIL, INC.: Plover River Water Quality Project #22000
MCDILL INLAND LAKE P & R DISTRICT: McDill EWM, CLP Control2010
PORTAGE COUNTY LCD: HLR - Portage County Healthy Lakes and Rivers2024
Monitoring Recommendations Stemming from CWA / IR Listings2000
PORTAGE COUNTY LCD: Portage Co. EWM (AIS)2004
MCDILL INLAND LAKE P & R DISTRICT: McDill Pond Dredging Sediment Sampling2019
MARATHON COUNTY LCD: Fischer Farm NOI2004
GOLDEN SANDS RC&D COUNCIL, INC.: Plover River Water Quality Project2000
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT: Portage Co. Weevils2008
PORTAGE COUNTY LCD: HLR - Portage County Healthy Lakes and Rivers2023
CITY OF STEVENS POINT - DPW: Stormwater Plan & Funding2005
MCDILL INLAND LAKE P & R DISTRICT: McDill Pond Clean Boats Clean Waters 20132013
PORTAGE COUNTY LCD: HLR - Portage County Healthy Lakes and Rivers2022
Fish Propagation Actions2001
NORTH CENTRAL CONSERVANCY TRUST, INC.: Plover Plan, Outreach2015
MCDILL INLAND LAKE P & R DISTRICT: McDill APM Plan2008

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
1402800Plover River10008377Plover River Highland Rd Site 15/5/20145/1/2021MapData
1402800Plover River373232Plover River at CTH HH9/2/197512/2/1975MapData
1402800Plover River373341Plover River at Highway N10/22/19805/5/2022MapData
1402800Plover River10041964Plover River - Pine View Rd (above)MapData
1402800Plover River373234Plover River at Sth 529/2/197511/2/2000MapData
1402800Plover River10034359Plover River at Sportsman DriveMapData
1402800Plover River10041965Plover River - Pine View Rd (below)MapData
1402800Plover River10036792Plover River - Area of Open WaterMapData
1402800Plover River373342Plover River - Highland Drive RoadMapData
1402800Plover River10029242Plover River - County Road Z12/2/20085/1/2021MapData
1402800Plover River10013569Plover River Cth Z To Totten Springs10/1/20081/1/2015MapData

Watershed Characteristics

Plover River is located in the Plover and Little Plover Rivers watershed which is 202.19 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (41.70%), agricultural (23.60%) and a mix of wetland (18%) and other uses (16.60%). This watershed has stream miles, lake acres and 22,761.70 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Medium for runoff impacts on streams, Medium for runoff impacts on lakes and High for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of High. 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

Plover River is considered a Cool-Cold Mainstem, Cool-Cold Headwater 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.