Overview

Willow River flows southwest into Lake St. Croix. Five flowages are impounded on this stream: the New Richmond (16 foot head darn), Mounds (50'), Burkhardt (101'), Little Falls Flowage (27') and Mallileau Lake (20'). Over half the stream is considered trout water with the main species being brown trout. Brook and rainbow trout are also present. Fish species found in the stream include northern pike, walleyes, largemouth bass, bluegills, perch, black crappies, pumpkinseeds, green sunfish and a variety of forage fish.

Feeder streams include Black Brook, South Fork Willow River, Ten Mile Creek, Anderson Spring and a small spring feeder stream that flows into the Willow from Section 9, Township 30 North, Range 17 West. Mallards, blue- winged teal, wood ducks and hooded mergansers may be found nesting in the 1,410 acres of predominantly wooded wetlands. Muskrats and beaver are also present.

Public land consists of 0.3 miles of county-owned frontage with 20 road bridges also providing access to the stream. Private development is limited to 20 cottages and homes.

From: Sather, LaVerne M. and Threinen, C.W., 1961. Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of St. Croix County, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date  1961

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Water quality and fisheries surveys in 1992 indicate that nonpoint source pollution degrades water quality and fish populations in the Willow River. Ammonia and total phosphorus concentrations were significantly increased during high flow conditions. A fisheries study indicated that fish populations lacked a diversity of species.

Monthly grab sampling of Willow River water quality was initiated in July 1990 at four sites from New Richmond to the Little Falls Dam. Two additional ammonia sampling sites were added in November 1990 and February 1991. Grab samples for ammonia were collected at a few locations in the reach in August 1984, October 1984 and August 1988. Continuous recording dissolved oxygen (DO) equipment was deployed at three locations in the reach in August 1988 and in July and August 1991. Equipment failure resulted in the loss of some recording DO data.

Date  1992

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

When examining the data, special consideration was given to three important factors affecting water quality:
1. The New Richmond Flowage was drawn down in late June and early July of 1991.
2. The 1988 data was collected during unusually low flow conditions, although still four times above the Q,.,, flow.
3. Known sources of pollutant loading to the river reach being evaluated were the New Richmond WWTP, the Friday Canning spray irrigation site and the past spills of fertilizer to groundwater by Blue Ribbon Feeds in New Richmond.

DISSOLVED OXYGEN
The water quality standard for DO was not met in the Willow River at all three monitoring locations between Hwy 64 and Boardman in 1988 (Figure 1). The portion of the reach classified as a warmwater fishery did not maintain the minimum DO standard of 5 mg/l, measured at Hwy 64 and at a point 0.75 miles below the WWTP. DO leaving the reach classified trout stream (Boardman site) did not maintain the minimum DO standard of 6 mg4. Monitoring in 1991 found no violations of the DO standard (Figure 2). However, examination of the river DO data expressed as percent saturation indicated that the river had lower DO levels at Hwy 64 and at the downstream site than at the New Richmond Dam. This condition was present to a greater extent in 1988.

Both the 1988 and 1991 data were collected under stable, non-event flow conditions. Based on the gauged flow of other rivers in the region, Willow River flow was estimated to be about 50% higher during the 1991 sampling than the 1988 sampling. The difference between the 1988 and 1991 DO was likely linked to the response of river water quality to different flows or to a change due to the loss of the upstream impoundment. Top draw impoundments can adversely affect downstream DO if they contribute significant BOD, in the form of algae passing over thedam. With the impoundment drawn down, this source of BOD, would be eliminated. The slightly depressed DO below the New Richmond Dam in 1991 may be the result of oxygen demand of sediments scoured out of the former impoundment as a new river channel was being formed. The river experienced higher suspended solids in the summer of 1991, after the impoundment was drawn down, than the previous summer.

PHOSPHORUS
Total phosphorus in the Willow River generally fell between 0.05 and 0.15 mgil. The highest values were associated with high river flow in the spring (Figures 5&6). The minimum total phosphorus level was higher at Hwy A (0.07 mgl) than at the other sites (0.04 mgil). Phosphorus loading from the New Richmond WWTP may be the cause. Since substantial increases in river flow occur between the WWTP and Hwy A, the minimum total phosphorus concentration immediately below the WWTP may be substantially higher the minimum documented at Hwy A.

AMMONIA
A high concentration of ammonia nitrogen was documented in the Willow River at Hwy 64 in 1984. The concentration was only slightly less than the level toxic to warmwater aquatic life in a chronic exposure. Since no sample was taken in the downstream river section classified as a trout stream, it is unknown if the lower trout stream water quality standard was met in that reach. The river seems to have been on a downward trend in low flow ammonia nitrogen since that sample was taken. No violations of the water quality standard have been documented.

Date  1992

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

The possible causes for the high ammonia levels in 1984 include large spills of high nitrogen fertilizer into the groundwater near the New Richmond Dam by Blue Ribbon Feeds in 1981 and 1983 and Friday Canning's spray irrigation field. Groundwater monitoring at the Friday Canning site, which is located on the banks of the river, has shown decreases in pollutant levels since 1985, when loading to the field was reduced. Down gradient monitoring wells still indicate an significant increase in groundwater ammonia nitrogen levels as comparcii to up gradient wells. The sources of ammonia nitrogen in the Willow River near New Richmond can be evaluated by examining Figure 7, which includes only data collected when river ammonia levels were high. On 6/3/91, ammonia levels, as well as suspended solid levels, were elevated entering the reach. This occurred during a time of high flow and was probably the result of nonpoint sources in the watershed above New Richmond Flowage.

On 01/10/91 and again on0 2/05/91 a rise in river ammonia occurred as it flowed past the Friday Canning site. This was during winter low flow conditions, when impacts by ammonia in groundwater on streams would be at the maximum. At this time of year many streams experience a rise in ammonia associated with the onset of cold weather. This may be responsible for the above normal ammonia levels at the New Richmond Dam. The increase in ammonia near the Friday Canning site is in addition to this natural occurrence. On 2/5/91 and again on 3/14/91 a rise in river ammonia occurred between Hwy 64 and Boardman. Loading from the New Richmond WWTP is a possible cause for this rise.

BACTERIA
The Willow River was sampled for fecal coliform bacteria at four sites on eight dates during May - October of 1990 and 1991. Of the 29 samples collected, six were above 200 bacteria per 100ml and three were above 400 bacteria per 100ml. The highest bacteria per 100ml at each site were 570 at Odanah Road, 600 at Hwy 64, 3200 at Hwy A and 110 at Little Falls Dam, all recorded on 6/3/91.

Date  1992

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Impaired Waters

Willow River was recently evaluated during the ten-year period of 2009 through 2020 for results that were reported to the USEPA for the 2018 Clean Water Act condition report. Portions of the river are considered impaired or in poor condition for designated uses which include the quality of fish and aquatic life, recreational use, and public health and welfare (fish consumption and related). Pollutants or problems encountered during sampling (impairments) were determined based on water quality standards outlined in Wisconsin 2020 Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (WisCALM). Assessment results show water conditions that are potentially harmful for Aquatic Life use due to values for Total Phosphorus that fall into the range expected for an aquatic community in poor health, therefore this creek is listed as impaired.

Willow River [Mouth to Race Branch (mile 0-.17 Race Branch (mile .2-1.32) and Little Falls Flowage to Willow Falls (mile 6.53-7.17) Willow Falls to Ten Mile Creek (mile 7.17-11.81) Ten Mile Creek to 140th St. (mile 11.81-13.75) and Town Rd to Anderson Springs (mile 15.73-17.62]: These segments are either attaining their designated uses and are not considered impaired, or there is not enough information to assess condition.

Willow River (Mouth to dam) [Lake Mallalieu to Little Falls Dam (parallel to Race Branch channel (mile 2.55-5.07)]: Assessment results during the 2020 listing cycle show total phosphorus levels too high for healthy aquatic communities like plants, fish, and bugs, according to 2020 WisCALM standards. Although, fish data were in excellent condition. Based on the most updated information, this water was proposed for the impaired waters list in 2020.

Willow River [140th St. to 100th St. (mile 13.75-15.73)]: This segment has been listed as impaired since 1998 for Total Phosphorus and Biochemical Oxygen Demand and no listing change is needed.

Willow River [Anderson Springs to Richmond Flowage (mile 17.62-22.86)]: Assessment results during the 2018 listing cycle show Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) data are appropriate for Aquatic Life use. This segment is attaining its designated use and is not considered impaired. Based on the updated biological information, this segment was proposed as a Category 2.

Willow River [Richmond Flowage to west line S6 T30N R17W (mile 22.86-26.28) West line S6 T30N R17W to N & S forks (mile 26.29-32.47)]: These segments are either attaining their designated uses and are not considered impaired, or there is not enough information to assess condition.

Willow River (to confluence of branches) [mile 26.29-32.47]: Assessment results during the 2020 listing cycle show total phosphorus levels too high for healthy aquatic communities like plants, fish, and bugs, according to 2020 WisCALM standards. Although, fish data were in excellent condition. Based on the most updated information, this water was proposed for the impaired waters list in 2020.

Willow River [Mouth of N Fork to Black Brook (mile 32.47-40.59)]: Assessment results during the 2018 listing cycle show new impairment by Total Phosphorus; however, Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) data are appropriate for Aquatic Life use. Based on the updated information, this segment was proposed for the impaired waters list.

Willow River [Black Brook to HWY 63(mile 40.59-47.97) HWY 63 to 220th Ave (47.97-48.85) Jack Green Creek to trib (1520899) (mile 52.47-54.97)]: These segments are either attaining their designated uses and are not considered impaired, or there is not enough information to assess condition.

Date  2019

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

Recommendations

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

Watershed Characteristics

Willow River is located in the Upper Willow River watershed which is 183.67 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (50.40%), grassland (24.60%) and a mix of forest (17.40%) and other uses (7.60%). This watershed has 319.19 stream miles, 516.82 lake acres and 5,595.44 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Not Available for runoff impacts on streams, Not Available 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.