Water Detail - Tomorrow/Waupaca River, Waupaca River Watershed (WR05)

Tomorrow/Waupaca River, Waupaca River Watershed (WR05)

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Tomorrow/Waupaca River (270400)

Size

13.85 Miles

Segment

18.45 - 32.30

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, Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, Cool-Warm Mainstem, Coldwater, Cool-Warm 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.

2024

General Condition

Poor

This river is impaired

Impairments include

Elevated Water Temperature

Pollutants include

Unknown Pollutant

County

Portage

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.

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.

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

Tomorrow/Waupaca River Headwaters), in the Waupaca River Watershed, is a 30.90 mile river that falls in Portage County. This river is an outstanding/exceptional resource water under NR102 as well as a Class I Trout Water under the Fisheries Program. This river is managed for fishing and swimming and is currently considered impaired.

Date 2016

Author Ashley Beranek

Tomorrow/Waupaca River, Waupaca River Watershed (WR05) Fish and Aquatic Life

Tomorrow/Waupaca River, Waupaca River Watershed (WR05) Recreation

Tomorrow/Waupaca River, Waupaca River Watershed (WR05) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

Tomorrow/Waupaca River Headwaters from its headwaters to Nelsonville Pond (miles 18.45 to 32.3) was put on the impaired waters list for elevated temperature in the 2016 cycle. Evaluations of temperature and biology in 2018 and 2020 confirmed elevated temperature, but biology was in good condition.

Tomorrow/Waupaca River Headwaters from Nelsonville Pond to west of Hwy 66 (miles 32.3 to 34.1) was evaluated for temperature in 2018 and found to be in good condition. This segment is on the Healthy Waters List.

Date 2018

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

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments

2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters

Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments

2016 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Tomorrow River - Merrland Dr

Tomorrow River, Tomorrow River - Merrland Dr, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Tomorrow River, Tomorrow River DS CTY I, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Tomorrow River, Tomorrow River US Cty I and US Studzinski Farm, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Tomorrow/Waupaca River Priority Watershed Surface Water Resources Appraisal Report

Surface Water Quality Appraisal of the Waupaca County portion of the Waupaca Tomorrow River Priority Watershed Project 1994

Recommendations

Monitor Water Quality or Sediment

The data from this proposed Local Needs project will be used in conjunction with the data from the related Directed Lakes project and will allow us to develop a comprehensive analysis of the recent Amherst Millpond transformation and ultimately enhance community awareness and participation in the watershed.

Monitor Water Quality or Sediment

This proposed Directed Lakes project will allow us to monitor the recent changes on the Amherst Millpond. We would like to conduct water sampling, PI aquatic plant survey, and an aquatic invasive species survey. In addition, we are also proposing a Local Needs project for the Amherst Millpond.

Data analysis, report production

Portage County Land and Water Conservation Department is sponsoring a project to expand capacity, enhance partnerships and develop a State of the Tomorrow River Report. Project final deliverables include: The State of the Tomorrow River Report is the primary deliverable in hard copy and electronic form. All data collected for the report, agendas and minutes from meetings with municipality boards and plan commissions and interested groups, newsletters, publications in newspapers, along with educational materials provided to the public and private schools will be shared with WDNR Water Resources staff. Specific project activities include: 1. Coordinate contributions to the State of the Tomorrow River Report by stewardship groups and technical partners in March 2017. 2. Create draft of the State of the Tomorrow River Report by October 2017. A report draft review gathering will be scheduled with all contributors for October 2017 and conducted following completion of the draft. The report will summarize current conditions, provide comparisons to earlier information, projections for future conditions and potential risks, and recommendations for protection and restoration. 3. Update, print and distribute State of the Tomorrow River Final Report by December 31st, 2017. Three hard copies will be sent to WDNR Water Resources staff along with the link to the electronic .pdf. 4. Provide list of stewardship groups, agencies, schools and municipalities receiving the report and copies of publications of the report in local newspapers to the WDNR Water Resources staff. 5. Provide dates, agendas, and minutes from meetings with municipality boards and plan commissions related to the State of the Tomorrow River Report to WDNR Water Resources staff. 6. Provide a description of how the report will be distributed to watershed property owners to WDNR Water Resources staff.

Monitor Water Quality or Sediment

Monitoring of phosphorus and nitrate concentrations in the streams of the Lower Little Wolf River should continue.

Nine Key Element Plan

Tomorrow/Waupaca River PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan - The Tomorrow/Waupaca River Priority Watershed Project plan assesses the nonpoint sources of pollution in the Tomorrow/Waupaca River Watershed and guides the implementation of nonpoint source control measures. These control measures are needed to meet specific water resource objectives for the Tomorrow/Waupaca Rivers and their tributaries. The purpose of this project is to reduce the amount of pollutants originating from nonpoint sources that reach surface water and groundwater within the Tomorrow/Waupaca River Priority Watershed Project area.

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
Tomorrow/Waupaca River PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan	1995
2018 Directed Lakes Provost Amherst Millpond	2017
2018 Local Needs Provost Amherst Millpond	2018
PORTAGE COUNTY LCD: Preparing and Sharing the State of the Tomorrow River Report	2017
PORTAGE COUNTY LCD: HLR - Portage County Healthy Lakes and Rivers	2024
Fish Propagation Actions	2001
Lower Little Wolf TWA WQM Plan, 2017	2015

Monitoring Projects

WBIC	Official Waterbody Name	Station ID	Station Name	Earliest Fieldwork Date	Latest Fieldwork Date	View Station	View Data
257400	Waupaca River	10016486	Tomorrow (Waupaca R) River - Cty Hwy B upstream	6/4/1980	10/12/1990	Map	Data
257400	Waupaca River	10008325	Tomorrow River at Clementson Rd	11/10/1990	10/2/2024	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10046913	Tomorrow River US Cty I and US Studzinski Farm	1/1/2015	10/7/2016	Map	Data
257400	Waupaca River	10031423	Tomorrow River-West Rolling Rocks Rd	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10013292	Waupaca River Mill Site-Loberg Rd.	11/17/2021	12/2/2021	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10029098	Waupaca River at STH 161	5/1/2007	9/8/2023	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10044190	Tomorrow River- Echo Rd			Map	Data
257400	Waupaca River	503169	Tomorrow River at Clementson Rd near Nelsonville WI	5/22/2002	10/26/2016	Map	Data
257400	Waupaca River	10016420	Tomorrow River - River Road 20 Ft Downstream Of Off-Road Bridge 200 Ft Past Public Fishing Location	10/13/1990	8/15/1991	Map	Data
257400	Waupaca River	10013288	Waupaca River habitat project 1200 ft above Poncho Creek	1/1/2015	1/1/2015	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10054603	Tomorrow River at Carriage Lane	8/6/2020	9/8/2023	Map	Data
268600	Nelsonville Pond	10029098	Waupaca River at STH 161	5/1/2007	9/8/2023	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10047114	Tomorrow River US HWY 66	5/3/2008	9/8/2023	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10054602	Tomorrow River at Haney Farm	8/6/2020	9/8/2023	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10055819	Tributary to Tomorrow River	11/17/2021	11/17/2021	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10047118	Tomorrow River DS CTY I	1/1/2015	10/7/2016	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10044275	Tomorrow River - Merryland Dr.	8/5/2005	9/8/2023	Map	Data
257400	Waupaca River	10011033	Waupaca River - County Hwy I. (Richard Hemp Area)	6/2/2004	5/1/2021	Map	Data
268600	Nelsonville Pond	10013292	Waupaca River Mill Site-Loberg Rd.	11/17/2021	12/2/2021	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10049438	Tomorrow River at CTH Z	7/17/2017	9/19/2024	Map	Data
270400	Tomorrow River	10041894	Waupaca River at Rolling Hills Road	8/6/2020	9/8/2023	Map	Data

Watershed Characteristics

Tomorrow River is located in the Waupaca River watershed which is 290.77 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (43.70%), agricultural (30.40%) and a mix of grassland (14%) and other uses (11.80%). This watershed has 231.34 stream miles, 2,456.10 lake acres and 14,124.68 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Medium for runoff impacts on streams, Not Ranked 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

Tomorrow/Waupaca River is considered a Cool-Cold Mainstem, Macroinvertebrate, Cool-Cold Headwater, Cool-Warm Mainstem, Coldwater, Cool-Warm 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 (Warm-Transition) Headwaters are small, sometimes intermittent streams with cool to warm summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are uncommon to absent, transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are common to uncommon. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.

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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