Sugar River, Upper Sugar River Watershed (SP15)
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Sugar River, Upper Sugar River Watershed (SP15)
Sugar River (875300)
9.53 Miles
82.33 - 91.86
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, 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.
2024
Good
 
Dane
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.
Cold (Class II Trout)
Streams 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 through natural reproduction and selective propagation. 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

A 22-mile section of the Sugar River from the dam at Belleville down to the dam at Albany runs through this watershed. As is the case for most of the river, it is a diverse warm water sport fishery and an ERW.

In fact, the Sugar River has one of the most diverse warmwater fisheries in southern Wisconsin. At least 50 different species have been identified. Seven species of panfish, including black crappies and bluegills as well as gamefish such as channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and northern pike are found in the river.

Numerous backwaters and wetlands adjoin the river and provide excellent wildlife habitat. Mallards, wood ducks, and teal nest in the area. Hunting, fishing, canoeing and wildlife watching are popular recreational uses of the river although its high sediment load and variable flow can restrict these activities in certain places. There are two boat accesses just upstream from Albany Lake. The lake itself is a 102-acre impoundment that provides some limited fishing opportunities. A current plan to create a fish passage around the dam at Belleville will facilitate fish movement up and downstream.

The village of Belleville discharges to the Sugar River. A new treatment plant was completed in year and has helped alleviate past problems with biological oxygen demand and suspended solids.

Date  

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Overview

The Sugar River begins in the Town of Springdale and flows south, where it leaves the Upper Sugar River Watershed at the Village of Belleville. This entire stretch of the Sugar River is classified as an exceptional resource water (ERW). Large wetland complexes exist adjacent to the Sugar River. Much of the lowlands in particular from CTH P in the northwest to its confluence with Badger Mill Creek and from CTH A to Lake Belle View, are designated as wetlands on state wetland surveys. (Maybe do a wetland map instead?)

Water quality in the river is good and has gradually improved (WDNR, 1992-93). The river’s dissolved oxygen concentrations are high enough to support both a warm and cold water fishery. Mottled sculpin are distributed along the main branch of the Sugar River to its headwaters. They are a native species that is capable of living or growing only within a limited range of temperature, and their presence is an indication of cold temperatures and good water quality. Currently, the water from the headwaters to the Frenchtown Road bridge is capable of sustaining, and even promoting growth in trout populations. Typically, however, the trout found in the Sugar River migrate into the Sugar River from Mt. Vernon Creek or Badger Mill Creek. The abundance of forage species allows for excellent growth rates in the larger trout. In 2002, fish monitoring was conducted at 10 stations from Frenchtown Road up to the headwaters. Habitat indices we taken at two sites.

Land use in the watershed has had a significant impact on the river. In fact, the Upper Sugar River Watershed is located on the outskirts of the expanding Madison metropolitan urban area. This transition from agriculture to development in the headwaters not only affects baseflow conditions, but it also can increase nonpoint source pollution and stormwater runoff. Changes in land use also effect the hydrology and sediment transport within the river, which has a particularly pervasive impact on all areas downstream.

Hydrologic modification of the river, particularly wetland draining and stream straightening, has also contributed to degraded habitat and water quality in the river. In fact, the upper reaches of the Sugar River near Riley continue to suffer from heavy erosion due to poor agricultural practices. Other alterations of the river, such as the creation of Lake Belle View, have also had an impact on the river by raising water temperatures and reducing habitat. In addition, the Belleville dam acts to impede fish migration.

The effect of nonpoint source pollution on the river has had several impacts on the river. High fecal coliform levels in the stream have also been of concern, but fortunately, have shown some improvement (DCRPC 1999). Most of all, nonpoint source pollution increases the sedimentation and the turbidity of the water. The high degree of turbidity in the water is detrimental to the trout population in the river. Habitat, however, is the limiting factor in the river (Stewart, 2002). If efforts to improve the aquatic ecosystem, including adjacent wetlands, are successful, this may lead to the establishment of naturally reproducing populations of trout Based on what we saw in 2002, aren’t we already seeing this? and an increase in the population of aquatic insects and forage fish.

Date  2002

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Sugar River - T5N, R8E, Sec. 35, Surface acres = 120, Length = 30 miles, Stream order = III, Gradient = 4.1 ft/mile, Base discharge = 70 cfs.
The headwaters of the Sugar River originate in Section 31 of Cross Plains Township (T7N, R7E) and western reaches of the glacial moraine region. The river flows southeastward, draining over 200 miles of pasture and cropland in Dane County and eventually joining the Rock River In Illinois. Sugar River watershed contains approximately 2,000 acres of diverse wetland resources that provide habltat for waterfowl and wildlife. Many additional acres of wetlands have been drained for agricultural use (Dane Cty. Reg. Plann. Comm. 1979a).
Water quality of the Sugar River is affected by the discharge of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) waste and suspended solids from a milk processing plant at Belleville. The town's sewage treatment has also been polluting the river, but construction is underway on a new plant scheduled for completion in June 1983. Fecal coliform levels frequently exceed the recommended maxlmum for body contact recreation (Wis. Dep. Nat. Res. unpubl., Dane Cty. Reg. Plann. Comm. 1979a). Erosion is also a problem in some areas although this river has not been channelized. Any success in adopting better land use practices and reducing nonpoint source pollution through the efforts of the Upper Sugar River Watershed
Association will benefit the water quality downstream in the Sugar River.
Five tributaries to the Sugar River support trout populations and the potential for fishery improvement in the river itself is good. There are several springs along the river which keep the temperature down, and oxygen levels are generally good. Base discharge is high despite the low stream gradient. Erosion and agricultural runoff must be reduced significantly if any areas of the Sugar River are to support trout. At the present time, the river supports a diverse forage fishery, some panflsh and rough fish, and a smallmouth bass fishery downstream from the Paoli Mill Dam. Some areas of the stream also provide excellent fishing for northern pike and channel catfish. Access is available at 19 crossings and through the mill ponds at Paoli and Belleville. The river is navigable by canoe and recreational value is high on the river itself as well as within adjacent wetlands. Swimming is not recommended because of periodic high bacteria levels.
The river provides opportunities for jump shooting waterfowl, i.e., mallard, blue-winged teal, and wood duck. Beavers, muskrats, and mink attract many trappers.
Fish species: central mudminnow, stoneroller (unsp.), central stoneroller, common carp, brassy and hornyhead chub, common, spotfin, and sand shiner, suckermouth, bluntnose, and fathead minnow, creek chub, redhorse (unsp.), white and northern hog sucker, silver, golden, and shorthead redhorse, brown bullhead, stonecat, channel catfish, brook stickleback, green sunfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, black crappie, rainbow, fantail, johnny, and blackside darter, walleye, mottled sculpin, and northern pike.

From: Day, Elizabeth A.; Grzebieniak, Gayle P.; Osterby, Kurt M.; and Brynildson, Clifford L., 1985. Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of Dane County, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date  1985

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Historical Description

From: Ball, Joseph R., and Ronald J. Poff, Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of Rock County, Department of Natural Resources, 1970.

Surface Acres = 128.4, }tiles = 10.6, Gradient = 1.4 feet per mile.

A drainage and seepage fed stream meandering southeast across the southwest edge of the county. It is one of the largest rivers, and has adjoining it probably the most productive marsh area found in the county. The Sugar River bottom is noted for its stand of very large elms and maples and a unique stand of large swamp white oaks. The outstanding aesthetic value of the area can be best appreciated by floating the
river in autumn.

The fishery is composed of smallmouth bass, black crappies, white crappies, channel catfish, brown and black bullheads, northern pike, carp, and numerous ot11er warm-water species. The Sugar River is regarded as one of the best channel catfish streams in southern Wisconsin and an estimated 80 percent of the fishing pressure is directed towards this species.
Wildlife resources found in the Sugar River bottom include deer, squirrels, pheasants, quail, woodcock, red and grey foxes, raccoons, opossums, muskrats, mink, and beaver. The area is heavily used by migrating waterfowl and some nesting occurs. The most common water- fowl species are woodducks, blue-winged teal and mallards. A few geese are also occasionally observed.

Wetland adjoining the river totals 1,347 acres, 87 percent of which is wooded. The unwooded areas include both shallow and deep marsh, and fresh meadow. The Avon Bottoms Wildlife area includes 1,322 acres of public hunting and fishing grounds along the Sugar River. Boat launching and parking is provided at two town road crossings. Access is also possible at the crossing of County Trunk T.

Date  1970

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Sugar River, Upper Sugar River Watershed (SP15) Fish and Aquatic LifeSugar River, Upper Sugar River Watershed (SP15) RecreationSugar River, Upper Sugar River Watershed (SP15) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

Sugar River was recently evaluated during the ten-year period of 2009 through 2018 for results that were reported to the USEPA for the 2020 Clean Water Act condition report. The waterbody is 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) are 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 water is listed as impaired.

Sugar River [Mouth to east of unnamed stream 875900 (mile 0-10.99)]: This segment has been listed as impaired since 2012 for total Phosphorus and no listing change is needed.

Sugar River [Unnamed stream 875900 to Decatur Lake (mile 10.99-31.88) to Albany dam (mile 33.2-38.45) to STH 92 (mile 38.45-56.14)]: Assessment results during the 2018 listing cycle show continued impairment by Total Phosphorus. Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI), Temperature, and Chloride levels are appropriate for Aquatic Life use. These segments have been listed as impaired since 2014 for Total Phosphorus and no listing changes are needed.

Sugar River [STH 92 to Paulson Rd. (mile 56.14-82.33)]: Assessment results during the 2020 listing cycle show total phosphorus levels too high for healthy aquatic communities like plants, bugs, and fish, according to 2020 WisCALM standards. Available biological data did not indicate impairment (i.e., no macroinvertebrate or fish Index of Biotic Integrity scored in the poor condition category). Based on the most updated information, this portion of the river was proposed for the impaired waters list in 2020.

Sugar River [Paulson Rd. to headwaters (mile 82.33-91.86)]: This segment is in good condition for Aquatic life and Fish Consumption uses.

Date  2019

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The 2018 assessments of the Sugar River (miles 10.99-56.14) showed continued impairment by phosphorus; new total phosphorus sample data exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing criteria for the Fish and Aquatic Life use. However, available biological data did not indicate impairment (i.e. no macroinvertebrate or fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scored in the "poor" condition category). Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date  2017

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 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Sugar River at Ware Road
2017 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Sugar River -- Albany Park
2017 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Sugar River Upstream Of Valley Rd
2017 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Sugar River at Bobcat Lane
2017 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Sugar River at Riverside Rd
2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters
Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List
Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments
2016 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Sugar River -- Albany Park
2016 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Sugar River at Cth J In Riley
Upper Sugar River AIS Strategic Plan 2019-2023
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Sugar River - Sugar River Upstream of Cty. Rd. P
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Sugar River at Frenchtown Road
Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments
A final report of the 2014 Survey of the Sugar River Mainstem in Green and Rock Counties
2014 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Decatur Lake 0.85 mi NW of Park Rd and Decatur Rd
2014 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Sugar River at Decatur Albany Rd
2013 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report -Decatur Lake 0.85 mi NW of Park Rd and Decatur Rd
2013 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report -Sugar River at Decatur Albany Rd
Comprehensive 2014 TP IBI Rivers Assessment
Mechanical Removal of Gambusia affinis in Backwater Slough of the Sugar River: State Rapid Response Grant Final Report
Sugar River 875300 Seg1 TP Data 2001-2010
Upper Sugar River Fish Data 2011
TP Watch Waters August 2007 Flood Event Map
TP Watch Waters June 2008 Flood Event Map
Upper Sugar River Cool Water IBI
Rivers TP Summary 2012
Lake Belle View Final Grant Report
Western Mosquitofish Status in Wisconsin - 2009
2006 STREAM MONITORING REPORT FOR SUGAR RIVER - AT RIVERSIDE RD
2006 STREAM MONITORING REPORT FOR SUGAR RIVER UPSTREAM OF VALLEY RD
USEPA Decision Document for the Approval of the Sugar Pecatonica TMDL 875300
Sugar Pecatonica River Basin TMDLs 875300
SUGAR RIVER, DANE COUNTY, NO DISCHARGE LISTED WWTP USE DESIGNATION
SUGAR RIVER, GREEN COUNTY, VILLAGE OF ALBANY WWTP USE DESIGNATION
SUGAR RIVER, GREEN COUNTY, BRODHEAD STP WWTP USE DESIGNATION

Recommendations

Aquatic Invasives Research
RIVER ALLIANCE OF WISCONSIN: Gambusia infestation- Sugar River Test a technique to mechanically remove as many exotic Gambusia (mosquitofish) as possible from the slough where their population expanded this past summer. The goals of the project are to test this method of sequentially blocking sections of the slough from the mouth to the top, shocking, collecting, and netting, in a repeated fashion), and actually removing as many of these destructive fishes as possible in order to create a more favorable habitat for the return of the native topminnows.
Aquatic Invasive Species Removal
Test a technique to mechanically remove as many exotic Gambusia (mosquitofish) as possible from the slough where their population expanded this past summer. The goals of the project are to test this method of sequentially blocking sections of the slough from the mouth to the top, shocking, collecting, and netting, in a repeated fashion), and actually removing as many of these destructive fishes as possible in order to create a more favorable habitat for the return of the native topminnows.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
Lake Management Plan Development
The Village of Belleville will conduct native habitat restoration activities in and around the restored Lake Belle View as a follow-up to the large lake restoration project. In order to protect the active eagles nest in the area, no work may be conducted within 330 feet of the nest from mid-January to August 1st. Weedy areas of new ground created by the lake restoration will be burned, chemically treated, or mowed, and native plants and trees planted to restore shoreline and upland savanna.
Lake Management Plan Development
The Village of Belleville proposes, as part of a whole-lake restoration project to restore, create, and protect rare forested floodplain habitat within the lake and adjoining area.
Lake Management Plan Implementation
The Village of Belleville proposes, as part of a whole-lake restoration project, to separate Lake Belle View from the Sugar River by construction of an earthen berm on the western side of the lake.
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Category 2. Will reassess with updated methods next cycle. 2018 TP Results: May Exceed. Station: 10009364. AU: 1520990.
Fish Management, Access
The Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited will restore approximately 1 mile of the Sugar River in the Town of Montrose, Dane County. Restoration work will include bank re-shaping, Lunkers, rip rap, log sills, and boom covers to stop the bank erosion, stabilize the banks, and narrow and deepen the stream. In stream work will consist of weirs and the placement of large rocks and timber to further deepen the stream and provide more cover for fish.
Information and Education
The LSRWA will: Program Director will: communicate regularly w/ team/project leads and volunteers; organize volunteers gathered by team/project leads for grant funded projects/events; streamline record keeping, reporting, and project deliverables utilizing/maintaining laptop/software, cloud storage, data forms; attend/report at regular board meetings/work sessions. Refine fundraising/membership plan in a minimum of two workshops in the 1st 1/4 quarter of 2015, assess outcomes of 2014 programming and alignment with strategic and fundraising/membership plan; review programming for 2015/2016 using lessons learned in first workshop; conduct critical analysis at the end of 2015. Conduct 3 website training sessions for the maintenance team; contract for 2 or more web page upgrades/repairs; cover quarterly web hosting fees; conduct critical review of website function. Deliverables: Project Director will average 16-20 hours per week for approx. 26 weeks. Update membership; prepare/execute Fundraising & Membership Workshop; refine/ update fundraising and membership plan; apply fundraising plan goals, objectives, & strategies to all 2015/16 events; complete a critical analysis of 2015 events -provide a summary to WDNR. A watershed lesson segment with the Brodhead School will be completed. LSRWA will collaborate with Harvard University students to create a tabletop 3-D model of the entire Sugar River Watershed. Harvard students will create a video detailing the design and construction process, which will be used along with the completed model to continue to engage Brodhead and other watershed school students and the community in watershed education opportunities. Conduct three website training sessions with the LSRWA Web Maintenance Team; minimum of two web page upgrades/repairs; quarterly web-hosting fees; critical review of website functionality. Provide summary to WDNR of upgrades, functionality and usage.
Rivers Planning Grant
The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association (USRWA) will undertake a River Planning Grant Project to update the strategic plan for the Upper Sugar River Watershed (USRW). Project deliverables are as follows: 1.) Form a strategic planning committee that will engage stakeholders from various backgrounds in the strategic planning process, 2.) Create more comprehensive maps of the USRW by working with a GIS contractor to survey the watershed and use GIS software functionality to determine areas of greatest conservation or monitoring needs. USRWA will also utilize map products in its strategic planning efforts and make the information available to the public on their website. 3.) Work with the River Alliance of Wisconsin to facilitate a half day Board of Directors retreat to compile and consider information gathered at various public meetings and draft a five year strategic plan to be considered by the Board at the next meeting, 4.) Produce a comprehensive strategic plan for the USRWA.
Rivers Planning Grant
The LSRWA will undertake a River Planning Project that will address organizational and land and water conservation/management goals. Project deliverables are as follows: 1.) Acquire a laptop and software to facilitate communications and enable centralized record keeping, accounting, and database development, 2.) Continue to develop and implement a fundraising plan and membership program, 3.) Hold citizen science training and workshops (Watershed Rapid Assessment Survey annually and four restoration workshops), 4.) Promote and disseminate the restoration template to demonstrate and implement best management practices (BMPs) with willing landowners, 5.) Develop watershed education programming to increase watershed literacy in schools and the community, 6.) Continue funding part-time staff position to carry out daily operations, 7.) Create "Watershed Issues Orientation Folders" and add organization documents to the LSRWA website, 8.) Ongoing website maintenance and development.
Watershed Mapping or Assessment
The Lower Sugar River Watershed Association (LSRWA) will sponsor a project building on its first year of organization development and community outreach. This project will seek to advance the conservation leadership capacity of the LSRWA, to continue to build strategic partnerships, to develop a five-year strategic plan, and to take steps in developing a watershed plan. Projects deliverables are as follows: 1) Hire a part-time staff member to assist with administrative duties, planning efforts and events, 2.) Continue to identify and build strategic alliance with important stakeholder groups and individuals in the watershed, 3.) Develop a long-term vision and five year strategic plan, 4.) Plan and implement a series of \201CGet to Know Your Watershed\201D education, outreach, membership, and fundraising events with a general membership campaign, 5.) Sponsor a non-competitive student design charrette in collaboration with art teachers throughout the watershed to develop a professional quality logo, 6.) Host a \201CConservation on the Farm\201D event to showcase local farmers who have successfully implemented BMP\2019s for enhancing water quality and wildlife habitat. 7.) Create a Watershed \201CGreen Map\201D to locate and identify watershed-sensitive and friendly businesses, food producers, recreational activities and individuals that support the culture of the watershed, 8.) Develop a restoration template or model using previously collected watershed assessment data to bring landowners, citizens and other strategic partners together in a collaborative watershed master planning process.
Rivers Management Grant
The Village of Belleville will sponsor a restoration project on the Sugar River and Lake Belle View that will enhance the ecological conditions in the lake and the river in a long-term sustainable manner. Project deliverables include construction of an earthen berm that will seperate Lake Belle View from the Sugar River- extending from the community Park to the north end of the Lake. This berm will isolate the lake from the high nutrient and high suspended solids loads in the Sugar River for all but the largest flood events.
Rivers Management Grant
The Village of Belleville will sponsor a restoration project on the Sugar River and Lake Belle View that will enhance the ecological conditions in the lake and the river in a long-term sustainable manner. Project deliverables include construction of an earthen berm that will seperate Lake Belle View from the Sugar River, extending from the community Park to the north end of the Lake. This berm will isolate the lake from the high nutrient and high suspended solids loads in the Sugar River for all but the largest flood events.
Monitor Aquatic Biology
The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association (USRWA) will sponsor a project and community outreach effort on the Sugar River in Green and Rock counties. This project focuses on collection of new scientific data on nongame fish and other aquatic life inhabiting backwater sloughs of the Sugar River. The findings of this project will fill important gaps in the database for off-channel fisheries and associated aquatic life along the river. Along with a final report, project deliverables include: 1) recommendation whether to encourage establishment of a new organization south of Dane county or expand USRWA reach to include areas south of Dane County; 2) document nad share results from the field work; 3) make recommendations for protection and management of offchannel lakes; identifying key resources that deserve protection from federal, state, or other non-profit groups.
Monitor Watershed (Status,Sources,Impairments)
Upper Sugar River Watershed Association will bring together a diverse set of partners to develop a comprehensive, small watershed management plan for Deer Creek, Flynn Creek, Fryes Feeder, and the West Branch of the Sugar River. This comprehensive plan will address the six key elements of a strategy to protect the quality of the watershed.
Educate and engage residents
The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association will expand their outreach, build the organization's capacity to protect the river, and increase their educational efforts.
Watershed Mapping or Assessment
The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association will employ a part-time coordinator to build the capacity and the sustainability of the Association, and to direct implimentation of the Association's strategic plan.
Monitor Watershed (Status,Sources,Impairments)
The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association will hire a part-time coordinator to develop their organization's ability to preserve and enhance the watershed.
County Land and Water Management Plan
Dane County will provide funding, administrative assistance, and planning assistance to help the establishment of three non-profit community organizations. This will extend existing efforts to protect land and water in the Upper Sugar River watershed. It will generate local support for conservation practices in the Sugar River watershed by including landowners and affected citizens in the planning and implementation of river protection strategies. A full description of project scope and deliverables is available in the grant application, which is a part of this agreement.
Restore Wetlands
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TMDL Implementation
Sugar Pecatonica TMDL Implementation for 23 TMDLs for 23 waterbody segments with a total of 52 impairments from the 2004 Wisconsin 303(d) list. An Implementation Plan is needed.
TMDL Development
The Sugar Pecatonica River Basin is located in southern Wisconsin with a drainage basin of approximately 1,832 square miles in Dane, Rock, Lafayette, Green, and Iowa counties, and another 796 square miles in northern Illinois. Larger municipalities in the Wisconsin basin include Verona, Monroe, Mt. Horeb, Dodgeville, Darlington, parts of Fitchburg, and parts of Madison. The basin also has some of the most productive farmland in Wisconsin. Most of the agricultural activities in the basin are dairy farming, cash cropping, and livestock feeder operations .
Engage Volunteers in Monitoring/Restoration
Monitoring of phosphorus and nitrate concentrations in the streams of the Lower Sugar River should continue as funding and volunteer efforts allow.
Partnership Project
The department should work with watershed organizations such as the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association on outreach efforts with landowners in the watershed, environmental programs in the Juda and Brodhead school districts, and research opportunities for harvestable buffers to provide economic incentives for maintaining buffers along streams.
Rivers Management Grant
The Lower Sugar River Watershed Association should apply for DNR grants to engage with local landowners and interested parties in projects that research the effectiveness of harvestable buffers in providing economic incentives for maintaining buffers along streams.

Standards Details

Trout Stream Location: From origins at CTH P in T7N, R7E, S 33 of Cross Plains Township to Frenchtown Rd in T5N, R5E in Montrose Township. The water is a Class II based on a 2002 Survey Work. There is the presence of an abundant brown trout resource comprised of multiple classes showing sufficient number and survival as well as natural reproduction. Trout Stream Classification Checklist and Public Notice 7/7/08, and the Survey Report Submitted 6/2005, Kurt Welke.

Date  2008

Author   Aquatic Biologist

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
VILLAGE OF BELLEVILLE: SW Utility & Master Plan2008
LOWER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: Capacity Building/Developing Watershed Plan2012
LOWER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: LSRWA: Org Capacity Bldg, Ed/Outreach, Website and Fundraising2015
VILLAGE OF BELLEVILLE: Lake Belle View/Sugar River Restoration Project2010
Sugar River at Riverside Rd2007
VILLAGE OF BELLEVILLE: RES-Lake Belle View Associated Wetland Habitat Restoration2015
LOWER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: Organizational Building/Citizen Scientists2013
DECATUR LAKE MILLRACE ASSOC: DLMRA Website Dev2013
Sugar Pecatonica Basin TMDL 2011
Monitoring Recommendations Stemming from CWA / IR Listings2000
Wetland Restoration Database2016
VILLAGE OF BELLEVILLE: RES-Lake Belle View Restoration Proj.2010
UPPER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: Capacity Building for Upper Sugar Rvr Watershed2002
Sugar River at STH 922011
UPPER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: Sugar River-Survey of Floodplain Lakes & Watershed Community Outreach2009
Sugar River upstream of Valley Rd2007
VILLAGE OF BELLEVILLE: AIS EDR for Carp2013
DECATUR LAKE MILLRACE ASSOC: Decatur Lake Feasibility Study2017
UPPER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: Capacity Building2003
TROUT UNLIMITED-SOUTHERN WISCONSIN CHAPTER: Sugar River Restoration- Neperud Property2016
VILLAGE OF BELLEVILLE: Lake Belleview Fishery Restoration2010
UPPER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: Upper Sugar River Wetlands Resource Area Plan2001
VILLAGE OF BELLEVILLE: LMI-Lake Belle View Restoration Project2010
Upper Sugar River Upstream Of Valley Spring Rd2013
UPPER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: Planning for Next 5 years2013
Taylor Creek-Sugar R. TWA WQM Plan , 20172014
Fish Propagation Actions2001
UPPER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: Upper Sugar River Headwaters Protection & Planning Management2004
Sugar River at Remy Road2011
RIVER ALLIANCE OF WISCONSIN: Gambusia infestation- Sugar River2012
Sugar River at Morningwood Farms Nursery (off Domini Road)2013
DANE COUNTY: Sugar River Capacity Building2000
UPPER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: Restoration Planning on the Sugar River2021

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
875300Sugar River10013311Sugar River at Intscn Of Cth S+P1/1/20157/26/2024MapData
875300Sugar River10011950Sugar River - Sugar River Upstream Of Cty. Rd. P5/16/197910/25/2024MapData
875300Sugar River10013304Sugar River at Cth J In Riley1/1/201510/6/2020MapData
875300Sugar River10013318Sugar River at Valley Spring RoadMapData
875300Sugar River10034152Sugar River at Morningwood Farms Nursery (off Domini Road)4/14/20156/7/2024MapData
875300Sugar River10034153Sugar River at Sugar Valley Rd11/16/201110/25/2024MapData
875300Sugar River10009473Upper Sugar River Upstream Of Cty JMapData
875300Sugar River10009474Sugar River Upstream Of Paulson Rd.1/1/20151/1/2015MapData
875300Sugar River133112Sugar River at Cth PMapData
875300Sugar River10009472Upper Sugar River Upstream Of Valley Spring Rd5/6/19979/21/2015MapData

Watershed Characteristics

Sugar River is located in the Upper Sugar River watershed which is 105.96 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (42.90%), grassland (20.80%) and a mix of forest (13.80%) and other uses (22.60%). This watershed has 183.62 stream miles, 151.49 lake acres and 2,231.15 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High 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

Sugar River 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.