Apple River Flowage, Upper Apple River,Lower Apple River Watershed (SC04)
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Apple River Flowage, Upper Apple River,Lower Apple River Watershed (SC04)
Apple River Flowage (2624200)
604.51 Acres
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.
Reservoir
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
Poor
 
This impoundment is impaired
High Phosphorus Levels, Excess Algal Growth
Total Phosphorus
 
Polk
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.
No
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.
No
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.
WWSF
Streams capable of supporting a warm waterdependent sport fishery. Representative aquatic life communities associated with these waters generally require cool or warm temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that do not drop below 5 mg/L.
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 feasibility study performed on this lake in 1979 indicated that this impoundment on the Apple River was a eutrophic body of water and the most realistic management alternatives were to selectively harvest the most troublesome areas for excess aquatic vegetation. This lake district currently is engaged in a planning grants study to try to determine obvious nutrient sources and map aquatic vegetation densities. A high priority should be accorded to helping this lake district work towards a long range management plan - incorporating the needs and priorities of the lakeshore community into a workable management approach.

Date  1992

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Situated on the Apple River, a navigable stream, this flowage has three other navigable inlet streams - Marquee Creek, Burns Creek and Beaver Brook. The flowage level is maintained by an eight -foot head dam. Fish species common here are northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegills, perch, black crappies, pumpkinseed and bullheads. Public frontage includes one access road with parking (33 feet frontage) and unimproved platted access roadways with a total frontage of 326 feet. There are six resorts, five boat liveries and 26 cottages on the flowage, developing twenty-five per cent of the lake shore. Three hundred seven acres of wetlands adjoin the lake. Muskrats are common. Waterfowl nesting here are mallards, blue-winged teal, hooded mergansers, black and wood ducks. Other migrating waterfowl included mainly diving ducks and coots, with some puddle ducks and occasionally Canadian geese.

Source: 1961, Surface Water Resources of Polk County Apple River Flowage - T33N, R16W, Sec. 4, 5, 9, 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 27, 28 Surface Acres - 608.0, S.D.F.= 5.93, Maximum Depth - 16 ft., M.P.A.-126

Date  1961

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Apple River Flowage, Upper Apple River,Lower Apple River Watershed (SC04) Fish and Aquatic LifeApple River Flowage, Upper Apple River,Lower Apple River Watershed (SC04) RecreationApple River Flowage, Upper Apple River,Lower Apple River Watershed (SC04) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

Apple River Flowage (WBIC 2624200) was placed on the impaired waters list for total phosphorus in 2012. The 2018 assessments showed continued impairment by phosphorus; new total phosphorus sample data exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use and Fish and Aquatic Life use. Chlorophyll-a sample data clearly exceeded the REC use thresholds, and clearly met the FAL use thresholds. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Apple River Flowage (2624200) was placed on the impaired waters list for total phosphorus in 2012. The 2016 assessments showed continued impairment by phosphorus; total phosphorus sample data overwhelmingly exceed 2016 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use, and chlorophyll data exceed REC thresholds. Total phosphorus and chlorophyll data do not exceed Fish and Aquatic Life thresholds. This water was also assessed for chlorides and sample data did not exceed 2016 WisCALM chronic and acute listing criteria for the Fish and Aquatic Life use. Based on the most updated information, no change in existing impaired waters listing is needed.

Date  2015

Author  Aaron Larson

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
Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List
Final Assessment Data from TSI Package and Assessment Units 2018
Apple River Flowage APM Plan Approval Letter
Apple River Flowage APM
Release of Claims [Derrick Carlson]
Comprehensive 2018 Lake/Impoundment Water Quality Assessments
Comprehensive 2016 Lake Reservoir Assessments
Grant Close-Out Checklist. Apple River Flowage. AEPP-339-12
SCOPE. Apple River Flowage AIS Education, Prevention, and Planning. Apple River Flowage.
Apple River Flowage AIS Grant Application 2012
Apple River Flowage, Polk County. AIS Education, Prevention, and Planning. AEPP-339-12. Final Report
Apple RIver Flowage Early Detection Data Form Copy
Apple River Flowage Lake Management Plan
Apple River Flowage Grant Application
Upper Apple River Watershed Plan (SC06)
Apple River Flowage_Polk_2624200_(2010)_ERS [excel]
Apple River Flowage, Polk County - Aquatic Plant Sampling Map (1)(60 mpts)
Apple River Flowage, Polk County - Aquatic Plant Sampling Map (2)(60 mpts)
Apple River Flowage, Polk County - Aquatic Plant Sampling Map (3)(60 mpts)
Apple River Flowage, Polk County - Aquatic Plant Sampling Map (60 mpts)
Apple River Flowage, Polk County - Garmin Text File
APPLE FLOWAGE APM FINAL REPORT
APPLE RIVER FLOWAGE AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT STUDY
Apple River Association Correspondence, Meeting Minutes, and Articles
Apple River Sociological Survey Results Summer 2001 [Draft]
APPLE RIVER FLOWAGE WATERSHED & SEPTIC RUNOFF SURVEY & EVAL
Lake Bathymetry Map for Apple River Flowage

Recommendations

Best Management Practices, Implement
Partnering with property owners, the applicant is sponsoring a grant to implement water quality and habitat best practices from Wisconsin's Healthy Lakes Implementation Plan. Best practices, including fish sticks, 350 sq. ft. native plantings, diversions, rock infiltration, and/or rain gardens, will be designed and installed according to the Healthy Lakes fact sheets, technical guidance and grant application.
Habitat Restoration - Shoreland
350 ft2 of native plantings on 4 properties.
Best Management Practices, Implement
Apple River P & R District will implement best practices described in Wisconsin's 2014-2017 Healthy Lakes Implementation Plan. Best practices will be designed and installed according to the Healthy Lakes fact sheets and technical guidance. Practices include: 350 ft2 native plantings on 4 properties. The best practices require a contract to remain in effect for 10 years and must include minimum operation and maintenance requirements and data collection as described in grant condition #16.
Habitat Restoration - Shoreland
Practices include: 350 ft2 native plantings on 5 properties.
Best Management Practices, Implement
Apple River P & R District will implement best practices described in Wisconsin's 2014-2017 Healthy Lakes Implementation Plan. Practices include: 350 ft2 native plantings on 5 properties. The best practices require a contract to remain in effect for 10 years and must include minimum operation and maintenance requirements and data collection as described in grant condition #17.
Social Survey of Residents or Users
Informational Meetings
Shoreland Monitoring, Assessment, Inventory
Shoreland Monitoring, Assessment or Inventory
Monitor Water Level
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Lake Management Plan Development
Lakes Planning Grant
Hold Workshops
Watershed Mapping or Assessment
County Land and Water Management Plan
The Polk County Land & Water Resources Department will conduct an organizational development and informational & educational project in the Apple River watershed in Polk County. Activities involved with this project include; organization of a Citizen Forum to collect local input on river threats, etc., assist in the creation of an Apple River Association, development of outreach materials and assist in the development of an Apple River Association newsletter, conduct a sociological land owner survey, conduct public meetings and generate news releases on project status and results, and conduct a shoreline video survey. Reports of ongoing project activities will be disseminated via brochures(s), meeting(s) and workshop(s), and the preparation of a final report. Specific deliverables for this grant project include: A final report that summarizes the grant project activities and includes examples of outreach materials that were developed.
Lakes Planning Grant
WRM should assist the Apple River Flowage District in completing their current Lakes Planning Grants project and pursuing any recommendations for implementation practices from this or the 1979 study.

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
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: AIS Education, Prevention and Planning Project2012
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: Apple River P & R District 2017 CBCW2017
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: Apple River Flowage 2015 Clean Boats Clean Waters Project2015
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: Apple River P & R District 2018 CBCW2018
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: APM Plan, Background Studies2010
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: HLk-Apple River Flowage Shoreline Native Plantings2015
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: HLK-319 Match -Apple River Flowage Healthy Lakes Native Plantings2016
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: Aquatic Plant Management Plan Update2022
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: Aquatic Plant Management Plan Update2017
POLK COUNTY LWRD: Apple River Flowage Water Quality & Biological Assessment2012
POLK COUNTY: Apple River Association Development & I&E Project2000
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: Apple River P & R District 2020 CBCW2020
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: Apple River Flowage Watershed & Septic Runoff Survey & Eval1991
POLK COUNTY: Apple River Flowage Aquatic Plant Management Study2003
Fish Propagation Actions2001
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: HLK-Apple River Flowage Healthy Lakes Native Plantings, Take 32017
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: Apple River Flowage P&R District 2016 Clean Boats Clean Waters2016
APPLE RIVER P & R DISTRICT: Apple River P & R District 2019 CBCW2019

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
2624200Apple River Flowage493024Apple River Flowage - F And A Dairy Belle Cheese AmeryMapData
2624200Apple River Flowage494022Twin Lake North - Twin Lake North8/6/19798/6/1979MapData
2624200Apple River Flowage10039632Apple River Flowage - South Site 24/3/201210/15/2012MapData
2624200Apple River Flowage10018171Apple River Flowage -- Access Off Hwy 46 In Amery8/20/20066/1/2024MapData
2624200Apple River Flowage493104Apple River Flowage - Deep Hole8/12/198610/9/2024MapData
2624200Apple River Flowage10039621Apple River Flowage North Site 14/3/201210/15/2012MapData
2624200Apple River Flowage10004784Apple River Flowage6/27/19778/24/2024MapData
2624200Apple River Flowage10018239Apple River Flowage -- Access at Birch St And Riverside Blvd Amery9/27/20078/2/2024MapData
2624200Apple River Flowage10018225Apple River -- Access6/6/20198/2/2024MapData

Watershed Characteristics

Apple River Flowage is located in the Lower Apple River watershed which is 202.16 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (31.20%), agricultural (28.20%) and a mix of grassland (25.70%) and other uses (14.80%). This watershed has 151.64 stream miles, 4,391.99 lake acres and 9,095.80 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High 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.This water is ranked High Lake for individual Impoundments based on runoff problems and the likelihood of success from project implementation.

Natural Community

Apple River Flowage is considered a Reservoir 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.