Johnson Falls Flowage (Imp), Middle Peshtigo and Thunder Rivers Watershed (GB10)
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Johnson Falls Flowage (Imp), Middle Peshtigo and Thunder Rivers Watershed (GB10)
Johnson Falls Flowage (Imp) (533300)
144.76 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.
Impounded Flowing Water
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.
2021
Fair
 
Marinette
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.
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.
Impounded Flowing Water
This classification includes waterbodies created by dams (mill ponds, reservoirs, flowages, and other impoundments) with a residence time of 14 days or more (under summer (June – Sept) mean low flow conditions with a 1 in 10 year recurrence interval (US EPA 2000)). Many natural lakes also have dams or water level control structures. However, to be included in the Impounded Flowing Waters category, the dam or water level control structure, must account for more than half of a waterbody’s maximum depth. Impoundments with a residence time of less than 14 days should be covered under the rivers and stream assessment methodology process.
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.
Default FAL
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.

Overview

Johnson Falls Flowage (Imp), in the Middle Peshtigo and Thunder Rivers Watershed, is a 144.76 acre lake that falls in Marinette County. This lake is managed for fishing and swimming and is currently not considered impaired.

Date  2011

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Source: 1975, Surface Water Resources of Marinette County Johnson Falls Flowage, T33N, R19E, Section 32 Surface Acres-67.8, Secchi Disk-7 feet, Maximum Depth-40 feet.

A medium hard water drainage lake (impoundment) on the Peshtigo River having neutral, light brown water of moderate transparency. The littoral zone is 70 percent sand, 10 percent gravel, 10 percent boulder, with lesser amounts of rubble and muck. The shoreline is entirely upland consisting of mixed hardwoods and conifers. The fish population consists of northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. Waterfowl make limited use of this flowage. Navigable water type public access is available via the inlet. Four dwellings are located on the shoreline. A dam of 47 head feet is maintained by the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.

Date  1975

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Johnson Falls Flowage (Imp), Middle Peshtigo and Thunder Rivers Watershed (GB10) Fish and Aquatic LifeJohnson Falls Flowage (Imp), Middle Peshtigo and Thunder Rivers Watershed (GB10) RecreationJohnson Falls Flowage (Imp), Middle Peshtigo and Thunder Rivers Watershed (GB10) Fish Consumption

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

2021 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2021 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2021 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2020 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2020 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2020 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2020 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2020 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments
2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters
Final Assessment Data from TSI Package and Assessment Units 2018
2017 Sandstone Rapids, Johnson Falls, Caldron Falls, Potato Rapids, Peshtigo River, and High Falls Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2546, 2522, 2525, 2560, 2581, and 2595 Acknowledgment Letter for the 2017 Triennial Invasive Species Monitoring Report
2017 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2016 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report
Johnson Falls Flowage, Marinette Co. - Freshwater Jellyfish
Gilkey Lake (Multiple Lakes) Milfoil Identification Results 8-4-2015
2015 High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Amending Approved Water Quality Monitoring Plans
2015 High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Proposed Amendment to Water Quality Monitoring Plans
Johnson Falls Marinette County Milfoil Results 7-31-2015
AIS Early Detection 2015 Data Form Johnson Falls 533300
2014 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2012 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Modifying and Approving Updated Comprehensive Land and Wildlife Management Plan
2011 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Invasive Species Monitoring Plan Update
2011 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
Johnson Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2522, Supplemental DO Map, August 22 2011
Johnson Falls Flowage, Marinette County - Aquatic Plant Sampling Map (1)(34 mpts)
Johnson Falls Flowage, Marinette County - Aquatic Plant Sampling Map (2)(34 mpts)
Johnson Falls Flowage, Marinette County - Aquatic Plant Sampling Map (3)(34 mpts)
Johnson Falls Flowage, Marinette County - Aquatic Plant Sampling Map (34 mpts)
Johnson Falls Flowage, Marinette County - Aquatic Plant Sampling Map (4)(34 mpts)
Johnson Falls Flowage, Marinette County - Garmin Text File
2011 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2011 Johnson Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2522, Map to Accompany Water Quality Monitoring Report
2010 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2009 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2008 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2007 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2006 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report Part 1 of 3
2006 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report Part 2 of 3
2006 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report Part 3 of 3
2006 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2005 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2004 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2003 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2002 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2002 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Amending Water Quality Monitoring Locations
2001 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring Report and Amendment Request
2001 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2000 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2000 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Amending Water Quality Monitoring Plans
2000 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Letter to the US FERC Regarding a Modified Water Compliance Plan
1999 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
1999 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Modifying and Approving Water Quality Monitoring Locations
1999 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Letter to the US FERC Regarding Submitted Water Quality Monitoring Plans
1998 Caldron Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2525, Order Modifying and Approving Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Johnson Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2522, Order Modifying and Approving Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Approving Comprehensive Land and Wildlife Management Plans
1998 Johnson Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2522, Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Invasive Species Monitoring Plans for the Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects (Part of Comprehensive Land and Wildlife Management Plan)
1997 Johnson Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2522, Order Issuing New License
Lake Bathymetry Map for Johnson Falls Flowage

Recommendations

Nine Key Element Plan
Middle Peshtigo-Thunder Rivers PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan - The Middle Peshtigo-Thunder Rivers Priority Watershed Project plan assesses the nonpoint sources of pollution in the Middle Peshtigo-Thunder Rivers Watershed and guides the implementation of pollution prevention and control measures during the next 10 years. These control measures are needed to maintain the excellent water quality in the watershed and to meet specific water resource objectives for the Middle Peshtigo-Thunder Rivers Watershed. The watershed is unique in that it has a protection approach rather than the traditional remediation focus.

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
Middle Peshtigo-Thunder Rivers PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan1998
Fish Propagation Actions2001

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
533300Johnson Falls Flowage 64710018975Johnson Falls Flowage -- #14 - Thunder6/24/20216/24/2021MapData
533300Johnson Falls Flowage 64710003748Johnson Falls Flowage6/1/19959/15/2017MapData
515500Peshtigo River10048096Peshtigo River at High Falls Rd6/1/20166/1/2019MapData
533300Johnson Falls Flowage 64710048096Peshtigo River at High Falls Rd6/1/20166/1/2019MapData
533300Johnson Falls Flowage 647383295Peshtigo River - Johnson Falls-T33n R19e S32 Sw1/4 Sw1/4MapData

Watershed Characteristics

Johnson Falls Flowage 647 is located in the Middle Peshtigo and Thunder Rivers watershed which is 193.54 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (76.90%), wetland (15.10%) and a mix of agricultural (2.90%) and other uses (5.00%). This watershed has 251.85 stream miles, 1,120.60 lake acres and 16,300.88 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Low for runoff impacts on streams, Not Ranked for runoff impacts on lakes and Low for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of Low. 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

Johnson Falls Flowage (Imp) is considered a Impounded Flowing Water 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.

This classification includes waterbodies created by dams (mill ponds, reservoirs, flowages, and other impoundments) with a residence time of 14 days or more (under summer (June – Sept) mean low flow conditions with a 1 in 10 year recurrence interval (US EPA 2000)). Many natural lakes also have dams or water level control structures. However, to be included in the Impounded Flowing Waters category, the dam or water level control structure, must account for more than half of a waterbody’s maximum depth. Impoundments with a residence time of less than 14 days should be covered under the rivers and stream assessment methodology process.