Marlowe Branch, Lower Grant River Watershed (GP04)
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Marlowe Branch, Lower Grant River Watershed (GP04)
Marlowe Branch (959400)
5.83 Miles
0 - 5.83
Natural Community
Cool-Cold Headwater, Coldwater
Year Last Monitored
2015
Poor
 
This river is impaired
Degraded Biological Community
Unknown Pollutant
 
Grant
Trout Water 
No
Outstanding or Exceptional 
No
Impaired Water 
Yes

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use
Restricted Aquatic Life
Attainable Use
Default FAL
Designated Use
Default FAL

Overview

Marlowe Branch, in the Lower Grant River Watershed, is a 6.56 mile river that falls in Grant County. This river is managed for fishing and swimming and is currently considered impaired.

Date  2016

Author  Ashley Beranek

Historical Description

From: Smith, Tom D., and Ball, Joseph R., Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of Grant County, Department of Natural Resources, 1972. Surface Area = 1.19 acres, Length = 4.9 miles, Gradient = 57 ft./mile, Flow = 1.3 c.f.s.

A moderate gradient spring-fed stream beginning at Hurricane and flowing southwest to enter the Grant River three miles southeast of Beetown. Flooding and erosion are major problems during periods of heavy precipitation. Several small soil and water retention structures have been built on small tributaries to help reduce this rapid runoff. No sport fishery exists, but a moderate forage fish population is found in the shallow pools. A large amount of brush has been cut and thrown in the stream near the mouth, partially blocking the flow. Game assets are limited to raccoon, deer, squirrels, and ruffed grouse. A pair of green heron was seen when this survey was conducted. It can be reached from four bridge crossings and ten dwellings are located along the stream.

Date  1972

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life communities are not fully supported in this ecosystem.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.