Trempealeau River, Upper Trempealeau River Watershed (BT05)
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Trempealeau River, Upper Trempealeau River Watershed (BT05)
Trempealeau River (1769900)
11.66 Miles
69.85 - 81.51
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-Warm Mainstem
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 river is impaired
High Phosphorus Levels
Total Phosphorus
 
Jackson
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.
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

The Trempealeau River is 81 miles long and spans 3 counties. The Trempealeau River is a Class II brook and brown trout fishery for 15 miles above Lake Henry up to the confluence of the North and South branches, which includes the 11 mile stretch from CTH P near Taylor to Highway 95 in Hixton. Downstream from Lake Blair to CTH P near Taylor is a Class III trout water.

Date  2019

Author  Camille Bruhn

Historical Description

The Class II trout fishery was limited by NPS pollution associated with the agricultural land use of the watershed and the Badger Silica Mining operation. The section of the river downstream of Jonah Coulee Creek received high amounts of sediment in runoff from Badger Silica Mining.

Date  1991

Author  Camille Bruhn

Trempealeau River, Upper Trempealeau River Watershed (BT05) Fish and Aquatic LifeTrempealeau River, Upper Trempealeau River Watershed (BT05) RecreationTrempealeau River, Upper Trempealeau River Watershed (BT05) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

Pietrek County Park Beach on the Trempealeau was evaluated for bacteria in the 2022 cycle; E. coli levels were above listing thresholds as outlined in 2022 WisCALM. This beach was added to the 2022 Impaired Waters List.

Date  2022

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Trempealeau River from confluence with the Mississippi to Main St. in Arcadia (miles 0 to 31.28) was put on the Impaired Waters List in the 2012 cycle for Mercury in fish tissue and in the 2012 cycle for high phosphorus levels. This segment was evaluated every two-year cycle from 2012 to 2022; phosphorus was consistently elevated.

Trempealeau River from Main St. in Arcadia to Lake Pigeon Creek in Whitehall (miles 31.28 to 51.72) was evaluated every two-year cycle from 2016 to 2022. In the 2018 cycle phosphorus levels were found to be too high and this river segment was put on the Impaired Waters List. In the 2022 cycle bacteria data were above the new E. coli criteria.

Trempealeau River from Pigeon River in Whitehall to Lake Henry dam in Blair (miles 51.72 to 61.32) was evaluated for biology and phosphorus in 2018 and this segment was listed for high phosphorus levels.

Trempealeau River from Lake Henry inlet to CTH P near Taylor (miles 61.98 to 69.85) was evaluated for biology and phosphorus in 2018 and this segment was listed for high phosphorus levels.

Trempealeau River from CTH P near Taylor to the confluence of the North and South branches near Hixton (miles 69.85 to 81.51) was evaluated for biology in 2014 and 2020; bug and fish communities were in good health. Phosphorus levels were too high and this segment was added to the impaired waters list in the 2018 cycle.

Date  2022

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

Trempealeau River, Trempealeau River - Above Coop Creamy Broiler, Nonwadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments
Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List
Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Trempealeau River at Sechlerville Road
Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments
Watercraft Inspection Special Project Report [Brittany Harried; Trempealeau River; 10018288; datasheet 2014]
Comprehensive 2014 TP IBI Rivers Assessment
Rivers TP Summary 2012
Elk Creek WT 2010 Dams & Outfalls
Elk Creek WT 2010 Land Use
Elk Creek WT 2010 Map
Elk Creek WT 2010 OERW Waters
Elk Creek WT 2010 Wetlands
Elk Creek Watershed Plan 2010 (BT03)
Watershed Wetlands Analysis 2010 BT03 Elk Creek Watershed

Recommendations

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.
Monitor and/or Protect Groundwater, Sourcewater
WDNR staff should continue to encourage communities to develop wellhead protection plans in the Watershed and the whole basin.
Nine Key Element Plan
Upper Trempealeau River PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan - The Upper Trempealeau River Priority Watershed Project plan assesses the nonpoint sources of pollution in the Upper Trempealeau River Watershed and guides the implementation of nonpoint source control measures. These control measures are needed to meet specific water resource objectives for the Upper Trempealeau River and its 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 Upper Trempealeau River Priority Watershed Project area.
Nine Key Element Plan
Middle Trempealeau River PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan - The Middle Trempealeau River Priority Watershed Project plan assesses the nonpoint sources of pollution in the Middle Trempealeau River Watershed and guides the implementation of nonpoint source control measures. These control measures are needed to meet specific water resource objectives for the Middle Trempealeau River and its 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 Middle Trempealeau River Priority Watershed Project area.
Monitor Fish Tissue
1769900 name Trempealeau River TMDL ID 489 Start Mile 0 End Mile 31.28
Restore Wetlands
The use of DNR and federal grants should be used to assess the conditions of the wetland within the watershed following the implementation of the 2011 Federal EPA EMAP study.
Restore Wetlands
The use of DNR and federal grants should be used to assess the conditions of the wetland within the watershed following the implementation of the 2011 Federal EPA EMAP study.
Lakes Protection Grant
A citizen volunteer lake monitoring program, discontinued in 1989, should be reinitiated at Bugle Lake.
Lakes Protection Grant
A citizen volunteer lake monitoring program, discontinued in 1989, should be reinitiated at Bugle Lake.
Lakes Planning Grant
A citizen volunteer lake monitoring program, discontinued in 1989, should be reinitiated at Bugle Lake.
Lakes Planning Grant
DNR should continue to support the City of Independence’s efforts to address the water quality and sediment deposition problems at Bugle Lake through the use of TRM grants, lake/river planning and lake/river management
Lakes Planning Grant
DNR should continue to support the City of Independence’s efforts to address the water quality and sediment deposition problems at Bugle Lake through the use of TRM grants, lake/river planning and lake/river management grants.
Wastewater Monitoring or Management
The Whitehall WWTP, in recognition of loading from an industrial contributor, should work with local industries to reduce phosphorus loading to achieve compliance with phosphorus discharge limit.
Dam Safety or Removal
Blair should consider dam removal as a future management option in lieu of costly dam repairs and recurrent dredging, weighing the benefits of a streamside park against the cost of maintaining a millpond (Type C).

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
CITY OF BLAIR: Henry Mgmt. Plan2013
Middle Trempealeau River PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan1992
Coon Creek (BL03) Watershed Planning2010
Upper Trempealeau River PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan1994
TREMPEALEAU COUNTY LAND CONSERVATION DEPT: 303d List Voluntary2005
Fish Propagation Actions2001
Trempealeau River2006

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
1769900Trempealeau River10033947Trempealeau River at Green Acre Road5/18/20041/1/2015MapData
1769900Trempealeau River273002Trempealeau River - 500f Ab Hixton StpMapData
1805400Unnamed10009729Skutley Creek 5MapData
1769900Trempealeau River10021335Trempealeau River Behing Krueger Nursery1/1/201510/7/2024MapData
1769900Trempealeau River10021977Trempealeau River Stock Davis RdMapData
1769900Trempealeau River10029752Trempealeau River - Sechlerville Road1/1/201510/18/2015MapData
1769900Trempealeau River10021398Trempealeau River - Davis Rd Crossing1/1/20151/1/2015MapData
1769900Trempealeau River10021339Trempealeau River North Lincoln RdMapData
1769900Trempealeau River273004Trempealeau River - 200f Bl Hixton StpMapData
1769900Trempealeau River273007Trempealeau River - Tn Rd S Of Cth GMapData
1805400Unnamed10009730Skutley Creek 7MapData
1769900Trempealeau River273001Trempealeau River at St Hwy 27 And 9510/1/199110/1/1991MapData
1769900Trempealeau River273008Trempealeau River at Cth P6/13/20076/13/2007MapData
1769900Trempealeau River10008720350' Upstream Of Cth P Bridge CrossingMapData
1769900Trempealeau River10008409Station 2 East End Frelks PlantationMapData
1769900Trempealeau River273005Trempealeau River - Above Taylor StpMapData
1769900Trempealeau River10008404Trempealeau River - Starting At Cth P 1000' Us9/24/20071/1/2015MapData
1769900Trempealeau River10009708Stony (Fall Coulee) 2MapData

Watershed Characteristics

Trempealeau River is located in the Upper Trempealeau River watershed which is 175.54 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (48.60%), agricultural (29.80%) and a mix of grassland (12.70%) and other uses (8.90%). This watershed has 359.69 stream miles, 209.54 lake acres and 7,549.82 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Not Available for runoff impacts on streams, Not Available 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

Trempealeau River is considered a Cool-Cold Mainstem, Cool-Warm Mainstem 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.

Fisheries & Habitat

The Trempealeau River is a Class II brook and brown trout fishery for 15 miles above Lake Henry up to the confluence of the North and South branches, which includes the 11 mile stretch from CTH P near Taylor to Highway 95 in Hixton. Downstream from Lake Blair to CTH P near Taylor is a Class III trout water.

Date  2005

Author   Aquatic Biologist