Black Earth Creek, Black Earth Creek Watershed (LW17)
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Black Earth Creek, Black Earth Creek Watershed (LW17)
Black Earth Creek (1248600)
4.13 Miles
6.95 - 11.08
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
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
Degraded Biological Community
Unknown Pollutant
 
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.
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

Black Earth Creek is a 27-mile long tributary to Blue Mounds Creek. The headwaters of the stream are heavily influenced by channelization and support only warm water forage fish. The rest of the creek, however, has a high fisheries value. The lower 11.5 miles support a warm water sport fishery that includes smallmouth bass although the section between Black Earth and Mazomanie may be able to be reclassified to cold water. Upstream from this warm water section, the stream is a cold water trout fishery and is fed by a series of spring complexes including a large cold water spring upstream from the Village of Cross Plains (Festge Springs) and numerous, other smaller springs. This stretch of Black Earth Creek is on the state's list of Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Waters (ORW/ERW) and supports a large population of naturally reproducing brown trout as well as a few native brook trout. The stream is stocked down stream with rainbow trout to increase additional opportunity for the anglers. A rare aquatic species has also been found in this stream during past stream surveys.

Overall, Black Earth Creek has high natural alkalinity, average temperatures that range from 40-65 degrees Fahrenheit, a substrate of rubble and gravel, and relatively stable flows these qualities combine to provide a highly productive aquatic ecosystem for the naturally reproducing brown trout population that exists in Black Earth Creek. As a result, the stream has been rated as one of the best 100 trout streams in the nation by Trout Unlimited. Public access is available at many road crossings and several village owned and WDNR properties. Despite its good quality, however, the entire stream is vulnerable to agricultural and urban runoff as well as permitted point source discharges.

Agricultural sources of runoff include cropland erosion, barnyard runoff and manure spreading on fields. Although this agricultural nonpoint source pollution has in many cases been addressed through the Priority Watershed Project for Black Earth Creek which is in its final stages, the stream is still at risk when these agricultural sources are poorly managed. In addition, the increasing development in the villages and in the watershed as a whole bring with it the threat of increased stormwater runoff and groundwater withdrawal. In particular, stormwater runoff from the Village of Cross Plains and other developments threaten the future of Black Earth Creek and its tributaries.

From: Ripp, Coreen, Koperski, Cindy and Folstad, Jason. 2002. The State of the Lower Wisconsin River Basin. PUBL WT-559-2002. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date  2002

Author  Cynthia Koperski

Historical Description

Black Earth Creek -Location of mouth T8N R5E Section 14 -12, Surface area -5.8 acres, Length = 1.8 miles, Gradient = 0.0 feet per mile, Total alkalinity = 240.0 mg/l, Volume of flow -14.3 cfs.

Most of this stream lies in Dane County and is described more thoroughly in the Dane County report. However, in Iowa County the stream has little gradient and it is wide and shallow throughout most of its length with a rather sterile sand bottom. It is considered one of the larger streams within the county and is the principal tributary of the Blue Mounds Creek, contributing approximately 38 percent of its total discharge. It is considered an excellent trout stream in Dane County where its principal water source is springs. The portion in Iowa County is not considered trout water but more suitable for northern pike, which are common. Forage fish species also known to be present are the emerald shiner, spotfin shiner
and white sucker. Waterfowl and marshland furbearers can be considered common throughout its length in Iowa County. There are no public lands along its banks and access within the county is from two town roads.

From: Piening, Ronald and Threinen, C.W. 1968. Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of Iowa County. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date  1968

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Black Earth Creek, Black Earth Creek Watershed (LW17) Fish and Aquatic LifeBlack Earth Creek, Black Earth Creek Watershed (LW17) RecreationBlack Earth Creek, Black Earth Creek Watershed (LW17) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

Black Earth Creek, from its mouth to HWY 14 (miles 0 to 6.95), was evaluated in 2014, 2016, and 2018. In 2016 degraded biological communities (fish and bugs) were found. In 2018 elevated phosphorus levels were found. This water is on the Restoration Waters list because it is covered by the Dane-Iowa Adaptive Management Plan.

Black Earth Creek, from HWY 14 to Vermont Creek (miles 6.95 to 11.08), was evaluated in 2014, 2016, and 2018. In 2016 degraded biological communities (fish and bugs) were found. In 2018 elevated phosphorus levels were found. This water is on the Restoration Waters list because it is covered by the Dane-Iowa Adaptive Management Plan.

Black Earth Creek, from Vermont Creek to Garfoot Creek (miles 11.08 to 16.83) was evaluated every two-year cycle from 2014 to 2022; phosphorus, temperature, chloride, bug, and fish data were in good condition.

Black Earth Creek, from Garfoot Creek to County KP (miles 16.83 to 19.35) was evaluated in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 cycles; phosphorus, chloride, temperature, fish, and bug data indicated a healthy system. This stream segment is on the Healthy Waters List.

Black Earth Creek, from County KP to U.S. 14 near Low Rd. (miles 19.35 to 23.95) was evaluated every two-year cycle from 2018 to 2022; phosphorus, chloride, temperature, fish, and bug data indicated a healthy system. This stream segment is on the Healthy Waters List.

Black Earth Creek, from U.S. 14 near Low Rd. to the headwaters (miles 23.95 to 27.08) has not been assessed.

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

The Restoration and Recreational Enhancement of Lake Marion and the Black Earth Creek Corridor
Black Earth Creek, Black Earth Creek - South Valley Road, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
Black Earth Creek, Black Earth Creek - South Valley Road, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments
JK_Dane_20180818_HWY 14 Black Earth 100 Yds East of Carter St_JJackson_IncidentReportForm
2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters
Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List
Black Earth Creek - Driveway At Hilldebrand Off Hwy 14 Nc Validation Spreadsheet 2017
Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments
2016 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Black Earth Creek at Morrill Road
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Black Earth Cr. At Black Eart - Hwy 14 Westside Of Blackearthupstream 300 Feet First Riffle
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Black Earth Creek at STH 14 Old Dam Site
Tout Classification Black Earth Cr (1248600) Public Notice
Trout classification Black Earth Creek (1248600) Fish survey
Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments
2014 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Black Earth Creekl
AIRR 170-14_Final Report
AIRR 170-14_Final Report [Appendix 1]
AIRR 170-14_Final Report [Appendix 2]
AIRR 170-14_Final Report [Appendix 3]
AIRR 170-14_Final Report [Clean Angling FAQ]
AIRR 170-14_Final Report [Appendix 5]
Comprehensive 2014 TP IBI Rivers Assessment
Black Earth Creek Seg 3 Justification 2012 and 2014 Not Listing
Rivers TP Summary 2012
Black Earth Creek Monitoring Project Summary 2010 CMP with USGS
Black Earth Creek River Planning Grant Project Final Report
Final Report AIRR-066-09: Checking the Spread of Pioneer Populations of Reed Canarygrass and Water Cress in a Sedge Meadow Remnant along a Tributary of the Black Earth Creek, Dane County, Wisconsin
Black Earth Creek Co-op Mtg 2011 PPT
Black_Earth_Creek_WBIC_1248600_fIBI_2012_Impairment_Assessment_Documentation
Trout Stream Assessment 2008
BLACK EARTH CREEK PROPOSAL FOR 2006 IMPAIRED WATERS
Black Earth Creek Resource Area Plan
Black Earth Creek Fish Kill Report 2001
BLACK EARTH CREEK, DANE COUNTY, MAZOMANIE STP USE DESIGNATION

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.
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.
Rivers Management Grant
Wolf Run Association, Inc. will undertake a River Management project on the Black Earth Creek. Project deliverables are as follows: 1.) Improve fish habitat and water quality by stabilizing eroding banks, narrowing the stream channel (thereby increasing velocity and oxygenation), improve substrate, and increase connectivity with floodplain on \00BD mile of BEC, 2.) Improve scenic and recreational values and public access along Black Earth Creek in concert with the Wolf permanent conservation easement and multi-use trail on the eastern side of the stream, 3.) Enhance outdoor educational opportunities in the watershed, 4.) Add to the regional economy by extending a high quality resource and the capacity for more users, 5.) Install structures as outlined in the grant application, cost estimate tables, 8.) Provide pre-restoration and post-restoration photos taken at several locations on each stream.
Rivers Management Grant
Wolf Run Association- Inc. will undertake a River Management project on the Black Earth Creek. Project deliverables are as follows: 1.) Improve fish habitat and water quality by stabilizing eroding banks- narrowing the stream channel (thereby increasing velocity and oxygenation)- improve substrate- and increase connectivity with floodplain on \00BD mile of BEC- 2.) Improve scenic and recreational values and public access along Black Earth Creek in concert with the Wolf permanent conservation easement and multi-use trail on the eastern side of the stream- 3.) Enhance outdoor educational opportunities in the watershed- 4.) Add to the regional economy by extending a high quality resource and the capacity for more users- 5.) Install structures as outlined in the grant application- cost estimate tables- 8.) Provide pre-restoration and post-restoration photos taken at several locations on each stream.
Rivers Management Grant
The Village of Cross Plains will participate in the River Planning Grant Program by partnering with USGS to conduct a water quantity and quality monitoring on the Black Earth Creek within the Village limits. Project deliverables include: 1.) Supporting the collection of water quality and quantity data at USGS monitoring station(s) along the Creek. 2.) Preparing a summary report of the findings. 3.) Raising awareness of the important work that continues in the watershed to improve this critical natural resource by sharing findings with stakeholder groups through a public meeting (s) and other venues and means, posting the results on the Village's website, and including an article (s) in the quarterly Village newsletter and/or other media.
Watershed Mapping or Assessment
Wolf Run Association, Inc. will sponsor a project on the Black Earth Creek (BEC) to protect and enhance the lower reaches of the creek downstream from the Village of Black Earth (including Lake Marion and the Village of Mazomanie). Part of the project includes making a decision about the future of the current dam structure on Lake Marion which derives its water supply from BEC. This decision point offers both a challenge to citizens and the communities, and a unique opportunity for a broader and more comprehensive environmental restoration of the lower BEC region and Lake Marion. Project deliverables include: gathering key information about the various management options available regarding the Lake Marion dam and Lake Marion, development of a Wolf Run Association website, facilitating restoration activities, land/stream corridor enhancement and protection, creation of signage along key access areas, conservation lands and trails, holding public meetings, and preparing other public information products.
Rivers Management Grant
The Village of Cross Plains will conduct a comprehensive study of Black Earth Creek, within the village limits, in order to document and monitor current water quality, streambank characteristics, and native/non-native/invasive species in order to develop options and management recommendations to restore the stream course and adjacent watershed. Along with a final report, project deliverables include: 1) documented study with results and recommendations; and 2) presentations to public and sponsor or participate in at least one public forum to discuss study and gather stakeholder input.
Watershed Mapping or Assessment
The Natural Heritage Land Trust will conduct a planning process and develop a site conservation plan for the Black Earth Creek Watershed. A full description of the project and its goals, objectives and deliverables is included in the grant application which is a part of this contract.
Watershed Mapping or Assessment
The Black Earth Creek Watershed Association will enhance their existing organization in order increase educational efforts and protection of the Black Earth Creek Watershed. Project deliverables include: securing funding for the long term, developing a River Protection Strategy, increasing membership and continuing the watershed planning workshops and newsletter.
Water Quality Modeling
The Village of Cross Plains will increase the understanding of the existing hydrologic system by developing a coupled groundwater and surface water model for the BEC watershed, segment Headwaters to Cross Plains.
Water Quality Modeling
The Village of Cross Plains will increase the understanding of the existing hydrologic system by developing a coupled groundwater and surface water model for the BEC watershed, segment Brewery Creek to Garfoot Creek.
Water Quality Modeling
The Village of Cross Plains will increase the understanding of the existing hydrologic system by developing a coupled groundwater and surface water model for the BEC watershed, segment Garfoot Creek to Black Earth.
Rivers Planning Grant
In this project, Dane County will develop a resource plan for the Black Earth Creek Valley.
Fisheries Trout Stream Habitat Maintenance and Development
SW Trout Unlimited will work on enhancing the organization and strengthening its activity as a river protection organization in order to continue its work on protecting the Black Earth Creek. This will include develop a data base for strategic organization decisions, review the Bylaws, develop a set of operating procedures, develop a long term strategic financial strategy and train officers, members and partners in organizational capacity building to enhance watershed protection.
Monitor or Assess Watershed Condition
The Black Earth Creek Watershed Association (BECWA) will hire a director who will manage BECWA, perform a study of long term funding mechanisms, and implement a program of action to obtain permanent funding for BECWA; thus ensuring the organization's permanent presence for the protection of Black Earth Creek.
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Monitor Fish Community
This monitoring effort will provide a real time assessment tool that will instantaneously notify resource managers when runoff conditions and chemical parameters threaten the stream with excessive nonpoint source pollution
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Black Earth Creek
Nine Key Element Plan
Black Earth Creek PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan - This watershed plan guides the implementation of best management practices, nonpoint source control measures, needed to meet the specific water resources objectives for Black Earth Creek and its tributaries. It also incorporates fishery management activities. Despite the existing good quality fisheries, Black Earth Creek and its tributaries are showing signs of stress and degradation.
Restore Wetlands
Need to protect wetlands in the Black Earth Creek watershed, particularly those that act as recharge areas for streams.

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
WOLF RUN ASSOCIATION, INC: Black Earth Creek Streambank Improvement2013
VILLAGE OF CROSS PLAINS: BEC Watershed Modeling Proj, Brewery Crk to Garfoot Crk Ph 12003
GROUNDSWELL CONSERVANCY: Black Earth Creek Site Conservation Planning2004
Black Earth Creek after confluence with Brewery Creek2009
BLACK EARTH CREEK WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: Black Earth Crk: Protection into Perpetuity II2003
VILLAGE OF CROSS PLAINS: Black Earth Creek Restoration Study2009
DANE COUNTY: Statz Farm NOI-Black Earth Ck2005
Black Earth Creek Monitoring Project SCR02_10 (USGS # BQY43)2009
Wetland Restoration Database2016
VILLAGE OF CROSS PLAINS: BEC Watershed Modeling Proj. Headwaters to Cross Plains, Phase 12003
WOLF RUN ASSOCIATION, INC: Lower Black Earth Creek Watershed Restoration & Capacity Building2010
VILLAGE OF CROSS PLAINS: Black Earth Creek Monitoring2011
CAPITAL AREA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION: USGS Monitoring Stations on Upper Black Earth Creek2024
TROUT UNLIMITED-SOUTHERN WISCONSIN CHAPTER: Organizational Capacity Building2001
CAPITAL AREA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION: USGS Monitoring Station on Lower Black Earth Creek2024
Black Earth Creek upstream Schnerbel Rd2012
Black Earth Creek PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan1989
BLACK EARTH CREEK WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: Black Earth Creek: Protection Into Perpetuity2000
VILLAGE OF CROSS PLAINS: BEC Watershed Modeling Proj. Garfoot Crk to Blk Earth, Ph. 12003
Black Earth Creek Monitoring Project SCR_11_CMP12 (USGS # BQY43)2011
Black Earth Creek between Mazomanie and Black Earth2006
Black Earth Creek downstream 40 M from Olson Rd2008
DANE COUNTY: Black Earth Creek Valley Resource Area Plan2001
Fish Propagation Actions2001

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
1248600Black Earth Creek10012486Black Earth Creek Betw. Mazomanie & Black Earth5/1/20061/1/2015MapData
1248600Black Earth Creek10010582Black Earth CreekMapData
1248600Black Earth Creek10042360Black Earth Creek - Adjacent to Wolf Run6/6/20145/7/2016MapData
1248600Black Earth Creek10035030Black Earth Creek at HWY 141/11/20128/18/2018MapData
1248600Black Earth Creek10042362Black Earth Creek - East of HWY 14 Bridge in Mazomanie6/6/20146/6/2014MapData
1248600Black Earth Creek10014232Black Earth Creek 40 M Downstream Of Olson Rd8/10/20056/17/2024MapData
1248600Black Earth Creek10035031Black Earth Creek at STH 14 Old Dam Site1/11/201210/14/2015MapData
1248600Black Earth Creek10010580Black Earth Creek1/1/20151/1/2015MapData
1248600Black Earth Creek10034730Black Earth Creek (LM1) US dam at inlet to small pond10/23/20091/1/2015MapData
1248600Black Earth Creek10042361Black Earth Creek - Upstream of Mazo Trail on Conservancy6/6/20146/6/2014MapData
1248600Black Earth Creek10052765Black Earth Creek at Wolf Run TrailMapData

Watershed Characteristics

Black Earth Creek is located in the Black Earth Creek watershed which is 105.20 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (37.80%), agricultural (36.90%) and a mix of grassland (16.20%) and other uses (9.20%). This watershed has 196.86 stream miles, 204.29 lake acres and 1,541.75 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

Black Earth Creek is considered a Cool-Cold 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

Due to its value as a fishery resource and its location, Black Earth Creek has been the focus of many other projects. Currently, there are three USGS gauging stations on the creek located at CTH KP at Cross Plains, on a tributary to the creek at Cross Plains, and at the Village of Black Earth. These stations provide real-time USGS data on the internet including flow,
river stage, and water temperature.

Date  2002

Author  Cynthia Koperski