Kickapoo River, Upper Kickapoo River Watershed (LW06)
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Kickapoo River, Upper Kickapoo River Watershed (LW06)
Kickapoo River (1182400)
7.14 Miles
112.26 - 119.40
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
Impairment Unknown
Total Phosphorus
 
Monroe
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.
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

Of all the tributaries to the Wisconsin River, the Kickapoo River is the longest. It begins in south central Monroe County and flows in a southerly direction for 130 miles through Vernon, Richland and Crawford Counties before reaching the Wisconsin River near the Village of Wauzeka. The Kickapoo River lies within a 768-square mile drainage basin in southwest Wisconsin. The entire basin is within the Driftless Area, the portion of the State not flattened by glaciers. Approximately 46% of the basin contains slopes of 15% or greater and another 23% of the basin contains lands with slopes between 8 and 15%.

The name Kickapoo is an Algonquin word meaning "one who goes here, then there" and accurately describes the Kickapoo River which flows in all directions of the compass for portions of its length. The Kickapoo River falls toward the Wisconsin River at an average rate of 5.9 feet per mile; however, the river is relatively steep in Monroe County with a gradient of 22.7 feet per mile compared to the much more gradual 3 feet per mile in Vernon, Richland and Crawford Counties. The meandering character of this river across its floodplain is the result of the relatively flat gradient. As the crow flies, the Kickapoo River extends approximately 60 miles from headwater to mouth, but the river flows for 130 miles, more than double that length.

Eight communities discharge treated wastewater to the Kickapoo River: Gays Mills, La Farge, Ontario, Readstown, Soldiers Grove, Viola, Wauzeka, and Wilton. The 2000 population of these communities range from 395 in Readstown to 768 in Wauzeka with an average of 610 people. Each facility has been issued a WPDES permit by the Wisconsin DNR to discharge treated wastewater to the river.

The Kickapoo River drains 768 square miles of land dominated by agricultural activity (44%). Forests comprise approximately 41% of the basin. Wetlands make up a very small portion of the basin (nearly 2%) and are primarily found adjacent to the Kickapoo River within its extensive floodplain.

Fishery surveys of the Kickapoo River have been conducted numerous times over the years; however, due to the length of river, it has not been surveyed in its entirety within any one year. Survey years include 1959, 1962, 1969, 1970, 1973, 1993, 1999 and 2000. Upstream of Ontario, a 1993 survey documented a diverse forage fishery with some stocked brook and brown trout. Surveys conducted in 1999 and 2000 between Ontario and Gays Mills documented a total of 46 species, including an abundance of brown trout. Consequently, 60.4 miles of the Kickapoo River between Ontario and Gays Mills were recently classified as a Class II trout stream. Trout use this section of river for food and shelter, but likely spawn in tributary streams. The portion of the river below Gays Mills contains a diverse forage fishery as well as a more diverse sport fishery which includes walleye, sauger, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, channel catfish, bluegill and pumpkinseed. Streambank erosion is a common sight throughout the Kickapoo River. Much of this erosion is not from current land management practices, but rather from severe sedimentation of the valley floor from poor land use management over much of the last century.

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

This reach of the Kickapoo River is a large river flowing through a narrow valley. The most significant water quality problem is mercury concentrations in fish tissue. A fish consumption advisory exists for northern pike and walleye 30-inches-long and under. The source(s) and extent of the problem is unknown.

Water chemistry monitoring conducted at Steuben, Wisconsin from 1977 through 1987 indicated nonpoint source water pollution had a detrimental impact on water quality. High nutrient and suspended solids concentrations were found on several sampling dates.

The lower Kickapoo River supports a diversity of high quality wetlands which are a scarce resource in southwestern Wisconsin. Nonpoint source water pollution poses a threat to the quality of these wetlands.

Date  1994

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

This hard water stream was turbid at the time of the 1970 survey, but previously collected data indicated clear water. The stream is navigable. It heads in Monroe County, flows in a general southerly direction through Vernon County, through a small corner of Richland County, and through Crawford County . There it joins the Wisconsin River. Locally, that part of the stream above the junction of the West Fork Kickapoo River is known as East Fork Kickapoo River. Although some rainbow and brown trout are present, minnows and other forage species, along with carp, make up the bulk of the fishery. It is probable that warmwater species such as northern pike, largemouth bass, bullhead, pumpkinseed, bluegill, and crappie are also present. Sand and silt are tile dominant bottom types, with some rubble, boulders, and gravel.

A portion of the stream f1ows through Wilddcat Mountain State Park. Other developments along the stream include a dam at La Farge, a trailer court, picnic site, municipal parks, and a campground. Many road crossings and a developed canoe landing at Ontario provide access. A flood control dam near La Farge is in the development stage; the Corps of Engineers is in charge of the project. It is estimated that this project will cost 20 million dollars. It involves 10,000 acres of land and includes a 1,780-acre impoundment surrounded by 15 different recreational sites totaling 1,500 acres. The State will maintain recreational areas created by the construction of the dam. There are about 48 acres of adjoining wetland along the river. t1uskrat are significant and beaver are present. Ma11ard, teal. and wood duck broods may be observed along the stream, and a number of migrant puddle and diving ducks use the water.

From: Klick, Thomas A. and Threinen, C.W. 1973. Lake and Stream Classification Project. Surface Water Resources of Vernon County, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date  1973

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Kickapoo River, Upper Kickapoo River Watershed (LW06) Fish and Aquatic LifeKickapoo River, Upper Kickapoo River Watershed (LW06) RecreationKickapoo River, Upper Kickapoo River Watershed (LW06) Fish Consumption

Impaired Waters

The 2018 assessments of the Kickapoo River showed impairment by phosphorus; new total phosphorus sample data at the above stream segment (AU 5782086) exceed 2018 WisCALM listing criteria for the Fish and Aquatic Life use, however, available biological data do not indicate impairment (i.e. no fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scored in the "poor" condition category). Based on the most updated information, this water segment of the Kickapoo River (miles 107.83-112.26) is proposed for the impaired waters list.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The 2018 assessments of the Kickapoo River (Unnamed Tributary (1201900) to Sleighton Creek, miles 112.26-119.4) showed impairment by phosphorus; new total phosphorus sample data exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing criteria for the Fish and Aquatic Life use. However, available biological data did not indicate impairment (i.e. no macroinvertebrate or fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scored in the "poor" condition category). Based on the most updated information, this water was proposed for the impaired waters list.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The 2018 assessments of the Kickapoo River (miles 19.05-25.45) showed continued impairment by phosphorus; new total phosphorus sample data exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing criteria for the Fish and Aquatic Life use. However, no biological data (i.e. no macroinvertebrate or fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scores) were available to assess biological impairment. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date  2017

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

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments
Kickapoo River, Kickapoo River at Bridge St in Steuben, Nonwadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters
Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List
Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments
2016 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Kickapoo River 100ft N of Hwy 131 (St. 1)
2016 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Kickapoo River at Sand Hill Rd in Bell Center
Kickapoo River, Kickapoo River at Hwy. 131 Wilton, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Kickapoo River - Station 7 old dam foundation at park in Wilton
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Kickapoo River - Sand Hill Road
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Kickapoo River - Landing off State Hwy 60
2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Kickapoo River 100 ft N. of Hwy 131
Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments
Rivers TP Summary 2012
Lower Kickapoo River Watershed Plan (LW02)
KICKAPOO RIVER, UNNAMED TRIBUTARY, VERNON COUNTY, VILLAGE OF READSTOWN WWTP USE DESIGNATION
Crawford County Surface Water Resources 1972

Recommendations

Shoreland Ordinance
Crawford County proposes to amend or create a shoreland zoning ordinance that complies with the requirements of NR 115, Wisconsin Administrative Code (as revised effective February 1, 2010) and retain existing regulations that exceed the water resource protections of NR 115 or are specific or unique to local needs.
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Category 3. 2018 TP Results: May Exceed. Station: 10029649. AU: 887133.
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Category 2. 2018 TP Results: May Exceed. Station: 10017969. AU: 13207.
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
The Valley Stewardship Network proposes to collaborate with the Kickapoo Grazing Initiative and partner agencies to adapt the current VSN water quality program to focus on the monitoring of water quality andother resource impacets of agricultural practices in the sub-watersheds of the Kickapoo River. Project elements to include: a) outreach and technical support to farmers and rural property owners, b) development of educational materials, tool kits, and displays, c) water quality monitoring and associated workshops, d) analysis and reports, and e) capacity building.
Engage Volunteers in Monitoring/Restoration
The Valley Stewardship Network proposes to promote environmental literacy, recruit and train volunteer water quality monitors, and build and celebrate partnerships for greater understanding and enhancement of ecosystem values within the multi-county Kickapoo River Watershed. Major project elements to include: 1) establishment of water quality development committee, 2) workshops and training, 3) partnership with schools in curriculum development and field activities, 4) other outreach and reports.
Watershed Mapping or Assessment
The Valley Stewardship Network proposes to prepare an assessment of the Kickapoo River Watershed addressing historic watershed conditions, identifying gaps in monitoring data and forming the basis for future monitoring and outreach planning. Key project elements to include: 1) Draft and print Watershed Assessment, 2) Public and school presentations, 3) Web site enhancement, 4) Recruit, assist and train citizen monitors, 5) Water quality sampling and non-SLOH analysis, 6) Partner coordination.
Monitor Watershed (Status,Sources,Impairments)
The Valley Stewardship Network proposes to standardize and improve the availability of 10 years worth of watershed monitoring data on the Kickapoo River; to create an analysis plan and a strategic plan for future monitoring; to inventory public access sites on the Kickapoo; to update its organizational assessment; and to communicate with local governments, cooperating agencies and the general public through its website, coordinating efforts and events.
Watershed Mapping or Assessment
Major project elements to include: 1) Ecological Assessments of properties, 2) Landowner Survey, 3) Development of future strategies for inclusion in Final Report.
Monitor Pathogens
Valley Stewardship Network proposes to continue its outreach to and involvement of the public through continuation of it E.coli monitoring associated with the Kickapoo River watershed in Vernon, Crawford, Monroe and Richland counties. Major project elements to include: 1) water quality testing, 2) information and education, 3) final report.
Water Quality Planning
The Valley Stewardship Network seeks to improve water quality data on the Kickapoo River in Monroe, Richland and Crawford counties, and enhance public understanding of potential impacts associated with development within the watershed. Major project elements to include: 1) water quality monitoring, 2) establishment of a GIS based bio-inventory, 3) outreach to recreational uses, property owners and developers.
Engage Volunteers in Monitoring/Restoration
The Valley Stewardship Network is seeking a second year of funding to continue the conservation/stewardship /education work in progress and expand the base of members to create a self-sufficient river organization. Two major goals and objectives for the VSN are to become a stable watershed conservation organization and increase the visibility and credibility of VSN through education and publicity. Products and deliverables include: acheiving 501(c)3 status, increase the number of board members, to recruit 200 new members, distribute a newsletter twice a year, collect, tabulate and refine the water quality monitoring data, coordinate and annual Celebrate the Kickapoo day and 2 Stewardship education events, develop 1-3 slide shows and finally VSN will initiate a pilot project to help landowners be stewards of their land, assist the board in strategic planning and create an avenue for recruiting members.
Watershed Delineation
The Community Conservation Inc. will conduct an organization development and information & educational project in the Kickapoo River watershed. Activities involved with this project will include: organizational development of the Valley Stewardship Network as a nonprofit corporation registered under Chapter 181 Wisconsin Statute and approved with 501(c)(3) status, distributrion of newsletters and informative brochures, coordination with local media to build organizational visibility, recruitment and training of the VSN board of directors, sponsor and organize education and stewardship activities, development of a strategy to assist in coordinated land use planning.
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Restore Wetlands
Monitor Baseline Survey
Water chemistry, fish, habitat, and macroinvertebrate data collections to assess resources in the Moore Creek Watershed.
Nine Key Element Plan
Middle Kickapoo River PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan - The Middle Kickapoo River Priority Watershed Project plan assesses the nonpoint sources of pollution in the Middle Kickapoo River Watershed and guides the implementation of nonpoint source control measures. These control measures are needed to meet specific water resource objectives for Middle Kickapoo 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 Kickapoo River Priority Watershed Project area.
Monitor Fish Tissue
1182400 name Kickapoo River TMDL ID 220 Start Mile 19.05 End Mile 25.45
Monitor Fish Tissue
WRM should monitor fish for the presence of toxic substances in the Kickapoo River above the Gays Mills dam (Type B).

Standards Details

This water, from CTH B/Tainter Creek in Crawford County to the Vernon-Monroe county line at Ontario, is a Class II Troutwater.

Date  2002

Author   Aquatic Biologist

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
THE VALLEY STEWARDSHIP NETWORK: Striving for a Sustainable Future2001
Moore-Tri Creeks Watershed TWA 2017 2017
THE VALLEY STEWARDSHIP NETWORK: Kickapoo E.coli 22006
Wetland Restoration Database2016
Monitoring Recommendations Stemming from CWA / IR Listings2000
CRAWFORD COUNTY: LCO-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.2010
COMMUNITY CONSERVATION, INC: Kickapoo Conserve Plan2008
VALLEY STEWARDSHIP NETWORK: VSN Outreach, Monitoring2011
VALLEY STEWARDSHIP NETWORK: VSN Capacity 62013
THE VALLEY STEWARDSHIP NETWORK: Kickapoo Study-Outreach2004
VALLEY STEWARDSHIP NETWORK: VSN Edu-Outreach2012
VALLEY STEWARDSHIP NETWORK: VSN Data and Access2010
Middle Kickapoo River PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan1994
Fish Propagation Actions2001
COMMUNITY CONSERVATION, INC: Maintaining Momentum on the Kickapoo River: Supporting Emerging Cons. Org.2000

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
1182400Kickapoo River10030846Kickapoo River S of Hwy 1311/1/20151/1/2015MapData
1182400Kickapoo River10033418Kickapoo River HWY 131 Bridge at MidasMapData
1182400Kickapoo River423002Kickapoo River - Wilton Stp9/29/19766/27/1978MapData
1182400Kickapoo River423064Kickapoo River - Hwy 71 Wilton Swse32t16r1MapData
1182400Kickapoo River10009944Kickapoo River - Kickapoo River (East Fork) Station 1-2003 Upstream Side Of Bridge10/8/200310/8/2003MapData
1182400Kickapoo River10032695Kickapoo River at Hwy. 131 Wilton10/19/201610/19/2016MapData
1182400Kickapoo River10014265Kickapoo River Station 6 - Sth 131 Crossing In Se 1/4 Of S6MapData
1182400Kickapoo River10014266Kickapoo River Station 7 - Old Dam Foundation At The Park In Wilton1/1/201510/9/2024MapData
1182400Kickapoo River10014247Kickapoo River Station 3 - Sth 131 Crossing In Ne 1/4 Of S24MapData
1182400Kickapoo River10014262Kickapoo River Station 4 - Sth 131 Crossing In Nw 1/4 Of S18MapData
1182400Kickapoo River10033421Kickapoo River at Hwy 131 Bridge 87/7/20117/7/2011MapData
1182400Kickapoo River10014264Kickapoo River Station 5 - Sth 131 Crossing In Sw 1/4 Sw 1/4 Of S7MapData

Watershed Characteristics

Kickapoo River is located in the Upper Kickapoo River watershed which is 117.33 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (40.80%), grassland (31.10%) and a mix of agricultural (23.20%) and other uses (4.90%). This watershed has 267.92 stream miles, 29.35 lake acres and 698.36 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High for runoff impacts on streams, Not Ranked 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

Kickapoo River 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.