Nekoosa Flowage, Wisconsin Rapids,Fourmile and Fivemile Creek,Sevenmile and Tenmile Creeks Watershed (CW08)
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Nekoosa Flowage (1387900)
486.68 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.
Shallow Lowland
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
Good
 
Wood
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.
Shallow Lowland
Shallow lowland lake describes the depth and location of the lake in a watershed. These variables affect the lakes response to watershed variables.
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

Nekoosa Flowage, in the Fourmile and Fivemile Creek, Sevenmile and Tenmile Creeks and Wisconsin Rapids Watersheds, is a 486.00 acre impoundment that falls in Wood County. This impoundment is managed for fishing and swimming and is currently not considered impaired.

Date  2016

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Source: 1967, Surface Water Resources of Wood County Nekoosa Flowage, T21N, R5E, S10 Surface Acres = 452, S.D.F. = 3.99, Maximum Depth = 17 feet A drainage impoundment having slightly acid, medium hard light brown colored water of low transparency. It is formed by a hydroelectric dam located on the Wisconsin River. It has a 22- foot head and is owned by the Nekoosa Edwards Paper Company. Northern pike, walleyes, crappies, pumpkinseed, perch, bullheads, and a carp comprise the fishery. Industrial pollution is prevalent. Public access and a boat landing are available. Muskrats are insignificant. Wood, mallard, ring-necked and teal ducks bring off broods; and puddle ducks, and to a lesser degree, divers, use the flowage during migration.

Date  1967

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Nekoosa Flowage, Wisconsin Rapids,Fourmile and Fivemile Creek,Sevenmile and Tenmile Creeks Watershed (CW08) Fish and Aquatic LifeNekoosa Flowage, Wisconsin Rapids,Fourmile and Fivemile Creek,Sevenmile and Tenmile Creeks Watershed (CW08) RecreationNekoosa Flowage, Wisconsin Rapids,Fourmile and Fivemile Creek,Sevenmile and Tenmile Creeks Watershed (CW08) 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

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments
2017-2018 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2255, 2291, and 2292, Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report and Maps
2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters
Final Assessment Data from TSI Package and Assessment Units 2018
2015-2016 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2255, 2291, and 2292, Maps to accompany the 2015 and 2016 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Reports
2016 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2014 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2012 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2009 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2007 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2006 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2005 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2004 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2003 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2002 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2001 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2000 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
1999 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
1998 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
1997 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292 Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
1997 Centralia, Port Edwards, and Nekoosa Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project No. 2255, 2291 and 2292, Order Modifying and Approving Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Plans
1996 Nekoosa Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. P-2292, Order Issuing New License

Recommendations

Train DNR Staff on Data Access and Management
Training online for DNR biologists and water resources specialists.

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
SWDV and WCV help guides and documentation2016
Fish Propagation Actions2001

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
1387900Nekoosa Flowage10043055Wisconsin River - Nekoosa Flowage9/14/19946/20/2019MapData
1179900Wisconsin River10044867Port Edwards Flowage7/4/20149/30/2017MapData
1179900Wisconsin River723017Wisconsin River - Port Edwards Stp8/7/197511/9/1982MapData
1179900Wisconsin River723247Wisconsin River - In 2000 Ft Up Of Vulcan11/26/199611/26/1996MapData
1179900Wisconsin River10041708Wisconsin River - Riverside Park Boat Ramp7/18/202410/16/2024MapData
1179900Wisconsin River723212Wisconsin River - Above Nekoosa Dam8/17/19761/17/1996MapData
1179900Wisconsin River10043055Wisconsin River - Nekoosa Flowage9/14/19946/20/2019MapData
1179900Wisconsin River723026Wisconsin River at Harvey Cr Bel Pt Edws7/5/19778/16/1978MapData
5585325Unnamed232Wisconsin River at Mocassin Cr MouthMapData
1179900Wisconsin River10044467Wisconsin R - Upper Nekoosa Flowage TailwaterMapData
1179900Wisconsin River723220Wisconsin River - 20 Ft Ab Nek Stp Outfall1/28/19773/31/1983MapData
1387900Nekoosa Flowage723123Nekoosa Flowage - Deep Hole9/7/19737/21/2014MapData
1179900Wisconsin River723311Wisconsin River - Port Edwards-T22n R5e S36 Se1/4 Sw1/4MapData
1179900Wisconsin River723077Wisconsin River - Nekoosa Edwards Port Edwards 006MapData
1179900Wisconsin River723020Wisconsin River at Sth 73 In Nekoosa8/13/19754/6/2001MapData
1387900Nekoosa Flowage10044467Wisconsin R - Upper Nekoosa Flowage TailwaterMapData
1395800Port Edwards Flowage10044867Port Edwards Flowage7/4/20149/30/2017MapData
1387900Nekoosa Flowage10058773Four-Mile Creek below Lake Nepco Dam4/15/20244/15/2024MapData
1179900Wisconsin River723250Wisconsin River - Off Unit 5 Sw Sloo Mouth11/26/199611/26/1996MapData
1179900Wisconsin River723078Wisconsin River - Nekoosa Edwards Port Edwards 0091/19/19761/19/1976MapData

Watershed Characteristics

Nekoosa Flowage is located in the Wisconsin Rapids watershed which is 133.92 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (39.40%), agricultural (21.30%) and a mix of grassland (14.60%) and other uses (24.80%). This watershed has stream miles, lake acres and 10,062.04 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Medium for runoff impacts on streams, Low 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

Nekoosa Flowage is considered a Shallow Lowland 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.

Shallow lowland lake describes the depth and location of the lake in a watershed. These variables affect the lakes response to watershed variables.