Peshtigo River, Upper Peshtigo River Watershed (GB11)
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Peshtigo River, Upper Peshtigo River Watershed (GB11)
Peshtigo River (515500)
16.56 Miles
80.11 - 96.67
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 Headwater, Cool-Warm Mainstem, Large River
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.
2015
Good
 
Forest, Marinette
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.
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.
Supported Aquatic Life
Waters that support fish and aquatic life communities (healthy biological communities).
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 Peshtigo River flows approximately 136 miles from its headwaters in Forest County southeast through Marinette County before its confluence with Green Bay. The portion within the Lower Peshtigo River Watershed is approximately 17 miles from the outlet of Lake Noquebay to Potato Rapids flowage and another 11.5 miles from the dam at the Peshtigo Flowage to the Bay of Green Bay. Two hydroelectric dams are located on the River, the Potato Rapids Dam and the Peshtigo Dam. Potato Rapids dam has a hydraulic head of 14 ft. and impounds 281 acres of the Peshtigo River to create the Potato Rapids Flowage. The Potato Rapids Flowage is relatively shallow with almost entirely natural shorelines with little development.

Date  2017

Author  Andrew Hudak

Peshtigo River, Upper Peshtigo River Watershed (GB11) Fish and Aquatic LifePeshtigo River, Upper Peshtigo River Watershed (GB11) RecreationPeshtigo River, Upper Peshtigo River Watershed (GB11) Fish Consumption

General Condition

Peshtigo River (miles 11.83-54.43) was assessed during the 2018 listing cycle; new total phosphorus and chloride sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Fish and Aquatic Life use. This water was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Peshtigo River (515500) from the approximate north end of Kirby Lake Ln to Forest Rd 1629 was assessed during the 2016 listing cycle; temperature data exceeded 2016 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Fish and Aquatic Life use.

Date  2015

Author  Aaron Larson

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

2021 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2021 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2020 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2020 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2020 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2020 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2020 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2019 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595 Water Quality Monitoring Report
Peshtigo River, Town of Peshtigo Slow No Wake Ordinance
2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments
2018 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595 Water Quality Monitoring Report
2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters
Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List
2017 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595 Water Quality Monitoring Report
2017 Sandstone Rapids, Johnson Falls, Caldron Falls, Potato Rapids, Peshtigo River, and High Falls Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2546, 2522, 2525, 2560, 2581, and 2595 Acknowledgment Letter for the 2017 Triennial Invasive Species Monitoring Report
2017 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
Peshtigo River, Peshtigo River -- Access Off Boat Landing Ln Town Of Grover, Nonwadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
Peshtigo River, Peshtigo River at HWY W, Nonwadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
Lower Peshtigo TWA WQM Plan FINAL 2017 [GB07]
Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments
Lower Peshtigo River Project Summary 2014 Year 2
2016 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report
Peshtigo River, Peshtigo River app 70 m US from CTH-O, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form
PeshtigoRiver-Marinette_adult_zebramussel_vouchers_WBIC_515500_2015-08-05.xlsx
PeshtigoRiver-Marinette_adult_zebramussel_vouchers_WBIC_515500_2015-08-05.xlsx
2015 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2015 High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Amending Approved Water Quality Monitoring Plans
2015 High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Proposed Amendment to Water Quality Monitoring Plans
Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments
2014 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2014 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2014 Potato Rapids and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2560 and 2581, Order Approving Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Plan Pursuant to the Updated Comprehensive Land and Wildlife Management Plan
Comprehensive 2014 TP IBI Rivers Assessment
2013 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2013 Potato Rapids and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2560 and 2581, Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report AND Revised Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Plan
2013 Caldron Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2525, Approval of Modifications to Approved Water Quality Monitoring Locations
2013 Caldron Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2525, Proposed Amendment to the Order Amending Water Quality Monitoring Plan issued April 23, 2012
2012 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2012 Potato Rapids and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2560 and 2581, Purple Loosestrife Monitoring Report
2012 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Modifying and Approving Updated Comprehensive Land and Wildlife Management Plan
Peshtigo River Station 10033878 Large River Macroinvertebrate Collection Sheet 2003
2012 Caldron Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2525, Order Amending Water Quality Monitoring Plan
2012 Caldron Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2525, Proposed Amendment to the Water Quality Monitoring Plans
2011 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Invasive Species Monitoring Plan Update
2011 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
Johnson Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2522, Supplemental DO Map, August 22 2011
2011 Caldron Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2525, Map to Accompany Water Quality Monitoring Report
2011 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2011 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Map to Accompany Water Quality Monitoring Report
2011 Johnson Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2522, Map to Accompany Water Quality Monitoring Report
2011 Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2581, Map to Accompany Water Quality Monitoring Report
2011 Potato Rapids Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2560, Map to Accompany Water Quality Monitoring Report
2011 Sandstone Rapids Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2546, Map to Accompany Water Quality Monitoring Report
2010 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2010 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
Middle Inlet and Lake Noquebay Watershed Plan 2010 (GB09)
2009 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2009 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2008 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2008 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
Comprehensive Fisheries Survey of Peshtigo Flowage - 2007
Comprehensive Fisheries Survey of Bagley Flowage - 2006-2007
Comprehensive Fisheries Survey of Caldron Falls - 2005-2006
2007 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Water Quality Monitoring Report
2007 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2007 High Falls and Peshtigo Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2595 and 2581, Maps to Accompany the Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2006 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report Part 1 of 3
2006 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report Part 2 of 3
2006 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Report Part 3 of 3
2006 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2005 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring Report
2005 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2004 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring Report
2004 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2003 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring Report
2003 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2002 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring Report
2002 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2002 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Amending Water Quality Monitoring Locations
2001 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring Report and Amendment Request
2001 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2000 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
2000 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Amending Water Quality Monitoring Plans
2000 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Letter to the US FERC Regarding a Modified Water Compliance Plan
1999 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Purple Loosestrife, EWM, and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Report
1999 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Modifying and Approving Water Quality Monitoring Locations
1999 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Letter to the US FERC Regarding Submitted Water Quality Monitoring Plans
1998 Potato Rapids Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2560, Order Modifying and Approving Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Sandstone Rapids Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2546, Order Modifying and Approving Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Caldron Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2525, Order Modifying and Approving Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Order Modifying and Approving Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Johnson Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2522, Order Modifying and Approving Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2581, Order Modifying and Approving Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Order Approving Comprehensive Land and Wildlife Management Plans
1998 Caldron Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2525, Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Johnson Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2522, Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2581, Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Potato Rapids Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2560, Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Sandstone Rapids Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2546, Water Quality Monitoring Plan
1998 Caldron Falls, High Falls, Johnson Falls, Sandstone Rapids, Potato Rapids, and Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects, FERC Project Nos. 2525, 2595, 2522, 2546, 2560, and 2581, Invasive Species Monitoring Plans for the Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Projects (Part of Comprehensive Land and Wildlife Management Plan)
1997 Caldron Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2525, Order Issuing New License
1997 High Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2595, Order Issuing New License
1997 Johnson Falls Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2522, Order Issuing New License
1997 Peshtigo River Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2581, Order Issuing New License
1997 Potato Rapids Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2560, Order Issuing New License
1997 Sandstone Rapids Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2546, Order Issuing New License
Middle Peshtigo/Thunder River Priority Watershed Surface Water Appraisal Report 1997
Middle Peshtigo and Thunder River (GB10) Priority Watershed Water Quality Appraisal Monitoring Plan 1996
Lower Peshtigo River Watershed Nonpoint Source Assessment Report

Recommendations

Monitor Targeted Watershed Area (TWA)
Lower Peshtigo River TWA
Nine Key Element Plan
Middle Peshtigo-Thunder Rivers PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan - The Middle Peshtigo-Thunder Rivers Priority Watershed Project plan assesses the nonpoint sources of pollution in the Middle Peshtigo-Thunder Rivers Watershed and guides the implementation of pollution prevention and control measures during the next 10 years. These control measures are needed to maintain the excellent water quality in the watershed and to meet specific water resource objectives for the Middle Peshtigo-Thunder Rivers Watershed. The watershed is unique in that it has a protection approach rather than the traditional remediation focus.
Monitor Fish Tissue
Monitor Peshtigo River (TMDL ID 173) to confirm fish consumption advice from before 2000.

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
MARINETTE COUNTY: PESH 032003
CITY OF PESHTIGO: Peshtigo Flowage Riparian Study and Education1998
CITY OF PESHTIGO: Peshtigo Flow/Trout Crk NonPoint Source Project1998
MARINETTE COUNTY: Denston-01 TRM2002
CITY OF PESHTIGO: Peshtigo River Detention Pond2003
SANDSTONE FLOWAGE ASSN: Sandstone Flowage Aquatic Plant Inventory2005
TOWN OF BLACKWELL: Algal & Water Quality Assessment & Aquatic Plant Survey for Bear Lake, Forest Co., Phase 52011
Middle Peshtigo-Thunder Rivers PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan1998
Fish Propagation Actions2001
Lower Peshtigo River TWA WQM Plan, 20172014
MARINETTE COUNTY: Sandstone Flowage APM Planning Project2009
TOWN OF BLACKWELL: Algal & Water Quality Assessment & Aquatic Plant Survey for Bear Lake Forest County, Phase 62011

Monitoring Projects

WBICOfficial Waterbody NameStation IDStation NameEarliest Fieldwork DateLatest Fieldwork DateView StationView Data
515500Peshtigo River10034319Peshtigo River-McClintock ParkMapData
515500Peshtigo River10039391Peshtigo River at Camp 5 RdMapData
515500Peshtigo River10034316Peshtigo River-Goodman Park1/1/20151/1/2015MapData
515500Peshtigo River10040153Peshtigo River 150ft S of Benson Lake Rd7/15/20137/15/2013MapData
515500Peshtigo River383091Peshtigo River - Swede John Road5/6/198010/9/1980MapData

Watershed Characteristics

Peshtigo River is located in the Upper Peshtigo River watershed which is 338.33 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (62.80%), wetland (31.20%) and a mix of grassland (3.60%) and other uses (2.40%). This watershed has 342.45 stream miles, 1,184.80 lake acres and 48,481.09 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked Low for runoff impacts on streams, Not Ranked for runoff impacts on lakes and Low for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of Low. 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

Peshtigo River is considered a Cool-Cold Headwater, Cool-Warm Mainstem, Large River 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) Headwaters are small, usually perennial streams with cold to cool summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are common to uncommon (<10 per 100 m), transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are uncommon to absent. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.

Fisheries & Habitat

The Peshtigo Dam has a hydraulic head of 12 ft. and impounds 232 acres of the Peshtigo River to create the Peshtigo Flowage which extends to the tail waters of the Potato Rapids Dam. The Peshtigo Flowage is relatively shallow with most of the shoreline in residential development. The Peshtigo River from Green Bay up to the first dam provides seasonal runs of fish including Trout, Salmon, Walleye, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Lake Sturgeon, and Suckers. The Lower Peshtigo River watershed has generally good to excellent water quality. Various chemical parameters are sampled quarterly from a Long Term Water Chemistry site on the Peshtigo River in Peshtigo.

Date  2017

Author  Andrew Hudak