Loon Lake, Shawano Lake Watershed (WR15)
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Loon Lake, Shawano Lake Watershed (WR15)
Loon Lake (323800)
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326.57 Acres
Natural Community
Shallow Lowland
Year Last Monitored
2024
Excellent
 
Shawano
Trout Water 
No
Outstanding or Exceptional 
No
Impaired Water 
No

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use
Shallow Lowland
Attainable Use
Default FAL
Designated Use
Default FAL

Overview

Loon Lake, located in Wescott Township of Shawano County, has a surface area of 305 acres and a maximum depth of 22 feet (see attached map). This fertile, dark-water lake is fed by groundwater seepage and by two inlets: Lulu Creek and Loon Creek. Loon Lake’s 8,465-acre watershed is predominantly upland forest and swamp. Loon Lake is drained by one outlet, Loon Creek, which flows into Washington Lake, then Shawano Lake, which ultimately drains to the Wolf River. The east side of Loon Lake is upland and is developed with cottages. The west side of the lake is predominantly wetland and remains in a natural state. A public boat landing equipped with a wheelchair-accessible pier is located on the south end of the lake.

Date  2010

Author   Loon Lake Property Owners Association

Overview

Update to Comprehensive Management Plan
The Loon Lake - Wescott Management District continues to operate under the 2003 Comprehensive Management Plan for (on file with DNR). Based on DNR (see attached letter from Kathy Dax) and USACoE input, the Comprehensive Management Plan has been tentativelyscheduled to be updated after the USACoE completes its resear ch. The update of this plan is
expected to take place within the timeframe of this grant (2009-2011). In addition, the DNR Bureau of Research conducted a thorough point-intercept aquatic plant survey in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Components of the updated plan will include analysis of annual survey data, comparisons with previous plant survey data, and review of results from the research conducted by the USACoE. Other elements will include a review of recent lake management practices, as well as collection and review of water quality data. The plan will also include a discussion of plant management
options and recommendations for future management of Loon Lake.
Project Products, Deliverables & Data Sharing In addition to the eventual updated management plan, deliverables will include annual progress
reports to the DNR, Shawano County, and USACoE following each field season. The reports will present a summary of educational and control activities, survey results, and recommendations for the following season. Data generated during this project will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of management efforts and to determine the best course of action for
future management of Loon Lake. We view this as a demonstration project; the management district will be pleased to participate in data sharing arrangements that DNR may establish in coming years in order to assist other communities with their efforts to control AIS.

Date  2010

Author   Loon Lake Property Owners Association

Historical Description

Source: 1968, Surface Water Resources of Shawano County

Loon Lake, T27N, R16E, Section 11
Surface Acres = 276.6, S.D.F. = 1.50, Maximum Depth = 23 feet

A medium hard water drainage lake having slightly alkaline,
light brown water of low transparency. Littoral materials consist
of sand (55 percent), muck (35 percent) and some gravel. The
shoreline is predominantly upland (60 percent); however, a
significant portion is wetland consisting of marsh, conifers, shrub
and some bog. Fish species found in this lake are northern pike,
largemouth bass, perch, bluegill, black crappie, rock bass,
pumpkinseed, black bullhead, white sucker, longnose gar, and
bowfin. On occasion walleye and brook trout have been reported
present. Brook trout undoubtedly make entry from the inlet stream,
Loon Creek, which is managed for trout. The lake is of value to
nesting waterfowl. Puddle ducks and diving ducks utilize these
waters on their spring and fall migrations. Public access without
nearby parking from the end of a town road is available as well as
that of navigable water via the outlet stream (Loon Creek) which is
tributary to Washington and Shawano Lakes. Commercial facilities
consist of four resorts and one boat rental. There are 96
dwellings and one organizational camp (girl's) located on the
shoreline.

Date  1968

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 lake describes the depth and location of the lake in a watershed. These variables affect the lakes response to watershed variables.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.
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.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.