Buckhorn State Park Beach, Castle Rock Lake, Lower Yellow (Juneau Co.) River Watershed (CW02)
Buckhorn State Park Beach, Castle Rock Lake, Lower Yellow (Juneau Co.) River Watershed (CW02)
Buckhorn State Park Beach, Castle Rock Lake (1345700)
0.06 Miles
0 - 0.06
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.
Reservoir
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
Unknown
 
Juneau
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.
Reservoir
Reservoir
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

A soft water, drainage impoundment located on the Wisconsin River that is the fourth largest lake within the state. The water level is controlled by a hydroelectric power dam having a 30-foot head owned by Wisconsin River Power Company. The water has a light brown color, is alkaline, and has a low transparency. Northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, black bullhead, and brown bullhead are the significant game fish species. Carp, redhorse, buffalo, white sucker, bowfin, and burbot are also present. Partial winterkill and summerkill conditions occasionally occur. Commercial fishing for rough fish and bullhead has been carried on in the past. Industrial pollution is a problem. There is public access from county-owned parks in Adams and Juneau Counties and numerous road ends; there are commercial facilities; there is one organizational camp; and there are over a hundred dwellings on the flowage. Much of the frontage is owned by the Power Company and expanded developments, including a state park, are now under consideration. Muskrat are significant and beaver are present in backwater areas. Several species of puddle ducks use the flowage for nesting and during their spring and fall migrations.

Source: 1969, Surface Water Resources of Juneau County Castle Rock Flowage, T16N, R4E, Section 13 Surface Acres = 13,387, S.D.F. = 6.05, Maximum Depth = 36 feet

Date  1969

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

Jim Kreitlow (NOR) documented dissolved oxygen standards violations while sampling the lake in the mid 1990s. Dissolved oxygen concentrations below 5 mg/l were generally found during the early morning hours, probably a result of algae respiration. Values for pH above 9.0 were documented in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 (9 of 107 samples).

The cause of this impairment is likely a result of excessive nutrient loading (phosphorus) from point and nonpoint sources in the watershed. As a result, the flowage is very eutrophic with abundant algae growth.

The Petenwell and Castle Rock Flowages Comprehensive Management Plan was completed in 1996. This report indicates severe algal blooms cause periodic shifts in dissolved oxygen. During photosynthesis, dissolved oxygen values are high (11-12 mg/l) but during respiration, they can drop below 5.0 mg/l (Storet, 1992 was referenced). The report also indicates blue-green algae are the dominant phytoplankton in the Petenwell and Castle Rock Flowages. The report also references sediment sampling has been completed in both flowages, however additional sampling is recommended. Previous sampling found high levels of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and 2,3,7,8-TCDF in the sediments. PCBs and mercury have also been detected at limited sampling sites. Currently, a fish consumption advisory exists on the flowage for PCBs, dioxin and mercury.

Date  2006

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Buckhorn State Park Beach, Castle Rock Lake, Lower Yellow (Juneau Co.) River Watershed (CW02) Fish and Aquatic LifeBuckhorn State Park Beach, Castle Rock Lake, Lower Yellow (Juneau Co.) River Watershed (CW02) RecreationBuckhorn State Park Beach, Castle Rock Lake, Lower Yellow (Juneau Co.) River Watershed (CW02) Fish Consumption

General Condition

Castle Rock Lake Buckhorn State Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date  2017

Author  Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Castle Rock Flowage was recently evaluated during the ten-year period of 2009 through 2018 for results that were reported to the USEPA for the 2020 Clean Water Act condition report. The waterbody is considered impaired, or in poor condition for designated uses which include the quality of fish and aquatic life, recreational use, and public health and welfare (fish consumption and related). Pollutants or problems encountered during sampling (impairments) are determined based on water quality standards outlined in Wisconsin 2020 Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (WisCALM). Assessment results show water conditions that are potentially harmful for Aquatic Life and Recreation uses due to values for total phosphorus that fall into the range expected for an aquatic community in poor health, therefore this water is listed as impaired.

Assessment results during the 2020 listing cycle show total phosphorus levels that indicate impairment to Aquatic Life and Recreation uses, according to 2020 WisCALM standards. Based on the most updated information, in 2020 the impairment was changed from �water use restrictions� to �high phosphorus levels,� which helps clarify the impairment. This lake has been listed as impaired for total phosphorus since 1998.

Date  2019

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

Recommendations

Habitat Restoration - Shoreland
Educate and engage residents
Adams County proposes to provide educational and technical assistance to the public and Adams County lake organizations for the installation of shoreline buffers on waterways so they comply with the Adams County Shoreland, Wetland, and Habitat Protection Ordinance.
Cost-Share Agreement
Adams County proposes to provide up to 75% of the cost of shoreland restoration practices to lake front property owners on Castle Rock Lake. Grant funds will be distributed to fund removal of sea walls, minor bank re-shaping, placement of rip-rap, establishment of vegetative buffers and implementation of individual stormwater management plans.
Lake Classification
Adams County proposes to wrap up its county-wide lake classification effort. Major project elements to include: 1) completion of water sampling, 2) development of lakes classification report and individual lake summaries, 3) development of a powerpoint presentation, 4) four public meetings, 5) expansion of shoreline restoration packet.
Lake Classification
Adams County continue its lake classification efforts through collecting and assessing chemical and biological data on all lakes within the county that afford public access. Major project componants to include: 1) collection and assessment of chemical and biological data, 2) development of a "library" of information for public use, 3) development of management recommendations, 4) I&E for riparians and lake users.
Lake Classification
Adams County proposes to initiate a Lakes Classification effort to assist in comprehensive plan development for communities surrounding its lakes with public access. Phase 1 elements, to be funded with this grant, include: 1) delination of surface watersheds and flow patterns, 2) delineation of ground watersheds, 3) identification and mapping of land uses, 4) inventory and mapping of shoreline erosion and development problems, 5) identification and mapping of sensitive/critical areas and natural heritage habitats, 6) verification of wetland delineations, 7) delineations of lake watersheds, 8) development of lake maps
TMDL Implementation
The Petenwell and Castle Rock Stewards (PACRS) propose to initiate a public education campaign to inform members of the public about the organization's work on behalf of improved water quality on the Petenwell and Castle Rock flowages in Adams and Juneau counties. Major project elements to include: a) signage at public boat landings, b) distribution of informative place mats to area restaurants, c) development of future communications planning, d) water quality monitoring, and e) development of an annual report.

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

Monitoring Projects

Watershed Characteristics

Castle Rock Lake is located in the Lower Yellow (Juneau Co.) River watershed which is 261.05 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (43.70%), wetland (43.70%) and a mix of open (6.60%) and other uses (6.00%). This watershed has stream miles, lake acres and 65,343.09 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

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

Buckhorn State Park Beach, Castle Rock Lake is considered a Reservoir 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.