Chippewa, Rusk
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Fish and Aquatic Life
Overview
The Chippewa River is one of the largest rivers within Wisconsin. There are 103 miles of the Chippewa River in the basin, from the Holcombe dam downstream to the Mississippi River. This river section includes five flowages and approximately 69 miles of free-flowing river. Dams owned and operated by Northern States Power Company for hydropower generation create the flowages. These flowages, in downstream order, include: Cornell Flowage (836 acres), Old Abe Lake (996 acres), Lake Wissota (approximately 6,212 acres), Chippewa Falls Flowage (282 acres), and Dells Pond (1,183 acres). The free-flowing river segments are present below the Cornell dam (approximately 1 mile), the Chippewa Falls dam (approximately 7 miles), and the Dells dam (61 miles). The sixty-one miles of the Chippewa River below the Dells Dam to its confluence with the Mississippi River represent some of the last remaining unimpounded large riverine habitat in the Upper Midwest. The average annual flow for the river is 4,343 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the Holcombe dam and 5,235 cfs at the Dells dam. Above the Dells dam, major tributaries to the river include the Fisher and Yellow Rivers. Downstream of the Dells dam, major tributaries include the Eau Claire and Red Cedar Rivers. Numerous smaller tributaries also contribute flow to the lower Chippewa River.
Lower Chippewa River Settlement Agreement: Twelve stakeholder groups formally signed this agreement in mid-January 2001. These included the WDNR and Northern States Power of Wisconsin (NSP, doing business as Xcel Energy), who worked for three years to resolve issues surrounding relicensing of three of NSP’s hydroelectric projects on the lower riverway. The long-term agreement (30+ years) will provide continued production of hydropower along with environmental and recreational use benefits for the river.
Water Quality: The Chippewa River has slightly brown-stained, clear water with a shifting sand substrate. The river is greatly impacted by water quality of its numerous impoundments. Generally, algae blooms in the impoundments increase turbidity in the river during summer. The six hydropower dam impoundments greatly affect the hydrology and ecosystem of the Chippewa River within the Basin. Water quality of impoundments is discussed more fully in the following lakes and impoundments section.
The Lower Chippewa River impoundments effectively trap suspended sediment by reducing flow velocities, allowing the solids to settle. The Chippewa River below the last impoundment, Dells Dam in Eau Claire, takes on a very different character from the upstream-impounded areas. Active bank erosion between the Dells Dam and Mississippi River shapes the channel and aquatic habitat. The river meanders its way to Caryville, where the channel starts to become braided. At Durand, the river is less sinuous, but braids again near its mouth.
The erosion of coarse-grained glacial outwash contributes large quantities of sand to the Chippewa River. Deposition of this sand causes braiding of the sinuous reaches. It is estimated that the sediment load at the HWY 35 bridge near Lake Pepin is 940,000 tons of sediment per year (Simons, D. B. and Associates, 1998). The transport of sand and gravel occurs from Dells Dam to Caryville, though the particle size decreases to sand by Durand. This change in particle density occurs due to the braided channel between the two cities, which slows water velocity.
Voss, Karen and Sarah Beaster. 2001. The State of the Lower Chippewa River Basin. PUBL-WT-554 2001. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.
Date 2001
Author Aquatic Biologist
Overview
CHIPPEWA RIVER (UC19) - The main stem of the Chippewa River begins at the mouth of the Chippewa Flowage in Sawyer County. The river has a diverse fishery that includes walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, channel catfish, lake sturgeon, panfish and forage fish. Downstream, near Radisson, the Radisson Flowage is formed by the Arpin Dam. The Couderay River joins the Chippewa River just below the Arpin Dam: upstream of this confluence, the Couderay is impounded to form the Grimh Flowage. South of the Arpin Dam, the Chippewa River flows into Rusk County, where the river is joined by its major tributary, the Flambeau. Below this confluence, the Chippewa feeds Holcombe Flowage in Chippewa County. The Holcombe Flowage dam demarcates the Upper and Lower Chippewa River Basins for WDNR water quality management planning purposes.
The Chippewa River supports an excellent warm water sports fishery that is intricately linked to the Holcombe Flowage. Besides containing fish such as walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, bass, and rough fish species, the Chippewa River provides an important lake sturgeon spawning habitat (Bur. of Fisheries Management). We have little water quality information on this segment of the Chippewa River. Long-time residents observe, however, that the character of sections of the river bottom has changed from cobble to shifting sand over the past 20 years (Pratt, 1993). Despite the serious impact sedimentation can have on the river's biological health, the severity and extent of sand deposition in the Chippewa River is unknown.
The Chippewa River segment in this watershed is very significant for endangered resources. Rare dragonflies, two listed fish species, and several other Wisconsin Special Concern Species have been found here. Many populations of rare species have been declining in the Chippewa River (Bur. of Endangered Resources). It is thus important to identify water quality or habitat threats, and reduce any degradation of water quality in the Chippewa River.
Larson, Nancy and Lisa Kosmond (Helmuth). 1996. Upper Chippewa River Basin Water Quality Management Plan.
PUBL-WR-345-96-REV. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.
Date 1996
Author Aquatic Biologist
Historical Description
Trend Analysis: A study of monthly water sample results from the Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls from 1961-1976 and 1988-1999, and Holcombe from 1977-1987 and 1996-1999 provides information on trends in water quality of the river. In Chippewa Falls, pH, ammonia, chloride, and phosphorus levels have shown a significant change over time. The levels of pH appear to be showing greater fluctuation between extremes (5.5-9.0) in 1988-1999, than the lesser extremes (6.0-7.5) of 1961-1976 Beaster (2000). Greater pH fluctuations can generally be attributed to increasing levels of eutrophication.
Ammonia and total phosphorus levels appear to be in decline since the early 1960's, presumably due to stricter controls put in place by the Clean Water Act, revised in 1972, and the recent regulations placing a 1 mg/L phosphorus limit on effluent from most wastewater treatment plants. Chloride levels appear to be increasing over time, possibly due to the increased use of road salt and increasing wastewater treatment plant discharge volumes. Suspended solids, total kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, and dissolved phosphorus have not shown a significant change over time. At Holcombe, pH also shows a trend similar to samples taken at Chippewa Falls from the late 1970's to the late 1990's. Suspended solids appear to be increasing slightly as well. None of the other parameters mentioned above show a significant trend over time at the Holcombe site (Beaster 2000) (Appendix 5 - Water Quality Trends Analysis for the Lower Chippewa River).
Fishery: The Lower Chippewa River downstream from the Dells Dam harbors 70% of the states fish species and is one of the most diverse fisheries in the Upper Midwest (LCRSNA, 1999). Recent and historic fisheries assessments on this section of river have documented the presence of many rare and unique fish species. Three species, crystal darter, goldeye, and black redhorse are on the state endangered species list. Four species, paddlefish, blue sucker, river redhorse and greater redhorse are on the state’s threatened species list and the, western sand darter, american eel, mud darter and lake sturgeon are on the states special concern list. Common gamefish in this section of river include smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, northern pike, muskellunge, lake sturgeon, channel and flathead catfish (Benike, 2000). Other common non-game fish species include shorthead, silver and golden redhorse, smallmouth and bigmouth buffalo, carpsuckers, mooneye and gizzard shad (Benike, 2000). Currently, no commercial fishing is allowed in the Lower Chippewa River. Past commercial fishing in the river, primarily for buffalo, resulted in the incidental catch of paddlefish and sturgeon. No fish stocking occurs in the free-flowing sections of the river.
Survey work conducted on the Chippewa River upstream of the Dells dam have identified 52 species of fish including the greater redhorse, which is a state-listed threatened species. The major sport fish species in the river include walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, lake sturgeon, bluegill and black crappie. The Chippewa River has a six-week fall hook and line season for lake sturgeon. Because of its limited range in Wisconsin, the lake sturgeon is considered a species of special concern.
Voss, Karen and Sarah Beaster. 2001. The State of the Lower Chippewa River Basin. PUBL-WT-554 2001. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.
Date 2001
Author Aquatic Biologist
Recommendations
APM Chemical Permit Request
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Removed TP listing recommendation. Further sampling will be taken to make an assessment decision. AU: 18765; Station ID: 473008
Control Streambank Erosion
The Durand Sportsmans Club proposes to continue with riverbank restoration on three private properties on the Chippewa River in Pepin County. Project to restore 300 ft. of riverbank on the Polzer property-700 ft. on the Hagness property- and 807 ft. on the Bauer property. Major project elements to include: 1) installation of rip-rap- and 2) re-vegetation of upland banks.
Presentations and Outreach
The City of Eau Claire proposes to develop a vision, partnership and implementation plan for restoration and redevelopment of water frontage on the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers. major project elements to include: 1) Creation of Project Advisory Committee, 2) Community listening sessions, 3) Meetings with commissions, land owners and agency staff, 4) Design and review of alternatives, 5) Plan development and distribution.
Control Streambank Erosion
The Durand Sportsman's Club proposes to continue with it's efforts to stabalize the banks of the Chippewa River upstream of Durand in Dunn County for the purpose of improving water quality and aquatic habitat. Project area includes 1-400 feet of river bank. Major project elements to include: 1) re-sloping banks- 2) armor banks with fabric- rip-rap and toe installation- 3) revegetation of banks.
Control Streambank Erosion
The Durand Sportsman's Club proposes to continue its work with riparians on the Chippewa River in Dunn County to restore and armor streambank against shoreland erosion. Major project elements to include: Streambank sloping- placement of fabric and rock- reseeding
Control Streambank Erosion
The Durand Sportsman Club proposes to stabilize the stream bank at two sites on the Lower Chippewa River between Ella and Meridean in Dunn and Pepin counties. Major project elements to include: 1) rip rap placement- 2) incorporation of woody structure- 3) seeding and planting of associated upland areas to enhance wildlife habitat. Seeding of upland areas to be done using species from the geographic area as well as with ecotypes from within the region to ensure that intergrity (including genetic) of existing species and habitat is maintained. See Atlas of the WI Prairie and Savanna Flora (Tech. Bulletin No. 191) for geographic location of species.
Protect Riparian or Shorelands
The Durand Sportsman Club, based in Pepin County, proposes to continue its bank stabalization efforts along the Chippewa River, working its way from the Durand area upriver towards Meridean. Key elements of this project include establishment of agreements with riverfront property owners to allow bank stabilization and riprapping according to DNR standards.
Best Management Practices, Implement
In 2000, the Lower Chippewa River Basin Partnership Team determined that buffer strips are the most efficient method to reduce sediment and filter field run-off within the Basin. Research has shown that buffers remove up to 50% of the nutrients and pesticides, 60% of certain pathogens, and 75% of sediment; and provide various wildlife benefits. The goals and deliverables of this project are: 1. To install 1500 acres of conservation buffer strips within the Lower Chippewa River Basin in the next two years 2. Plant 50 acres of buffer to prairie grasses. 3. Contact 800 landowners with information about conservation buffers. 4. Buffer strips become an accepted on-farm practice within the Basin.
Control Streambank Erosion
install 1500 acres of conservation buffer strips within the Lower Chippewa River Basin in the next two years 2. Plant 50 acres of buffer to prairie grasses. 3. Contact 800 landowners with information about conservation buffers. 4. Buffer strips become an accepted on-farm practice within the Basin.
Protect Riparian or Shorelands
install 1500 acres of conservation buffer strips within the Lower Chippewa River Basin in the next two years 2. Plant 50 acres of buffer to prairie grasses. 3. Contact 800 landowners with information about conservation buffers. 4. Buffer strips become an accepted on-farm practice within the Basin.
Partnership Project
In 2000- the Lower Chippewa River Basin Partnership Team determined that buffer strips are the most efficient methodd to reduce sediment and filter field run-off within the Basin. Research has shown that buffers remove up to 50% of the nutrients and pesticides- 60% of certain pathogens- and 75% of sediment; and provide various wildlife benefits. The goals and deliverables of this project are: 1. To install 1500 acres of conservation buffer strips within the Lower Chippewa River Basin in the next two years 2. Plant 50 acres of buffer to prairie grasses. 3. Contact 800 landowners with information about conservation buffers. 4. Buffer strips become an accepted on-farm practice within the Basin.
Easement/Buffer
The River Country RC&D Council will coordinate a conservation buffer project in the Lower Chippewa Basin over a two year period. Activities involved with this project include: hiring a conservation buffer specialist to coordinate volunteers, educate and provide technical assistance to farmers/landowners, and assist field office in the completion of CRP and CREP contracts. A broad goal for this project is to install 1500 acres (124 miles) of conservation buffer strips within the basin over a two year period. Areas of concentration will include Cranberry, Coon, Rock and Elk Creeks. Specific deliverables for this grant project will include: annual progress report regarding contact completions and buffer installations final report that summarizes the grant project activities and accomplishments.
Sewer Service Area Planning
This plan has been financed through a Section 205 (j) Federal Areawide Water Quality planning grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, passed through the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources. A grant agreement was entered into by the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
for the purpose of developing the Chippewa Fall/Eau Claire Area municipal point source element of the State's Areawide Water Quality Management Plan.
Water Quality Planning
The Bear Creek Watershed covers 76.5 square miles in Buffalo and Pepin counties. Bear, Little Bear, and Spring creeks are the three primary sub-watersheds within the Bear Creek Watershed. The watershed drains rolling agricultural and wooded areas with many of the tributaries originating in steep coulees. The watershed also drains one urban area, the City of Durand. All streams within the Bear Creek Watershed drain the eastern slope of the Chippewa River Valley. The Bear Creek Watershed contains typical steep topography characteristic of the driftless or un-glaciated area of the state. Because the most productive and level land is on the valley floor, most farming takes place immediately adjacent to streams. Former prairie and a portion of the forested lands have been converted to agricultural uses. The quality of trout streams in this watershed have improved or degraded as agricultural uses have diminished or increased. Earlier editions of the Lower Chippewa River Water Quality Management Plan indicated the Nelson wastewater treatment plant and Nelson Cheese actory discharged to the Lower Chippewa Basin. Due to a basin oundary change, both are in the Buffalo- Trempealeau River Basin. The majority of the wetlands in the watershed are adjacent to the Chippewa and Mississippi Rivers.
Monitor Fish Tissue
2050000 name Chippewa River TMDL ID 80 Start Mile 20.73 End Mile 37.58
Monitor Fish Tissue
2050000 name Chippewa River TMDL ID 80 Start Mile 80.18 End Mile 105.75
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.
Watershed Characteristics
Chippewa River is located in the Holcombe Flowage watershed which is 170.38 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (53.90%), wetland (23.30%) and a mix of open (9.10%) and other uses (13.70%). This watershed has 216.07 stream miles, 6,687.77 lake acres and 19,889.41 wetland acres.
Nonpoint Source Characteristics
This watershed is ranked Not Ranked for runoff impacts on streams, Medium 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.