Watershed - Lower Black River (BR01)
Lower Black River Watershed

Details

The Lower Black River watershed is located in northwest La Crosse and southern Trempealeau Counties and contains land that drains approximately 190 square miles. The watershed contains many acres of wetlands adjacent to the Black and Mississippi Rivers, in addition to the steep topography found throughout the rest of the watershed.

This watershed was selected as a priority watershed in 1981 under the Wisconsin Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Abatement Program. The project sought to reduce sedimentation and nutrient loading of streams. Best management practices (BMPs), designed to improve water quality and instream habitat, were installed between 1985 and 1993. Only 14% of eligible land owners participated in the priority watershed project (WDNR, 1996).

To assess any stream improvements where best management practices (BMPs) were installed, chemical and biological data were collected in 1992 and 1994. Improvements were difficult to assess because of low land owner participation and lack of comprehensive stream data before BMP installation. However, habitat ratings and macroinvertebrate data indicated improvements in small stream sections where several BMPs were installed (Masterson).

Date  1999

Nonpoint and Point Sources

A confined hog operation (approx. 13,000 animals) located near Braun's Bay inadvertently created an ammonia plume in groundwater adjacent to the facility. Babcock Swine, Inc. lined the leaking animal waste storage lagoons in 1990 and 1991. Some reductions of ammonia and nitrate have been documented in monitoring wells, however levels are still well above acceptable concentrations (Boettcher). Continued monitoring and a nutrient management plan for the landspreading of animal wastes are required in their recently reissued wastewater discharge permit.

Date  1999

Ecological Landscapes for Lower Black River Watershed

Ecological Landscapes

This watershed is located in the Western Coulee and Ridges Ecological Landscape in southwestern and west central Wisconsin and is characterized by its highly eroded, driftless topography and relatively extensive forested landscape. Soils are silt loams (loess) and sandy loams over sandstone residuum over dolomite. Several large rivers including the Wisconsin, Mississippi, Chippewa, Kickapoo and Black flow through or border the Ecological Landscape.

Historical vegetation consisted of southern hardwood forests, oak savanna, scattered prairies, and floodplain forests and marshes along the major rivers. With Euro-American settlement, most of the land on ridgetops and valley bottoms was cleared of oak savanna, prairie, and level forest for agriculture.

The steep slopes between valley bottom and ridgetop, unsuitable for raising crops, grew into oak-dominated forests after the ubiquitous presettlement wildfires were suppressed. Current vegetation is a mix of forest (40%), agriculture, and grassland with some wetlands in the river valleys. The primary forest cover is oak-hickory (51%) dominated by oak species and shagbark hickory. Maple-basswood forests (28%), dominated by sugar maple, basswood and red maple, are common in areas that were not subjected to repeated presettlement wildfires. Bottomland hardwoods (10%) are common in the valley bottoms of major rivers and are dominated by silver maple, ashes, elms, cottonwood, and red maple. Relict conifer forests including white pine, hemlock and yellow birch are a rarer natural community in the cooler, steep, north slope microclimates.

Date  2010

Hydrologic Features

Flooding in the lower reaches of Halfway Creek and Sand Lake Coulee Creek prompted the Town of Onalaska to pursue funding for a study to understand the causes and explore solutions. Development near the confluence of these streams with the Mississippi River has put more people and property at risk for flooding. Hydrologic changes in these sub-watersheds will require time and large amounts of money to reduce sediment loading and decrease peak flows. Both structural and non-structural solutions are outlined in the study (Vierbicher).

Date  1999

Wildlife and Habitat

The WDNR collected fish community data between 1975 and 1979 at several locations in this watershed (Fago). This pre-implementation data should be analyzed and compared with new fishery surveys conducted since completion of the priority watershed project. One aquatic dependent species of concern has been documented in this watershed. Management decisions should consider potential affects to these species.

Date  1999

Lower Black River Watershed At-a-Glance

Impaired Water in Lower Black River Watershed
River and Stream QualityAll Waters in Watershed

To assess any stream improvements where best management practices (BMPs) were installed, chemical and biological data were collected in 1992 and 1994. Improvements were difficult to assess because of low land owner participation and lack of comprehensive stream data before BMP installation. However, habitat ratings and macroinvertebrate data indicated improvements in small stream sections where several BMPs were installed (Masterson).

Date  1999

Watershed Trout Streams
Watershed Outstanding & Exceptional Resources

Lakes and Impoundments

Impaired Waters

List of Impaired Waters
Watershed Grants
Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2010
Waters Involved
Elk Creek
Status
Complete

Trempealeau County: Lco-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.: Treampealeau County proposes to amend or create a shoreland zoning ordinance that complies with the requirements of NR 115, Wisconsin Administrative Code (as revised effective February 1, 2010) and retain existing regulations that exceed the water resource protections of NR 115 or are specific or unique to local needs.

Project deliverables include: 1. Copies of any fact sheets or handouts created for public hearings. 2. A summary of the comments received at public hearings. 3. A certified copy of the County Board-approved updated shoreland ordinance or ordinance language (if integrated into other codes). 4. Any GIS maps of the shoreland zone or shoreland condition surveys related to the project.

Specific conditions for this Project: 1. The WDNR will be provided electronic and hard copies of all data and or reports or surveys generated as a result of this project.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2009
Waters Involved
Martha Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Osseo: Res-Martha Restoration: The City of Osseo proposes to restore shoreline on six properties along Lake Martha in Trempealeau County. Major project elements to include: 1) Revegetation of shoreline with native plants, 2) removal of sea walls and restabalization of the shoreline.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2009
Waters Involved
South Fork Buffalo River
Status
Complete

City Of Osseo: Res-Martha Restoration: The City of Osseo proposes to restore shoreline on six properties along Lake Martha in Trempealeau County. Major project elements to include: 1) Revegetation of shoreline with native plants, 2) removal of sea walls and restabalization of the shoreline.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
3/15/2023
Waters Involved
Black River
Status
Complete

Lake Onalaska Protection & Rehab District: Direct Watershed Drainage Impact On Constructed Fisheries Habitat In Lake Onalaska:
The Lake Onalaska Protection and Rehabilitation District is sponsoring a project to quantify deep water habitat loss and link habitat loss to high sediment discharge events in the adjacent Halfway Creek watershed.

Project final deliverables include: all data collected, agendas and minutes for planning meetings, and a report that includes methodologies and results.

Specific project activities include:
Bathymetric survey of fish overwintering habitat
Halfway Creek basic hydrology during high-discharge events at potential future gauging sites
Approximately four watershed tour topics

Special Conditions: WDNR will be provided electronic and hard copies of data and reports/plans generated as a result of this project.

This scope summarizes the project detail provided in the application and does not negate tasks/deliverables described therein. Data, records, and reports, including GIS-based maps, and digital images, must be submitted to the Department in a format specified by the regional Lake Biologist.

If consultant is to provide final report, it is recommended that Grantee provide DNR Lake Coordinator with a draft for comment on report adequacy prior to making final payment to the consultant. DNR to receive both paper and electronic .pdf copies of the final report along with, or prior to submission of grantee\2019s final payment request.



Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
3/15/2023
Waters Involved
First Lake
Status
Complete

Trempealeau County: Trempealeau Lakes Management Plan: Project final deliverables include: all data collected, agendas and minutes for planning meetings, and a lake management plan that includes methodologies, results, and management alternatives


Specific project activities include:
Completion of a WDNR-approved stakeholder survey, sent to all Trempealeau Lakes members. Assess current aquatic plant community and delineate curly-leaf pondweed acres in First and Second Lake.


Special Conditions: Point Intercept surveys shall be conducted according to: Baseline Monitoring of Aquatic Plants in Wisconsin: Sampling Design, Field and Laboratory Procedures, Data Entry and Analysis Lakes, Publication number PUB-SS-1068 2010.


This scope summarizes the project detail provided in the application and does not negate tasks/deliverables described therein. Data, records, and reports, including GIS-based maps, and digital images, must be submitted to the Department in a format specified by the regional Lake Biologist.

If consultant is to provide final report, it is recommended that Grantee provide DNR Lake Coordinator with a draft for comment on report adequacy prior to making final payment to the consultant. DNR to receive both paper and electronic .pdf copies of the final report along with, or prior to submission of grantee's final payment request.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
3/15/2024
Waters Involved
First Lake
Status
Complete

Friendsof Lake Trempealeau: Swe - Fotl Education: The Friends of Trempealeau Lakes, Inc. is sponsoring a project to boost public awareness and foster understanding among both he community and the farming sector, ultimately building the crucial support needed for the lakes\2019 restoration to a healthy state.

Activities:
1) Develop a marketing strategy delineating precise educational objectives, target demographics and messaging strategies.
2) Establish social media presence on popular platforms.
3) Create website
4) Create on-line access to stories
5) Create informative brochure

Deliverables:
1) Marketing plan and budget
2) Increased membership, volunteers and funding
3) Educational brochure

Conditions: This scope summarizes details provided in the application and does not negate tasks and/or deliverables described therein. Data, reports, surveys, and supporting information, including photos, maps and GIS data, must be submitted to the DNR Biologist in electronic format and in any other format they specify.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/1997
Waters Involved
Lake Onalaska
Status
Complete

Town Of Onalaska: Lake Onalaska Sediment Trap Design: The Town of Onalaska proposes to develop engineered designs with bid specifications for two sediment traps to reduce sedimentation into Lake Onalaska. One trap will be located in Halfway Creek at County Road XX. The other trap will be located in Sand Lake Coulee Creek at the bike trail.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/1997
Waters Involved
Lake Onalaska
Status
Complete

Town Of Onalaska: Lake Onalaska Subdivision Ordinance Revision: The Town of Onalaska proposes to revise the Town's subdivision ordinance to include storm water runoff and land use/density provisions. The project will involve a comprehensive public involvement process.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/1997
Waters Involved
Lake Onalaska
Status
Complete

Town Of Onalaska: Onalaska Lake Brice Prairie Hydraulic Study: Town of Onalaska proposes to conduct a hydraulic study of the Brice Prairie area located directly adjacent to Lake Onalaska. Project activities include compilation of existing groundwater quality data and projecting the impact of several development scenarios to develop recommendations for land management practices.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
3/15/2023
Waters Involved
Lake Onalaska
Status
Complete

Lake Onalaska Protection & Rehab District: Direct Watershed Drainage Impact On Constructed Fisheries Habitat In Lake Onalaska:
The Lake Onalaska Protection and Rehabilitation District is sponsoring a project to quantify deep water habitat loss and link habitat loss to high sediment discharge events in the adjacent Halfway Creek watershed.

Project final deliverables include: all data collected, agendas and minutes for planning meetings, and a report that includes methodologies and results.

Specific project activities include:
Bathymetric survey of fish overwintering habitat
Halfway Creek basic hydrology during high-discharge events at potential future gauging sites
Approximately four watershed tour topics

Special Conditions: WDNR will be provided electronic and hard copies of data and reports/plans generated as a result of this project.

This scope summarizes the project detail provided in the application and does not negate tasks/deliverables described therein. Data, records, and reports, including GIS-based maps, and digital images, must be submitted to the Department in a format specified by the regional Lake Biologist.

If consultant is to provide final report, it is recommended that Grantee provide DNR Lake Coordinator with a draft for comment on report adequacy prior to making final payment to the consultant. DNR to receive both paper and electronic .pdf copies of the final report along with, or prior to submission of grantee\2019s final payment request.



Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
3/15/2023
Waters Involved
Second Lake
Status
Complete

Trempealeau County: Trempealeau Lakes Management Plan: Project final deliverables include: all data collected, agendas and minutes for planning meetings, and a lake management plan that includes methodologies, results, and management alternatives


Specific project activities include:
Completion of a WDNR-approved stakeholder survey, sent to all Trempealeau Lakes members. Assess current aquatic plant community and delineate curly-leaf pondweed acres in First and Second Lake.


Special Conditions: Point Intercept surveys shall be conducted according to: Baseline Monitoring of Aquatic Plants in Wisconsin: Sampling Design, Field and Laboratory Procedures, Data Entry and Analysis Lakes, Publication number PUB-SS-1068 2010.


This scope summarizes the project detail provided in the application and does not negate tasks/deliverables described therein. Data, records, and reports, including GIS-based maps, and digital images, must be submitted to the Department in a format specified by the regional Lake Biologist.

If consultant is to provide final report, it is recommended that Grantee provide DNR Lake Coordinator with a draft for comment on report adequacy prior to making final payment to the consultant. DNR to receive both paper and electronic .pdf copies of the final report along with, or prior to submission of grantee's final payment request.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
3/15/2024
Waters Involved
Second Lake
Status
Complete

Friendsof Lake Trempealeau: Swe - Fotl Education: The Friends of Trempealeau Lakes, Inc. is sponsoring a project to boost public awareness and foster understanding among both he community and the farming sector, ultimately building the crucial support needed for the lakes\2019 restoration to a healthy state.

Activities:
1) Develop a marketing strategy delineating precise educational objectives, target demographics and messaging strategies.
2) Establish social media presence on popular platforms.
3) Create website
4) Create on-line access to stories
5) Create informative brochure

Deliverables:
1) Marketing plan and budget
2) Increased membership, volunteers and funding
3) Educational brochure

Conditions: This scope summarizes details provided in the application and does not negate tasks and/or deliverables described therein. Data, reports, surveys, and supporting information, including photos, maps and GIS data, must be submitted to the DNR Biologist in electronic format and in any other format they specify.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
3/15/2024
Waters Involved
Third Lake
Status
Complete

Friendsof Lake Trempealeau: Swe - Fotl Education: The Friends of Trempealeau Lakes, Inc. is sponsoring a project to boost public awareness and foster understanding among both he community and the farming sector, ultimately building the crucial support needed for the lakes\2019 restoration to a healthy state.

Activities:
1) Develop a marketing strategy delineating precise educational objectives, target demographics and messaging strategies.
2) Establish social media presence on popular platforms.
3) Create website
4) Create on-line access to stories
5) Create informative brochure

Deliverables:
1) Marketing plan and budget
2) Increased membership, volunteers and funding
3) Educational brochure

Conditions: This scope summarizes details provided in the application and does not negate tasks and/or deliverables described therein. Data, reports, surveys, and supporting information, including photos, maps and GIS data, must be submitted to the DNR Biologist in electronic format and in any other format they specify.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
3/15/2024
Waters Involved
Unnamed
Status
Complete

Friendsof Lake Trempealeau: Swe - Fotl Education: The Friends of Trempealeau Lakes, Inc. is sponsoring a project to boost public awareness and foster understanding among both he community and the farming sector, ultimately building the crucial support needed for the lakes\2019 restoration to a healthy state.

Activities:
1) Develop a marketing strategy delineating precise educational objectives, target demographics and messaging strategies.
2) Establish social media presence on popular platforms.
3) Create website
4) Create on-line access to stories
5) Create informative brochure

Deliverables:
1) Marketing plan and budget
2) Increased membership, volunteers and funding
3) Educational brochure

Conditions: This scope summarizes details provided in the application and does not negate tasks and/or deliverables described therein. Data, reports, surveys, and supporting information, including photos, maps and GIS data, must be submitted to the DNR Biologist in electronic format and in any other format they specify.


Grant Details
Small Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/2007
Waters Involved
Black River
Status
Complete

Town Of Onalaska: Onalaska Study-Plan: The Town of Onalaska proposes to conduct a study of sediment and pollution contributors to Lake Onalaska in La Crosse County, to gather public comment on community objectives for the lake and develop a plan for implementation of these objectives. Major project elements to include; 1) Watershed analysis, 2) Public informational meeting, 3) Plan development, 4) Design of a sediment and nutient trapping facility.


Grant Details
Small Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/2007
Waters Involved
Lake Onalaska
Status
Complete

Town Of Onalaska: Onalaska Study-Plan: The Town of Onalaska proposes to conduct a study of sediment and pollution contributors to Lake Onalaska in La Crosse County, to gather public comment on community objectives for the lake and develop a plan for implementation of these objectives. Major project elements to include; 1) Watershed analysis, 2) Public informational meeting, 3) Plan development, 4) Design of a sediment and nutient trapping facility.


Grant Details
Targeted Runoff - Rural Construction
Date
8/10/2005
Waters Involved
Hardies Creek
Status
Complete

Trempealeau County Land Conservation Dept: Byom Voluntary Trm: To cost-share upgrade of manure management/barnyard systems on the Dan Byom farm to bring into compliance with NR151 performance standards, including No Direct Runoff.


Grant Details
Urban Nonpoint - Stormwater Planning
Date
1/1/2004
Waters Involved
Unnamed
Status
Complete

Town Of Onalaska: Stormwater Utility Formation: to cost-share @60% development of stormwater utility


Monitoring & Projects

Projects including grants, restoration work and studies shown below have occurred in this watershed. Click the links below to read through the text. While these are not an exhaustive list of activities, they provide insight into the management activities happening in this watershed.

Grants and Management Projects
Lower Black River Watershed

Goals

1/1/2016
Restoration of water quality of Hardies Creek, Halfway Creek, Fleming Creek and other streams in need of restoration.

Priorities

1/1/2016
Implementation of Hardies Creek TMDL is a very high priority. Hardies Creek is approximately five-miles long, located in the southeast portion of Trempealeau County in western Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) placed the lower 3.541 miles of Hardies Creek on the state�s 303(d) impaired waters list in 1998 as low priority due to degraded habitat caused by excessive sedimentation. The Clean Water Act and US EPA regulations require that each state develop TMDLs for waters on the Section 303(d) list. The purpose of this TMDL is to identify load allocations and management actions that will help restore the biological integrity of Hardies Creek.
Watershed Recommendations
Best Management Practices, Implement
Trempealeau County Waste Storage
Date
Status
This project is a landowner installation of nonpoint source best management practices to contribute to the restoration of Wisconsin's waters and was funded by the 319 grant. Specifically, the grantee will implement: a manure storage system; a waste transfer system; heavy use area protection; livestock fencing; a feed storage runoff control system; streambank and shoreline protection; and streambank and shoreline protection.
1/1/2018
In Progress
Projects
 
Best Management Practices, Implement
Trempealeau Co Livestock Barnyard Runoff Control Facility
Date
Status
This project is a landowner installation of nonpoint source best management practices to contribute to the restoration of Wisconsin's waters and was funded by the 319 grant. Specifically, the grantee will implement: a barnyard runoff control system; heavy use area protection; roofing; and streambank and shoreline protection.
1/1/2018
In Progress
Projects
 
Best Management Practices, Implement
Trempealeau County Animal Waste Storage Facility
Date
Status
This project is a landowner installation of nonpoint source best management practices to contribute to the restoration of Wisconsin's waters and was funded by the 319 grant. Specifically, the grantee will implement: a manure storage system and heavy use area protection to remedy discharges of manure, sediment and phosphorus in runoff.
1/1/2017
In Progress
Projects
 
Best Management Practices, Implement
Trempealeau Co Livestock Barnyard Runoff Control Facility
Date
Status
This project is a landowner installation of nonpoint source best management practices to contribute to the restoration of Wisconsin's waters and was funded by the 319 grant. Specifically, the grantee will implement: a barnyard runoff control system, heavy use area protection, roofing, and livestock fencing to remedy discharges of manure, sediment and phosphorus in runoff.
1/1/2017
In Progress
Projects
 
Best Management Practices, Implement
Trempealeau County Animal Waste Storage
Date
Status
This project is a landowner installation of nonpoint source best management practices to contribute to the restoration of Wisconsin's waters and was funded by the 319 grant. Specifically, the grantee will implement: a manure storage system, heavy use area protection, livestock fencing, and a waste transfer system to remedy discharges of manure, sediment and phosphorus in runoff.
1/1/2017
In Progress
Projects
 
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Citizen Stream Monitoring
Date
Status
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
1/1/2012
In Progress
Projects
 
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Citizen Stream Monitoring
Date
Status
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
1/1/2012
In Progress
Projects
 
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Citizen Stream Monitoring
Date
Status
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
1/1/2012
In Progress
Projects
 
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Citizen Stream Monitoring
Date
Status
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
1/1/2012
In Progress
Projects
 
Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring
Citizen Stream Monitoring
Date
Status
Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.
1/1/2012
In Progress
Projects
 
Monitor Aquatic Biology
Monitor biology on WBIC: 1676000
Date
Status
Conduct biological (mIBI or fIBI) monitoring on Halfway Creek, WBIC: 1676000, AU:14054
5/21/2016
Proposed
Projects
 
Monitor and/or Protect Groundwater, Sourcewater
 
Date
Status
WDNR staff should continue to encourage communities to develop wellhead protection plans in the Watershed and the whole basin.
7/1/2010
Proposed
Projects
 
Monitor to Evaluate Projects
 
Date
Status
Water Division staff should conduct fishery surveys on streams in the Lower Black River watershed to document fish community changes since implementation of best management practices. (Type B)
1/1/2010
Proposed
 
TMDL Implementation
Hardies Creek TMDL Implementation
Date
Status
TMDL implementation for Hardies Creek in Trempealeau County, WI. By implementing measures to reduce the sediment loading, the TMDL will also address the degraded habitat impairment in the creek. Implantation plan is needed.
2/25/2008
In Progress
Projects
 
Lower Black River WatershedWatershed History Note

The Lower Black River Watershed includes part of the urban areas of the cities of Onalaska and La Crosse. During the second half of the 19th century, La Crosse grew to become one of the largest cities in Wisconsin. At that time, it was a major economic center in the state, especially of the lumber industry, for logs cut in the interior of the state could be rafted down the Black River toward sawmills built in the city.

The watershed also includes many smaller communities, such as the Village of Holmen, whose history is documented by its historical society. For example, in August 1935, the Civil Conservation Corps opened a camp on 10 acres of the M. F. McHugh farm located on McHugh Road. The camp housed 100-120 men at one time. Crews worked on area conservation projects, including reforestation, strip farming, terracing, stream bank protection, and gully control. The camp closed in July 1940.

About 3.5 miles northwest of Holmen, Rustic Road #61 provides access to the McGilvray Bottoms and what was commonly called Seven Bridges Road. So named because of the seven bridges across the channels of the Black River, the road was permanently closed in 1948 because of frequent flooding. The roadway, located within the state-owned Van Loon Wildlife Area, provides a scenic hiking trail to the remaining rare bowstring arch-truss bridges which were built in 1905-1908. The McGilvray Road is listed with both the National and Wisconsin Registers of Historic Places.

A parking lot and picnic table at the beginning of the roadway invite hikers, cross-country skiers and birdwatchers. One of the oldest trees in the area is located at 112 State Street in Holmen. Its age is estimated at 180 years based on tests by the Department of Natural Resources. The tree has a diameter of 4.2 feet and a circumference of 13.3 feet. It shades a home built in 1897. [Image at right: Mississippi River at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, at Black River Delta, above La Crosse, Wisconsin. Image may be subject to copyright: http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/AQ7040-001/Stone]

Date  2010