Watershed - Lower Rib River (CW23)
Lower Rib River Watershed

Details

The Lower Big Rib River Watershed lies entirely within Marathon County and ends at its confluence with the Wisconsin River. Well-developed systems of ephemeral (seasonal) and perennial (present all year) streams that drain the land surface characterize the Lower Big Rib River Watershed. There are nine named perennial streams in the watershed, which have a combined length of about 85 miles. These streams support warm water fish communities and maintain at least a small continuous flow throughout the year. The Big Rib River is the predominant surface water feature. The portion that lies within the watershed project is located from a point just below the confluence with Black Creek, in northwestern Marathon County, and flows southeasterly approximately 24.4 miles, where it drains into Lake Wausau. Groundwater is the only source of drinking water in the Lower Rib River Priority Watershed. It is stored in porous spaces and cracks within the sub-surface soil and rock layers. The unconsolidated materials and rock layers saturated with water and capable of providing adequate quantities of water are defined as an aquifer. The top of the uppermost aquifer is called a water table. Aquifers receive and store water in the ground and discharge this groundwater to lakes, streams and wetlands.

Date  2002

Population, Land Use

Incorporated areas in the watershed include the City of Wausau and the villages of Edgar and Marathon. Public lands within the watershed include Marathon, Rib Falls, and Sunny Vale County Parks, and part of Rib Mountain State Park. Land uses and/or management practices elevating nitrate and pesticide concentrations in groundwater include: poor manure and nutrient management practices; increased pesticide use and amounts, and poor disposal practices; poorly sited and/or constructed and mismanaged manure storage facilities, and; improperly abandoned wells.

Date  2002

Nonpoint and Point Sources

The Upper Wisconsin River Task Force Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Plan identified the Lower Big Rib River Watershed as serious affected by NPS pollution from livestock waste runoff. Problem areas are confined to tributaries o the Big Ri g River. The towns of Cassel, Rib Falls, and Stettin lie within the Lower Rib River Watershed. Soil erosion rates range from 3.1 - 3.8 tons/acre/year (Kaatz). These soil loss rates are high compared to other areas of Marathon County. Low dissolved oxygen from runoff has affected the Wisconsin River dissolved oxygen levels down to the DuBay Dam. Water quality problems include diurnal shifts in dissolved oxygen, nutrient loading, high fecal coliform bacteria counts and biotic index scores showing poor to very poor water quality in certain streams. The watershed was ranked per the Nonpoint Source Priority Watershed Selection Criteria. Based on NPS impacts on surface water quality, the watershed ranked "Medium" for NPS pollution control work. The ground water portion of the watershed rank "Low". Numerous sand and gravel washing operations can be found on or near streams in the watershed. Zmuda (1987) , indicates there were 75 excavation sites disturbing nearly 900 acres of the upper and lower Big Rib River Watershed. This acreage is increasing. The long-term cumulative impacts to this riverine system caused by sand and gravel excavations is unknown. Edgar and Marathon City have municipal wastewater collection and treatment systems discharging effluent to surface waters in the watershed. Although these treatment plants are capable of producing effluents low in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids, they are sources of nutrients discharging to surface waters. The facilities are not designed and operated for nutrient removal. Cheese factories are also a potential source of nutrients if washwater is discharged to surface waters.

Date  1991

Ecological Landscapes for Lower Rib River Watershed

Ecological Landscapes

The Lower Rib River Watershed is located in the Forest Transition Ecological Landscape which lies along the northern border of Wisconsin's Tension Zone, through the central and western part of the state, and supports both northern forests and agricultural areas. The central portion of the Forest Transition lies primarily on a glacial till plain deposited by glaciation between 25,000 and 790,000 years ago. The eastern and western portions are on moraines of the Wisconsin glaciation. The growing season in this part of the state is long enough that agriculture is viable, although climatic conditions are not as favorable as in southern Wisconsin. Soils are diverse, ranging from sandy loam to loam or shallow silt loam, and from poorly drained to well drained. The historic vegetation of the Forest Transition was primarily northern hardwood forest. These northern hardwoods were dominated by sugar maple and hemlock, and contained some yellow birch, red pine and white pine. Currently, over 60% of this Ecological Landscape is non-forested. Forested areas consist primarily of northern hardwoods and aspen, with smaller amounts of oak and lowland hardwoods. The eastern portion of the Ecological Landscape differs from the rest of the area in that it remains primarily forested, and includes some ecologically significant areas. Throughout the Ecological Landscape, small areas of conifer swamp are found near the headwaters of streams, and associated with lakes in kettle depressions on moraines. Ground flora show characteristics of both northern and southern Wisconsin, as this Ecological Landscape lies along the Tension Zone.

Date  2010

Hydrologic Features

Groundwater flows from recharge areas such as hills and exposed bedrock to discharge areas such as lakes, rivers and wetlands. In the watershed, groundwater flow is local and follows topography with groundwater discharging into the Big Rib River and Lake Wausau (Kendy, 1988). The time between groundwater recharge and discharge is relatively short. Regional groundwater flow in western Marathon County is southeast toward the Wisconsin River (Bell, 1974). Principal aquifers within the watershed are the Shallow Sand and Gravel Aquifer underlain by the Crystalline Granite Bedrock Aquifer. In most of the watershed clay outwash deposits that do not serve as an aquifer overlie the granite bedrock aquifer. The aquifer of choice is typically the shallow sand and gravel aquifer where available. This aquifer exists primarily in the far eastern portion of the watershed, and intermittently along river channels. The portion of the river within the watershed begins just below the confluence with Black Creek, in northwestern Marathon County. The River flows southeasterly for 24.4 miles where it enters Lake Wausau, a 1,918-acre impoundment formed by the Big Rib, Eau Claire and Wisconsin Rivers. Other primary streams in the watershed include Einert, Pine, Omar, Scotch, Soda, Artus, Kennedy and Pet Brook Creeks. Only the Big Rib River and a 3.8-mile stretch of Scotch Creek from the mouth upstream, support a warm water sport fishery. The remaining streams support limited aquatic life, warm water forage, and limited forage fish communities. Smaller tributaries including 54 miles of unnamed streams within the watershed are only known to support forage/minnow communities due to the flashy nature of the systems. Flashy systems exhibit conditions of high rates of run-off for short periods during rain events, but low sustained base flows; in some cases the streambeds are persistently dry. Human activity in the watershed, such as deforestation, draining of wetlands, nonmetallic mining and spring development has contributed to low baseflow conditions.

Date  2002

Lower Rib River Watershed At-a-Glance

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

The Big Rib River and other streams are not reaching their highest potential use due to low baseflow conditions and the resulting low levels of dissolved oxygen, and pollution from nonpoint sources. Eroding croplands, streambanks and improperly managed livestock operations are the major sources of nonpoint pollution in the watershed. The primary causes of streambank erosion are due to a combination of livestock grazing of streambanks, historic in-stream sand and gravel mining and high flows during spring run-off events. It is common to observe scarring on trees five feet above base flow water levels in some of the streams. Severe streambank erosion leads to deposition in pools, the filling of spawning substrate within riffle areas, and the elimination of streambank cover.

Date  2002

Watershed Trout Streams
Watershed Outstanding & Exceptional Resources

Lakes and Impoundments

Impaired Waters

List of Impaired Waters
Watershed Documents
Watershed Grants
Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2013
Waters Involved
Big Bass Lake
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Lco-Marathon Class 7: Marathon County proposes to continue toward completion of its Phase II efforts to classify 11 lakes in eastern Marathon County. Major project elements to include: 1) Develop lake management plans, 2) Establish planning committees, 3) Review and revise shoreland zoning ordinance, 4) Hold one-day water forum, and 5) Develop guide for Zoning Board of Adjustment members.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2010
Waters Involved
Big Eau Pleine Reservoir
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Lco-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.: Marathon 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
3/15/2022
Waters Involved
Big Eau Pleine Reservoir
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Turning Plans Into Action; Improving Water Quality In Marathon County'S High Priorty Watersheds:
Project Scope and Description of Deliverables
This is a partial project as the entire project did not get funded. The partial funding will be used to support a staff position in Marathon County to implement BMP\2019s in the 319 Fenwood Watershed, which is a major contributor of P to the Big Eau Pleine and ultimately the Wisconsin River.

Project final deliverables include: Contact property owners, comprised chiefly of farmers, and introduce BMP\2019s and recruit landowners to participate in the BMP actions of the watershed plan \2013 turning plans into action.

Specific project activities include: Introduce information and education to farmers that are sources of sediment and nutrient NPS\2019s, conduct watershed stream inventory for buffers, assist landowners with program sign-ups to install BMP\2019s on the landscape needed to protect water quality.

Special Conditions: This partial funding can be used to assist Marathon County with the staff needed to improve water quality. It is expected that Marathon County will reapply for complete funding next grant cycle.

This scope summarizes the projects goals to hire staff needed to implement hard and/or soft practices to improve water quality as per the Marathon County plan and DNR\2019s Wisconsin River TMDL recommendations.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2023
Waters Involved
Big Eau Pleine Reservoir
Status
Complete

Marathon County: 319 Match Lmi - Riparian Restoration To Improve Water Quality And Habitat: Marathon CLWC Department (County) are sponsoring a grant to implement the Fenwood Creek 9-Key Element Plan, collaborate with Marathon County lake associations and riparian owners to restore near shore habitat throughout the county and build more stakeholders.

Final deliverables 1) Reduce phosphorus to streams by 50-90% in the Fenwood Creek Watershed by installing practices on 15 new farms over 3 years, focus on riparian buffers in the Fenwood Creek watershed to have at least 25,000 linear feet of 35 foot buffer and all agricultural land to meet a phosphorous index (PI) of 2.5 2) inventory agricultural lands with and without buffers 3) Monitor for TP and TSS to track nutrients in the watershed, and in 5 other streams in the county 4) Work with Lake Wausau Association to form a Lake Wausau Watershed group, 4) Conduct education events with landowners in the Big Eau Pleine Watershed and the county.

Project activities include: 1) Sample lake and stream water quality, 2) provide technical assistance and education 3) develop relationships with property owners in the county and watersheds 4) Implement the Marathon CLWR management plan, Fenwood Creek 9 Key Elements plan, Lake Wausau Protection and Improvement Plan, and Big Eau Pleine Strategies for Reducing Fish Kills Plan.

Special Conditions: 1) Collaborate and share with DNR all monitoring data, 2) Collaborate with Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company to sample tribs and lake water quality for the BEP, 3) Work closely with EPPIC and BEPCO and other lake associations to improve shoreline stability4) Semi-annual meetings with DNR water quality staff and the Wisconsin River TMDL Coordinator for updates and data sharing.

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.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2010
Waters Involved
Big Eau Pleine River
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Lco-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.: Marathon 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
3/15/2022
Waters Involved
Big Eau Pleine River
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Turning Plans Into Action; Improving Water Quality In Marathon County'S High Priorty Watersheds:
Project Scope and Description of Deliverables
This is a partial project as the entire project did not get funded. The partial funding will be used to support a staff position in Marathon County to implement BMP\2019s in the 319 Fenwood Watershed, which is a major contributor of P to the Big Eau Pleine and ultimately the Wisconsin River.

Project final deliverables include: Contact property owners, comprised chiefly of farmers, and introduce BMP\2019s and recruit landowners to participate in the BMP actions of the watershed plan \2013 turning plans into action.

Specific project activities include: Introduce information and education to farmers that are sources of sediment and nutrient NPS\2019s, conduct watershed stream inventory for buffers, assist landowners with program sign-ups to install BMP\2019s on the landscape needed to protect water quality.

Special Conditions: This partial funding can be used to assist Marathon County with the staff needed to improve water quality. It is expected that Marathon County will reapply for complete funding next grant cycle.

This scope summarizes the projects goals to hire staff needed to implement hard and/or soft practices to improve water quality as per the Marathon County plan and DNR\2019s Wisconsin River TMDL recommendations.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2023
Waters Involved
Big Eau Pleine River
Status
Complete

Marathon County: 319 Match Lmi - Riparian Restoration To Improve Water Quality And Habitat: Marathon CLWC Department (County) are sponsoring a grant to implement the Fenwood Creek 9-Key Element Plan, collaborate with Marathon County lake associations and riparian owners to restore near shore habitat throughout the county and build more stakeholders.

Final deliverables 1) Reduce phosphorus to streams by 50-90% in the Fenwood Creek Watershed by installing practices on 15 new farms over 3 years, focus on riparian buffers in the Fenwood Creek watershed to have at least 25,000 linear feet of 35 foot buffer and all agricultural land to meet a phosphorous index (PI) of 2.5 2) inventory agricultural lands with and without buffers 3) Monitor for TP and TSS to track nutrients in the watershed, and in 5 other streams in the county 4) Work with Lake Wausau Association to form a Lake Wausau Watershed group, 4) Conduct education events with landowners in the Big Eau Pleine Watershed and the county.

Project activities include: 1) Sample lake and stream water quality, 2) provide technical assistance and education 3) develop relationships with property owners in the county and watersheds 4) Implement the Marathon CLWR management plan, Fenwood Creek 9 Key Elements plan, Lake Wausau Protection and Improvement Plan, and Big Eau Pleine Strategies for Reducing Fish Kills Plan.

Special Conditions: 1) Collaborate and share with DNR all monitoring data, 2) Collaborate with Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company to sample tribs and lake water quality for the BEP, 3) Work closely with EPPIC and BEPCO and other lake associations to improve shoreline stability4) Semi-annual meetings with DNR water quality staff and the Wisconsin River TMDL Coordinator for updates and data sharing.

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.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2022
Waters Involved
Lake Wausau
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Turning Plans Into Action; Improving Water Quality In Marathon County'S High Priorty Watersheds:
Project Scope and Description of Deliverables
This is a partial project as the entire project did not get funded. The partial funding will be used to support a staff position in Marathon County to implement BMP\2019s in the 319 Fenwood Watershed, which is a major contributor of P to the Big Eau Pleine and ultimately the Wisconsin River.

Project final deliverables include: Contact property owners, comprised chiefly of farmers, and introduce BMP\2019s and recruit landowners to participate in the BMP actions of the watershed plan \2013 turning plans into action.

Specific project activities include: Introduce information and education to farmers that are sources of sediment and nutrient NPS\2019s, conduct watershed stream inventory for buffers, assist landowners with program sign-ups to install BMP\2019s on the landscape needed to protect water quality.

Special Conditions: This partial funding can be used to assist Marathon County with the staff needed to improve water quality. It is expected that Marathon County will reapply for complete funding next grant cycle.

This scope summarizes the projects goals to hire staff needed to implement hard and/or soft practices to improve water quality as per the Marathon County plan and DNR\2019s Wisconsin River TMDL recommendations.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2023
Waters Involved
Lake Wausau
Status
Complete

Marathon County: 319 Match Lmi - Riparian Restoration To Improve Water Quality And Habitat: Marathon CLWC Department (County) are sponsoring a grant to implement the Fenwood Creek 9-Key Element Plan, collaborate with Marathon County lake associations and riparian owners to restore near shore habitat throughout the county and build more stakeholders.

Final deliverables 1) Reduce phosphorus to streams by 50-90% in the Fenwood Creek Watershed by installing practices on 15 new farms over 3 years, focus on riparian buffers in the Fenwood Creek watershed to have at least 25,000 linear feet of 35 foot buffer and all agricultural land to meet a phosphorous index (PI) of 2.5 2) inventory agricultural lands with and without buffers 3) Monitor for TP and TSS to track nutrients in the watershed, and in 5 other streams in the county 4) Work with Lake Wausau Association to form a Lake Wausau Watershed group, 4) Conduct education events with landowners in the Big Eau Pleine Watershed and the county.

Project activities include: 1) Sample lake and stream water quality, 2) provide technical assistance and education 3) develop relationships with property owners in the county and watersheds 4) Implement the Marathon CLWR management plan, Fenwood Creek 9 Key Elements plan, Lake Wausau Protection and Improvement Plan, and Big Eau Pleine Strategies for Reducing Fish Kills Plan.

Special Conditions: 1) Collaborate and share with DNR all monitoring data, 2) Collaborate with Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company to sample tribs and lake water quality for the BEP, 3) Work closely with EPPIC and BEPCO and other lake associations to improve shoreline stability4) Semi-annual meetings with DNR water quality staff and the Wisconsin River TMDL Coordinator for updates and data sharing.

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.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
7/12/2010
Waters Involved
Mission Lake
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Lco-Marathon Class 2: Marathon County proposes to conduct detailed studies of 11 lakes in the Eastern part of Marathon County for the purpose of classifying them and developing plans for their future management. major project elements in this phased project include: 1) data collection, 2) outreach, 3) management planning and 4) plan implementation.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
4/15/2017
Waters Involved
Mission Lake
Status
Complete

Deer Lake Conservancy Inc: Lower Rock Creek Acquisition: The Deer Lake Conservancy has purchased 32.10 acres of undeveloped property on Deer Lake in Polk County. The parcel includes approximately 500 feet of shoreline, a riparian wetland and has Rock Creek flowing through the property. The property is adjacent to existing Conservancy owned property. Trails will be developed connecting with existing trails of the adjacent property.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2012
Waters Involved
Mud Lake
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Lco-Marathon Class 5: Marathon County proposes to continue toward completion of its Phase _ efforts to classify 11 lakes in eastern Marathon County. Major project elements to include: 1) Water quality sampling and analysis, 2) Fisheries and aquatic species analysis, 3) Habitat, shoreland and paleolimnological surveys, 4) cultural surveys and outreach, 5) build-out assessment and monitoring.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2012
Waters Involved
Mud Lake
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Lco-Marathon Class 6: Marathon County proposes to continue toward completion of its Phase 1 efforts to classify 11 lakes in eastern Marathon County. Major project elements to include: 1) Water quality sampling and analysis, 2) Fisheries and aquatic species analysis, 3) Habitat, shoreland and paleolimnological surveys, 4) Cultural surveys and outreach, 5) Build-out assessment and monitoring.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
7/12/2010
Waters Involved
Unnamed
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Lco-Marathon Class 2: Marathon County proposes to conduct detailed studies of 11 lakes in the Eastern part of Marathon County for the purpose of classifying them and developing plans for their future management. major project elements in this phased project include: 1) data collection, 2) outreach, 3) management planning and 4) plan implementation.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
4/15/2017
Waters Involved
Unnamed
Status
Complete

Deer Lake Conservancy Inc: Lower Rock Creek Acquisition: The Deer Lake Conservancy has purchased 32.10 acres of undeveloped property on Deer Lake in Polk County. The parcel includes approximately 500 feet of shoreline, a riparian wetland and has Rock Creek flowing through the property. The property is adjacent to existing Conservancy owned property. Trails will be developed connecting with existing trails of the adjacent property.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2022
Waters Involved
Wisconsin River
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Turning Plans Into Action; Improving Water Quality In Marathon County'S High Priorty Watersheds:
Project Scope and Description of Deliverables
This is a partial project as the entire project did not get funded. The partial funding will be used to support a staff position in Marathon County to implement BMP\2019s in the 319 Fenwood Watershed, which is a major contributor of P to the Big Eau Pleine and ultimately the Wisconsin River.

Project final deliverables include: Contact property owners, comprised chiefly of farmers, and introduce BMP\2019s and recruit landowners to participate in the BMP actions of the watershed plan \2013 turning plans into action.

Specific project activities include: Introduce information and education to farmers that are sources of sediment and nutrient NPS\2019s, conduct watershed stream inventory for buffers, assist landowners with program sign-ups to install BMP\2019s on the landscape needed to protect water quality.

Special Conditions: This partial funding can be used to assist Marathon County with the staff needed to improve water quality. It is expected that Marathon County will reapply for complete funding next grant cycle.

This scope summarizes the projects goals to hire staff needed to implement hard and/or soft practices to improve water quality as per the Marathon County plan and DNR\2019s Wisconsin River TMDL recommendations.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2023
Waters Involved
Wisconsin River
Status
Complete

Marathon County: 319 Match Lmi - Riparian Restoration To Improve Water Quality And Habitat: Marathon CLWC Department (County) are sponsoring a grant to implement the Fenwood Creek 9-Key Element Plan, collaborate with Marathon County lake associations and riparian owners to restore near shore habitat throughout the county and build more stakeholders.

Final deliverables 1) Reduce phosphorus to streams by 50-90% in the Fenwood Creek Watershed by installing practices on 15 new farms over 3 years, focus on riparian buffers in the Fenwood Creek watershed to have at least 25,000 linear feet of 35 foot buffer and all agricultural land to meet a phosphorous index (PI) of 2.5 2) inventory agricultural lands with and without buffers 3) Monitor for TP and TSS to track nutrients in the watershed, and in 5 other streams in the county 4) Work with Lake Wausau Association to form a Lake Wausau Watershed group, 4) Conduct education events with landowners in the Big Eau Pleine Watershed and the county.

Project activities include: 1) Sample lake and stream water quality, 2) provide technical assistance and education 3) develop relationships with property owners in the county and watersheds 4) Implement the Marathon CLWR management plan, Fenwood Creek 9 Key Elements plan, Lake Wausau Protection and Improvement Plan, and Big Eau Pleine Strategies for Reducing Fish Kills Plan.

Special Conditions: 1) Collaborate and share with DNR all monitoring data, 2) Collaborate with Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company to sample tribs and lake water quality for the BEP, 3) Work closely with EPPIC and BEPCO and other lake associations to improve shoreline stability4) Semi-annual meetings with DNR water quality staff and the Wisconsin River TMDL Coordinator for updates and data sharing.

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.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/15/2017
Waters Involved
Big Rib River
Status
Complete

Lake Wausau Assn., Inc.: Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant Study: Lake Wausau Association will complete an APM Plan update. This data collected will be part of a community based collaborative Lake Management Plan along with the Bathymetry Report, Habitat Report, Lake Capacity Report, Social Economic report and the Hydrodynamic modeling to be completed in 2017 by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Project activities and deliverables include: 1) Two point-intercept (PI) surveys will be completed to measure aquatic plant community changes since 2012. The purpose is to document cover of CLP (June) and all other plant species (August). Surveys will follow the standard DNR PI sampling methods. 2) The LWA APM committee will hold 2 meeting to learn about the current aquatic plant community and management strategies. Pertinent municipalities and Domtar representatives will be invited to the meetings. 3) A DNR approved aquatic plant management plan will be developed including hardcopy and electronic formats with GIS shapefiles of proposed harvesting areas.

Special conditions: The Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant report will be shared with stakeholder communities (City of Wausau, Schofield, Village of Rothschild, Town of Rib Mountain and Marathon County) and Lake Wausau Association at a biannual meeting. The plan will be available on the Lake Wausau Association website and results will be shared in quarterly newsletter and Facebook.



Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/15/2017
Waters Involved
Eau Claire Flowage
Status
Complete

Lake Wausau Assn., Inc.: Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant Study: Lake Wausau Association will complete an APM Plan update. This data collected will be part of a community based collaborative Lake Management Plan along with the Bathymetry Report, Habitat Report, Lake Capacity Report, Social Economic report and the Hydrodynamic modeling to be completed in 2017 by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Project activities and deliverables include: 1) Two point-intercept (PI) surveys will be completed to measure aquatic plant community changes since 2012. The purpose is to document cover of CLP (June) and all other plant species (August). Surveys will follow the standard DNR PI sampling methods. 2) The LWA APM committee will hold 2 meeting to learn about the current aquatic plant community and management strategies. Pertinent municipalities and Domtar representatives will be invited to the meetings. 3) A DNR approved aquatic plant management plan will be developed including hardcopy and electronic formats with GIS shapefiles of proposed harvesting areas.

Special conditions: The Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant report will be shared with stakeholder communities (City of Wausau, Schofield, Village of Rothschild, Town of Rib Mountain and Marathon County) and Lake Wausau Association at a biannual meeting. The plan will be available on the Lake Wausau Association website and results will be shared in quarterly newsletter and Facebook.



Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/15/2017
Waters Involved
Eau Claire River
Status
Complete

Lake Wausau Assn., Inc.: Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant Study: Lake Wausau Association will complete an APM Plan update. This data collected will be part of a community based collaborative Lake Management Plan along with the Bathymetry Report, Habitat Report, Lake Capacity Report, Social Economic report and the Hydrodynamic modeling to be completed in 2017 by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Project activities and deliverables include: 1) Two point-intercept (PI) surveys will be completed to measure aquatic plant community changes since 2012. The purpose is to document cover of CLP (June) and all other plant species (August). Surveys will follow the standard DNR PI sampling methods. 2) The LWA APM committee will hold 2 meeting to learn about the current aquatic plant community and management strategies. Pertinent municipalities and Domtar representatives will be invited to the meetings. 3) A DNR approved aquatic plant management plan will be developed including hardcopy and electronic formats with GIS shapefiles of proposed harvesting areas.

Special conditions: The Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant report will be shared with stakeholder communities (City of Wausau, Schofield, Village of Rothschild, Town of Rib Mountain and Marathon County) and Lake Wausau Association at a biannual meeting. The plan will be available on the Lake Wausau Association website and results will be shared in quarterly newsletter and Facebook.



Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/2012
Waters Involved
Lake Wausau
Status
Complete

Lake Wausau Assn., Inc.: Wausau Mgmt. Plan 1: The Lake Wausau Association proposes to contract with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to initiate studies toward development of a comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Lake Wausau in Marathon County. Phase 1 tasks to include: 1) Hydrodynamic Modeling, 2) Dye Tracer Studies, 3) Aquatic Macrophyte Survey and Aquatic Plant Management Plan, 4) Bathymetry and In-Lake Habitat assessment.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/2012
Waters Involved
Lake Wausau
Status
Complete

Lake Wausau Assn., Inc.: Wausau Management Plan 2: The Lake Wausau Association proposes to continue its contract with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to initiate studies toward development of a comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Lake Wausau in Marathon County. Phase 2 tasks to include: 1) Hydrodynamic Modeling, 2) Dye Tracer Studies, 3) Socio-economic study, and 4) Project management and coordination.

Scope amendment: Add lake management plan development to the project


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/2013
Waters Involved
Lake Wausau
Status
Complete

Lake Wausau Assn., Inc.: Wausau Mgmt. Plan 3: The Lake Wausau Association proposes to complete tasks Phase 3, Tasks 1, 5, and 7 of its comprehensive lake management planning effort on Lake Wausau in Marathon County. Major project elements to include: 1) Hydrodynamic modeling, 2) Shoreland habitat survey, and 3) Development of Lake Management Plan.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/15/2017
Waters Involved
Lake Wausau
Status
Complete

Lake Wausau Assn., Inc.: Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant Study: Lake Wausau Association will complete an APM Plan update. This data collected will be part of a community based collaborative Lake Management Plan along with the Bathymetry Report, Habitat Report, Lake Capacity Report, Social Economic report and the Hydrodynamic modeling to be completed in 2017 by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Project activities and deliverables include: 1) Two point-intercept (PI) surveys will be completed to measure aquatic plant community changes since 2012. The purpose is to document cover of CLP (June) and all other plant species (August). Surveys will follow the standard DNR PI sampling methods. 2) The LWA APM committee will hold 2 meeting to learn about the current aquatic plant community and management strategies. Pertinent municipalities and Domtar representatives will be invited to the meetings. 3) A DNR approved aquatic plant management plan will be developed including hardcopy and electronic formats with GIS shapefiles of proposed harvesting areas.

Special conditions: The Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant report will be shared with stakeholder communities (City of Wausau, Schofield, Village of Rothschild, Town of Rib Mountain and Marathon County) and Lake Wausau Association at a biannual meeting. The plan will be available on the Lake Wausau Association website and results will be shared in quarterly newsletter and Facebook.



Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/15/2017
Waters Involved
Little Rib River
Status
Complete

Lake Wausau Assn., Inc.: Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant Study: Lake Wausau Association will complete an APM Plan update. This data collected will be part of a community based collaborative Lake Management Plan along with the Bathymetry Report, Habitat Report, Lake Capacity Report, Social Economic report and the Hydrodynamic modeling to be completed in 2017 by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Project activities and deliverables include: 1) Two point-intercept (PI) surveys will be completed to measure aquatic plant community changes since 2012. The purpose is to document cover of CLP (June) and all other plant species (August). Surveys will follow the standard DNR PI sampling methods. 2) The LWA APM committee will hold 2 meeting to learn about the current aquatic plant community and management strategies. Pertinent municipalities and Domtar representatives will be invited to the meetings. 3) A DNR approved aquatic plant management plan will be developed including hardcopy and electronic formats with GIS shapefiles of proposed harvesting areas.

Special conditions: The Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant report will be shared with stakeholder communities (City of Wausau, Schofield, Village of Rothschild, Town of Rib Mountain and Marathon County) and Lake Wausau Association at a biannual meeting. The plan will be available on the Lake Wausau Association website and results will be shared in quarterly newsletter and Facebook.



Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/15/2017
Waters Involved
Wausau Dam Lake
Status
Complete

Lake Wausau Assn., Inc.: Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant Study: Lake Wausau Association will complete an APM Plan update. This data collected will be part of a community based collaborative Lake Management Plan along with the Bathymetry Report, Habitat Report, Lake Capacity Report, Social Economic report and the Hydrodynamic modeling to be completed in 2017 by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Project activities and deliverables include: 1) Two point-intercept (PI) surveys will be completed to measure aquatic plant community changes since 2012. The purpose is to document cover of CLP (June) and all other plant species (August). Surveys will follow the standard DNR PI sampling methods. 2) The LWA APM committee will hold 2 meeting to learn about the current aquatic plant community and management strategies. Pertinent municipalities and Domtar representatives will be invited to the meetings. 3) A DNR approved aquatic plant management plan will be developed including hardcopy and electronic formats with GIS shapefiles of proposed harvesting areas.

Special conditions: The Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant report will be shared with stakeholder communities (City of Wausau, Schofield, Village of Rothschild, Town of Rib Mountain and Marathon County) and Lake Wausau Association at a biannual meeting. The plan will be available on the Lake Wausau Association website and results will be shared in quarterly newsletter and Facebook.



Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/2013
Waters Involved
Wisconsin River
Status
Complete

Lake Wausau Assn., Inc.: Wausau Mgmt. Plan 3: The Lake Wausau Association proposes to complete tasks Phase 3, Tasks 1, 5, and 7 of its comprehensive lake management planning effort on Lake Wausau in Marathon County. Major project elements to include: 1) Hydrodynamic modeling, 2) Shoreland habitat survey, and 3) Development of Lake Management Plan.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/15/2017
Waters Involved
Wisconsin River
Status
Complete

Lake Wausau Assn., Inc.: Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant Study: Lake Wausau Association will complete an APM Plan update. This data collected will be part of a community based collaborative Lake Management Plan along with the Bathymetry Report, Habitat Report, Lake Capacity Report, Social Economic report and the Hydrodynamic modeling to be completed in 2017 by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Project activities and deliverables include: 1) Two point-intercept (PI) surveys will be completed to measure aquatic plant community changes since 2012. The purpose is to document cover of CLP (June) and all other plant species (August). Surveys will follow the standard DNR PI sampling methods. 2) The LWA APM committee will hold 2 meeting to learn about the current aquatic plant community and management strategies. Pertinent municipalities and Domtar representatives will be invited to the meetings. 3) A DNR approved aquatic plant management plan will be developed including hardcopy and electronic formats with GIS shapefiles of proposed harvesting areas.

Special conditions: The Lake Wausau Aquatic Plant report will be shared with stakeholder communities (City of Wausau, Schofield, Village of Rothschild, Town of Rib Mountain and Marathon County) and Lake Wausau Association at a biannual meeting. The plan will be available on the Lake Wausau Association website and results will be shared in quarterly newsletter and Facebook.



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 Rib River Watershed
Watershed Recommendations
Best Management Practices, Implement
Rothschild - Stormwater Management Plan Update
Date
Status
This project is an installation of nonpoint source best management practices to contribute to the restoration of Wisconsin's waters and was funded by the 319 grant. Storm water planning activities will be undertaken by the municipality and will result in the following products: updated construction erosion control ordinance; updated storm water ordinance for new development and re-development; other updated ordinances that affect runoff from the developed urban area; updated storm water management plan for the entire developed urban area; and an updated storm water management plan for new development.
1/1/2018
In Progress
Projects
 
Best Management Practices, Implement
Fenwood Creek Watershed Project
Date
Status
This project is an 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: agricultural nonpoint sources of pollution through the installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) addressing sediment and nutrient loading and to address violations of the NR 151 Agricultural Performance Standards and Prohibitions relating to: sheet, rill, and wind erosion; tillage setback; manure storage facilities-new/significant alterations; manure storage facilities-closure; manure storage facilities-existing failing/leaking; process wastewater handling; clean water diversions; nutrient management; prevention of overflow from manure storage facilities; prevention of direct runoff from a feedlot or stored manure into waters of the state; prevention of unlimited livestock access to waters of the state; and remedy discharges of manure, sediment and phosphorus in runoff.
1/1/2016
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
Best Management Practices, Implement
Marathon County Barnyard Runoff Control Project
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, critical area stabilization, diversions, heavy use area protection, roofing, roof runoff systems, and underground outlets.
1/1/2016
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
Monitor Aquatic Biology
Monitor biology on WBIC: 1454400
Date
Status
Conduct biological (mIBI or fIBI) monitoring on Unnamed, WBIC: 1454400, AU:12458
5/21/2016
Proposed
Projects
 
Monitor Fish Tissue
Big Rib RiConfirm FCA
Date
Status
Confirm FCA 1451800 name Big Rib River TMDL ID 44 Start Mile 0 End Mile 13.52
11/21/2011
Proposed
 
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Eau Pleine Flowage Priority Restoration Followup Monitoring
Date
Status
Monitoring - the Department started a multi-year water quality study in 2009 to develop a TMDL for the river and flowage. Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is a 6348 acre lake located in Marathon County.
1/1/2013
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
Monitor or Propose 303(d) Listing
Big Eau Pleine TMDL
Date
Status
The Big Eau Pleine Flowage is listed on the Federal 303 (d) list for violations of the state dissolved oxygen and pH water quality standards. The Big Eau Pleine River is also on the list for dissolved oxygen levels below the water quality standard. Both listings are a result of excessive nutrient loading, primarily phosphorus, to the river and flowage.
1/1/2013
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
Train Volunteers to Monitor Loosestrife Biocontrol Success
 
Date
Status
4/5/2012
Proposed
Projects
 
Train Volunteers to Monitor Wetlands for Invasive Species
 
Date
Status
4/5/2012
Proposed
Projects
 
Train Volunteers to Raise Loosestrife Beetles
 
Date
Status
4/5/2012
Proposed
Projects
 
Water Quality Modeling
City-Wide Water Quality Model Update and BMP Feasibility
Date
Status
This project is an 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: water quality model, BMP feasibility analysis.
1/1/2015
In Progress
Projects
 
Lower Rib River WatershedWatershed History Note