Watershed - Muddy and Elk Creeks (LC13)
Muddy and Elk Creeks Watershed

Details

Many protected areas exist in this watershed, including the Elk Creek State Fishery Area, the Muddy Creek State Wildlife Area, the Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area in the northwest of the watershed, and the Dunnville State Wildlife Area on the north side of the Chippewa River in the extreme southwest of the watershed. Varying topography ranges from wetlands to hills. Agricultural land use is abundant in the more level regions. Though the total area of wetland has decreased by one half since pre-settlement times, the Muddy and Elk Creeks watershed contains several expanses of wetland.

Date  1996

Ecological Landscapes for Muddy and Elk Creeks Watershed

Ecological Landscapes

The Western Coulee and Ridges Ecological Landscape in southwestern and west central Wisconsin 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

Watershed Documents
Watershed Grants
Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Control
Date
10/1/2005
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half-Moon Alum Research: The City of Eau Claire proposes to contract with the Army Corps of Engineers to identify the optimal application strategy for an Alum treatment and to study the effectiveness of Lime applications in controlling aquatic weed growth in Half-Moon Lake in Eau Claire County. Major project elements to include: 1) Sediment core collection, 2) Core analysis and experimentation, 3) Test plot applications, 4) Water quality and aquatic plant sampling and analysis. 5) Recommendations and final report.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Control
Date
10/1/2008
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half-Moon Clp, Milfoil Research: The City of Eau Claire proposes to contract with the Army Corps of Engineers to initiate a multi-year program of Endothall and 2, 4, D treatments and possible Alum Treatments with the objective of reducing internal Phosphorous loading and controlling Curly Leaf Pondweed and Eurasian Watermilfoil infestations in Half-Moon Lake in Eau Claire County. Major project elements to include: 1) Water quality monitoring, 2) seasonal treatments and plant impact assessments, 3) sediment and water quality sampling, and 4) development of long-term control strategy.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Control
Date
10/1/2011
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half Moon Lake Clp Treat, Assess: The City of Eau Claire proposes to apply herbacides in whole lake treatments to control Curly Leaf Pondweed in Half Moon Lake, Eau Claire County, in 2012 and 2013. Other project elements to include: 1) aquatic plant sampling and monitoring, 2) water quality sampling and monitoring, and 3) final report.

Additional Special Condition: The attached Special Conditions are requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding being used to provide a portion of the State cost share for this project.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Control
Date
10/1/2013
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half Moon Endothol 2: The City of Eau Claire proposes to conduct a second, whole-lake application of the herbacide Endothall, in the form of Aquathol K, to Half Moon Lake in Eau Claire County to control Curly Leaf Pondweed. Major project elements to include: a) chemical treatment, b) pre- and post-treatment plant surveys, c) pre- and post-treatment water quality monitoring, d) re-evaluation of phosphorus inputs from storm sewers, and e) final report.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Control
Date
4/15/2015
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half Moon Endothol 3: The City of Eau Claire proposes to reduce Curly Leaf Pondweed biomass and continue studies to achieve in-lake phosphorus standards and restore a healthy native plant community to Half-Moon Lake in Eau Claire County. Major project elements to include: a) whole lake endothal treatments, b) monitoring c) permit costs, d) final report.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Control
Date
4/23/2020
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: City Of Eau Claire: Purpose: Project aims to control curly-leaf pondweed, monitor submersed macrophyte biomass, and monitor success of alum treatments at controlling phosphorus release from sediments.
Activities: 1. application of endothall 2. monitorCLP turion frequency in April (before treatment), June (peak biomass period) and August (new germination). 3. Monitor and quantify native submersed macrophyte biomass response in June and August 4. Examine sediment samples for determining effectiveness of alum treatmens at sequestering iron-bound phosphorus to reduce internal phosphorus loading. 5. Monitor water quality parameters for determining effectiveness of alum treatments at maintaining water clarity.
Deliverables: all data collected, all outreach and event materials, agendas and minutes from meetings. Specifically: yearly update to interim report "Limnological Analysis of Half Moon Lake" . Special Conditions: WDNR Lakes Management Coordinator will be provided with an electronic (pdf or word) copy of all data and maps from the project. This scope summarizes the projet 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 DNR in a fromat specified by the regional Lakes Coordinator.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Control
Date
3/15/2022
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half Moon Lake: This project aims to control curly-leaf pondweed, monitor submersed macrophyte biomass, and monitor success of alum treatments at controlling phosphorus release from sediments.

Specific project activities include:
\2022 Application of Endothall
\2022 Monitor CLP turion frequency in April (prior to treatment), June (peak biomass period), and August (new germination)
\2022 Monitor and quantify native submersed macrophyte biomass response in June and August
\2022 Examine sediment samples for determining effectiveness of alum treatments at sequestering iron-bound phosphorus to reduce internal phosphorus loading
\2022 Monitor water quality parameters for determining effectiveness of alum treatments at maintaining water clarity.

Project final deliverables include: Project deliverables: All data collected, all outreach and event materials, agendas and minutes from meetings. Specifically:

\2022 Yearly update to interim report \201CLimnological Analysis of Half Moon Lake\201D


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
Aquatic Invasives Education
Date
2/15/2015
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Friends Of Beaver Creek Reserve, Inc.: Lower Chip. Ais Coord.: The Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve proposes to fund positons to coordinate AIS control outreach, training, monitoring and rapid response efforts in the Lower Chippewa River. Major project elements to include: 1) Volunteer training and coordination, 2) AIS monitoring, mapping, and SWIMS data entry 3) Development of AIS control plan, 3) Outreach and events.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Education
Date
2/15/2015
Waters Involved
Dells Pond
Status
Complete

Friends Of Beaver Creek Reserve, Inc.: Lower Chip. Ais Coord.: The Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve proposes to fund positons to coordinate AIS control outreach, training, monitoring and rapid response efforts in the Lower Chippewa River. Major project elements to include: 1) Volunteer training and coordination, 2) AIS monitoring, mapping, and SWIMS data entry 3) Development of AIS control plan, 3) Outreach and events.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Education
Date
4/1/2006
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

Eau Claire Area School District: Half-Moon Curly Leaf Monitoring: The Eau Claire School District, in cooperation with the City of Eau Claire, and utilizing the talents of DeLong Middle School students, proposes to establish baseline densities for Curly Leaf Pond Weed in Half-Moon Lake, in Eau Claire County, and to monitor the effectiveness of city harvesting efforts. Major project elements to include: 1) GPS aided video sampling, 2) Data analysis, 3) reports and information sharing.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2008
Waters Involved
Axhandle Lake
Status
Complete

West Wisconsin Land Trust: Acq-Axe Handle Easement: WWLT is seeking $200,000 in Lake Protection Grant funding to contribute to the cost of a conservation easement designed to protect a 48.55-acre parcel on Axe Handle Lake from development into rural residential housing (up to 31 lots possible under current Chippewa Co. shoreland zoning). The easement would permanently restrict future development to no more than two residential lots, require that all stormwater from development be infiltrated prior to reaching the lake, and require maintenance of a 100-foot forested vegetative buffer to protect the lake's water quality and natural scenic beauty. The owners of the property have offered to donate the remaining value of the easement (est. $575,000). No public access is provided via the easement other than one educational tour per year. Hunting allowed by owners permission.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
5/15/1995
Waters Involved
Bass Lakes
Status
Complete

Chippewa County: Acq-Bass Lakes/Tram Lake Acquisition-Galgano Property: Chippewa County will acquire 220 acres with frontage on Bass Lakes #1 and #2 and Tram Lake to protect the lake from residential development.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2006
Waters Involved
Cedar Creek
Status
Complete

West Wisconsin Land Trust: Acq-Long Lake (Mills) Easement: West Wisconsin Land Trust proposes to purchase a conservation easement on a 15 acre parcel with approximately 4,000 ft. of shoreline on Long Lake in Chippewa County. Easement reduces the number of developable lots from eight to two and requires maintenance of a 100 ft. natural and forested vegetative buffer aling the shoreline.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2010
Waters Involved
Eau Claire Lake
Status
Complete

Eau Claire County: Lco-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.: Eau Claire 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
9/1/2012
Waters Involved
Eau Claire Lake
Status
Complete

Lake Eau Claire Association, Inc.: Lmi-Lake Eau Claire Implement.: The Lake Eau Claire Association proposes to implement practices called for in the lake management plan developed for Lake Eau Claire in Eau Claire County. Major project elements to include: a) establishment of sediment traps, b) installation of aerator, c) re-establishment of habitat including course woody debris d) water quality sampling and analysis.


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

Eau Claire County: Lco-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.: Eau Claire 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
3/15/2021
Waters Involved
Elk Creek
Status
Complete

Elk Creek Lake R & P District: Elk Creek Lake Prd-Elk Creek Lake Riprap Lined Waterway: Elk Creek Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District (ECLP&RD), proposes a grading project from 990th Street to 1000th street across from the Elk Creek Lake Central Park Beach area to prevent sediment from washing into the lake negatively affecting public access and wildlife habitat. The project involves site prep of clearing and stripping topsoil, channel and bank sloping and installing rip rap and erosion matting to hold the hillside and decrease the sediment flowing into the lake.

Project final deliverables include: A final report including final engineering plan, photos before, during and after the project, and analysis of the success of the project after spring thaw in 2022

Specific project activities include: Site preparation, stabilize grade, erosion control, site maintenance, project evaluation.


Special Conditions: The grantee shall enter into a cost-share agreement with all landowners and record the cot-share agreement at the register of deeds office in the county where the property is located. The recorded agreement must contain a 20-year operation and maintenance plan.

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.


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
3/15/2021
Waters Involved
Elk Creek Lake*
Status
Complete

Elk Creek Lake R & P District: Elk Creek Lake Prd-Elk Creek Lake Riprap Lined Waterway: Elk Creek Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District (ECLP&RD), proposes a grading project from 990th Street to 1000th street across from the Elk Creek Lake Central Park Beach area to prevent sediment from washing into the lake negatively affecting public access and wildlife habitat. The project involves site prep of clearing and stripping topsoil, channel and bank sloping and installing rip rap and erosion matting to hold the hillside and decrease the sediment flowing into the lake.

Project final deliverables include: A final report including final engineering plan, photos before, during and after the project, and analysis of the success of the project after spring thaw in 2022

Specific project activities include: Site preparation, stabilize grade, erosion control, site maintenance, project evaluation.


Special Conditions: The grantee shall enter into a cost-share agreement with all landowners and record the cot-share agreement at the register of deeds office in the county where the property is located. The recorded agreement must contain a 20-year operation and maintenance plan.

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.


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
1/25/1995
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Acq-Half Moon Lake Land Acquisition-Layton, Thompson Parcels: The City of Eau Claire will acquire two city lots and will be used for lake protection purposes. The land will contain an undisturbed vegetative buffer of at least 30 foot along the lakeshore. Mowed blue grass to the water's edge isn't permitted. A trail will be developed for pedestrians and bicycles to connect to the existing trail system within Carson Park. Eligible costs include acquisition of the parcel, appraisal fee and preparation of an environmental assessment.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
6/1/1995
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Lmi-Half Moon Lake School Lakeshore Drainage Improvement: The City of Eau Claire proposes to design detention ponds that will hold storm drainage from the roof of the school and hard surfaces around the school for lake protection.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2010
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Lmi-Half-Moon Alum: The City of Eau Claire proposes to apply aluminum sulfate-sodium aluminate to the sediments of Half-Moon Lake in Eau Claire County to reduce phosphorus inputs from this source. Major project elements to include: 1) Alum treatment, and 2) Limnilogical monitoring.


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

City Of Eau Claire: Lmi-Alum Treatment Half Moon Lake: The City of Eau Claire is sponsoring a Lake Management Planning Implementation project aimed to control internal sediment phosphorus loading in Halfmoon Lake by applying alum. The lake received an initial AL treatment in 2011 and was effective at maintaining TP WQ goals for three years, however after five years the effects have diminished. The initial alum treatment dosage was adequate however the floc did not sink into the upper sediment due to higher bulk density characteristics allowing upward P diffusion and decreasing binding efficiency of phosphorus. The second treatment is needed to bind available TP limiting the amount available to algae uptake. The City continues to address other sources of TP including stormwater management, rain gardens etc.

Project activities include: Apply a buffered AL dose to the western arm of Half Moon Lake that is encompassed by the 10 foot contour in late May or early June 2017. Dosage is based on sequestering the annual sediment P flux rate of 0.4g/m2 for 2 to 3 years and factors in an Al binding efficiency of 60% (James 2016 and 2017).

Project deliverables: The outcome of AL treatment to the western arm will be control of internal P loading and reduction of cyanobaceterial biomanss and chlorophyll to target levels. Limnological monitoring will be conducted to verify outcomes.

Special conditions:
1. The Half moon lake Team consisting of DNR, UW Stout, City of EC and Friends of Halfmoon Lake meet quarterly to assess current lake management actions. There continues to be open and ongoing communication with the group to inform residents on current lake conditions and management decisions.
2. All necessary permits must be issued prior to the project being implemented.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
4/25/2017
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Lmi-Alum Treatment Half Moon Lake: The City of Eau Claire is sponsoring a Lake Management Planning Implementation project aimed to control internal sediment phosphorus loading in Halfmoon Lake by applying alum. The lake received an initial AL treatment in 2011 and was effective at maintaining TP WQ goals for three years, however after five years the effects have diminished. The initial alum treatment dosage was adequate however the floc did not sink into the upper sediment due to higher bulk density characteristics allowing upward P diffusion and decreasing binding efficiency of phosphorus. The second treatment is needed to bind available TP limiting the amount available to algae uptake. The City continues to address other sources of TP including stormwater management, rain gardens etc.

Project activities include: Apply a buffered AL dose to the western arm of Half Moon Lake that is encompassed by the 10 foot contour in late May or early June 2017. Dosage is based on sequestering the annual sediment P flux rate of 0.4g/m2 for 2 to 3 years and factors in an Al binding efficiency of 60% (James 2016 and 2017).

Project deliverables: The outcome of AL treatment to the western arm will be control of internal P loading and reduction of cyanobaceterial biomanss and chlorophyll to target levels. Limnological monitoring will be conducted to verify outcomes.

Special conditions:
1. The Half moon lake Team consisting of DNR, UW Stout, City of EC and Friends of Halfmoon Lake meet quarterly to assess current lake management actions. There continues to be open and ongoing communication with the group to inform residents on current lake conditions and management decisions.
2. All necessary permits must be issued prior to the project being implemented.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
4/15/2019
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Lmi Alum Treatment Half Moon Lake: Sponsor: City of Eau Claire community Services Dept.
Project: Alum Treatment on Half Moon Lake
Purpose: City of Eau Claire Community Servics Department is sponsoring a Lake Management Plan Implementation project to apply an alum treatment to Half Moon Lake
Project activities include: Alum Treatment
Project deliverables: final report of treatment including evaluation component
Special Conditions: WDNR Lakes Management Coordinator will be provided with an electronic (pdf or word) copy of datafrom the project


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2021
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: City Of Eau Claire-Alum Treatment Half Moon 2021: Project Scope and Description of Deliverables (CAOS-2000 Character Limit)

The objective of this project is to reduce internal phosphorus loading from sediment in Half Moon Lake using buffered aluminum sulfate application in 2021 and 2022. The desired outcomes are to improve aquatic habitat for fish an increase public access and use by reducing harmful, potential toxin producing, cyanobacteria growth and promoting native aquatic plant re-establishment.

Project final deliverables include: An update to the Half Moon Lake Limnological Interim Report to include current limnological data

Specific project activities include: Alum application, limnological monitoring

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
3/15/2024
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Lmi - Alum Treatment Of Half Moon Bay: The City of Eau Claire is sponsoring an alum treatment project for Half Moon Lake to reduce phosphorus loading from in-lake sediments, thereby reducing algal blooms, and allowing for restoration of the lake's native aquatic plant community.

Activities: Alum treatment in Half Moon Lake

Deliverables: A final report documenting the alum treatment that includes monitoring and dosage data for all days.

Conditions: Alum treatment shall follow conditions in DNR wastewater permit.

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
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2010
Waters Involved
Hay River
Status
Complete

Dunn County: Lco-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.: Dunn 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
9/1/2001
Waters Involved
Herde Lake
Status
Complete

Lower Long Lake Foundation, Inc.: Acq-Playter Parcel Purchase: The Lower Long Lake Foundation, Inc. has purchased the 59-acre Playter property on the northeastern shore of Long Lake in Chippewa County. Project involved bargain sale and up-front funding from Chippewa County's Stewardship fund -- funding that will be reimbursed with $50K of the grant award. The property includes 700 ft. of shoreline, and will be maintained for resource protection, lakeshore preservation, environmental education and scientific study.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/1999
Waters Involved
Lake Hallie, Lake Hallie 2
Status
Complete

Town Of Hallie: Acq-Town Of Hallie Acquistion On Lake Hallie: The Town of Hallie proposes to purchase approximately 22 acres of land on the north end of Lake Hallie. The parcel is currently owned by American Materials Corporation, and is threatened with development. The parcel is an environmentally sensitive area, a major feature of the land is a wetland spring area. This area is a major cold-water source for the lake and provides a unique riparian buffer for several hundred feet of shoreline. The area also provides an extensive area of riparian wildlife habitat.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2006
Waters Involved
Larrabee Lake
Status
Complete

West Wisconsin Land Trust: Acq-Larrabee (Munger) Easement: West Wisconsin Land Trust requests $200,000 to purchase a conservation easement on a 24-acre parcel owned by the Munger family on Larrabee Lake in Chippewa County.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2001
Waters Involved
Long Lake
Status
Complete

Lower Long Lake Foundation, Inc.: Acq-Playter Parcel Purchase: The Lower Long Lake Foundation, Inc. has purchased the 59-acre Playter property on the northeastern shore of Long Lake in Chippewa County. Project involved bargain sale and up-front funding from Chippewa County's Stewardship fund -- funding that will be reimbursed with $50K of the grant award. The property includes 700 ft. of shoreline, and will be maintained for resource protection, lakeshore preservation, environmental education and scientific study.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2010
Waters Involved
Red Cedar River
Status
Complete

Dunn County: Lco-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.: Dunn 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
9/1/2010
Waters Involved
Sinking Creek
Status
Complete

Dunn County: Lco-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.: Dunn 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
9/1/2010
Waters Involved
Tainter Lake
Status
Complete

Dunn County: Lco-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.: Dunn 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
9/1/2004
Waters Involved
Taylor Lake
Status
Complete

West Wisconsin Land Trust: Acq-Taylor-Snake Easement: West Wisconsin Land Trust seeks funding toward the purchase of a conservation easement on two parcels with frontage on Herde Lake: One (126 acres) sharing frontage on Taylor Lake, and another (155 acres) with frontage on Snake and several unnamed, wild lakes.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2008
Waters Involved
Triple Lakes
Status
Complete

West Wisconsin Land Trust: Acq-Herde Iii, Triple Lakes Easements: WWLT is seeking $200,000 in Lake Protection funding to contribute to the cost of two conservation easements: one secured on a 30-acre parcel on Herde Lake, and the other on a 740-acre parcel that includes frontage on, or entirely encompasses, 14 lakes including the Triple Lakes, and Henneman, Logger, Chick, Calkins North and Taylor lakes in Chippewa County. The Herde Lake easement allows no development on the property (which had been subdivided to accommodate 11 condominium lots) and requires maintenance of a 100 ft. forested vegetative shoreline buffer strip to protect the lake's water quality and natural scenic beauty. The Triple Lakes easement extinguishes a condominium plat approval allowing for development of up to 181 lakefront lots allowing, instead, development of 13 residential lots and requiring maintenance of 75' (min.) vegetative buffer strips on all lake shorelines.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2010
Waters Involved
Unnamed
Status
Complete

Chippewa County: Lco-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.: Chippewa 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
9/1/2010
Waters Involved
Unnamed
Status
Complete

Eau Claire County: Lco-Shoreland Ordinance Rev.: Eau Claire 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
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
2/15/2017
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Eau Claire County: In-Channel Sediment Load Inventory And Assessment: Purpose: Eau Claire County is sponsoring a Lake Management Planning project to conduct a sediment source inventory for the Eau Claire River system.

Project activities include: establish replicable survey transects at sediment traps, document and prioritize active erosion sites, establish and document phosphorus and sediment transport with the Eau Claire River system

Project deliverables: documentation of: remaining sediment capacity in existing sediment traps, recession rates on bank erosion sites, critical/active erosion sites for future projects, real-time flow data in the Eau Claire River, loading calculations for delivery of phosphorus and suspended solids, sediment trap retention volume calculations, community presentations.

Special conditions: WDNR Lakes Management Coordinator will be provided with an electronic (pdf or word) copy of all data and maps from the project.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
12/23/1991
Waters Involved
Elk Creek Lake*
Status
Complete

Elk Creek Lake R & P District: Elk Creek Lake Dam Operational Manual: 1) Develop an operational and maintenance procedures manual for the Elk Creek Lake dam.2) Disseminate information to the public by public meeting.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/29/1992
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half Moon Lake Water Quality Study: Verify thermal structure of Half Moon Lake. Evaluate water chemistry, lake trophic status, algae and zooplankton populations. Evaluate resuspension of nutrients and sediments by power boats to assess contributions of phosphorous to internal phosphorousload.Information will be distributed to the public by public meetings and local newspaper articles. Project results will be reposited at: None listed.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/23/1996
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half Moon Lake Water Quality Monitoring And Education: The City of Eau Claire proposes to work with the Eau Claire School District to collect water quality data on Half Moon Lake. Project activities also include educational activities that will increase both the school district's and community's awareness about the lake and the need for lake management planning. The Department of Natural Resources will be provided with a paper copy and an electronic copy of a final report detailing the results of the project activities. Information about the project results will be disseminated to the public by public meeting, local newspaper article, and a presentation at the Wisconsin Lakes Conference.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/1999
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half Moon Lake Assessment - Task One: The City of Eau Claire proposes to examine the water quality and nutrient budget of Half Moon Lake. Task One project activities include: 1) storm sewer gaging, 2) stormwater sampling, 3) lake outflow gaging, 4) outflow sampling, and 5) construction of hydrologic and nutrient loading budgets. The Department of Natural Resources will be provided with both a paper copy and an electronic copy of the final report. The project results will be made available to the public through radio, television and newspaper articles, through public meetings, through presentations to community groups, and through a special mailing of the final report.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/1999
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half Moon Lake Assessment - Task Two: The City of Eau Claire proposes to examine the water quality conditions and nutrient budget for Half Moon Lake. Task Two activities include: 1) sampling and analysis of water from various lake depths, 2) sediment sample collection and incubation, and 3) calculation of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) release rates. The Department of Natural Resources will be provided with both paper and electronic copies of the final report. Project results will be shared with the public through presentations to community groups.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/1999
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half Moon Lake Assessment - Task 5, Eau Claire: The City of Eau Claire proposes to continue its study of internal and external nutrient loading in Half Moon Lake. Task five associated with this effort includes completion of "bathtub" modeling and reporting, with results and data interpretation be to submitted in a completed form by September 30, 2000. The Department of Natural Resources will be provided both paper and electronic copies of the final report. The project results will be disseminated to the public through mailings, meetings, newspaper, radio, television and the completion and dissemination of a comprehensive lake management plan.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/1999
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half Moon Lake Assessment, Tasks 3 And 4, Eau Claire: The City of Eau Claire proposes to continue its study of internal and external nutrient loading in Half Moon Lake. Phase Three and Four activities include "bathtub" modeling and reporting to determine the role macrophytes play in phosporus recycling, and the role Ski Sprites waterski activities play in phosporus recycling and transport. The Department of Natural Resources will be provided both paper and electronic copies of the final report. The project results will be disseminated to the public through mailings, meetings, newspaper, radio, television and the completion and dissemination of a comprehensive lake management plan.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/2005
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half-Moon Map-Core: The City of Eau Claire proposes to contract with the UW-Eau Claire departments of Geography and Anthropology to produce a bathymetric survey map, shoreline erosion map, and a map showing the variations organic sediment thickness on Half-Moon Lake in Eau Claire County. Major project elements to include: 1) analysis of existing bathymetric survey data, 2) production of 10,000 copies of lake survey map, 3) survey, classification and mapping of lakeshore erosion, 4) Ground Penetrating Radar and Vibracore surveys of sediment thickness, 5) development of sediment thickness map.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/2011
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Half Moon Alum Evaluation: The City of Eau Claire proposes to evaluate the effectivenes of the alum treatment conducted this year on Half Moon Lake in Eau Claire County. Major project elements to include: a) sediment core sampling, b) core sample analysis, and c) final report.

Additional Special Conditions: The attached Special Conditions are requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) being used to fund this grant award.


Grant Details
Small Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/2004
Waters Involved
Halfmoon Lake
Status
Complete

Half Moon Lake Education And Management: The City of Eau Claire, working with the Friends of Half Moon Lake, proposes to develop and distribute information promoting understanding of Half Moon Lakes history and ecology, and to promote partnerships and effective stewardship by lake users and other stakeholders. Specific objectives include: 1) historical signage and brochures, 2) enhancement of existing lake monitoring programs, 3) increased communication with watershed residents through mailings, informational meetings and special events.


Grant Details
River Planning Grant
Date
7/1/2011
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

City Of Eau Claire: Eau Claire Confluence: 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.


Grant Details
River Protection Grant
Date
4/1/2000
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

River County Rc&D Council, Inc: Lower Chippewa R. Basin Conservation Buffer Initiative: 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 activites and accomplishments

The Department of Natural Resources will be provided wil both a paper copy and an electronic copy of the final report.


Grant Details
River Protection Grant
Date
7/1/2001
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

River County Rc&D Council, Inc: Lower Chippewa R. Basin Conservation Buffer Initiative: 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 activites and accomplishments

The Department of Natural Resources will be provided wil both a paper copy and an electronic copy of the final report.


Grant Details
River Protection Grant
Date
7/1/2001
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

River County Rc&D Council, Inc: Lower Chippewa River Basin Buffers: 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.


Grant Details
River Protection Grant
Date
10/18/2000
Waters Involved
Elk Creek
Status
Complete

Dunn County: Elk Creek Streambank Stabilization: Elk Creek, a tributary to the Lower Chippewa River, in south eastern Dunn county, is classified as an Outstanding Water Resource by the WDNR. This stream supports a healthy brook and brown trout population and offers excellent angling opportunities. Elk Creek flows through a glacial lacustrine deposit overlain by sand and gravel outwash. This situation causes widespread slope instability and therefore natural streambank erosion. This project would stabilize one of the worst eroding sites on this portion of the stram and overhead bank covers would provide additional habitat for trout. Sediment delivery to Elk Creek Lake would be reduced.


Grant Details
River Protection Grant
Date
7/1/2007
Waters Involved
Elk Creek
Status
Complete

Trout Unlimited-Wi Clear Waters Chapter: Elk Creek Restore: Trout Unlimited, Ojibleau Chapter, in conjunction with the TU National, Xcel Energy and DNR Fisheries Management proposes to continue progress toward restoration of streambanks and trout habitat within Elk Creek in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) surveys and monitoring, 2) rock placement, 3) construction and placement of lunker structures, 4) replanting, 5) printing, postage and signs.


Grant Details
River Protection Grant
Date
7/1/2008
Waters Involved
Elk Creek
Status
Complete

Trout Unlimited-Wi Clear Waters Chapter: Elk Creek Restore '09: The Wisconsin Clear Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited (former Ojibleau Chapter) proposes to continue its work toward restoration of trout habitat on Elk Creek in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) streambank restoration, 2) installation of instream structure, 3) water monitoring, 4) information and education.


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
Muddy and Elk Creeks Watershed
Watershed Recommendations
Best Management Practices, Implement
Culver/Red Cedar TMDL Manure Storage 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 manure storage system, livestock fencing, roof runoff systems, and critical area stabilization.
1/1/2017
In Progress
Projects
 
Monitor Aquatic Biology
Monitor biology on WBIC: 3000542
Date
Status
Conduct biological (mIBI or fIBI) monitoring on Unnamed, WBIC: 3000542, AU:5733692
5/21/2016
Proposed
Projects
 
Monitor Fish Community
Sherman Creek fIBI
Date
Status
AU 16080, poor fIBI, Station 10010386
1/1/2018
Proposed
Projects
 
Monitor Fish Tissue
Confirm FCA: IW pre-2000 data
Date
Status
2050000 name Chippewa River TMDL ID 80 Start Mile 20.73 End Mile 37.58
11/21/2011
Proposed
 
Stormwater Planning, Implementation
Eau Claire County Rain to Rivers of Western Wisconsin (R2R)
Date
Status
This project promotes 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: Rain to Rivers program which brings together local and county governments to promote urban stormwater BMPs.
1/1/2015
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
TMDL Development
Halfmoon Lake TMDL
Date
Status
Half Moon Lake (Hydrologic Unit Code 070500006) is a small, shallow eutrophic lake that formed as an oxbow of the Chippewa River. The lake is geographically located within the City of Eau Claire and the Lower Chippewa River Basin. The lake is highly eutrophic and exhibits excessive algae and aquatic macrophyte growth (Borman, 1990; Brakke, 1995; Konkel and Borman, 1996; James et. al., 2001, 2002).
7/1/2006
In Progress
Documents
 
TMDL Implementation
Little Lake Wissota TMDL
Date
Status
Little Lake Wissota is a 400-acre eutrophic embayment of Lake Wissota, an impoundment of the Chippewa River near Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin (Hydrologic Unit Code 07050005, Wisconsin Waterbody Identification Code 2152800). The embayment has a maximum depth of 43 feet and a drainage area of approximately 67 square miles. Paint Creek is the primary source of surface water inflow to Little Lake Wissota. The Little Lake Wissota watershed is located in the North Central Hardwood Forest Ecoregion (Omernick and Gallant, 1988). This EPA Ecoregion is characterized by nearly level to rolling glacial till plains, significant agricultural land use and lakes with phosphorus concentrations greater than 50 ppb, indicative of eutrophic conditions. The lake was placed on the Wisconsin 303(d) impaired waters list in 1998 with a high priority ranking due to eutrophication and pH criteria exceedances. In addition, recreational uses are limited during the summer due to poor water quality from excess phosphorus (P) and sediment loading. Land cover in the watershed is primarily agricultural and forest. The goal of this TMDL is to reduce levels of phosphorus and sediment loading and decrease the extent and severity of summer algal blooms in Little Lake Wissota.
2/1/2007
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
TMDL Implementation
Halfmoon Lake (2125400) TMDL Implementation
Date
Status
Halfmoon Lake was originally listed on Wisconsin's 303(d) impaired waters list in 1998 for eutrophic conditions and sedimentation and listed as a high priority for TMDL development on the October 2002 303(d) list. Halfmoon Lake is 53 hectares (132 acres) in size with a maximum depth of about 3 meters (slightly over 9 feet). Implementation Plan is needed.
9/8/2004
In Progress
 
TMDL Implementation
Halfmoon Lake (2125400) TMDL Implementation
Date
Status
Halfmoon Lake (2125400) TMDL Implementation addressing eutrophic conditions and sedimentation. Implementation Plan is needed.
9/8/2004
In Progress
Projects
 
TMDL Monitoring
Half Moon Lake TMDL
Date
Status
Half Moon Lake (Hydrologic Unit Code 070500006) is a small, shallow eutrophic lake that formed as an oxbow of the Chippewa River. The lake is geographically located within the City of Eau Claire and the Lower Chippewa River Basin. The lake is highly eutrophic and exhibits excessive algae and aquatic macrophyte growth. Half Moon Lake was originally listed on Wisconsin?s 303(d) impaired waters list in 1998 for eutrophic conditions and sedimentation and listed as a high priority for TMDL development on the October 2002 303(d) list.
7/1/2006
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
Muddy and Elk Creeks WatershedWatershed History Note

Elk Mound Hill, one of the highest spots in Dunn County at 1,220 feet above sea level, towers over the town. Historians believe the Sioux and Chippewa Indians used it as a lookout. Today, a two-story lookout tower offers panoramic views of prairies and hills. The tower was built as a memorial to Dunn County's deceased rural mail carriers, and is believed to be the only such memorial in the nation. Earl Hansen and Leon Cartwright, owners of farms north of the hill, built the first dirt road up the hill sometime after 1924. The hill and park area was deeded to the Village and County by Louis and Marie Nelson in 1933. In 1934, rural letter carriers of Dunn County planted a tree on the top of the mound, and placed a plaque dedicated to the "deceased rural letter carriers of Dunn County." Soil taken from every carrier's route was placed around the tree. On June 8, 1937, the Dunn County Board voted to accept the park and three acres surrounding it as a county park. In 1937, the county, with Works Progress Administration aid, constructed an observation tower (the castle) about 25 feet in height. The stones came from the Downsville stone quarry, with additional stones and material from a dismantled livery stable in the Village. A dedication ceremony was held Friday, November 11, 1938 and a roll call of deceased Dunn County letter carriers was sealed in a granite marker.

Date  2010