Watershed - Lower Yellow (Chippewa Co.) River (LC19)
Lower Yellow (Chippewa Co.) River Watershed

Details

The Yellow River has been split into two watersheds, an upper and lower portion. The Lower Yellow River watershed includes the streams draining to the Yellow River from Lake Wissota to Hay Creek, just west of the Chippewa/Taylor County border. Agriculture is the major land use in this watershed. There are some expansive wetland complexes. A study was completed in 1996 which quantified the impacts of the Yellow River watershed on Lake Wissota. Streams that were monitored for this study include: Stillson Creek, Lotz Creek, Little Drywood Creek, Big Drywood Creek, Paint Creek, South Fork Paint Creek, Pike Creek, Otter Creek and the Yellow River. The final report will be a site-specific water quality management plan for Lake Wissota and the Lower Yellow River watershed. The final report and recommendations should be considered as part of the overall water quality management plan for the Lower Chippewa River basin.

Date  1996

Ecological Landscapes for Lower Yellow (Chippewa Co.) River Watershed

Ecological Landscapes

The Lower Yellow (Chippewa Co.) River Watershed is located in three ecological landscapes: the Western Coulee and Ridges, the Forest Transition and the North Central Forest. 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. The Forest Transition Ecological Landscape 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. The North Central Forest Ecological Landscape occupies much of the northern third of Wisconsin. Its landforms are characterized by end and ground moraines with some pitted outwash and bedrock controlled areas. Kettle depressions and steep ridges are found in the northern portion. Two prominent areas in this Ecological Landscape are the Penokee-Gogebic Iron Range in the north extending into Michigan, and Timm's Hill, the highest point in Wisconsin (1,951 feet) in the south. Soils consist of sandy loam, sand, and silts. The vegetation is mainly forest, with many wetlands and some agriculture, though the growing season is not as favorable as it is in southern Wisconsin. Lake Superior greatly influences the northern portion of the Ecological Landscape especially during the winter season, producing greater snowfall than in most areas in Wisconsin. The historic vegetation was primarily hemlock-hardwood forest dominated by hemlock, sugar maple, and yellow birch. There were some smaller areas of white and red pine forest scattered throughout the Ecological Landscape, and individual white pines trees were a component of the hemlock-hardwood forest. Harvesting hemlock to support the tanneries was common at the turn of the century, and the species soon became a minor component of forests due to over-harvesting and lack of regeneration. Currently, forests cover approximately 80% of this Ecological Landscape. The northern hardwood forest is dominant, made up of sugar maple, basswood, and red maple, and also including some scattered hemlock and white pine pockets within stands. The aspen-birch forest type group is also relatively abundant, followed by spruce-fir. A variety of wetland community types also are present, both forested and non-forested.

Date  2010

Wildlife and Habitat

The Green Faced Clubtail, a state special concern dragonfly, has been identified in the lower section of the Yellow River. This species requires clean, fast-moving streams, since the first phase of its life begins in water. The existence of this dragonfly indicates good water quality. Deterioration of water quality would harm this population.

Date  1996

Watershed Documents
Watershed Grants
Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
4/23/2007
Waters Involved
Chippewa Falls Flowage 5555
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Ewm '07: The Lake Wissota IPA proposes to treat 18 acres of Chippewa County's Lake Wissota for Eurasian Watermilfoil, to train volunteers for Clean Boats, Clean Waters outreach, and to prepare and distribute CBCW materials.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
5/4/2006
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Milfoil Response: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to chemically treat a monitor a new outbreak of Eurasion Watermilfoil on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) Chemical treatment, 2) Post application monitoring, 3) Information and Education.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
5/4/2006
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Proposed

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Milfoil Response: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to chemically treat a monitor a new outbreak of Eurasion Watermilfoil on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) Chemical treatment, 2) Post application monitoring, 3) Information and Education.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
4/23/2007
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Ewm '07: The Lake Wissota IPA proposes to treat 18 acres of Chippewa County's Lake Wissota for Eurasian Watermilfoil, to train volunteers for Clean Boats, Clean Waters outreach, and to prepare and distribute CBCW materials.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
4/15/2008
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Ewm '08: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to contract for chemical treatment of Eurasian Watermilfoil, and to conduct volunteer AIS monitoring on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
5/1/2009
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Ewm '09: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to continue with its effort to control pioneer infestations of Eurasian Watermilfoil at six sites on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) Contract for chemical treatment of 20 approx. acres, 2) Volunteer AIS monitoring and project coordination.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
5/4/2006
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Milfoil Response: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to chemically treat a monitor a new outbreak of Eurasion Watermilfoil on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) Chemical treatment, 2) Post application monitoring, 3) Information and Education.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
5/4/2006
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Proposed

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Milfoil Response: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to chemically treat a monitor a new outbreak of Eurasion Watermilfoil on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) Chemical treatment, 2) Post application monitoring, 3) Information and Education.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
4/23/2007
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Ewm '07: The Lake Wissota IPA proposes to treat 18 acres of Chippewa County's Lake Wissota for Eurasian Watermilfoil, to train volunteers for Clean Boats, Clean Waters outreach, and to prepare and distribute CBCW materials.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
4/15/2008
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Ewm '08: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to contract for chemical treatment of Eurasian Watermilfoil, and to conduct volunteer AIS monitoring on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
5/1/2009
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Ewm '09: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to continue with its effort to control pioneer infestations of Eurasian Watermilfoil at six sites on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) Contract for chemical treatment of 20 approx. acres, 2) Volunteer AIS monitoring and project coordination.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
4/15/2008
Waters Involved
Yellow River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Ewm '08: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to contract for chemical treatment of Eurasian Watermilfoil, and to conduct volunteer AIS monitoring on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
5/1/2009
Waters Involved
Yellow River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Ewm '09: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to continue with its effort to control pioneer infestations of Eurasian Watermilfoil at six sites on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) Contract for chemical treatment of 20 approx. acres, 2) Volunteer AIS monitoring and project coordination.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Education
Date
4/1/2008
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Apm Plan-Cbcw: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to develop and implement an aquatic plant management plan on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) review of existing data, 2) lake mapping, 3) plan development, 4) public meeting, 5) development of web site and other outreach tools, 6) Clean Boats, Clean Water monitoring.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Education
Date
4/1/2008
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Apm Plan-Cbcw: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to develop and implement an aquatic plant management plan on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) review of existing data, 2) lake mapping, 3) plan development, 4) public meeting, 5) development of web site and other outreach tools, 6) Clean Boats, Clean Water monitoring.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Education
Date
4/1/2008
Waters Involved
Yellow River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Apm Plan-Cbcw: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to develop and implement an aquatic plant management plan on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County. Major project elements to include: 1) review of existing data, 2) lake mapping, 3) plan development, 4) public meeting, 5) development of web site and other outreach tools, 6) Clean Boats, Clean Water monitoring.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Research Grant
Date
4/1/2012
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Golden Sands Rc&D: Weevil Rearing 2&3: Golden Sands RC&D proposes to continue it Milfoil Weevil Mass Rearing Study, building on past work on the Holcombe Flowage in Rusk and Chippewa Counties, and expanding its studies to Perch Lake Wissota in St. Croix County, and the Minong Flowage in Douglas and Washburn Counties. Major project elements to include: 1) Volunteer group training, 2) Weevil acquisition, rearing, and release 3) Sample collection and analysis, 4) development of a comprehensive biological control manual, and 5) Final report.


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2017
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc.: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc 2017 Cbcw: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2017 at 1 single public boat landings and 0 public boat landing pairs on LAKE WISSOTA.


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2018
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc.: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. 2018 Cbcw: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2018 at 1 single public boat landings and 0 public boat landing pairs on LAKE WISSOTA.


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2019
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc.: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. 2019 Cbcw: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2019 at 1 single public boat landings and 0 public boat landing pairs on LAKE WISSOTA (ROD AND GUN, N/A).


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2020
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc.: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. 2020 Cbcw: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2020 at 1 single public boat landings and 0 public boat landing pairs on LAKE WISSOTA (RON AND GUN, N/A).


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2020
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso 2020 Cbcw: Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2020 at 0 single public boat landings and 1 public boat landing pairs on LAKE WISSOTA (LAFAYETTE, 97TH AVE, CHIP CO).


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2017
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc.: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc 2017 Cbcw: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2017 at 1 single public boat landings and 0 public boat landing pairs on LAKE WISSOTA.


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2018
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc.: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. 2018 Cbcw: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2018 at 1 single public boat landings and 0 public boat landing pairs on LAKE WISSOTA.


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2019
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc.: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. 2019 Cbcw: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2019 at 1 single public boat landings and 0 public boat landing pairs on LAKE WISSOTA (ROD AND GUN, N/A).


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2020
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc.: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. 2020 Cbcw: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc. is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2020 at 1 single public boat landings and 0 public boat landing pairs on LAKE WISSOTA (RON AND GUN, N/A).


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2020
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso 2020 Cbcw: Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2020 at 0 single public boat landings and 1 public boat landing pairs on LAKE WISSOTA (LAFAYETTE, 97TH AVE, CHIP CO).


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2017
Waters Involved
Yellow River
Status
Complete

Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc.: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc 2017 Cbcw: Chippewa Rod And Gun Club, Inc is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2017 at 1 single public boat landings and 0 public boat landing pairs on LAKE WISSOTA.


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
4/15/2019
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Hlk Lake Wissota Healthy Lakes Project: Sponsor: Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association

Project: Lake Wissota Healthy Lakes Project

Purpose: LWIPA is sponsoring a Healthy Lakes project to install best practices on seven properties.

Project activities include:
\2022 William Giese
o Rain Garden
o Diversion Practices
o Rock Infiltration
\2022 Beach Club Condominium Association
o Native Planting
\2022 Karen L Hunnicutt and Shawn Peterson
o Native Planting
\2022 William and Mary Brumstad
o Native Planting
\2022 Rodney and Dawn Koplitz
o Rain Garden
\2022 The Sand Bar &Grill LLC
o Native Planting
\2022 David and Cindy Halberg
o Rain Garden
Rock Infiltration

Project deliverables: All data collected, all outreach and event materials, agendas and minutes from meetings. Specifically:
\2022 Signed 10-year conservation contract with maintenance requirements
\2022 Before and after photos of each practice.
\2022 Summary of other education activities
\2022 Summary of publicity events to promote the Healthy Lakes Project
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 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 Lakes Coordinator.




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

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Hlr - Lake Wissota Projects 2021: Partnering with property owners, Lake Wissota Improvement Assoc., is sponsoring a grant to implement best practices from Wisconsin's 2019 Healthy Lakes & Rivers Action Paln. Best practices, including fish sticks, 350 sq ft native plantins, diversions, rock infiltration, and/or raing gardens, will be designed and installed according to program fact sheet, technical guidance and the gratn application.
All funded best practices required contracts that must remain in place for 10 years and include the minimum operation and maintenance requirements described in the special conditions at the end of this agreement. If the landowner is the grant sponsor, this Lake Protection Grant Agreement serves as the grant contract. If the best practice(s) will be implemented on land other than the sponsor's, a contract between the sponsor and landowner describing the 10-year contract period, minimum operation and maintenance details and data to be collected is required. The Department may perform site inspections and/or monitoring to ensure project success.
Deliverables: a project summary including data requirements, pre/post photographes and confirmation of completed design work and landowner contracts. A Healthy Lakes & Rivers Exampe Report is available to assist you. Special conditions: Project management and technical assistance cash costs cannot exceed 10% of the state share of the grant award. This does not include implementation labor. Water regulation and/or county zoning permits must be issued before construction. Projects required for regulatory comliance purposed, including shoreland mititgation projects, are not eligible for reimbursement. The Healthy Lakes & Rivers logo should be used for promotion and publicity and DNR recognized as a funding source.


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
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
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
4/15/2019
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Hlk Lake Wissota Healthy Lakes Project: Sponsor: Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association

Project: Lake Wissota Healthy Lakes Project

Purpose: LWIPA is sponsoring a Healthy Lakes project to install best practices on seven properties.

Project activities include:
\2022 William Giese
o Rain Garden
o Diversion Practices
o Rock Infiltration
\2022 Beach Club Condominium Association
o Native Planting
\2022 Karen L Hunnicutt and Shawn Peterson
o Native Planting
\2022 William and Mary Brumstad
o Native Planting
\2022 Rodney and Dawn Koplitz
o Rain Garden
\2022 The Sand Bar &Grill LLC
o Native Planting
\2022 David and Cindy Halberg
o Rain Garden
Rock Infiltration

Project deliverables: All data collected, all outreach and event materials, agendas and minutes from meetings. Specifically:
\2022 Signed 10-year conservation contract with maintenance requirements
\2022 Before and after photos of each practice.
\2022 Summary of other education activities
\2022 Summary of publicity events to promote the Healthy Lakes Project
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 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 Lakes Coordinator.




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

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Hlr - Lake Wissota Projects 2021: Partnering with property owners, Lake Wissota Improvement Assoc., is sponsoring a grant to implement best practices from Wisconsin's 2019 Healthy Lakes & Rivers Action Paln. Best practices, including fish sticks, 350 sq ft native plantins, diversions, rock infiltration, and/or raing gardens, will be designed and installed according to program fact sheet, technical guidance and the gratn application.
All funded best practices required contracts that must remain in place for 10 years and include the minimum operation and maintenance requirements described in the special conditions at the end of this agreement. If the landowner is the grant sponsor, this Lake Protection Grant Agreement serves as the grant contract. If the best practice(s) will be implemented on land other than the sponsor's, a contract between the sponsor and landowner describing the 10-year contract period, minimum operation and maintenance details and data to be collected is required. The Department may perform site inspections and/or monitoring to ensure project success.
Deliverables: a project summary including data requirements, pre/post photographes and confirmation of completed design work and landowner contracts. A Healthy Lakes & Rivers Exampe Report is available to assist you. Special conditions: Project management and technical assistance cash costs cannot exceed 10% of the state share of the grant award. This does not include implementation labor. Water regulation and/or county zoning permits must be issued before construction. Projects required for regulatory comliance purposed, including shoreland mititgation projects, are not eligible for reimbursement. The Healthy Lakes & Rivers logo should be used for promotion and publicity and DNR recognized as a funding source.


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
7/1/1998
Waters Involved
Rib Lake
Status
Complete

Rib Lake Inland Lakes P & R District: Lmi-Fd-Rib Lake Rehabilitation/Sediment Analysis, 1998-99: Rib Lake Inland Lake Protection District proposes to conduct a diagnostic/feasibility study of lake bottom sediments as a preliminary step to a possible sunken log retrieval and/or dredging project in Rib Lake.


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
10/1/2008
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Chippewa County Land Conservation Dept: Little Wissota Nutrients: The Chippewa County Land Conservation Department proposes to conduct a study of soil chemistry and hydrological characteristics within the Little Lake Wissota watershed in Chippewa County, and to identify land owners who may be interested in restoring buffers and wetland functions on their properties. Major project elements to include: 1) Outreach to land owners, 2) Soil sampling and analysis.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/2009
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Macro-Invert. Assess 1: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to document the response of the benthic invertebrate community in Lake Wissota in Chippewa County since changes have been incorporated into the lake's winter drawdown regimen, and to document the value of critical habitat areas as fish and wildlife food sources. Major project elements to include: 1) collection of samples, 2) sample study and species identification, 3) documentation of sample results in database, 4) journal publication of study results, 5) final report.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/2009
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Macro-Invert. Assess 2: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to document the response of the benthic invertebrate community in Lake Wissota in Chippewa County since changes have been incorporated into the lake's winter drawdown regimen, and to document the value of critical habitat areas as fish and wildlife food sources. Major project elements to include: 1) collection of samples, 2) sample study and species identification, 3) documentation of sample results in database, 4) journal publication of study results, 5) final report.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/16/1991
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Chippewa County Land Conservation Dept: Lake Wissota Land Use Assessment And Bathymetric Map: Conduct watershed land use and nonpoint source pollution assessment for the Lower Yellow River watershed using remote sensing.Develop new bathymetric map of the lake and comparing it to 1940 map to identify areas and amounts of sedimentation which has occurred since 1940.Hold public informational meetings during all phases of study to gather comments on management recommendations.Disseminate project information to the public by public meeting. 12/19/96 Variance Approval to consider $1,075 of project costs eligible for reimbursement under LPL-197.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/28/1993
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Chippewa County Land Conservation Dept: Lake Wissotat Nonpoint Pollution Assessment & Land Use Study: Conduct an assessment of land use in the watershed. Identify areas of high soil erosion. Prepare water budgets for Moon Bay and Little Lake Wissota. Conduct an animal waste assessment to estimate annual phosphorus loading from barnyards in thewatershed, divided into subbasin. Complete stream corridor inventory and estimate sediment load by subbasin. Determine areas of watershed where appropriate nonpoint source controls would be effective in reducing nutrient loading to the lake.Information will be disseminated to the public by local newspaper articles, report mailings and public meetings. Project results will reposited at Chippeaw Falls Library. 12/19/96 Variance Approval to consider $1,075 of project costs occuring during phase 1 (LPL-035) eligible for reimbursement under LPL-197.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/2002
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Taylor County: Lake Wissota/ Rice Lake Watershed Land Use Inventory: Taylor county proposes to collect land use information form landowners in both the Uppper Yellow River watershed and the Rice Lake watershed to be incorporated into Surface Water Assessment Tool land use models. The project activities include: 1) Hydrological budget and evaluation of external loadings, 2) Evaluations of internal loadings from sediments in Little Wissota and Moon Bay embayments of Lake Wissota, and 3) Reporting.

he findings of this study will be disseminated to the public through a report and the information will be included in the SWAT land use model. The DNR will be provided with both a paper and electronic copy of the final report.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/1/2005
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Friends Of Beaver Creek Reserve, Inc.: Wissota Drawdown Recovery: Friends of the Beaver Creek Reserve, working in cooperation with the Citizen Science Center and DNR WCR staff, propose to resurvey aquatic plant life in Lake Wissota, in Chippewa County, to assess the lake's recovery from the annual drawdown regimen implemented by the Northern States Power Company through the late 1900s. Major project elements to include: 1) Aquatic plant survey, 2) data analysis, 3) report development. Results of the project to be shared with project partners, local town boards, participants at the 2006 Chippewa Valley Environmental Forum and an applicable peer review journal. (add std plan, report language).


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/2008
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Chippewa County Land Conservation Dept: Little Wissota Nutrients: The Chippewa County Land Conservation Department proposes to conduct a study of soil chemistry and hydrological characteristics within the Little Lake Wissota watershed in Chippewa County, and to identify land owners who may be interested in restoring buffers and wetland functions on their properties. Major project elements to include: 1) Outreach to land owners, 2) Soil sampling and analysis.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/2009
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Macro-Invert. Assess 1: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to document the response of the benthic invertebrate community in Lake Wissota in Chippewa County since changes have been incorporated into the lake's winter drawdown regimen, and to document the value of critical habitat areas as fish and wildlife food sources. Major project elements to include: 1) collection of samples, 2) sample study and species identification, 3) documentation of sample results in database, 4) journal publication of study results, 5) final report.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/2009
Waters Involved
Lake Wissota
Status
Complete

Lake Wissota Improvement And Protection Asso: Wissota Macro-Invert. Assess 2: The Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association proposes to document the response of the benthic invertebrate community in Lake Wissota in Chippewa County since changes have been incorporated into the lake's winter drawdown regimen, and to document the value of critical habitat areas as fish and wildlife food sources. Major project elements to include: 1) collection of samples, 2) sample study and species identification, 3) documentation of sample results in database, 4) journal publication of study results, 5) final report.


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

Chippewa County Land Conservation Dept: Joint Storm Water Planning Project: to costshare at 70% development of a joint stormwater management program for participating towns


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 Yellow (Chippewa Co.) River Watershed
Watershed Recommendations
APM Chemical Permit Request
 
Date
Status
5/4/2006
Proposed
Projects
 
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: 2156300
Date
Status
Conduct biological (mIBI or fIBI) monitoring on Coldwater Creek, WBIC: 2156300, AU:18847
5/21/2016
Proposed
Projects
 
Monitor Aquatic Biology
Monitor biology on WBIC: 2156800
Date
Status
Conduct biological (mIBI or fIBI) monitoring on Otter Creek, WBIC: 2156800, AU:16196
5/21/2016
Proposed
Projects
 
Monitor Aquatic Biology
Monitor biology on WBIC: 2155000
Date
Status
Conduct biological (mIBI or fIBI) monitoring on Chap Creek, WBIC: 2155000, AU:18845
5/21/2016
Proposed
Projects
 
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Monitor Otter Creek for fish/bugs
Date
Status
Impairment unknown still, 2012 was drought year and site is immediately downstream of dam. More recent macroinvertebrate data downstream indicates biology is good.
8/21/2019
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 Implementation
Little Lake Wissota TMDL
Date
Status
Little Lake Wissota (South Bay on Lake Wissota) Listed for pH, eutrophication (sediment and total phosphorus). TMDL submitted to USEPA for approval in 2010..
11/24/2010
In Progress
 
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
 
Wastewater Monitoring or Management
 
Date
Status
Wastewater Management and WRM should reexamine the effluent limits for the Cadott wastewater treatment plant once ammonia standards and policies are revised (Type B).
1/1/2010
Proposed
 
Lower Yellow (Chippewa Co.) River WatershedWatershed History Note

The Village of Cadott is located in the Lower Yellow River watershed in Chippewa County, and has the distinction of being geographically halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. Originally named "Cadotte Falls", it was founded in 1875 by Robert Mariner. Mariner named it after Jean Baptiste Cadotte, son of French Canadian fur trader Michel Cadotte in the Madeline Island area. Cadotte established a trading post on the Yellow River north of Cadott. North of Cadott, an influx of Czech people settled. Some came to America to escape religious, political or military oppression. Some came for land ownership and economic opportunity. Once in America, it was important to the Czech immigrants to settle close together to preserve their ethnic identity and culture and to support and protect their families. To that end, fraternal organizations were formed and a Bohemian Hall was constructed for meetings and activities. There is also the Bohemian National Cemetery, which is the final resting place for many of the Cadott area’s pioneer Czech settlers and their descendents. The cemetery is still in use today.

Date  2010