Watershed - Soft Maple and Hay Creeks (UC17)
Soft Maple and Hay Creeks Watershed

Details

The Soft Maple and Hay Creek Watershed is located in Rusk County and is 113,122 acres in size. It contains 266 miles of streams and rivers, 1050 acres of lakes and 14,185 acres of wetlands. The watershed is dominated by forest (56%), agriculture (22%) and wetlands (12%) and is ranked high for nonpoint source issues affecting streams and groundwater. Water quality degradation by cattle and barnyard runoff is a problem in this watershed. The only point source discharge to surface water in the watershed is from the Village of Weyerhauser, which discharges to a tributary to Soft Maple Creek.

Date  1996

Ecological Landscapes for Soft Maple and Hay Creeks Watershed

Ecological Landscapes

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

Watershed Documents
Watershed Grants
Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
8/18/2010
Waters Involved
Amacoy Lake
Status
Complete

Amacoy Property Owners Association: Amacoy Lake Curlyleaf Contol Project: The Amacoy Lake Property Owners Association is sponsoring a 3 year project for control of Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP). The first year will include an early season herbicide treatment on approximately 5 acres of CLP which was discovered in 2008. The project includes 3 years of CLP treatment.

The project includes the following goals: 1) An early season herbicide treatment on approximately 5 acres of CLP in Amacoy Lake to control the spread.; 2) Monitor the CLP throughout the year to determine success of the herbicide treatment and to continue the mapping of CLP; 3) Evaluate the native plant response; 4) Evaluate if it is feasible to harvest CLP.

Project deliverables include: 1) A final report summarizing the outcome of the treatment including a description of declining CLP populations in treated areas and the response of native aquatic plants; 2) CLP will be mapped prior to treatment and after treatment. The lake will be surveyed for CLP in mid July through mid August after the herbicide treatment to determine efficacy of the treatment and regrowth.

Specific conditions for this Project: 1) Obtain an APM permit prior treatment (follow conditions in permit); 2) Implement the pre and post treatment monitoring protocol.; 3) Summary report listing areas treated and the effectiveness of the treatment; 4) The WDNR encourages the association to develop APM plan (and conduct a point intercept plant survey) by applying for a future AIS grant.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
7/1/2013
Waters Involved
Amacoy Lake
Status
Complete

Amacoy Property Owners Association: Amacoy Lake Curlyleaf Control Project Part 2: The Amacoy Lake Property Owners Association is sponsoring a second grant for control of Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP). The project continues the goals and activites of the prior project funded with AIRR-092-11 as described below.

The project includes the following goals: 1) An early season herbicide treatment on approximately 5 acres of CLP in Amacoy Lake to control the spread.; 2) Monitor the CLP throughout the year to determine success of the herbicide treatment and to continue the mapping of CLP; 3) Evaluate the native plant response; 4) Evaluate if it is feasible to harvest CLP.

Project deliverables include: 1) A final report summarizing the outcome of the treatment including a description of declining CLP populations in treated areas and the response of native aquatic plants; 2) CLP will be mapped prior to treatment and after treatment. The lake will be surveyed for CLP in mid July through mid August after the herbicide treatment to determine efficacy of the treatment and regrowth.

Specific conditions for this Project: 1) Obtain an APM permit prior treatment (follow conditions in permit); 2) Implement the pre and post treatment monitoring protocol.; 3) Summary report listing areas treated and the effectiveness of the treatment; 4) Costs from July 1, 2012 forward which are necessary to comply with the APM permit required for project implementation as determined by the DNR, will be eligible for reimbursement.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
8/18/2010
Waters Involved
Unnamed
Status
Complete

Amacoy Property Owners Association: Amacoy Lake Curlyleaf Contol Project: The Amacoy Lake Property Owners Association is sponsoring a 3 year project for control of Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP). The first year will include an early season herbicide treatment on approximately 5 acres of CLP which was discovered in 2008. The project includes 3 years of CLP treatment.

The project includes the following goals: 1) An early season herbicide treatment on approximately 5 acres of CLP in Amacoy Lake to control the spread.; 2) Monitor the CLP throughout the year to determine success of the herbicide treatment and to continue the mapping of CLP; 3) Evaluate the native plant response; 4) Evaluate if it is feasible to harvest CLP.

Project deliverables include: 1) A final report summarizing the outcome of the treatment including a description of declining CLP populations in treated areas and the response of native aquatic plants; 2) CLP will be mapped prior to treatment and after treatment. The lake will be surveyed for CLP in mid July through mid August after the herbicide treatment to determine efficacy of the treatment and regrowth.

Specific conditions for this Project: 1) Obtain an APM permit prior treatment (follow conditions in permit); 2) Implement the pre and post treatment monitoring protocol.; 3) Summary report listing areas treated and the effectiveness of the treatment; 4) The WDNR encourages the association to develop APM plan (and conduct a point intercept plant survey) by applying for a future AIS grant.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
7/1/2013
Waters Involved
Unnamed
Status
Complete

Amacoy Property Owners Association: Amacoy Lake Curlyleaf Control Project Part 2: The Amacoy Lake Property Owners Association is sponsoring a second grant for control of Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP). The project continues the goals and activites of the prior project funded with AIRR-092-11 as described below.

The project includes the following goals: 1) An early season herbicide treatment on approximately 5 acres of CLP in Amacoy Lake to control the spread.; 2) Monitor the CLP throughout the year to determine success of the herbicide treatment and to continue the mapping of CLP; 3) Evaluate the native plant response; 4) Evaluate if it is feasible to harvest CLP.

Project deliverables include: 1) A final report summarizing the outcome of the treatment including a description of declining CLP populations in treated areas and the response of native aquatic plants; 2) CLP will be mapped prior to treatment and after treatment. The lake will be surveyed for CLP in mid July through mid August after the herbicide treatment to determine efficacy of the treatment and regrowth.

Specific conditions for this Project: 1) Obtain an APM permit prior treatment (follow conditions in permit); 2) Implement the pre and post treatment monitoring protocol.; 3) Summary report listing areas treated and the effectiveness of the treatment; 4) Costs from July 1, 2012 forward which are necessary to comply with the APM permit required for project implementation as determined by the DNR, will be eligible for reimbursement.


Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Education
Date
4/1/2012
Waters Involved
Amacoy Lake
Status
Complete

Amacoy Property Owners Association: Amacoy Lake Aquatic Plant Management Plan: Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) was discovered in the Amacoy Lake in 2008. CLP was treated in spring 2011 (Rapid Response Grant).The Amacoy Lake Property Owners Association will complete an APM Plan and conduct AIS education and water quality monitoring activities.

Project goals include: 1) Develop an APM plan to guide management efforts of both native and invasive plants; 2) Continue Clean Boats/Clean Waters and Citizen Lake Monitoring activities; 3) Create a map showing locations of fish cribs, navigational hazards, and boat landings. Other access points and CLP bed distribution; 4) Provide opportunities for increasing the effectiveness of the lake association.

Project deliverables include: 1) A comprehensive APM plan including an AIS prevention strategy and monitoring strategy; 2) Provide maps (including CLP beds) to the lake association for management; 3) Provide an updated lake map.

Specific conditions for this Project: 1) The WDNR will be provided electronic and hard copies of all data and or reports/plans generated as a result of this project; 2) Please contact UW-Extension staff for information on training, workshops or educational materials for the AIS Monitoring (Laura Herman, 715-365-8998) Program; 3) Begin implementing the pre and post monitoring program following DNR protocol.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2024
Waters Involved
Amacoy Lake
Status
Complete

Rusk County: Hlr - Rusk County Shore Land Protection Program: Partnering with property owners, Rusk County LWCD is sponsoring a grant to implement best practices from Wisconsin\2019s 2019 Healthy Lakes & Rivers Action Plan. Best practices, including fish sticks, 350 sq. ft. native plantings, diversions, rock infiltration, and/or rain gardens, will be designed and installed according to program fact sheets, technical guidance and the grant application.
All funded best practices require 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 contract. If the best practice(s) will be implemented on land other than the sponsor\2019s, 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 include: a project summary including data requirements, pre/post photographs, and confirmation of completed design work and landowner contracts. A Healthy Lakes & Rivers Example 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 compliance purposes, including shoreland mitigation 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.
The grantee may request a one-time cost amendment and a one-time time extension. The grantee must notify the department if they wish to add or subtract practices to the scope of this grant agreement.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2024
Waters Involved
Chippewa River
Status
Complete

Rusk County: Hlr - Rusk County Shore Land Protection Program: Partnering with property owners, Rusk County LWCD is sponsoring a grant to implement best practices from Wisconsin\2019s 2019 Healthy Lakes & Rivers Action Plan. Best practices, including fish sticks, 350 sq. ft. native plantings, diversions, rock infiltration, and/or rain gardens, will be designed and installed according to program fact sheets, technical guidance and the grant application.
All funded best practices require 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 contract. If the best practice(s) will be implemented on land other than the sponsor\2019s, 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 include: a project summary including data requirements, pre/post photographs, and confirmation of completed design work and landowner contracts. A Healthy Lakes & Rivers Example 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 compliance purposes, including shoreland mitigation 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.
The grantee may request a one-time cost amendment and a one-time time extension. The grantee must notify the department if they wish to add or subtract practices to the scope of this grant agreement.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2024
Waters Involved
Clear Lake
Status
Complete

Rusk County: Hlr - Rusk County Shore Land Protection Program: Partnering with property owners, Rusk County LWCD is sponsoring a grant to implement best practices from Wisconsin\2019s 2019 Healthy Lakes & Rivers Action Plan. Best practices, including fish sticks, 350 sq. ft. native plantings, diversions, rock infiltration, and/or rain gardens, will be designed and installed according to program fact sheets, technical guidance and the grant application.
All funded best practices require 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 contract. If the best practice(s) will be implemented on land other than the sponsor\2019s, 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 include: a project summary including data requirements, pre/post photographs, and confirmation of completed design work and landowner contracts. A Healthy Lakes & Rivers Example 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 compliance purposes, including shoreland mitigation 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.
The grantee may request a one-time cost amendment and a one-time time extension. The grantee must notify the department if they wish to add or subtract practices to the scope of this grant agreement.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2000
Waters Involved
Corbett Lake
Status
Complete

City Of Ladysmith: Res-Corbett Lake Aeration Project: The City of Ladysmith will conduct an improvement project on Corbett Lake, which lies within the corporate limits of the city. This project involves the installation of a system of bottom aerators in the lake. Bottom aerators would be installed at 11 locations in the eastern half of the lake basin. Compressors would be located within Falge Park, which is located along the northern shoreline of Corbett Lake. The park is owned and operated by the City of Ladysmith.

A special condition of this grant project is that the installation and operation of this aeration system must comply with all conditions of the water regulation permit issued by this department for the aeration system.

The City of Ladysmith shall notify the Department of Natural Resources upon completion of the installation of the aeration system.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2024
Waters Involved
Holcombe Flowage
Status
Complete

Rusk County: Hlr - Rusk County Shore Land Protection Program: Partnering with property owners, Rusk County LWCD is sponsoring a grant to implement best practices from Wisconsin\2019s 2019 Healthy Lakes & Rivers Action Plan. Best practices, including fish sticks, 350 sq. ft. native plantings, diversions, rock infiltration, and/or rain gardens, will be designed and installed according to program fact sheets, technical guidance and the grant application.
All funded best practices require 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 contract. If the best practice(s) will be implemented on land other than the sponsor\2019s, 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 include: a project summary including data requirements, pre/post photographs, and confirmation of completed design work and landowner contracts. A Healthy Lakes & Rivers Example 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 compliance purposes, including shoreland mitigation 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.
The grantee may request a one-time cost amendment and a one-time time extension. The grantee must notify the department if they wish to add or subtract practices to the scope of this grant agreement.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2024
Waters Involved
Jump River
Status
Complete

Rusk County: Hlr - Rusk County Shore Land Protection Program: Partnering with property owners, Rusk County LWCD is sponsoring a grant to implement best practices from Wisconsin\2019s 2019 Healthy Lakes & Rivers Action Plan. Best practices, including fish sticks, 350 sq. ft. native plantings, diversions, rock infiltration, and/or rain gardens, will be designed and installed according to program fact sheets, technical guidance and the grant application.
All funded best practices require 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 contract. If the best practice(s) will be implemented on land other than the sponsor\2019s, 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 include: a project summary including data requirements, pre/post photographs, and confirmation of completed design work and landowner contracts. A Healthy Lakes & Rivers Example 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 compliance purposes, including shoreland mitigation 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.
The grantee may request a one-time cost amendment and a one-time time extension. The grantee must notify the department if they wish to add or subtract practices to the scope of this grant agreement.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
3/15/2024
Waters Involved
Unnamed
Status
Complete

Rusk County: Hlr - Rusk County Shore Land Protection Program: Partnering with property owners, Rusk County LWCD is sponsoring a grant to implement best practices from Wisconsin\2019s 2019 Healthy Lakes & Rivers Action Plan. Best practices, including fish sticks, 350 sq. ft. native plantings, diversions, rock infiltration, and/or rain gardens, will be designed and installed according to program fact sheets, technical guidance and the grant application.
All funded best practices require 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 contract. If the best practice(s) will be implemented on land other than the sponsor\2019s, 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 include: a project summary including data requirements, pre/post photographs, and confirmation of completed design work and landowner contracts. A Healthy Lakes & Rivers Example 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 compliance purposes, including shoreland mitigation 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.
The grantee may request a one-time cost amendment and a one-time time extension. The grantee must notify the department if they wish to add or subtract practices to the scope of this grant agreement.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
4/8/1991
Waters Involved
Amacoy Lake
Status
Complete

Rusk County: Amacoy Lake Water Quality And Non Source Pollution Study: 1) Collect water chemistry samples at three sites for two years in May, June, July, and August. 2) Collect and preserve algal samples on each sampling date.3) Compile land use maps to identify potential source areas of nonpoint source pollution. Summarize land use and soil type information. 4) Develop map of septic tank locations in the watershed. Analyze nutrient loading from septic tanks.5) Prepare final report including summary of data collected, evaluation of the lake's trophic status, watershed and septic system maps and estimates of nutrient loading from septic systems.6) Information will be disseminated to the public through newsletter mailings, public meetings, fact sheet distribution, and local media.


Grant Details
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
3/23/1994
Waters Involved
Amacoy Lake
Status
Complete

Amacoy Property Owners Association: Amacoy Lake Water Quality Monitoring & Fish Survey: Conduct a fish survey as described in the Project Description attached to the application. Conduct water quality sampling as described in the Project Description attached to the application. Information will be disseminated to the public by newsletterentire report mailings, public meetings, summary report mailings, local newspaper articles, and Priority Watershed information and education activities. Project results will be reposited at Rusk County Land Conservation Department.


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.

Soft Maple and Hay Creeks Watershed
Watershed Recommendations
Monitor Fish Tissue
Confirm FCA: IW pre-2000 data
Date
Status
10/24/2011
Proposed
Projects
 
TMDL Implementation
Becky Creek TMDL Implementation
Date
Status
In the management plan for the priority watershed project, stream bank pasturing, county and township road maintenance and construction, riparian habitat degradation, upland sediment delivery, manure and nutrient runoff are identified in the watershed plan as sources of pollutants impacting Becky Creek. This information will be used for implementation of the TMDL. Implementation Plan is needed.
9/27/2005
In Progress
Projects
 
TMDL Implementation
Becky Creek TMDL
Date
Status
Becky Creek is a cold water stream that flows out of the Blue Hills in the northwest portion of the Soft Maple and Hay Creek Watershed. Becky Creek is 8.0 miles in length with a drainage area of 10.74 sq.miles. Its designated use is a coldwater fishery for its entire length. The mouth of Becky Creek is located in northeast Atlanta Township with its headwaters located in southern Murry Township. The creek flows directly into the Chippewa River. Becky Creek's watershed does not include any Indian County . Becky Creek is located within one of 11 subwatersheds that make up the Soft Maple and Hay Creek Priority Watershed. In the management plan for the priority watershed project, stream bank pasturing, county and township road maintenance and construction, riparian habitat degradation, upland sediment delivery, manure and nutrient runoff are identified in the watershed plan as sources of pollutants impacting Becky Creek.
7/1/2005
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
Soft Maple and Hay Creeks WatershedWatershed History Note