Watershed - Middle and South Branches Embarrass Rive (WR11)
Middle and South Branches Embarrass Rive Watershed

Details

The Middle and South Branches of the Embarrass River Watershed are in Shawano, Marathon and Langlade counties and cover 251 square miles. This consists of 52 miles of the Middle Branch of the Embarrass River. The soils, geology and other physical resources indicate there are areas highly susceptible to groundwater contamination due to poor land use practices. A data search revealed groundwater samples with contamination, mainly from pesticides. The Winnebago Comprehensive Management Plan rated this watershed a medium priority because of locally significant soil erosion and animal waste problems. Most of the buffer areas along the streams are natural and undisturbed. The data search for the Wolf River Basin Plan indicates moderate polluted runoff problems exist, with excess vegetation and habitat deterioration.

Date  2001

Nonpoint and Point Sources

One industrial point source discharger and four municipal point source dischargers lie in the watershed: Village of Birnamwood, Caroline Sanitary District No. 1, Village of Tigerton, Village of Wittenberg, and AMP1 Morning Glory Farms Division, Wittenberg.

Date  1996

Ecological Landscapes for Middle and South Branches Embarrass Rive Watershed

Ecological Landscapes

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

Date  2010

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
4/15/2015
Waters Involved
Grass Lake
Status
Complete

Town Of Belle Plaine: Hlk-Clover Leaf Healthy Lakes: The Town of Belle Plaine will implement best practices described in Wisconsin\2019s 2014-2017 Healthy Lakes Implementation Plan on the Cloverleaf Lakes. Practices include: fish sticks, 350 ft2 native plantings, and rain gardens on at least 12 properties, including the Gibson Island and Round Lake Park demonstration sites.
The best practices require a contract to remain in effect for 10 years and must include minimum operation and maintenance requirements and data collection as described in grant condition #16. If best practice(s) are implemented on land owned by the grant Sponsor, this Lake Protection Grant Agreement serves as the contract. If best practice(s) are implemented on land other than the sponsor\2019s, a contract between the sponsor and landowner that abides by grant condition #16 is required.
The Department may require re-payment of project installation costs if the best practice is disturbed or removed. The Sponsor and/or the Department may perform site inspections and/or monitoring to ensure project success.
Deliverables: Best practice location and design information, if not included in the application; signed 10-year landowner contract; pre and post project installation photographs; summary of education activities and publicity/promotion of Healthy Lakes initiative, if applicable.
Special conditions: The state share of each best practice cannot exceed $1,000. The state share of grant administration and technical assistance costs may not exceed 10% of the grant award; technical assistance does not include implementation labor. Funding cannot be used for mitigation or regulatory compliance activities. Water regulation and/or county zoning permits must be issued before construction. The Healthy Lakes logo should be used for promotion and publicity, and DNR recognized as a funding source.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2002
Waters Involved
Lawrence Lake
Status
Complete

Langlade County: Acq-Langlade County-Lawrence Lake Acquisition: Langlade County shall participate in the Lakes Protection Program by purchasing approximately 320 acres of land including frontage on Lawrence Lake.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
2/27/1996
Waters Involved
Loon Lake
Status
Complete

Loon Lake Management District: Acq-Loon Lake Land Acquisition - Bertrand Property: The Loon Lake Wescott Management District will acquire 89.25 acres of primarily lowland with approximately 1/2 mile of frontage on Loon Lake. The district will maintain the land in a wild and natural condition to protect the water quality of Loon Lake. Eligible costs include acuqisition of the parcel, appraisal, and recording fees.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/1998
Waters Involved
Loon Lake
Status
Complete

Loon Lake Management District: Acq-Loon Lake Land Acquisition: The Loon Lake Wescott Management District proposes to purchase 32.1 acres of vacantland with approximately 1/4 mile of frontage on Loon Lake. The Management District will keep it in its naturally landscaped state for conservancy purposes.


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

Pickerel/Crane Lake Prot & Rehab District: Res-Pickerell Lake Aeration System: The project will install an aeration system, monitor Dissolved Oxygen throughout the winter, and provide education on sources of nutrient loading into Pickerel Lake. The project will also include an education effort for safety of open water and sources of the problem which have lead to the need for lake aeration.

All required permits will be received prior to equipment installation.

Specific deliverables for this grant project include a final report describing project accomplishments.

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 disseminated to the public by newsletter(s), public meeting(s), and/or local newspaper articles.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
4/15/2015
Waters Involved
Pine Lake
Status
Complete

Town Of Belle Plaine: Hlk-Clover Leaf Healthy Lakes: The Town of Belle Plaine will implement best practices described in Wisconsin\2019s 2014-2017 Healthy Lakes Implementation Plan on the Cloverleaf Lakes. Practices include: fish sticks, 350 ft2 native plantings, and rain gardens on at least 12 properties, including the Gibson Island and Round Lake Park demonstration sites.
The best practices require a contract to remain in effect for 10 years and must include minimum operation and maintenance requirements and data collection as described in grant condition #16. If best practice(s) are implemented on land owned by the grant Sponsor, this Lake Protection Grant Agreement serves as the contract. If best practice(s) are implemented on land other than the sponsor\2019s, a contract between the sponsor and landowner that abides by grant condition #16 is required.
The Department may require re-payment of project installation costs if the best practice is disturbed or removed. The Sponsor and/or the Department may perform site inspections and/or monitoring to ensure project success.
Deliverables: Best practice location and design information, if not included in the application; signed 10-year landowner contract; pre and post project installation photographs; summary of education activities and publicity/promotion of Healthy Lakes initiative, if applicable.
Special conditions: The state share of each best practice cannot exceed $1,000. The state share of grant administration and technical assistance costs may not exceed 10% of the grant award; technical assistance does not include implementation labor. Funding cannot be used for mitigation or regulatory compliance activities. Water regulation and/or county zoning permits must be issued before construction. The Healthy Lakes logo should be used for promotion and publicity, and DNR recognized as a funding source.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
9/1/2004
Waters Involved
Round Lake
Status
Complete

Town Of Belle Plaine: Acq-Town Of Belle Plaine Land Acquisition (Stieg): The Town of Belle Plaine proposes to purchase 10 acres of land known as the Stieg parcel.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
4/15/2015
Waters Involved
Round Lake
Status
Complete

Town Of Belle Plaine: Hlk-Clover Leaf Healthy Lakes: The Town of Belle Plaine will implement best practices described in Wisconsin\2019s 2014-2017 Healthy Lakes Implementation Plan on the Cloverleaf Lakes. Practices include: fish sticks, 350 ft2 native plantings, and rain gardens on at least 12 properties, including the Gibson Island and Round Lake Park demonstration sites.
The best practices require a contract to remain in effect for 10 years and must include minimum operation and maintenance requirements and data collection as described in grant condition #16. If best practice(s) are implemented on land owned by the grant Sponsor, this Lake Protection Grant Agreement serves as the contract. If best practice(s) are implemented on land other than the sponsor\2019s, a contract between the sponsor and landowner that abides by grant condition #16 is required.
The Department may require re-payment of project installation costs if the best practice is disturbed or removed. The Sponsor and/or the Department may perform site inspections and/or monitoring to ensure project success.
Deliverables: Best practice location and design information, if not included in the application; signed 10-year landowner contract; pre and post project installation photographs; summary of education activities and publicity/promotion of Healthy Lakes initiative, if applicable.
Special conditions: The state share of each best practice cannot exceed $1,000. The state share of grant administration and technical assistance costs may not exceed 10% of the grant award; technical assistance does not include implementation labor. Funding cannot be used for mitigation or regulatory compliance activities. Water regulation and/or county zoning permits must be issued before construction. The Healthy Lakes logo should be used for promotion and publicity, and DNR recognized as a funding source.


Grant Details
Lake Protection Grant
Date
7/1/2005
Waters Involved
Shawano Lake
Status
Complete

Shawano County: Lmi-Shawano Lake Diagnostic Feasibility Study: Shawano County proposes to conduct a diagnostic and feasibility study to better understand the ecosystem of Shawano Lake and its watershed, to educate and inform the public about this ecosystem, to establish a management partnership to identify appropriate management options, and to implement a management strategy. The objectives of the study include: determine the current water quality in Shawano Lake, understand how/where watershed land uses impact water quality, identify the importance of internal sources of phosphorus, assess the influence of aquatic plants on lake water quality, foster a cooperative and active community focused on Shawano Lake and its watershed, develop community and agency agreement on effective management options, and implement the management strategy. The project elements and deliverables will be completed as described in the project proposal submitted to the Department and dated April 28, 2005.


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

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


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

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


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

Shawano County: Acq-Kluck Land Acquisition On Wilson Lake: Shawano County proposes to purchase 71 acres of land known as the Kluck parcel on Wilson Lake for conservancy purposes.


Grant Details
Small Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/2010
Waters Involved
Mayflower Lake
Status
Complete

Mayflower Lake District: Mayflower Do Meter: The Mayflower Lake District proposes to purchase a dissolved oxygen meter to monitor dissolved oxygen levels in Mayflower Lake in Marathon County, and to facilitate the entering of this data into the SWIMS database.


Grant Details
Targeted Runoff - Rural Construction
Date
1/1/2004
Waters Involved
McVay Brook
Status
Complete

Marathon County Lcd: Peterson Farm Noi: to costshare NOI at 70%


Grant Details
Targeted Runoff - Rural Construction
Date
1/1/2004
Waters Involved
Norrie Brook
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Buss Farm Noi: to costshare at 70% NOI


Grant Details
Targeted Runoff - Rural Construction
Date
9/1/2002
Waters Involved
Unnamed
Status
Complete

Marathon County: Ostrowski Farms Nod: To cost-share landowner installation of BMPs mandated by NOD & by special statute provision


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
Middle and South Branches Embarrass Rive Watershed
Watershed Recommendations
Best Management Practices, Implement
Rothschild - Stormwater Management Plan Update
Date
Status
This project is an installation of nonpoint source best management practices to contribute to the restoration of Wisconsin's waters and was funded by the 319 grant. Storm water planning activities will be undertaken by the municipality and will result in the following products: updated construction erosion control ordinance; updated storm water ordinance for new development and re-development; other updated ordinances that affect runoff from the developed urban area; updated storm water management plan for the entire developed urban area; and an updated storm water management plan for new development.
1/1/2018
In Progress
Projects
 
Best Management Practices, Implement
Shawano County Nonpoint Source BMPs
Date
Status
This project is an installation of nonpoint source best management practices to contribute to the restoration of Wisconsin?s waters and was funded by the 319 grant.
11/10/2017
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
Best Management Practices, Implement
Marathon County Barnyard Runoff Control Project
Date
Status
This project is a landowner installation of nonpoint source best management practices to contribute to the restoration of Wisconsin's waters and was funded by the 319 grant. Specifically, the grantee will implement: a barnyard runoff control system, critical area stabilization, diversions, heavy use area protection, roofing, roof runoff systems, and underground outlets.
1/1/2016
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
Best Management Practices, Implement
Fenwood Creek Watershed Project
Date
Status
This project is an installation of nonpoint source best management practices to contribute to the restoration of Wisconsin?s waters and was funded by the 319 grant. Specifically, the grantee will implement: agricultural nonpoint sources of pollution through the installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) addressing sediment and nutrient loading and to address violations of the NR 151 Agricultural Performance Standards and Prohibitions relating to: sheet, rill, and wind erosion; tillage setback; manure storage facilities-new/significant alterations; manure storage facilities-closure; manure storage facilities-existing failing/leaking; process wastewater handling; clean water diversions; nutrient management; prevention of overflow from manure storage facilities; prevention of direct runoff from a feedlot or stored manure into waters of the state; prevention of unlimited livestock access to waters of the state; and remedy discharges of manure, sediment and phosphorus in runoff.
1/1/2016
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
Monitor Aquatic Biology
Monitor biology on WBIC: 309900
Date
Status
Conduct biological (mIBI or fIBI) monitoring on Unnamed, WBIC: 309900, AU:1486233
5/21/2016
Proposed
Projects
 
Monitor Fish Tissue
Confirm FCA: IW pre-2000 data
Date
Status
11/4/2011
Proposed
Projects
 
Monitor Water Quality or Sediment
Eau Pleine Flowage Priority Restoration Followup Monitoring
Date
Status
Monitoring - the Department started a multi-year water quality study in 2009 to develop a TMDL for the river and flowage. Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is a 6348 acre lake located in Marathon County.
1/1/2013
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
Monitor or Propose 303(d) Listing
Big Eau Pleine TMDL
Date
Status
The Big Eau Pleine Flowage is listed on the Federal 303 (d) list for violations of the state dissolved oxygen and pH water quality standards. The Big Eau Pleine River is also on the list for dissolved oxygen levels below the water quality standard. Both listings are a result of excessive nutrient loading, primarily phosphorus, to the river and flowage.
1/1/2013
In Progress
Projects
Documents
 
Water Quality Modeling
City-Wide Water Quality Model Update and BMP Feasibility
Date
Status
This project is an installation of nonpoint source best management practices to contribute to the restoration of Wisconsin?s waters and was funded by the 319 grant. Specifically, the grantee will implement: water quality model, BMP feasibility analysis.
1/1/2015
In Progress
Projects
 
Middle and South Branches Embarrass Rive WatershedWatershed History Note