Watershed - West Branch Wolf River (WR17)
West Branch Wolf River Watershed

Details

The West Branch Wolf River Watershed includes the portion of the Wolf River from the Shawano Dam in the City of Shawano to near the mouth of the Evergreen River in Menominee County. This watershed includes much of the Menominee Reservation. An increasing amount of cleared land for dairy and other agriculture is evident in the Langlade County portion, while the Menominee Reservation remains predominantly wooded or wild. Nearly all streams in this watershed are classified as trout waters. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has written a report on the water quality of the Menominee Indian Reservation of Wisconsin.

Date  2001

Ecological Landscapes for West Branch Wolf River Watershed

Ecological Landscapes

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

Date  2010

Watershed Documents
Watershed Grants
Grant Details
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
Date
6/1/2022
Waters Involved
La Motte Lake
Status
Complete

Lamotte Lake Association, Inc.: La Motte Lake Ais-Edr Project (2022-2024): The La Motte Lake Association, Inc. is sponsoring a project to monitor and manage the EWM population that was discovered in 2021. This three-year project includes monitoring of EWM, a point-intercept survey, control strategy development, and annual reporting.

Project final deliverables include: all data collected, agendas and minutes for planning meetings, including methodologies, results, and management alternatives discussion with a Final EWM Management & Control Strategy Assessment Report.

Specific project activities include: 1) (2022-2024) Annual active management coordination & EWM population monitoring; 2) (2022-2024) active management that is dependent on the results of annual monitoring; 3) 2024 overall project evaluation in the form of a Final EWM Management & Control Strategy Assessment Report.

Special Conditions: 1) All data shall be entered into the SWIMS database. 2) All lake-wide aquatic plant point intercept surveys and/or sub polygon surveys shall be conducted according to WDNR\2019s \2018Recommended Baseline Monitoring of Aquatic Plants in WI\2019 Protocol PUB-SS-1068 2010. 3) Decisions on active management shall be made in coordination with the department.

This scope summarizes the project detail provided in the application and does not negate tasks/deliverables described therein. Data, records, and reports, including GIS-based maps, and digital images, must be submitted to the Department in a format specified by the regional Lake Biologist.

If consultant is to provide final report, it is recommended that Grantee provide both DNR Lake Coordinator and AIS Coordinator with a draft for comment on report adequacy prior to making final payment to the consultant. DNR to receive both paper and electronic .pdf copies of the final report along with, or prior to submission of grantee's final payment request.


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2015
Waters Involved
Big Lake
Status
Complete

Big Lake Property Owners Association: Big Lake Clean Boats Clean Waters Project 2015: will sponsor a Clean Boats Clean Water landing inspection program at 1 public access in 2015


Grant Details
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Date
2/15/2016
Waters Involved
Big Lake
Status
Complete

Big Lake Property Owners Association: Big Lake Property Owners Association 2016 Clean Boats Clean Waters: The Big Lake Property Owners Association is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2016 at one public boat landing on Big Lake.


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

Big Lake Property Owners Association: Big Lake Property Owners Association 2019 Cbcw: Big Lake Property Owners Association is sponsoring a Clean Boats Clean Waters project in 2019 at 1 single public boat landings and 0 public boat landing pairs on BIG LAKE (HIGHWAY K., N/A).


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
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
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
Large Scale Lake Planning
Date
10/1/1996
Waters Involved
Wolf River
Status
Complete

Wolf River Preservation Association: Wolf River Watershed Management Planning - Phase 2: The Wolf River Preservation Association proposes to continue watershed management planning activities. Phase 2 project activities include continuing water quality monitoring, conducting a recreational use survey, continuing to assess erosional areas, continuing to identify exotic species, and preparation of a report summarizing the data collected and analyses performed. The sponsor will provide the Department of Natural Resources with both a paper copy and an electronic copy of the report. Information about the results of phase 2 activities will be disseminated to the public by newsletter, fact sheet, public meeting, and local newspaper article.


Grant Details
River Planning Grant
Date
7/1/2006
Waters Involved
Wolf River
Status
Complete

Waupaca Co. Natural Resources Foundation: Wolf River Conservation Alliance Organization Development: The Waupaca County Natural Resources Foundation proposes to organize the Wolf River Conservation Alliance. The Alliance will be a coalition of non-governmental organizations with interests in land conservation, habitat restoration, and environmental education related to protecting and improving the health of the Wolf River and protecting and restoring land in the areas known as the Wolf River Bottomlands. Specifically, the organization will conduct a formal organizational assessment, assist in local strategy development by supporting the development of a citizen-led site conservation planning process, and finally, develop a sustainable leadership structure in order to establish a method of operation for the Alliance. The project elements and deliverables will be completed as described in the project proposal submitted to the Department and dated May 1, 2006.


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
West Branch Wolf River Watershed
Watershed Recommendations
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
 
TMDL Development
Fox Wolf TMDL
Date
Status
Fox Wolf TMDL
8/5/2014
In Progress
 
West Branch Wolf River WatershedWatershed History Note