Gordon Creek Watershed (SP05)

The Gordon Creek Watershed, in southwestern Dane, northwestern Green, and southeastern Iowa counties, is an agricultural watershed in the driftless part of the state, with no incorporated areas in it. Polluted runoff problems exist in the watershed, but the extent of the problem has not been fully evaluated. The Dane County Regional Planning Commission has recommended that this watershed be considered a high priority watershed for possible selection as a nonpoint source priority watershed project (DCRPC, 1991).

German Valley Branch

German Valley Branch is a tributary to Gordon Creek in southwestern Dane County. The stream is a forage fishery stream (WDNR, 1992-93¹) and assumed to generally have good water quality. Polluted runoff is the major water quality and habitat problem. Some ditching has occurred; pools, particularly in the lower half, have been degraded by sedimentation. The stream might be able to support trout (Marshall, 1988) if intensive habitat and watershed management are implemented (DCRPC, 1992). Intensive agricultural uses along the stream, cultivation and grazing, appear to be declining in the upper reaches of the stream (WDNR,1992-93¹). This trend may be due to increased "hobby farming" and rural home development.

Gordon Creek

Also known as Blue Mounds Branch and Big Spring Creek, this stream rises near the village of Blue Mounds and flows south to the East Branch Pecatonica River near Blanchardville. It is a Class II trout stream for 11 miles of its length (WDNR, 1980). Sources of polluted runoff are the primary water quality and habitat problems for Gordon Creek, including intense grazing, exposed and eroding banks, and runoff from cultivated fields and barnyards (WDNR,1992-93¹). The reach of Gordon Creek in Dane County is considered as Exceptional Resource Water (ERW) under the state antidegradation rules (NR 102 and NR 207).

Kittleson Valley Creek

Kittleson Valley is a tributary to Gordon Creek in southeast Iowa County. Seven miles are considered Class II trout waters while an additional two miles are Class III (DNR, 1980). Recreational use of this stream is impaired due to polluted runoff. Heavy sedimentation in the stream bottom (WDNR, 1992-93¹), is probably due to bank erosion and runoff from farm fields.

Pleasant Valley Creek

This is a tributary to Kittleson Valley Creek in southwest Dane County. It is considered a warm water forage fishery stream, but does have the potential for trout (Marshall, 1988). Water quality and in-stream habitat are thought to be good (WDNR,1992-93¹). Grazing along the stream appears to be the primary water quality and habitat problem.

Syftestad Creek

Syftestad Creek is a tributary to Kittleson Valley Creek. It is a warm water forage fishery stream that may have trout potential (Day, 1985). Excess sedimentation has resulted in degraded habitat (DCRPC, 1992⁶). Other problems resulting from polluted runoff are also may also exist. Redside dace, a fish on the state's threatened and endangered species list, has been found here.

Any comments or suggestions, please email the watershed contact Jim Amrhein.