Water Detail - Willow Creek, Pine and Willow Rivers Watershed (WR02)

Willow Creek, Pine and Willow Rivers Watershed (WR02)

Return to Search

Willow Creek (243700)

Size

16.25 Miles

Segment

14.19 - 30.44

Natural Community

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results that use predicted flow and temperature based on landscape features and related assumptions. Ranges of flow and temperature associated with specific aquatic life communities (fish, macroinvertebrates) help biologists identify appropriate resource management goals. Wisconsin Natural Communities.

No Classification, Cool-Warm Headwater, Cool-Warm Mainstem

Year Last Monitored

This is the most recent date of monitoring data stored in SWIMS. Additional surveys for fish and habitat may be available subsequent to this date.

2021

General Condition

Poor

This river is impaired

Impairments include

Elevated Water Temperature

Pollutants include

Unknown Pollutant

County

Waushara

Trout Water

Trout Waters are represented by Class I, Class II or Class III waters. These classes have specific ecological characteristics and management actions associated with them. For more information regarding Trout Classifications, see the Fisheries Trout Class Webpages.

Yes

Outstanding or Exceptional

Wisconsin has designated many of the state's highest quality waters as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs) or Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs). Waters designated as ORW or ERW are surface waters which provide outstanding recreational opportunities, support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat, have good water quality, and are not significantly impacted by human activities. ORW and ERW status identifies waters that the State of Wisconsin has determined warrant additional protection from the effects of pollution. These designations are intended to meet federal Clean Water Act obligations requiring Wisconsin to adopt an 'antidegradation' policy that is designed to prevent any lowering of water quality - especially in those waters having significant ecological or cultural value.

Impaired Water

A water is polluted or 'impaired' if it does not support full use by humans, wildlife, fish and other aquatic life and it is shown that one or more of the pollutant criteria are not met.

Yes

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use

The use the water currently supports. This is not a designation or classification; it is based on the current condition of the water. Information in this column is not designed for, and should not be used for, regulatory purposes.

Cold (Class II Trout)

Streams supporting a cold water sport fishery, or serving as a spawning area for salmonids and other cold water fish species. Representative aquatic life communities, associated with these waters, generally require cold temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that remain above 6 mg/L through natural reproduction and selective propagation. Since these waters are capable of supporting natural reproduction, a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 7 mg/L is required during times of active spawning and support of early life stages of newly-hatched fish.

Attainable Use

The use that the investigator believes the water could achieve through managing "controllable" sources. Beaver dams, hydroelectric dams, low gradient streams, and naturally occurring low flows are generally not considered controllable. The attainable use may be the same as the current use or it may be higher.

Cold (Class II Trout)

Designated Use

This is the water classification legally recognized by NR102 and NR104, Wis. Adm. Code. The classification determines water quality criteria and effluent limits. Waters obtain designated uses through classification procedures.

Cold

Streams capable of supporting a cold water sport fishery, or serving as a spawning area for salmonids and other cold water fish species. Representative aquatic life communities, associated with these waters, generally require cold temperatures and concentrations of dissolved oxygen that remain above 6 mg/L. Since these waters are capable of supporting natural reproduction, a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 7 mg/L is required during times of active spawning and support of early life stages of newly-hatched fish.

Overview

Pine River and Willow Creek are clear, hard water streams that drain the center two-thirds of Waushara County. There are substantial critical animal waste problems in the eastern half of this watershed, though detailed inventories need to be done. Soil erosion, at rates above 2 T/A/YR, combined with local animal waste delivery and in-stream erosion have accelerated deterioration of trophic status of mill ponds on the Pine River and Willow Creek.

Willow Creek is a 43-mile-long tributary to the southwest corner of Lake Poygan and is entirely within Waushara County. The portion of Willow Creek above Redgranite is listed as an Outstanding Resource Water.

Fluctuating water levels due to the hydroelectric dam at the Auroraville Millpond conflicts with recreational uses. Streambank erosion occurs when water levels are high. Stream bank brushing and in-stream structures have been implemented in the Class I portion resulting in improved stream conditions in approximately six miles. Mechanical brushing is planned where necessary in the Class II portion.

From: Bougie, Cheryl A., Kosmond, Lisa D, and Watermolen, Dreux J. 1996. Wolf River Basin Water Quality Management Plan. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date 1996

Author Cheryl Bougie

Willow Creek, Pine and Willow Rivers Watershed (WR02) Fish and Aquatic Life

Willow Creek, Pine and Willow Rivers Watershed (WR02) Recreation

Willow Creek, Pine and Willow Rivers Watershed (WR02) Fish Consumption

General Condition

Willow Creek (WBIC 243700) from Blackhawk Rd. to the headwaters was assessed during the 2018 listing cycle; new biological (fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scores) and temperature sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Fish and Aquatic Life use. This water was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The 2018 assessments of Willow Creek (segments from Auroraville Millpond to 29th Lane and from 29th Lane to Blackhawk Road) showed impairment by temperature; new temperature sample data exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing criteria for the Fish and Aquatic Life use. Available biological data did not indicate impairment (i.e. no macroinvertebrate or fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scored in the "poor" condition category). Based on the most updated information, this water was proposed for the impaired waters list.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Willow Creek (243700), from Unnamed Tributary WBIC 244400 to Lake Poygan, was assessed during the 2016 listing cycle; temperature data exceeded 2016 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Fish and Aquatic Life use.

Date 2015

Author Aaron Larson

Condition

Wisconsin has over 84,000 miles of streams, 15,000 lakes and milllions of acres of wetlands. Assessing the condition of this vast amount of water is challenging. The state's water monitoring program uses a media-based, cross-program approach to analyze water condition. An updated monitoring strategy (2015-2020) is now available. Compliance with Clean Water Act fishable, swimmable standards are located in the Executive Summary of Water Condition in 2018. See also the 'monitoring and projects' tab.

Reports

Willow Creek 2019 Instantaneous DO Evaluation

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments

Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments

2015 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report - Willow Creek At Cth D

Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments

2013 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report -Willow Creek At Cth S And Z

2013 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report -Willow Creek US of 28th Bridge

2013 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report -Willow Creek at 29 Ln

2013 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report -Willow Creek-Below Mill Pond Bridge In Auroraville.

Pine Willow Poygan South (WR02) Priority Watershed Surface Water Resource Appraisal Report 1997

Pine River Willow Creek Priority Watershed Water Quality Appraisal Monitoring Plan 1996

Willow Creek and Cedar Springs, Waushara County, OERW Evaluation

Recommendations

Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring

Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.

Restore Wetlands

Management Goals

Wisconsin's Water Quality Standards provide qualitative and quantitative goals for waters that are protective of Fishable, Swimmable conditions [Learn more]. Waters that do not meet water quality standards are considered impaired and restoration actions are planned and carried out until the water is once again fishable and swimmable

Management goals can include creation or implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load analysis, a Nine Key Element Plan, or other restoration work, education and outreach and more. If specific recommendations exist for this water, they will be displayed below online.

Monitoring

Monitoring the condition of a river, stream, or lake includes gathering physical, chemical, biological, and habitat data. Comprehensive studies often gather all these parameters in great detail, while lighter assessment events will involve sampling physical, chemical and biological data such as macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish communities integrate watershed or catchment condition, providing great insight into overall ecosystem health. Chemical and habitat parameters tell researchers more about human induced problems including contaminated runoff, point source dischargers, or habitat issues that foster or limit the potential of aquatic communities to thrive in a given area. Wisconsin's Water Monitoring Strategy was recenty updated.

Grants and Management Projects

Project Name (Click for Details)	Year Started
FOX WOLF WATERSHED ALLIANCE: Winnebago Lakes Comprehensive Planning - Lake Poygan	2017
Willow Creek at CTH S and CTH Z	2008
Fish Propagation Actions	2001
Wetland Restoration Database	2016

Monitoring Projects

WBIC	Official Waterbody Name	Station ID	Station Name	Earliest Fieldwork Date	Latest Fieldwork Date	View Station	View Data
243700	Willow Creek	10051373	Willow Creek - Cty Rd S to 28th Rd and Cottonville Ct	8/29/2017	8/29/2017	Map	Data
5024599	Unnamed	10051373	Willow Creek - Cty Rd S to 28th Rd and Cottonville Ct	8/29/2017	8/29/2017	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10007948	Willow Creek 20			Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	703062	Willow Creek at Cth E	1/12/1995	10/16/1997	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10007934	Willow Creek 18			Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10031820	Willow Creek - Chicago Ave.			Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10047049	Willow Creek - CTH S near Bruce Creek			Map	Data
245400	Bruce Creek	10047383	Wetland [ID 70423693089]	9/28/2016	9/28/2016	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	703124	Willow Creek - Blackhawk Rd	5/16/1979	1/1/2015	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10007981	Willow Creek - Flieshman			Map	Data
245300	Unnamed	10051373	Willow Creek - Cty Rd S to 28th Rd and Cottonville Ct	8/29/2017	8/29/2017	Map	Data
245400	Bruce Creek	10051373	Willow Creek - Cty Rd S to 28th Rd and Cottonville Ct	8/29/2017	8/29/2017	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10029706	Willow Creek US of 28th Bridge	5/15/2013	1/1/2015	Map	Data
5024433	Unnamed	10047383	Wetland [ID 70423693089]	9/28/2016	9/28/2016	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	703111	Willow Creek - Off Cth S On Dnr Land	9/26/2000	9/26/2000	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10030524	Willow Creek upstream of CTH S bridge	6/9/2005	1/1/2015	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10015842	Willow Creek - Downstream Of Cth E. Approx. 4100ft.	9/26/2000	9/26/2000	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10007936	Willow Creek 18a			Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10022006	Willow Creek Blackhawk Rd Downstream Annual Site			Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10040638	Willow Creek at Brown Deer Ave W of 24th Rd	6/27/2007	8/7/2016	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	703091	Willow Creek at 29 Ln	6/9/2005	1/1/2015	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	703112	Willow Creek - Downstream Of Cth E 4100 Ft.	5/16/1979	5/13/1999	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10007927	Willow Creek 17			Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10007932	Willow Creek 17a			Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10028918	Willow Creek At Cth S And Z	5/18/2008	10/11/2021	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10030629	Willow Creek - Park in Redgranite	6/27/2005	1/1/2015	Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10032736	Willow Creek at Pine River St. (Hwy E) Redgranite			Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10047050	Willow Creek - Brown Deer Rd.			Map	Data
243700	Willow Creek	10047383	Wetland [ID 70423693089]	9/28/2016	9/28/2016	Map	Data

Watershed Characteristics

Willow Creek is located in the Pine and Willow Rivers watershed which is 302.08 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily forest (34.40%), agricultural (27.80%) and a mix of wetland (19.20%) and other uses (18.70%). This watershed has 377.48 stream miles, 11,273.01 lake acres and 33,136.61 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High for runoff impacts on streams, Not Ranked for runoff impacts on lakes and High for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of High. This value can be used in ranking the watershed or individual waterbodies for grant funding under state and county programs.However, all waters are affected by diffuse pollutant sources regardless of initial water quality. Applications for specific runoff projects under state or county grant programs may be pursued. For more information, go to surface water program grants.

Natural Community

Willow Creek is considered a No Classification, Cool-Warm Headwater, Cool-Warm Mainstem under the state's Natural Community Determinations.

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model resultsand DNR staff valiation processes that confirm or update predicted conditions based on flow and temperature modeling from historic and current landscape features and related variables. Predicated flow and temperatures for waters are associated predicated fish assemblages (communities). Biologists evaluate the model results against current survey data to determine if the modeled results are corect and whether biological indicators show water quaity degradation. This analysis is a core component of the state's resource management framework. Wisconsin's Riverine Natural Communities.

Cool (Warm-Transition) Headwaters are small, sometimes intermittent streams with cool to warm summer temperatures. Coldwater fishes are uncommon to absent, transitional fishes are abundant to common, and warm water fishes are common to uncommon. Headwater species are abundant to common, mainstem species are common to absent, and river species are absent.

More Interactive Maps

View Water in Alternative Map