Bad Axe LaCrosse River Basin

The Bad Axe - La Crosse River Basin, located in southwest Wisconsin, contains numerous scenic vistas from the many hilltops and beautiful stream valleys. This basin is characterized by steep forested hillsides with agricultural activities located mainly in the relatively level valleys.

The last glaciers to flatten Wisconsin did not reach this part of the state. Consequently, this basin is drained by a highly dendritic network of primarily cold, groundwater fed streams. In fact, the Bad Axe - La Crosse River basin contains 400 hundred miles of trout streams. Portions of Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon Counties lie within the Bad Axe - La Crosse River Basin.

This basin is rich in cold water streams. Many of these streams are in good shape, but many others are threatened by both urban and agricultural non-point source pollution. Stormwater runoff from urban areas, barnyard runoff and inadequate sod cover on streambanks top the list of problems. An extensive effort to restore in-stream habitat for trout and purchase streambank easements for fishing access has been very successful in the Bad Axe - La Crosse River Basin.

Read the Bad Axe LaCrosse State of the Basin Report

See also...

Surface Water Data Viewer (Hint: "Zoom To" the basin)
Wisconline Resources (exit DNR)
USGS Conditions (exit DNR)
Rare Species
Invasive Species
State Parks and Campgrounds (exit DNR)
Wisconsin's State Forests
Urban Forestry Staff
Drinking Water Database
Waste Management Program Regional Contacts
Lakes by County