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Lower Chippewa River Basin
An area downstream from Eau Claire on the Chippewa River and downstream from Menomonie on the Red Cedar contains more rare species (125) and more native prairie (25% of the state total) than any area of comparable size in Wisconsin. In recognition of these unique natural resource, the Natural Resources Boardand the Governor approved the establishment of the Lower Chippewa River State Natural Area. The goal of the project is to preserve and protect the most unique and sensitive areas with outright acquisition, easements or voluntary management. The biological diversity remaining in the area is a testament to the land stewardship that has been a tradition for generations. As land changes hands, this project will help assure that this land stewardship continues on select sites.
A Master Plan is currently being developed for this project (see April 09 news release). For details on this project please refer to the Feasibility Study (PDF, 614KB), the Master Plan Web site or contact Kris Belling.
To find out more about the Lower Chippewa Basin please contact Paul LaLiberte (Lower Chippewa Basin Watershed Supervisor) or for the feasibility study, Kris Belling (WCR Wildlife Supervisor).
An aerial oblique photograph showing a branching reach of the Lower Chippewa River. Photo taken by Sean Hartnett, UW-Eau Claire Geographer. Airplane piloted by Al Wiberg, UW-Eau Claire, Environmental Adventure Center.
Access water quality data for the basin please visit Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS) and look for scheduled whitewater flow releases at American Whitewater - Chippewa (Jim Falls).
Related Information
- Fisheries of the Lower Chippewa Basin (2003, PDF)
- Aquatic Plant Community in the Chippewa River (2001)
- Land Legacy - Lower Chippewa Rivers and Prairies (2005)
- Lower Chippewa River State Natural Area (website)
- Report on the Lower Chippewa River from the Confluence Center for Lower Chippewa River (PDF)
- Lower Chippewa State of the Basin Report (exit DNR) (2002)
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
RSS