Bayfield Peninsula Northwest Watershed (LS06)

Table of Streams of the Bayfield Northwest Peninsula Watershed (LS06)

This watershed includes the western half of the Bayfield Peninsula and Sand Island of the Apostle Islands. Sand Island is managed by the National Park Service from its Bayfield office. The U.S. Forest Service manages portions of the watershed as part of the Chequamegon National Forest.

A number of streams draining the Bayfield peninsula have coastal wetlands at their mouths. Two sites in this watershed, the Flag River and Cranberry River, are part of the South Shore of Lake Superior Fish and Wildlife Area, a WDNR land acquisition project. The project was approved in 1992 with an acquisition goal of 8,690 acres. The project goal is to maintain and enhance highly valuable coastal wetlands and watersheds supporting migratory trout and salmon species.

Saxine and Squaw creeks and an unnamed stream at T51N R5W S19 form small areas of coastal wetlands at their mouths in Squaw Bay. Other than these coastal wetlands, the Squaw Bay shoreline is primarily sand beach. The western arm of the bay forms Squaw Point, off of which lake trout spawn. The Lake Superior Binational Program identified these small tributaries to Squaw Bay as important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem for coastal wetlands and fish and wildlife spawning and nursery grounds.

The shoreline from the mouth of Saxine Creek in Squaw Bay east beyond the watershed boundary between Sand Bay and Little Sand Bay is under federal protection as part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This area includes some unique land features, including undercut cliffs that form sea caves. Little Sand Bay is a small inlet between Big Sand Bay and Point Detour. It sports a small area of coastal wetlands, a sand beach, and hemlock and cedar. The National Park Service owns this area; tour cruises operate from a small marina. This area is identified by the Lake Superior Binational Program as habitat important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem for coastal wetlands and rare communities.

The lower reaches of this watershed, like most in the basin, has unstable red clay soils that are easily eroded if the soil is disturbed. Forestry activities in red clay soils need to employ best-management practices that are even more protective of riparian areas.

The community of Herbster discharges its treated wastewater from the Clover Sanitary District directly to Lake Superior. The Bell Sanitary District in Cornucopia discharges seasonally to Lake Superior via a dry run and drop from a bluff to the lake. The community of Port Wing discharges effluent to Bibon Lake, which is connected to Lake Superior via wetlands.

Table 17. WPDES-Permitted Discharges to the Bayfield Northwest Peninsula Watershed

Resources of Concern

WDNR's Natural Heritage Inventory Database indicates that the following water-dependent endangered, threatened or special concern species and/or communities have been sighted in this watershed within the last 20 years. In addition, a coastal wetlands evaluation conducted in 1995 and 1996 identified a number of species and habitats described in a comprehensive report, Wisconsin's Lake Superior Coastal Wetlands Evaluation / Including Other Selected Natural Features of the Lake Superior Basin (Epstein 1997). This report is largely excerpted here.

* For more detailed descriptions of community types, see page 26.

Priority Wetlands

Bark Bay

This large complex of coastal barrier spit, lagoon, springs and wetlands occupies and embayment between two rocky headlands. The wetlands are extensive and include two major types: coastal fen and coastal bog. Both communities are floristically diverse, in excellent condition, and support many rare species of plants, birds and butterflies. A large lagoon occupies the center of the site and supports submergent and floating-leaved aquatic plants. A forested interior spit parallel to the coastal barrier spit breaks the wetlands into two major sections. Communities are similar on both sides of the interior spit, but the interior wetlands lack a central lagoon. Other significant features includes a narrow strip of dry pine forest on the coastal spit, springs associated with the mouth of the Bark River on the eastern edge of the site, and small stands of tamarack and tall shrubs.

Birds present during the breeding season included bald eagle, merlin, northern harrier, yellow rail, sandhill crane, Brewer's blackbird and American bittern. Substantial numbers of migrating shorebirds were noted after late June and August in 1995 and 1996.

This site is a protection priority as its wetlands are extensive, in excellent condition and support many rare, uncommon and representative species. The unnamed inlet stream on the west side of the site is bordered by several large clones of the invasive giant reed grass (Phagmites australis). This species should be monitored and controlled if necessary. A broader view of the local watershed and its land uses would improve assessment and protection.

Lost Creek Wetlands

This estuarine complex is at the drowned mouths of three small creeks, just south of Lake Superior. A forested coastal barrier spit separates the site from the lake. Sandstone headlands flank the sandspit and estuary to the east and west. The major communities within the site are coastal fen, coastal bog and shrub swamp. The lagoon at the junction of the creeks contains significant stands of emergent, submergent and floating-leaved aquatic plants. A mature dry forest of pine and spruce occurs at the sandspit, upon which a number of cabins and an access road have been built. The eastern end of the complex is forested with a shrubby second-growth stand of white cedar and black ash. Resident birds include merlin, sedge wren and yellow-bellied flycatcher.

The fen community is well-developed on the west and north sides of the lagoon. The mat is composed of woolly and livid sedges, buckbean, sweet gale and cotton grass. Boggier areas with more firmly grounded peat moss are composed of Sphagnum, heath-like shrubs and sedges. Community boundaries are quite indistinct here. The emergent marsh includes lake sedge, water arum, marsh cinquefoil and broad-leaved cattail. Among floating-leaved plants are bur-reed, water milfoils, yellow water lily, common bladderwort, water marigold and pondweeds.

Though not a large site, rare plants, birds and butterflies occur here. Among the rarities is one of only two established populations in Wisconsin of the regionally rare lake cress. A portion of this site is designated as a State Natural Area, but increasing development of the sandspit adjacent to the wetlands could threaten water quality and make the area unsuitable for sensitive species. Increased powerboat traffic in the lagoon could damage the aquatic beds and lead to the inadvertent introduction of invasive species. Promoting this site's values with local residents should be a priority for those with stewardship responsibilities.

About 225 acres are identified as special use area in the Bayfield County 10-Year Forest Management Plan and future management will stress old-growth appearance, river water quality, aesthetics and minimal impacts (Fenner).

Port Wing Wetlands

This large complex of wetlands, forested sand ridges, beach and open dune, occurs at the mouth of the Flag River adjacent the village of Port Wing. A large slough, Bibon Lake, occurs within the southwestern portion of the site. Significant communities include coastal fen, coastal bog, lake dune, tamarack swamp and several stands of dry pine forest with a strong boreal flavor. Overall quality of the natural communities is good to excellent. This site includes the state's only known population of fly honeysuckle.

The fen community consists of a floating mat of sedges, dominated by wooly sedge. The coastal bog fringes the margins of the uplands, with a mat of Sphagnum mosses, ericaceous (heath-like) shrubs and sedges. It contains a number of species not typically found in this kind of bog, such as buckbean, mud sedge, white and sooty beak-rushes, livid sedge and speckled alder. Small tamarack are scattered unevenly throughout the community. The tamarack swamp consists of three stands, each with an even-aged canopy of mature tamarack, a dense tall shrub layer of speckled alder and a diverse low shrub/herb/bryophyte flora. The sandspits and ridges are forested with a mixture of red pine, white pine, black spruce and balsam fir. The stands east of the Flag River are in, or approaching, old-growth condition. Along the Lake superior shore, dune and beach communities occur.

Partially protected via a State Natural Area designation, management and protection of the site's natural features will present many challenges. Potential problems include:

• Spread of the aggressive giant reed grass (Phragmites australis) that is well-established in the open peatlands around Bibon Lake;
• Diminished water quality due to the discharge of effluent from the village sewage ponds into Bibon Lake;
• Encroachment of development into sensitive areas;
• Disruption of coastal processes, including long-shore sediment transport past the jetties at the mouth of the river; and
• Successional changes in the fire-dependent pine forests.

A more comprehensive management and monitoring plan is needed, with participation from appropriate agency personnel, local governments, conservation organizations and private citizens.

Sand Bay

The drowned mouth of the Sand River is bordered by a complex of wetlands separated from Lake Superior by a forested sandspit. The lower portions of the stream are bordered by northern sedge meadow and alder thicket. West of the lagoon at the stream's outlet are several spring runs. East of the lagoon is a peatland with coastal fen, coastal bog and tamarack swamp. Ownership is mostly by the National Park Service. The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa hold title to the forested spit west of the river mouth. Rocky headlands with significant outcroppings of sandstone cliffs occur on either side of Sand Bay. Most of the watershed is forested and undeveloped.

Most of the open peatland is a coastal bog composed of Sphagnum mosses, heath-like shrubs, sedges and insectivorous plants. A very wet mat within the sphagnum community between the sandspit and tamarack swamp is composed mostly of woolly sedge with very low moss cover. The tamarack swamp is composed of small trees over a dense layer of speckled alder.

Sultz Swamp

This acid peatland occupies a depression high on the Bayfield Peninsula about six miles inland from the Lake Superior coast. Although there are other, similar wetlands in this part of the basin, Sultz Swamp is the largest and embedded within vast stretches of county-owned forest. The major features of this insular peatland include mature forest of black spruce, and extensive muskeg/open bog and large populations of several rare species. Disturbances to the interior of the site have been minimal, with the exception of a maintained power line corridor that crosses the area east-west. White cedar logs were removed from the margins of the wetland in the distant past.

Underneath its closed canopy, the spruce forest is very open and park-like. Canopy gaps are filled with thickets of young black spruce or tamarack.

Where peat has accumulated and forms a deep, hummocky layer of sphagnum, the spruce and tamarack become scattered and often stunted. The understory is dominated by heath-like shrubs. Dense patches of blueberries possibly provide evidence of past fire, as does gnarly jack pine among the stunted spruces. Of special interest is a large population of Michaux's sedge, a Wisconsin Threatened plant.

Among resident birds are the solitary vireo, yellow-bellied flycatcher, ruby-crowned kinglet, Lincoln's sparrow and palm warbler. Large numbers of white-winged crossbills were noted in 1996, but breeding couldn't be confirmed.

Sultz Swamp is county-owned and designated wild area in the Bayfield County 10-Year Forest Management Plan, with the intent that it be allowed to return to a natural state, with as little management as possible (Fenner). This plan says motor vehicle travel will be limited to maintenance and winter snowmobiles only (Fenner). Managers should work with the utility responsible for maintaining the power line corridor to ensure that introduction of invasive species is avoided and that no harmful chemicals are used in keeping the corridor open.

Recommendations

1. Regional basin management team staff should conduct a site visit of the Clover Sanitary District discharge to Lake Superior to accurately locate the site with a GPS unit, describe the effluent path and provide a classification memo for the effluent path (Type B).
2. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams and NR 102 are revised, correct the listing for the unnamed tributary to the East Fork Cranberry River from T50N R7W S26 to S28 (Type B).
3. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams is revised, correct the location of the unnamed tributary to Saxine Creek from T51N R5W Section 30 to Section 19 (Type B).
4. Regional basin management team staff should determine whether the perennial unnamed stream tributary to Squaw Bay is the stream intended for classification as a Class I trout water and exceptional resource water (Type B).
5. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams is revised, correct the information about the unnamed Class I trout stream tributary to Squaw Bay that cannot be found on topographical maps (Type B)
6. Regional basin management team staff should conduct background water quality sampling of the Flag, Cranberry, East Fort Cranberry, Sand and Siskiwit rivers and Saxine Creek to assess current conditions (Type B).
7. Regional basin management team staff should conduct stream classification monitoring on Racket Creek (Type B).
8. Regional basin management team staff should determine whether the pits at the headwaters of the Lenawee Creek tributary are affecting water quality (Type B).

Bark River

The Bark River is a medium-sized spring-fed trout stream that flows north into Bark Bay. The entire river supports reproducing trout, including many migratory runs from Lake Superior, and has been classified as an outstanding resource water. Stream bottom types vary, with the lower reaches mostly sand, gravel and clay, while the upper reaches consist of mixed sand, gravel and boulders. The upper reaches have a steep gradient through a ravine. Large amounts of debris have accumulated along this portion of the stream, which, if large and woody, may enhance habitat (Pratt 1996). The area supports nesting and migratory waterfowl. One characteristic of the river is extensive wetlands about 2.5 miles from the lake. The river flows through an area of cedar and white pine. The Lake Superior Binational Program identified this river as important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem for rare communities.

The river empties into Bark Bay, which is bounded by Roman Point to the east and Bark Point to the west. Bark Bay has a beach dunes landscape, with extensive coastal wetlands that feature a bog. The bay supports submergent vegetation. The extensive wetlands provide high quality habitat for wading birds and waterfowl. Shorebirds use the shoreline. The inland fishery in the wetland and lagoon area is a varied community of primarily warm water fish species. Spawning migratory rainbow trout use this area and the Bark River. The nearshore waters of Lake Superior provide spawning habitat for both lake trout and lake whitefish. This area is subject to some development. Several cabins have been built on a long, narrow sand spit that separates the lagoons from the lake. The land in the area is in both state (Bark Bay Natural Area) and private ownership. The Lake Superior Binational Program has identified this area as important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem for coastal wetlands, rare communities, rare habitat, habitat unique to the Great Lakes and fish and wildlife spawning and nursery grounds. The coastal wetland evaluation identified Bark Bay as a priority wetland site (see discussion, above).

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, three rare species of macroinvertebrates were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted that bank erosion and turbidity may be potential problems.

Cranberry River

The Cranberry River, which drains about 27 square miles, forms a lagoon area where it meets lake Superior. The lower reach of the river forms a coastal wetland. The lagoon and lower reach support a varied fishery of warm water species and trout and salmon. Shiners and northern pike use the area for spawning. The Cranberry River is an important stream for fish as it is used for spawning by resident brook trout and by migratory brown and rainbow trout and coho salmon. This area is considered by the Lake Superior Binational Program important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem for coastal wetlands, vital functions for planning objectives and fish and wildlife spawning and nursery grounds. The Cranberry River is part of the state South Shore Fish and Wildlife Area. The mouth is bordered by land in state ownership and by the village of Herbster. Farther upstream, the river flows primarily through state-owned land.

South of the state fishery lie the headwaters and springs that feed the Cranberry River. This area is county forest land and lies some distance from Lake Superior. To maintain ecosystem integrity, it's important to eliminate threats to such headwater areas. While the headwaters lie in county-owned land, a section of the river below the headwaters and above the state fishery area (which extends some three miles upriver from the lake) flows through private land. Migratory fowl use the area. The Cranberry River has been classified as an outstanding resource water.

East Fork Cranberry River and Unnamed Tributary

The East Fork Cranberry River is the major tributary to the Cranberry River and accounts for the majority of the flow in the Cranberry River. This entire stream is considered Class I trout waters and supports migratory trout runs from Lake Superior. This stream drains relatively wild land and the stream bed is primarily sand and gravel and boulders.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, four rare species of macroinvertebrates were found and overall taxa richness was high (25 or more species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted significant turbidity in the stream, with significant bank erosion present as well as impacts from impoundment. To a lesser extent, potential pollutant sources include livestock operations, barnyards, cropland and failing septic system. Present at survey sites were aquatic plants and filamentous algae.

Wisconsin Trout Streams incorrectly refers to a major tributary to the East Fork as T50N R7W S25. It actually enters the East Fork in Section 28. Because of this, the stream is also incorrectly identified in the NR102 list of outstanding and exceptional waters. This sand and gravel-bottomed tributary is popular with migratory trout for spawning. The majority of the streambank vegetation is tag alder. Abundant in-stream cover occurs in the form of rocks, logs, deep pools and undercut banks.

Flag River

This moderately large stream with a spring water source drains about 32 square miles of land. The stream was named for the large quantity of blue flag, a species of emergent vegetation in the sloughs at the mouth of the stream. The Flag River is considered an excellent trout stream and sports runs of migratory trout from Lake Superior. The outstanding resource waters list identifies this stream as an outstanding resource water south of the town road at T50N R8W S27. The middle nine miles are Class I trout waters. In the 1960s, numerous stream improvement devices were installed in sections 27 and 28 to provide pools and reduce erosion. In addition, a 500-foot long sheet revetment was installed at the mouth to keep the outlet open and provide freer movement for migratory trout.

The river drains areas of mixed hardwood and pine forest that experience periodic clear-cutting and are crossed by sand access roads.

WDNR's Port Wing Natural Area near the mouth of the river protects boreal forest and sloughs, portions of a natural sand beach and rocky headlands. The Flag River State Fishery Area surrounds Bibon Lake and numerous sloughs and wetlands. Along the Lake Superior shoreline here unique land forms consisting of old beach ridges support a beach community of plants. These ridges help contain coastal wetlands that extend several miles east from the river mouth along the Lake Superior shore. On the western shore, the fishery area provides an important habitat for shorebirds. Quarry Point is a scenic area of red sandstone cliffs and a historic quarry site, as well as sand beaches.

The lower reaches of the Flag River and its associated wetlands and shoreline complex provide important habitat for numerous species of waterfowl. The area also supports a rich fishery including brook, brown and rainbow trout and shiners, as well as pumpkinseed, round whitefish, splake, burbot, stickleback and yellow bullhead. Rainbow trout and coho salmon use the river for spawning.

In a sheltered backwater near the river mouth, two marinas operate that include commercial and sport fishing operations and a campground built on a long stretch of beach ridge next to the lake. Since the last plan update, WDNR sampled sediment and found no contaminants at levels above ranges typical for the region.

The Lake Superior Binational Program identified habitat values important to the Lake Superior ecosystem in the Flag River Fishery Area and Port Wing Natural Area, including coastal wetlands, rare communities, rare habitat, vital functions for planning objectives, habitat for migratory wildlife and fish and wildlife spawning and nursery grounds. The coastal wetlands evaluation identified the wetland complexes around the mouth of the river as priority wetlands (see discussion under Port Wing, above.)

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, three rare species of macroinvertebrates were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted that bank erosion and turbidity were significant, with silt a concern.

East Fork Flag River

This entire stream drains relatively wild land. It derives its flow primarily from an unnamed feeder and numerous springs in the stream and its banks. Brook brown and rainbow trout are present and the stream hosts migratory runs of trout from Lake Superior. Most of the bank vegetation is upland or swamp hardwoods. The river drains areas of mixed hardwood and pine forest that experience periodic clear-cutting and are crossed by sand access roads. This river has been designated an exceptional resource water.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, three rare species of macroinvertebrates were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted that bank erosion and turbidity were significant, with silt a concern.

Lenawee Creek

This small trout stream flows some four miles from Lenawee Lake to where it joins the East Fork of the Cranberry River. The upper reaches of the stream don't support enough flow to serve as trout waters, but do serve as a trout nursery. At the boundary to the lower reach, springs augment the flow and the stream is littered with boulders, fallen logs and debris that, along with undercut banks, provide abundant in-stream cover. The lower mile of stream is designated outstanding resource water. About half of the stream's length falls within the Chequamegon National Forest. The upland hardwoods in the watershed are periodically clearcut and sometimes crossed by logging access roads. Photo-revisions of topographic maps in 1975 show pits in Section 24 at the headwaters of an intermittent stream draining from forest land into Lenawee Creek (T49N R7W S16). These warrant evaluation to determine if they have any impact on the trout nursery area in Lenawee Creek.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, no rare species of macroinvertebrates were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted that bank erosion was significant, with silt a concern.

Lost Creeks Numbers 1, 2 and 3

These three streams empty into sloughs that drain into Lake Superior's Siskiwit Bay. Lost Creek No. 1 just south of Cornucopia near County Highway C, is a small, spring-fed stream considered a Class II brook trout stream that also supports migratory runs. It is shallow, sandy and has little in-stream cover.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, one rare species of macroinvertebrate was found in Lost Creek No. 1 and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted that low flows have a significant impact on in-stream habitat quality and some bank erosion.

Lost Creek No. 2 is similar to Lost Creek No. 1. It, too, is a Class II brook trout water. During the coastal wetlands evaluation, no rare species of macroinvertebrate were found in Lost Creek No. 2 and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted that significant silt and streambank erosion affected in-stream habitat quality.

Unlike Nos. 1 and 2, Lost Creek No. 3 is a warm water drainage stream subject to wide fluctuations in water levels and turbid water conditions are common. The creek supports only minnows. During the coastal wetlands evaluation, one rare species of macroinvertebrate was found in Lost Creek No. 3 and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted some turbidity.

The three streams join at the Lost Creek Natural Area at the western end of Siskiwit Bay. This is an extensive coastal wetland that provides habitat for unique plants, shorebirds and fish. The estuary and surrounding wetlands of the three creeks provide important habitat for lake cress, a plant considered endangered in Wisconsin. The estuary provides spawning habitat for northern pike and supports several species of forage fish. The lower reaches of these three creeks are in a combination of state and private ownership. There has been development along the Siskiwit Bay shoreline that shelters the wetland. The Lake Superior Binational Program identified this area as important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem for coastal wetlands, fish and wildlife spawning and nursery grounds and threatened or endangered species habitat. The coastal wetlands evaluation identified this area as priority wetlands (see Lost Creek Wetlands discussion, above).

Racket Creek

This stream is described in Surface Waters of Bayfield County as a spring-fed stream capable of supporting a Class III brown trout fishery. Its sand and gravel bottom provides a fair spawning area. It is not, however, listed in Wisconsin Trout Streams and is thus not classified as trout water. We have little information on this stream. The stream runs through county forest land that may periodically be subjected to clearcutting and logging traffic. Sand and gravel operations exist in the watershed.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, two rare species of macroinvertebrates were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted that bank erosion was significant and low flows have a significant impact on habitat quality.

Sand River

This river flows north off the Bayfield Peninsula Ridge into Sand Bay on Lake Superior, moving large amounts of clay and sand that have formed a bar out toward Sand Island. Sampling conducted in the early 1980s by the U.S. Geological Survey measured discharges as high as 5,000 tons per day of suspended sediment and 192 tons per day of dissolved solids. In its uppermost reaches, it flows through an extensive wetland area where beaver are common. The upper 70 percent of the river is intermittent. Many small bottom springs and spring streamlets flow into the Sand River about four miles south of its mouth. These are largely responsible for the lower four miles being able to support trout. Brook trout are common in this lower reach, and migratory runs from Lake Superior occur.

This river is periodically subjected to destructive flash floods. Flood stages as high as 12 feet above normal have been recorded. The floods scour most in-stream cover. The upstream reaches are primarily upland hardwood that may periodically be subjected to clearcutting and logging traffic, while the lower reaches are bordered by dense stands of willow.

The Sand River forms a small estuary where it enters Lake Superior, resulting in an area of coastal wetlands that provides good fish habitat. This portion of the Lake Superior Shoreline in Sand Bay is part of the Apostle Island National Lakeshore. The coastal wetlands evaluation identified Sand Bay as the site of priority wetlands (see discussion, above). The river itself, besides supporting trout, provides habitat for several warm water species of game and forage fish. The lower portion of the river flows through the Red Cliff Indian Reservation, while the upper parts are mostly county forest. The headwaters areas are privately owned.

Water quality analysis was conducted on this river to determine background levels of metals in the region. Due to wetland areas, springtime waters contained large amounts of particulate matter, much of it clay.

This stream was identified in the coastal wetlands evaluation as an aquatic priority site (Epstein 1997). While the headwaters are near the Bayfield Sand Barrens subsection, and may be influenced by the area, the stream is contained with in the Lake Superior Clay Plain subsection. Of the 20 insect aquatic taxa found in this effort, five are considered rare in Wisconsin. Significant management concerns identified by the survey include turbidity, low flow, exotic species encroachment and bank erosion.

The Sand River supports regionally significant diversity among its aquatic insects. This should an important management consideration across administrative boundaries, as few of the area's streams are confined to a single-owner watershed

Unnamed Tributary to Sand Bay (T51N R4W S6)

This stream is listed in Wisconsin Trout Streams as supporting a Class I brook and rainbow trout fishery, and supporting migratory runs of these species. The stream is classified as an exceptional resource water.

Saxine Creek and Unnamed Tributary (T51N R5W S19)

This small spring-fed stream empties into Squaw Bay on Lake Superior. From the mouth of Saxine Creek to the east is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This stream is considered an exceptional resource water for its Class I brook and rainbow trout fishery. It also supports migratory runs of fish from Lake Superior. This is primarily a nursery for rainbow trout, with the young living in the stream for two years before migrating to the lake to mature, then return to spawn. The stream bottom is mostly sand, with occasional gravel areas used for spawning. Vegetation is primarily upland hardwood. The mouth of this stream is considered important Lake Superior habitat for coastal wetlands.

Wisconsin Trout Streams identifies a Class III trout stream as entering Saxine Creek in Section 30. This is inaccurate. A Class III brook and rainbow trout stream flows from Section 31, through 30, and enters Saxine Creek in Section 19. This stream is a high-gradient spring creek with a number of feeders. Trout habitat is poor due to the shifting-sand bottom and limited food sources. The stream flows primarily through upland hardwoods.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, four rare species of macroinvertebrates were found in Saxine Creek and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted potential problems due to low flows.

Siskiwit Lake

Presently, walleye from this lake are on the fish consumption advisory due to mercury content. The last fish study of this lake was conducted in 1987.

Siskiwit River and Siskiwit Bay Tributary

The Siskiwit River originates in Siskiwit Lake and flows through Little Siskiwit Lake, before emptying into Siskiwit Bay on Lake Superior. From the outlet of Siskiwit Lake downstream to Siskiwit Springs in T50N R6W S24, the water quality is characterized by high temperatures, acid pH and dark brown color. This river reach supports primarily forage species. From the springs, water quality improves and allows trout survival. For the five-mile stretch from the springs to Siskiwit Falls, the river is classified as Class I trout water for brook, brown and rainbow trout. This segment of river is also considered an exceptional resource water. Below the falls to the mouth, the stream is Class II trout water because of its lack of gravel spawning areas. Rainbow and brown trout, and chinook and coho salmon migrate from the lake to spawn. The river also supports spawning northern pike, bullheads, suckers and spottail shiners.

At the mouth of the river, Cornucopia Harbor provides a mooring and docking area for commercial and sport fishing operations and private recreation. A pier juts out from the mouth, forming a sheltered beach area. Sediment sampling in the harbor since the last update of this plan did not indicate contaminants at levels higher than background typical of the region.

Siskiwit Bay is bounded by Squaw Point to the east and Roman Point to the west. The bay is a spawning area for lake whitefish. Shorebirds use the sand beaches of the bay. The mouth of the river, the bay shoreline and Roman Point are in private ownership. Upstream areas of the Siskiwit River are in county forest and private ownership. The Lake Superior Binational Program identified Siskiwit Bay and the river as important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem for fish and wildlife spawning and nursery grounds.

Past water quality sampling by the University of Wisconsin - Superior, indicated fecal coliform counts were elevated. This was prior to the construction of the new Bell Sanitary District Wastewater Treatment Plant.

A tributary to Siskiwit Bay entering the lake at T51N R6W S34 has been designated an exceptional resource water. This stream is listed as a Class I trout stream for brook trout in Wisconsin Trout Streams. We have little other information for this stream.

Squaw Creek

This small, cold water stream is considered an exceptional resource water. It supports a Class I brook and rainbow trout fishery. Because of the steep gradient, the stream experiences frequent damage to in-stream cover during heavy rain. This has resulted in the formation of a characteristic terraced pool effect along its entire length. During low flow periods, trout can become temporarily isolated in these small pools. The terracing apparently has no effect during high water periods. The trout in the stream are lake-run fish. Wisconsin Trout Streams lists a tributary to Squaw Creek as a Class III trout fishery. We have no information on this stream.

The Lake Superior Binational Program identified the mouth of this stream as important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem for coastal wetlands.

Unnamed Tributary to Squaw Bay

There may be a identification and classification confusion involving this stream. According to Wisconsin Trout Streams, there is a Class I trout stream at T51N R6W S23. Due to the way NR102 is written, this stream is classified as an exceptional resource water. However, 7-minute topographical maps show no evidence of a stream. There is, however, a perennial stream that enters Squaw Bay at T51N R5W S19, that originates in Section 21. This stream forms a small coastal wetland that has been identified by the Lake Superior Binational Program as important Lake Superior habitat. There may have been a typographical error and potentially the stream entering at Section 19 is a Class I trout fishery that should be protected as an exceptional resource water. This is the only unnamed perennial tributary to Squaw Bay.