White River Watershed (LS10)

Table of Streams of the White River Watershed (LS10)

This watershed drains a large area of Bayfield and Ashland counties and is scattered with numerous lakes. The Lake Superior Binational Program has identified the more than 10,000-acre wetland complex, the Bibon Swamp State Natural Area, as habitat important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem. The White River flows through the swamp, which was established as a protected WDNR property in 1980 to protect and preserve the plants and animals associated with this geologically unique wetland. The White River meanders through this clay plain wetland, which has alder and willow thicket, swamp hardwood, bog and northern sedge meadow habitats. The marsh is deemed critical habitat for large natural ecosystem, diversity and contribution to ecosystem integrity - landscape scale. WDNR's White River Fishery Area spans several reaches of the upper White River, including the South and West forks. The 3,300-acre area is managed for its fishery, wildlife and recreation potential. WDNR also manages the White River Wildlife Area, which protects forest habitat and fisheries. Much of the wildlife area is composed of aspen, stands of red and white pine and swamp hardwoods. Deep gullies support balsam fir, an important forage for deer in winter. The Porcupine Lake Wilderness Area, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, protects roughly 4,500 acres of roadless headwater streams, lakes bogs and northern hardwood forest.

Previous owners of the Bibon Swamp drained portions of the wetlands, increasing the rate of surface water runoff, which degraded habitat and water quality. Under the auspices of the Lake Superior Binational Program, a project is underway to correct the erosion problems, restore natural drainage patterns, restore wetlands and restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitat on a tributary to the White River. A preliminary plan was developed cooperatively by the Bayfield County Land Conservation Department, the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service and WDNR.

Extirpation of wolf combined with logging has led to a boom in white-tailed deer, which in turn has led to overgrazing of Canada yew, eastern hemlock and eastern white cedar (Spotts 1994). Wolves have begun to reestablish themselves in this watershed. Much of the watershed is forested and there are numerous sand and/or gravel operations.

Table 24. WPDES-Permitted Discharges to the White River Watershed

Resources of Concern (LS10)

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.

Aquatic Priority Sites

Anodanta Lake

This 26-acre Bayfield County lake is relatively deep (maximum depth 31 feet, mean 13 feet) with a large proportion of rubble and gravel bottom. It is identified in the Lake Superior Coastal Wetland Evaluation (Epstein 1997) as an aquatic priority site. This lake lies entirely in the Winegar Moraines subsection. Water levels are relatively stable, and flow out of the lake averages 25 cubic feet per second. The relatively rich macroinvertebrate fauna present is dominated by caddisflies and includes several taxa found only in this waterbody. Management of the lake is for bass and panfish.

Stream aquatic priority sites are described in the narratives below.

Priority Wetland Sites

Bibon Swamp

Bibon Swamp is a vast wetland of more than 10,000 acres within the drainage of the White River. The western portion of the site is a mosaic of several extensive wetland communities of generally good quality:

• A rich wet-mesic conifer swamp dominated by white cedar;
• A much more acid peaty swamp of black spruce and tamarack;
• A hardwood swamp of black ash; and
• Large stands of tall shrubs, especially speckled alder and willows.

Other communities of significance, though of lesser extent, are northern sedge meadow, and patches or strips of riparian hardwoods composed of American elm, red maple, green ash and box elder along the White River.

The white cedar swamp canopy is made up of mostly medium-sized trees. Trunk corings revealed that at least parts of this stand are more than 150 years old. Saplings are mostly of black ash and balsam fir, with cedar reproduction limited to small seedlings. A tall shrub layer of moderate density is composed of mountain maple, alder buckthorn and speckled alder. A number of orchid taxa are scattered through portions of this forest. Mosses of several genera form a surface cover that is broken by pools of muck and occasional spring runs. Overall, groundlayer species richness is high. Resident birds include Nashville, parula and Canada warblers, northern waterthrush and winter wren. Deer remains were noted in the interior of the stand, victims of the harsh winter of 1995-96. This community is south of the White River near the western edge of the site.

Bordering the cedar swamp on the extreme western edge of the site is a wet forest of mature black ash. In portions of this forested wetland the trees grow on low hummocks, which are separated by pools of soupy muck. Red-eyed vireo, black-and-white warbler, Nashville warbler and veery are common in this forest.

North of the river conditions are very different and there is a large complex of acid peatland communities, including open bog, muskeg and black spruce swamp. The more open areas are characterized by scattered, stunted black spruce with some tamarack. Deep sphagnum hummocks form a continuous ground cover, upon which heathy shrubs grow. Common herbs include a variety of sedges.

From the air it is apparent that the depth of the sphagnum peat has formed a dome, somewhat isolating the peatland vegetation from the influence of mineral-rich groundwater or runoff from the uplands. A ring of large tamarack encircles the bog, and beyond that is a minerotrophic shrub swamp of alder and willow--a wetland that receives all of its nutrients via groundwater, stream or overland flow. Among the resident birds of these coniferous peatlands are palm warbler, Lincoln's sparrow, white-throated sparrow, yellow-bellied flycatcher, sharp-shinned hawk and boreal chickadee.

The shrub swamps are vast, densely structured and very difficult to cross. In some places, especially to the east, they may be the result of combined impacts of disrupted hydrology, past logging, fire suppression and natural succession. Stumps and remnants of open sedge meadows give evidence of historical changes in vegetation. Dominant or characteristic species include slender willow, red-osier dogwood, speckled alder, meadowsweet, rough bedstraw and many sedges. Open meadow species include lake sedge, tussock sedge, bluejoint grass, spotted joe-pye-weed, flat-topped aster, marsh marigold, marsh bellflower and fringed brome. Occasional tamarack, balsam poplar and trembling aspen rise above the shrub canopy.

Birds present in the shrub and meadow stands are common yellowthroat, yellow warbler, gray catbird, alder flycatcher, mourning warbler, golden-winged warbler, sedge wren, common snipe, woodcock, ruffed grouse and black-billed cuckoo.

This site has considerable intrinsic value due to its size, lack of roads and the quality of some of its communities. It also supports rare plant and animal species. Formerly disturbed areas are recovering in some places, but seem to be in a holding pattern in others. Agricultural lands adjacent to the wetlands could pose runoff problems. White cedar is not successfully reproducing due to heavy deer browse. This site also supports a valuable sport fishery and is fed by small streams and springs from the south and west. Bibon Swamp is a vital, connecting link between the extensive forests to the south and the Bad River corridor downstream. Maintenance of high water quality and streamside vegetation, especially along the White River, is critical throughout the watershed.

Recommendations

1. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams is updated, correct the location of the unnamed Class I trout tributary to Eighteen Mile Creek from T44N R6W S9, to S8 (Type B).
2. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams is updated, correct the location of the unnamed Class I trout tributary to Long Lake Branch from T45N R6W S17, to S9 (Type B).
3. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams is updated, correct the location of the unnamed Class I trout tributary to Long Lake Branch from T45N R6W S16, to S9 (SWSW) (Type B).
4. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams is updated, correct the location of the unnamed Class I trout tributary to Long Lake Branch from T45N R6W S27, to S22, SWNE (E) (Type B).
5. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams is updated, correct the location of the unnamed Class III trout tributary to Twenty Mile Creek from T44N R6W S1 to T44N R5W S6 (Type B).
6. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams is updated, correct the location of the unnamed Class III trout tributary to Twenty Mile Creek from T44N R5W S7 to Section 8 (Type B).
7. Regional basin management team staff should collect and analyze northern pike and white sucker from the White River Flowage in Ashland County to assess contaminant levels in the White River (Type B).
8. Regional basin management team staff should work with Northern States Power to evaluate operational modifications that will improve habitat for cold water aquatic species in the White River (Types B and C).
9. Regional basin management team staff should, in conjunction with ongoing survey work done by fisheries staff, conduct background water quality monitoring on the White River (Type B).
10. Regional fish management staff should investigate the potential for modifying Drummond Lake's outlet structure to draw cooler water from the bottom of the lake for discharge to Long Lake Branch (Type B).
11. Regional basin management team staff should work with the U.S. Forest Service and other entities to evaluate the impact of Drummond's discharge to the bog (Type B).
12. Regional basin management team staff should evaluate the current condition of Eighteenmile, Hanson, Jader, Tader and Twenty Mile creeks, and Long Lake Branch to identify any impacts due to pollutants (Type B).

Bolen Creek

This Class I trout stream draining to the White River has been classified as an exceptional resource water. Brook and brown trout are common. The stream provides a good trout spawning area for the White River. Several stream improvement devices were installed prior to 1970. This stream flows through an area that has been cleared and gravel pit operations occur near its headwaters.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, two rare species of macroinvertebrate were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). Streambank erosion and low flows impact the stream significantly, silt to a lesser extent. The survey noted significant turbidity and the presence of aquatic plants.

Deer Creek (T47N R4W S26)

This small stream has an unstable sand bottom, extreme fluctuations in water levels and poor in-stream cover. During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, no rare species of macroinvertebrate were found and overall taxa richness was low (0-4 species) (Epstein 1997). Streambank erosion and silt were significant at the survey site.

Eighteenmile Creek

This cold water spring stream originates at the outlet of Diamond Lake, an outstanding resource water, and flows to its confluence with Long Lake Branch in the Bibon Marsh. The stream is considered a Class I trout fishery and has been classified an outstanding resource water. Its principal tributaries are Tader Creek, Eighteenmile Springs and two unnamed feeders, all of which are excellent trout spawning waters. Numerous bank springs feed the stream throughout its middle and upper stretches. This stream, which has a considerable amount of fishing pressure, is considered one of the better trout streams in Bayfield County. The stream flows through predominantly wild forest land in the Chequamegon National Forest, with shrub marsh in its headwaters areas and mixed hardwoods and conifers in the middle sections and open, former pastureland downstream. No farming occurs in the sub-watershed (Archer). The lower portion of the stream was severely damaged in the early 1950s when highway fill washed into the stream. This portion of the stream was restored by blasting a new channel and stabilizing the banks. A 1980 survey indicated the stream would benefit from installation of halved logs and the removal of log jams and debris.

Logging is a potential source of sediment and organic material entering the stream. Pollutant sources are primarily limited to wildlife found in the area. This stream was one of the northern Wisconsin sample sites for studying the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in surface waters. The stream supports muskrat, beaver and migratory waterfowl. Larger game consist of white-tailed deer and a small population of black bear. Estimates place a white-tailed deer population of 37 per square mile in summer and 28 over winter. On five of 11 sampling occasions, Giardia occurred in the stream, but not Cryptosporidium. Sampling indicated low counts of fecal coliform bacteria. The stream demonstrated low levels of suspended solids and little turbidity.

The stream originating is identified in the Lake Superior Coastal Wetland Evaluation (Epstein 1997) as an aquatic priority site. The modest insect fauna contained two rare taxa and was dominated by mayflies and caddisflies.

Unnamed Eighteenmile Creek Tributary

This stream supports a brook and brown trout fishery and is classified an outstanding resource water. Older assessments found the trout present to be small, indicating there may be an inadequate food supply. Beaver activity has dotted the headwaters area with ponds and the evidence of past damming. This stream flows primarily in the Chequamegon National Forest. Wisconsin Trout Streams lists this stream as entering Eighteenmile Creek in Section 9, T44N R6W. This is where the stream originates. It actually enters Eighteen Mile Creek in Section 8.

Hanson Creek

This stream originates in Kern Lake, flowing through wetland areas until it gains spring flow to become trout water in its last three miles. Considerable clearing and cattle pasturing in the watershed caused severe streambank damage in the past.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, one rare species of macroinvertebrate was found and overall taxa richness was high (25 or more species) (Epstein 1997). Low flows, and to a lesser extent, silt affect habitat quality. Streambank erosion is a significant source of pollutants, with livestock, barnyards and croplands present. The survey noted significant turbidity and the presence of aquatic plants.

Jader Creek

This Class II trout stream originates in a tag alder swamp. Downstream, the creek picks up considerable spring water before meeting Long Lake Branch. Historic surveys found both brook and brown trout. Surveys of the 1960s reported a shallow pond on the creek behind an earthen dam with a wooden spillway. The lower reach of stream flows through a deep ravine, the banks dominated by tag alder. The stream bottom is mostly gravel, rubble and sand.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, three rare species of macroinvertebrate was found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). Impoundment significantly affects habitat quality, as does silt, to a lesser extent. Point sources and septic systems were identified as potential pollutant sources. At the survey site, aquatic plants were significant, with filamentous algae present to a lesser extent.

Long Lake Branch

This substantial stream flows from the four-foot head dam at the outlet from Lake Owen, an outstanding resource water lake, through several small lakes until it meets the White River in the Bibon Marsh. The reaches upstream from the outlet of Drummond Lake are considered to be forage waters only. The stream is impounded behind a 15-foot head dam on Mill Pond Lake (Rust Flowage) and a 13-foot head dam on Drummond Lake where water temperatures have the potential to increase. Below Drummond Lake, Long Lake Branch is considered an outstanding resource water and Class I trout stream. Bank feeders provide spring water and numerous trout waters feed the stream.

The Drummond wastewater treatment plant discharges treated effluent to a bog wetland from an outfall in the SESW and SWSE S28 T45 N R07W to the outlet in SESW S28 T45N R7W. This stretch of wetland is recommended for inclusion in NR104 as supporting limited aquatic life. Emerging from the bog wetland at a weir outlet and flowing north is an intermittent tributary to Long Lake Branch downstream of Drummond Lake. The intermittent tributary flows into another wetland that surrounds a 4.4-acre unnamed lake, known locally as Weso Lake, passes under the abandoned Chicago and Northwestern railroad grade and is joined by another feeder. This intermittent tributary from the wetland outlet to the entrance of the lake is also recommended for classification as supporting only limited aquatic life. A site review conducted in 1991 indicated high levels of phosphorus in the stream near the outlet weir and just below the abandoned railroad grade. A substantial increase in the five-day biochemical oxygen demand level occurred downstream of the rail bridge and staff reported a noticeable odor of sewage in the water. This odor still existed six months later. The 1991 site visit indicated no adverse impacts on Long Lake Branch from the discharge. The watershed characteristics rated excellent, while in-stream habitat, due to a lack of depth and siltation in the streambed, rated fair to poor. Habitat availability rated fair. Beaver activity is noted throughout the watershed.

This stream is identified in the Lake Superior Coastal Wetland Evaluation (Epstein 1997) as an aquatic priority site. Most of the stream's influence stems from the Winegar Moraines subsection, but the lower few miles are in the Lake Superior Clay Plain subsection. The insect fauna here was the richest seen in the study, with 66 taxa, five of which are rare (Epstein 1997). The 33 taxonomic families were comprised mostly of caddisflies and mayflies, with significant numbers of dragonflies and true flies. Negative impacts noted included impoundment (Rust Flowage) and silt. Bank erosion, failing septic systems and urban pollutants are threats.

Unnamed Long Lake Branch Tributaries

Four unnamed tributaries to Long Lake Branch are Class I trout waters and classified as outstanding resource waters. A short stream located at T45N R6W S9 flows from an unnamed spring pond in the midst of a dense cedar swamp. Much of the stream flows under a bog. This stream is incorrectly listed in Wisconsin Trout Streams as entering Long Lake Branch in Section 17, the stream's headwater. A small stream with numerous springs flows from the base of a ridge north of Grandview at T45N R6W Section 16 to Section 9 (SWSW). This stream is incorrectly located in Wisconsin Trout Streams as meeting Long Lake Branch in Section 16. A small spring stream flows from Pot Lake into Long Lake Branch from the east in Section 22, T45N R7W. This stream is incorrectly listed as entering Long Lake Branch in Section 27. The entire stream flows through the Chequamegon National Forest. From the west, another small feeder originates at the outlet of Johnson Springs and enters near the Pot Lake stream.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, Johnson Springs was evaluated, with no rare species of macroinvertebrate found and overall taxa richness moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). Impoundment and silt significantly affects habitat quality, and significant aquatic plants and filamentous algae were present tat the survey site.

Porcupine Creek

This small drainage stream originates at the outlet of Porcupine Lake in the Winegar Moraines subsection and flows entirely within the Chequamegon National Forest to its outlet at Eighteenmile Creek, an outstanding resource water. While Porcupine Creek is not listed in Wisconsin Trout Streams, this stream is described in Surface Waters of Bayfield County as supporting a Class III brown trout fishery. The stream is described as providing nesting habitat for ducks and is used by migratory waterfowl. There is non-motorized access to Porcupine Lake from a logging road that crosses the creek. It is also crossed by a federal forest road. It is unknown if forestry activities have had any effect on the stream. It is identified in the Lake Superior Coastal Wetland Evaluation (Epstein 1997) as an aquatic priority site. Gravel and rock are the major bottom types. The fauna, which was taxa rich, was predominated by mayflies and dragonflies and had two rare species.

Pre-emption Creek

This Class II trout stream is the major feeder to Twenty Mile Creek, an outstanding resource water. Brown trout are present and brook trout common in the stream and one of its small spring feeders. The stream drains mostly wild lands, with its upper watershed within the Chequamegon National Forest. The lower reaches flow through wetlands and agricultural lands. Where the stream breaches a rock outcrop, the stream has a steep 15-foot waterfall. Among activity in the watershed is a gravel pit located in Section 27 of T45N R6W. This stream is used extensively by beaver, muskrat and waterfowl.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, two rare species of macroinvertebrate were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997).

Spring Creek (T45N R5W S7)

This small spring feeder to the White River is subject to extreme fluctuations in flow. During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, no rare species of macroinvertebrate were found and overall taxa richness was low (0-4 species) (Epstein 1997). Livestock, barnyards and cropland are significant pollutant sources.

Tader Creek

This is a short, cold water stream that flows into Eighteenmile Creek in Section 29, T45N R6W. The stream is a Class I trout water and classified as an outstanding resource water. Brook and brown trout from Eighteenmile Creek use this gravel and rubble-bottomed stream for spawning. Stable in-stream cover exists as deep pools, fallen logs and undercut banks. The stream drains wild land and stream bank vegetation is mostly cedar, spruce and swamp hardwoods. The stream is ice-free in the winter and flows entirely through private lands.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, six rare species of macroinvertebrate were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). Potential pollutant sources exist in the form of livestock, cropland, failing septic systems and streambank erosion. The survey site exhibited aquatic plants and filamentous algae.

Twenty Mile Creek

This stream originates from several spring-fed streamlets in an area of bedrock outcroppings in the Gogebic-Penokee Iron Range subsection, flowing about 11 miles to its confluence with Long Lake Branch in the Bibon Marsh. Its primary feeders are an unnamed tributary at T44N R5W S8 and Pre-emption Creek, both of which are excellent spring water trout feeders. All of Twenty Mile Creek is considered trout water and is classified as outstanding resource waters. From the Highway 63 crossing near its confluence with Pre-emption Creek down to the mouth, the stream supports a Class II brook and brown trout fishery. Upstream of Highway 63, the stream is considered Class I waters for brook and brown trout, with the brook trout more common. The stream flows through mostly wild lands with bank vegetation ranging from dense alder to mixed hardwoods and scattered conifer. In and around the town of Grandview, pasturing becomes more common before the stream enters the Bibon Marsh.

The drainage basin experiences rapid runoff, resulting in damage to in-stream cover. Several stream improvement projects were conducted in damaged areas. Beaver and muskrat are common to the stream and waterfowl use the stream during migration. Forest Road 378 in the Chequamegon National Forest parallels the stream in its upper reaches and the potential for forestry activities exists in forested areas of the watershed.

The Grandview wastewater treatment facility discharges effluent to an intermittent and wetland tributary to Twenty Mile Creek, proposed for inclusion in the NR104 list of variance waters as supporting limited aquatic life. Sampling at this site in 1989 and 1991 turned up elevated nutrient levels and a single high level of biochemical oxygen demand below the discharge overflow.

The stream is identified in the Lake Superior Coastal Wetland Evaluation (Epstein 1997) as an aquatic priority site. The entire stream is considered trout water. Macroinvertebrates were very diverse, including 50 taxa, five of which are rare. Fauna is dominated by mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies. Management concerns include the presence of pastured land in the watershed and some siltation.

Unnamed Tributaries to Twenty Mile Creek

Two unnamed tributaries that enter Twenty Mile Creek are classified as trout streams. The locations of both are incorrectly listed in Wisconsin Trout Streams by their headwaters locations, not where they meet Twenty Mile Creek. The small feeder at T44N R5W S6 supports a brook trout population as it flows through a dense hardwood swamp. It has an unstable bottom of sand and silt and lacks spawning areas and bottom food sources. The other tributary has an unclear location. Surface Water Resources of Bayfield County identifies a stream with a baseflow of 3.3 cubic feet per second flowing from T44N R5W Section 7 to 8. Wisconsin Trout Streams lists the stream location as Section 7, which is incorrect. Topographical maps show this stream as intermittent, though another stream close to it is shown as perennial, one that originates in Section 8 and enters Twenty Mile Creek in Section 8. According to Surface Waters of Bayfield County, this Class III trout stream supports brook trout, has good in-stream cover with numerous old, in-stream improvement devices in its lower stretches. Bank cover is upland hardwood. Both streams are within the Chequamegon National Forest and are crossed by a forest road at their confluence with Twenty Mile Creek. The potential exists for forestry activities in these watersheds.

White River

The White River forms at the confluence of the East, West and South Forks of the White River. It is considered a Class I trout stream for brook and brown trout for the first two miles down to Pike's Branch at the Section 21/22 line. From this point to the White River Flowage in Ashland County, and then from the outlet of the flowage to the river mouth, is considered Class II trout water, with the reach up to the dam supporting migratory species from Lake Superior. The Class I portion is an outstanding resource water. From the Section 21/22 line to the boundary of the Bad River Indian Reservation, the stream is considered an exceptional resource water.

The White River Fishery Area was created through easements to provide a public fishing area in the upper reaches above Bibon Marsh. This stretch of the White River is characterized by shifting sands with marl shelves found in places. Bibon Marsh is a state natural area and identified as an important Lake Superior habitat and priority wetland. The community of Grand View discharges its effluent via an unnamed feeder and Twenty Mile Creek to Bibon Marsh. Some elevated levels of suspended solids have been found near the discharge, but not above standards. There is little water quality data on this discharge.

As the river passes through the marsh and down to the White River Flowage, it collects the waters of Long Lake Branch and its tributaries and Schramm Creek. The river picks up discoloration here from the underlying red clay soils and while still a cold water stream is less productive for trout. Bottom types are mostly clay, with areas of sand, gravel, silt and rubble.

Several of the White River's feeder streams are considered trout waters. Most of the feeders to the river in this downstream portion are either intermittent or considered warm water forage fishery waters. The entire river system is popular with waterfowl for nesting and during migration.

Northern States Power operates a 49-foot head dam that creates the White River Flowage. Downstream from the flowage the river flows mostly through red clay soils until it meets the Bad River near Odanah, with an unstable sand and clay bottom. The two major resource issues at the White River Project are minimum flows to the bypassed reach and headwater elevation maintenance (Scheirer). The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in its relicensing process has ordered Northern States Power to conduct a qualitative flow study in consultation with the natural resource agencies to determine what minimum flows are necessary to maintain aquatic life and aesthetics in the bypassed reach of the project (Scheirer). Based on study from May, 1994, WDNR, Northern States Power and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) each proposed different flow recommendations. Due to the marginal profitability of the project, the need for power and the adequate condition of the fishery, FERC in its Draft Environmental Assessment determined that Northern States Power should maintain as sufficient the existing leakage from the spillgates to the bypassed reach, which was measured as between .25 and .35 cubic feet per second (cfs). Both WDNR and USFWS vigorously opposed the conclusion as not protective of the resource. WDNR had recommended a minimum flow of 16 cfs year-round, and USFWS had recommended 16 cfs in winter and 27 cfs in spring, summer and fall. In the new license, FERC reversed its earlier conclusion and ordered Northern States Power to implement the minimum flow recommendation submitted by USFWS.

WDNR suggested the new license for the project specify a reservoir operating band for run-of-river operations that is enforceable, but allows for deviations under conditions beyond the project owner's control. In the new license, FERC ordered Northern States Power to develop a reservoir operating plan in consultation with WDNR. NSP has since provided a plan with historical operating data, a proposal for reservoir fluctuation operating levels and a plan for compliance monitoring and reporting. WDNR commented on the plan, which is under FERC review.

FERC is reconsidering the White River Project's new license at the request of both WDNR and Northern States Power. WDNR asked for a rehearing because the new license does not contain a provision for funding the retirement of the project when it becomes necessary. This became a special concern in light of FERC's negative assessment of the project's profitability. It is WDNR's contention that project retirement be funded by those who receive the benefits from the project, not the citizens of the state. Northern States Power requested a rehearing on the articles that require limits on reservoir fluctuation, minimum flow to the bypassed reach and development of a plan to protect state and federally listed threatened and endangered species and their habitat. Northern States Power contends the license conditions impose on the operator unnecessarily burdensome and costly measures that do not benefit the environment.

The river is identified in the Lake Superior Coastal Wetland Evaluation (Epstein 1997) as an aquatic priority site. The river's origins are in the Bayfield Sand Barrens, with most of the length flowing through Lake Superior Clay Plain. The substrate is dominated by sand throughout, with large amounts of clay mixed in below the Bibon Swamp. The macroinvertebrate fauna is diverse, despite limited sampling. Two rare dragonflies were found in the upstream section.

A variety of water quality problems are present, including point source pollution, a hydroelectric dam, large areas of agricultural land in the watershed and bank erosion.

Unnamed White River Tributaries

Two unnamed tributaries to the White River are classified as exceptional resource waters and support a Class I trout fishery. Both are located in S26 T46N R7W. The stream located in the NWNE is a private trout hatchery. The stream in the SWNE flows from Sajdak Springs, has a baseflow of some 12 cubic feet per second and is 40 feet wide in places. Brook and brown trout are resident in the stream.

White River, East Fork

The East Fork originates at the outlet of Flynn Lake, which is considered an outstanding resource water as part of the Pike Chain of Lakes. The stretch of the East Fork White River that flows from Flynn Lake to Hildur Lake, the last lake in the chain, is thus considered an outstanding resource water as well. From this point, the stream flows through Bog Lake, Bear Lake, Delta Lake and Hay Lake. The stretch of stream from the outlet of Delta/Hay Lake to the confluence with the White River is also considered outstanding resource water and a Class I trout fishery. The in-between stretches are variously considered Class II trout waters and cold water fisheries. Stream bottom types are mostly sand and gravel, with spawning gravel plentiful in nearly continuous riffle areas. The stream is used extensively by migratory and nesting waterfowl.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, one rare species of macroinvertebrate was found and overall taxa richness was high (25 or more species) (Epstein 1997). Streambank erosion is a potential pollutant source and silt has the potential to affect habitat quality. The survey site exhibited significant aquatic plants.

White River, South Fork

The South Fork of the White River is a high quality spring-fed trout stream that is one of the main tributaries forming the White River. The headwaters were once a private fish hatchery that included private raceways, artificial ponds and impoundments. WDNR purchased the area in 1961, removing the dams and concrete bulkheads to allow the stream to return to its natural channel, draining two of the impoundments and partially draining a third.

Brook and brown trout are common in this stream, which is considered a Class I trout water and an outstanding resource water. In the late 1960s, stream improvement efforts aimed at rectifying the damage to stream cover caused by siltation behind the old dams. The stream has extensive in-stream aquatic vegetation, is used by beaver, muskrat and nesting ducks and migratory waterfowl.

White River, West Fork

This short stream originates at the outlet of Basswood Lake. Old information on the stream reports that brook and brown trout were present in the stream, but populations were small. It had an abundant communities of minnows including common shiners, northern creek chubs, longnose dace, blacknose dace and mudminnows. During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, one rare species of macroinvertebrate was found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). Streambank erosion is a potential pollutant source. Silting is significant. The survey site exhibited significant aquatic plants.