Marengo River Watershed (LS12)

Table of Streams of the Marengo River Watershed (LS12)

Much of this watershed falls in national forest or reservation lands. There are no WPDES-permitted discharges in this watershed, though there are a number of unincorporated communities along Highway 13, including Marengo, Minersville, North York and High Bridge, as well as Sanborn. There is a significant amount of cleared land along with forested areas, the rugged terrain of the Gogebic Range giving way to sand and red clay soils. The watershed is dotted with lakes, wetlands and alongside these a number of forest campgrounds and trails. The North Country Scenic Trail passes through this watershed.

The St. Peter's Dome Area, managed by the U.S Forest Service, protects a unique geologic feature in an exposed granite dome with shaded cliffs, deep stream gorges, older hemlock forest and several rare plant species.

The Brunsweiler River Gorge Special Management Area managed by the U.S Forest Service features a mile-long river gorge with cascading rapids, granite cliffs, hemlock, white pine and upland cedar forest and rare plants. In the headwaters area of the Brunsweiler River, the U.S. Forest Service manages the Spider Lake Black Ash Swamp Research Natural Area that protects a high quality northern hardwood swamp.

Resources of Concern (LS12)

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, AWisconsin's Lake Superior Coastal Wetlands Evaluation / Including Other Selected Natural Features of the Lake Superior Basin (Epstein 1997). This report is largely excerpted here.

Note: The lack of rare elements listed here does not signify a lack of rare elements in the watershed. They have merely gone unreported in the Natural Heritage Inventory Database.

Recommendations

1. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams is updated, correct the location of Billy Creek to T46N R3W S35 NESW (Type B).
2. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams and NR 102 are updated, correct the location of the Unnamed trout stream tributary to the Marengo River from T44N R5W S17, to Section 16 NWNE (Type B).
3. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams and NR 102 are updated, correct the location of the Unnamed trout stream tributary to the Marengo River from T44N R5W S20, to Section 16 NESE (Type B).
4. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams and NR 102 are updated, correct the location of the Unnamed trout stream tributary to the Marengo River from T44N R5W S21, to Section 15 (Type B).
5. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams and NR 102 are updated, correct the location of the Unnamed trout stream tributary to the Marengo River from T44N R5W S3, to Section 9 (Type B).
6. WDNR should, if Wisconsin Trout Streams and NR 102 are updated, correct the location of the Unnamed trout stream tributary to the Marengo River from T45N R5W S9, to Section 1 NWNW (Type B).
7. Regional basin management team staff should conduct a review of the effluent ditch to the Marengo River at Marengo to determine if untreated waste effluent poses a public health hazard or is having any effect on Marengo River water quality (Type B).
8. Regional fish management staff should evaluate whether opportunities exist for improving streambed and spawning habitat for trout by controlling bed loads and erosion to the Marengo and Brunsweiler rivers (Type B).
9. Regional basin management team staff should assess water quality in the Marengo and Brunsweiler rivers (Type B).
10. Regional basin management team staff should collect data on the Marengo and Brunsweiler rivers to support ranking the watersheds for potential polluted runoff abatement projects (Type B).

Billy Creek

There are two Billy Creeks tributary to the Marengo River in T46N R3W. The longer of the two drains a largely cleared area and enters the river in Section 32. The other enters the river in Section 35. This latter stream is considered a Class II trout fishery stream for brook trout. Wisconsin Trout Streams has incorrectly identified the stream's location. The trout stream also drains lands cleared for agriculture.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, the Billy Creek at Section 32 was found to contain no rare species of macroinvertebrate and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997).

Brunsweiler River

This stream has a number of warmer lakes of glacial origin in its headwaters and feeders, making the upper reaches more suitable for warmer water forage communities. As it passes along valleys at the feet of the Gogebic Range, the water quality and river characteristics change markedly. The principal tributaries contributing to the river's flow are Spider Creek, Hell Hole Creek, Camp Six Creek and several unnamed streams. Trout streams include McCarthy Creek, Spring Brook, Trout Brook and unnamed streams. Below the outlet of Beaver Dam Lake, spring water raises the water quality to that of a medium quality brook, brown and rainbow trout stream down to the confluence with Spring Brook. From this point to Highway 13 the trout habitat deteriorates due to unstable bottom conditions and erosion in the red clay area. A few migratory rainbow trout are present between Highway 13 and the confluence with the Marengo River, but mostly the stretch from Highway 13 to the mouth is considered a warm water sport fishery including muskellunge, smallmouth bass, perch, bluegills, black crappies, rock bass, pumpkinseeds, and a variety of forage species. This stream changes from a warm water drainage stream to a rocky hard-bottomed high-gradient stream in its midsection and finally back to a warmer low-gradient stream at its outlet. Extreme water level fluctuations make habitat management difficult. A large portion of the river flows through the Chequamegon National Forest and other forested lands where the potential exists for logging activities. The river is considered highly scenic, but not very navigable due to the rugged river bed.

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). At survey sites, livestock, barnyards and cropland were considered pollutant threats. Water quality indicators included significant aquatic plants, and slime and iron bacteria to a lesser extent.

Camp Six Creek

This small tributary flows into Mineral Lake in the Brunsweiler River system. It drains a dense shrub swamp. 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).

Hawkins Creek

This stream originates from springs at the base of the highest point in Bayfield County and flows north to Morgan Creek. The stream has a high gradient of some 100 feet per mile. Once it enters Section 1 T45N R5W it becomes a Class I trout water and is classified an exceptional resource water. The stream bottom is primarily rubble, sand and gravel with an occasional boulder. Bordering streambank vegetation is mixed upland hardwoods.

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 species or more) (Epstein 1997).

Marengo River

The Marengo River curves through a region of lakes, wetlands, forest and high hills in the Gogebic Range, then flows down into a region of red clay soils and lands cleared for agriculture, before flowing into the Bad River Indian Reservation to meet the Bad River. The river drains more than 80 square miles of Bayfield county before crossing into Ashland county. Only one impoundment exists on the river. This 5-foot concrete overflow dam is at the head of a scenic rapids and falls area. About a mile below that, an abandoned granite quarry is part of an interesting scenic area that is privately held.

The entire length of the Marengo is considered trout water, with the portion above Marengo Lake supporting a Class II trout fishery and the reaches below the lake supporting a Class III trout fishery. Migrating sea lamprey from Lake Superior historically have spawned in the lower reaches of the Marengo River.

Due to rapid runoff from its rather impervious soils, steep hills and rock outcroppings, the river experiences three-to-four-foot flood crests. Most of the stream is quite open with the only good cover found in deep pools. Stream bottom types vary, with muck and sand predominating in the extreme upper stream areas, rubble, gravel and boulders through the middle portion, while the lower reach is almost entirely unstable sand. Extensive beaver activity deteriorates trout habitat along the upper shrub-marsh areas. Muskrats also use the river as do nesting and migratory waterfowl. As the river passes into Ashland County, the stream passes through large stretches of agricultural lands and the clear water becomes turbid due to streambank pasturing. There are a number of quarries in this watershed, as well as the potential for logging activities. The variety of jurisdictions overseeing land uses can mean variability in management practices.

Past documentation indicates an effluent ditch near the community of Marengo carries septage to the river. The impact of this is unknown, and it is unknown if this ditch is open to human access or poses a risk to wild and domestic animals.

The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission released a survey report on purple loosestrife in the Bad River Watershed. The report documents significant loosestrife infestations, the worst of which is around High Bridge and portions of the Marengo River.

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). At the survey site in Bayfield County, significant pollutant sources were identified from point sources, construction activities, livestock, barnyards and cropland. Significant silting may be affecting habitat quality.

Unnamed Tributaries to the Marengo River

Five unnamed tributaries to the Marengo River are Class I trout streams and are classified as exceptional resource waters. These streams are all incorrectly located in Wisconsin Trout Streams based on their headwaters, not their outlets.

The tributary listed as T44N R5W S17 is in Section 16 NWNE. This stream is a small spring stream populated by brook and brown trout. There may be inadequate in-stream food sources. The stream has a stable bottom of rubble, gravel, boulders and sand. Bank vegetation is upland hardwood.

The stream listed as T44N R5W S20 is in Section 16 NESE. This stream is a small spring-fed stream with brook and brown trout. Sculpins are abundant. The trout are stunted, which may indicate a lack of in-stream food sources. Cover is good and stable rubble, boulder, gravel and sand make up its bottom. The bank is vegetated by upland hardwoods.

Both of the preceding streams flow mostly within Chequamegon National Forest lands.

The stream listed as T44N R5W S21 is in Section 15 according to 1984 1:24,000 scale topographic maps, though Surface Waters of Bayfield County identifies the stream as entering in Section 16. This stream is a small brook trout stream flowing north along the west side of the old Grandview Quarry. The trout are small, indicating an inadequate supply of food. Adjacent to the quarry, stream bottom types are mainly sand, gravel and crushed granite. Above the quarry, little granite is present. Most of the streambanks are in private ownership.

The stream listed as T44N R5W S3 is located in Section 9. This is an excellent spring-fed feeder for spawning brook and brown trout. Resident trout are small, indicating an inadequate food supply. The entire stream is bordered by upland hardwoods of the Chequamegon National Forest and bottom conditions are stable gravel, rubble and boulders.

The stream listed as T45N R5W S9 is in Section 1 NWNW. This stream supports a population of small brook trout. It has an unstable silt and clay bottom. The entire stream is bordered by upland hardwoods. Trout habitat appears to be good, but there is inadequate food supply. The stream flows through privately held lands.

McCarthy Creek

This Class II trout stream flows into the Brunsweiler River. Old data reported the stream's ability to support trout had been inhibited by beaver activities. The creek is primarily a sand and silt stream with a few gravel-bottomed riffle areas used for spawning. Much of the stream is within the Chequamegon National Forest.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation no rare species of macroinvertebrate were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). Impoundment was a significant factor affecting habitat quality.

Silver Creek

This stream flows north into the Marengo River. Rainbow trout are most abundant and reproduce well in this stream. Brook trout are common as well. Some migratory trout and salmon activity occurs. Although the water quality has traditionally been good, a combination of extreme water level fluctuations, beaver activity and streambank pasturing threatens water quality.

Spring Brook

This is a high quality Class I trout feeder that flows into the Brunsweiler River in Ashland County. The stream originates in Beaver Lake and picks up spring water before flowing through Seitz Lake, which also contributes spring water. The stream's tributaries also support trout. Brook trout are numerous. Near the stream's outlet, a few warmer water species exist, including perch, bluegills and pumpkinseeds. A three-foot water control structure occurs where a federal fish hatchery once operated. While the dam still exists, there is no flowage behind and this is a high stream gradient riffle area. Most of the streambank is in upland hardwoods, with some tag alder swamp borders. The stream has a number of gravel spawning areas and in-stream cover was improved in the 1960s by state and federal resource management projects. Muskrat and nesting ducks are present in the upper reaches. A good portion of streambank is in Chequamegon National Forest ownership.

Trout Brook

Trout Brook flows north from the outlet of English Lake and into the Brunsweiler River on the Bad River Indian Reservation, just before the Brunsweiler's confluence with the Marengo. This stream supports a population of brook, brown and rainbow trout. Several small feeders also support trout. A granite quarry beside the stream near English Lake caused a small impounded area behind granite debris. Downstream springs help maintain the cold water necessary for trout. Water level fluctuations can be problematic. The upstream reaches are primarily in upland hardwood, while the lower half of the stream is mostly pastured. A licensed private fish hatchery pond has operated on a small feeder stream. Beaver may be a problem in some areas.

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). Cropland was a potential pollutant source at the survey site.

Troutmere Creek

This small tributary to the Marengo River should support a Class I trout fishery and is classified as an exceptional resource water. Brown trout are common and some areas support spawning trout from the Marengo River. Bottom conditions tend to be unstable. Much of the streambank is pastured and bank vegetation is mostly grass and wooded upland. It flows primarily through privately held lands.

Waboo Creek

This small, spring-fed brook trout stream flows into Spring Brook. It is considered a Class II trout stream and serves as a spawning area for Spring Brook. Much of the adjacent streambank is tag alder swamp.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation no rare species of macroinvertebrate was found and overall taxa richness was low (0-4 species) (Epstein 1997).

Whisky Creek and Tributary

The unnamed Whisky Creek tributary at T44N R5W S13 is a Class I trout stream and exceptional resource water. The stream is incorrectly identified by its headwaters, not mouth, in Wisconsin Trout Streams. This stream supports a brook trout fishery as it flows through mature hardwood forest to Whisky Creek.

Whisky Creek is a broad sluggish drainage stream as it leaves Ashland County, but where the feeder converges the water quality improves. The entire stream flows through the Chequamegon National Forest.

During survey work on Whisky Creek conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation no rare species of macroinvertebrate were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). Macroinvertebrates were significant at the survey site.