Iron River Watershed (LS05)

Table of Streams of the Iron River Watershed (LS05)

The Lake Superior Binational Program has identified the Iron River and its watershed as important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem. Upstream areas of the watershed contain sand barrens, which are important parts of this critical habitat area. Wetland areas exist in the lower river, Iron Lake and Muskeg Creek areas. Key habitat criteria for this area are coastal wetlands, diversity, rare habitats and fish and wildlife spawning and nursery grounds.

Much of the streambank mileage in the Iron River watershed is in private ownership, though some of the headwaters areas of creeks identified as critical habitat are in county forest land. Parts of the watershed would benefit from protection under Wisconsin's Streambank Protection Program that, under the Stewardship Program, includes easement and state purchase opportunities for protecting rivers.

Some land use activities in the watershed may potentially threaten the water quality and integrity of the Iron River. Some of these activities could potentially be made benign if best-management practices are applied. It would be useful to assess this watershed to rank it for selection of projects for the abatement of polluted runoff.

Table 15. WPDES-Permitted Discharges to the Iron River 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.

Recommendations

1. WDNR's habitat protection program should evaluate the Iron River Watershed to determine whether streambank protection under the Stewardship Program would benefit habitat (Type B).
2. Regional fish management staff should collect northern pike and panfish from Iron Lake for mercury analysis (Type B).
3. Regional basin management team staff should assess the sources and impacts of polluted runoff in this watershed, particularly along Fish, Reefer, Townsend and Muskeg creeks, the Iron River and East Fork Iron River (Type B).
4. Regional basin management team staff should conduct additional baseline monitoring of parameters such as total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, temperature, ammonia and pH on Schacte and Middle creeks (Type B).
5. Regional basin management team staff should collect data in the Iron River Watershed to support ranking this watershed for possible polluted runoff abatement projects (Type B).
6. Regional basin management team staff should assess Resch Creek to determine the existing and potential water quality, and determine whether septic systems are affecting water quality (Type B).
7. WDNR should work with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission or others to find the needed funds to construct a lamprey barrier on the Iron River as part of the Orienta Dam removal (Types B and C).
8. WDNR should add the Iron River Watershed to the South Shore Fish and Wildlife Area (Type B).

Blaine Creek

This small, intermittent drainage feeder to East Fork Iron River has unpredictable flows. During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, staff noted that significant habitat quality impacts were likely due to low flows, and to a lesser extent from urban pollutant sources and silt (Epstein 1997).

Dahl Creek

Dahl Creek is a small stream that originates at the outlet of Crystal Lake and flows north into Muskeg Creek. It passes through a tag alder-shrub swamp, but bank springs along its course greatly improve water quality. Sand and gravel make up the bottom, providing fish from Muskeg Creek a good spawning area. The stream passes through one small, unnamed drainage lake with numerous bank springs. The waterbody has been designated an exceptional resource water.

DeChamps Creek

This small, cold water spring stream originates from DeChamps Creek Springs and flows north into Hill Creek. The stream has a small, gravel-bottomed feeder stream that likely provides the Iron River watershed with an excellent spawning area for native trout. Both brook and brown trout are common in DeChamps Creek. The upper reaches of the stream are 100 percent gravel, while the lower reaches are 100 percent sand. The stream is bordered by mixed hardwoods and conifers and pastureland. The stream is classified as an outstanding resource water.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, one rare species was found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted that barnyards and cropland are potential pollutant sources.

Unnamed Tributary to DeChamps Creek (T48N R8W S32)

This narrow stream originates from a number of small springs in Section 32. Brook and brown trout use this gravel-bottomed feeder stream for spawning. The streambank vegetation is upland hardwood, though the watershed has historically been in agriculture. This stream is classified as an outstanding resource water.

Fish Creek (T49W R9W S05)

Fish Creek in Orienta Township forms a small estuary with coastal wetlands where it meets Lake Superior. The Lake Superior shoreline adjacent to the river mouth consists of eroding scarps in unconsolidated sediments. The Lake Superior Binational Program identified this stream as important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem for coastal wetlands. The stream flows through a deep ravine and drains the red clay and nearly level pink sands region of northwest Bayfield County. Because the upper end drains a marshy area, water temperatures are high and water quality poor. Feeder streams improve temperatures in the middle stretch (T48N R10W S13), enabling the stream to support a small, native brook trout population. This favorable stretch extends about two and a half miles downstream before deteriorating. In dry weather, stream flows in this stretch fluctuate widely. The reach is inhabited only by minnows, with mudminnows, white suckers, longnose dace, northern creek chubs and sculpins predominating. Much of the upper reach is bordered by pastured upland and erosion problems have been serious. Water in the lower portions of the stream is usually quite turbid as a result.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, two rare species were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted that barnyards, cropland, streambank pasturing, failing septic systems and streambank erosion are potential pollutant sources.

Halls Creek

This small drainage stream originates at the outlet of Spider Lake and flows into the Iron River. The stream drains a large tag alder swamp that borders the stream for most of its length. Surveys of the 1960s and 1970s report that trout from the Iron River may move into the lower portion of the stream on occasion.

During survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation, no rare macroinvertebrate species were found and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted that point sources are potential pollutant threat and significant aquatic plants are present.

Hill Creek

This stream originates where Townsend and De Champs creeks meet, then flows northerly into the East Fork of the Iron River. Brook, brown and an occasional rainbow trout inhabit the stream, which is considered an outstanding resource water. Due to upstream agriculture, Hill Creek is subject to turbid water conditions during heavy runoff. Migratory waterfowl are known to use the stream. It is considered an important Lake Superior habitat as part of the Iron River watershed.

Iron Lake

This 248-acre lake is a hard water drainage lake with a four-foot head overflow dam at the outlet. The lake supports a population of northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. The 65 acres of adjoining wetlands provide nesting habitat for waterfowl including teal and loon.

Iron River

This cold water stream originates in Iron Lake, flows through the Iron River Flowage (Mill Pond Lake) at the town of Iron River and the Orienta Flowage before emptying into Lake Superior. At one time, the Iron River Sanitary District discharged to the river, but now discharges to groundwater via a seepage cell. High quality spring water reaches the river from a number of sources, including Mud Lake. District files indicate Dahlberg Light and Power Company operated a hydro project on the Iron River at the Iron River Flowage, a 76-acre impoundment formed by a concrete roller dam with 23-foot head. Power is no longer generated at this project and the town of Iron River now maintains the flowage.

A 44-foot overflow dam once formed the Orienta Flowage and is now in the process of being abandoned. Northern States Power operated the Orienta Hydro Project until 1985 when the dam washed out for the second time during a heavy storm when the flooding river overtopped the embankments. Dam failure was attributed to a spillway clogged with debris and the inability to reach and open the gates in time. The original dam, built in 1922, washed out in 1946, when the project moved about 60 feet downstream from the original location and with a higher head to give it more generating capacity.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which licenses hydropower operations, in 1989 accepted Northern States Power's surrender of its hydropower license due to operating costs at this site (Scheirer). Since the dam is no longer licensed, Northern States Power is working with WDNR to properly abandon the operation. Part of the process involved collecting sediment samples from the flowage behind the dam to determine if any contamination existed. In 1995, a consultant for the company mapped and sampled the sediments that collected behind the dam during its operation. Sediment contour mapping indicated to the consulting engineers that the present river channel does not currently follow its original path and is much shallower. It is expected that after dam removal, the stream will erode a new, more stable channel through the sediment. Mapping estimated that 235 acre-feet of sediment had been deposited behind the dam, averaging a depth of a little more than 4 feet over the 52 acres of reservoir area analyzed. Analysis of sediment samples taken from the dam by WDNR and the consultant resulted in contaminant levels typical of the region and did not indicate a specific contaminant problem.

Not unlike many other communities in the state, dam abandonment and removal has raised local concerns about what will happen to the river after the dam is gone, or if not removed, who will take responsibility for dam maintenance. WDNR has met with the public on the issue, which is presently in the hands of an administrative law judge (Tomasko).

The lower Iron River is fringed with wetlands and supports an exceptional fishery of brook, brown and rainbow trout, several warm water species, burbot and lake sturgeon. The upper reach, above the confluence with Muskeg Creek, is considered Class II trout waters. The portion from Muskeg Creek to the Orienta Dam has been considered Class III trout waters.

Portions of the stream run through upland forest lands that may periodically be subjected to clearcutting and logging traffic; other portions flow through regions of agriculture, including dairy operations and pasturing. Sediments found behind the Orienta dam indicate a great deal of sand from the upper watershed, in addition to clay, moves downstream from the watershed. The upper reaches of the stream have mostly sand for bottom types, changing downstream to mostly gravel and clay. Upwelling groundwater creates quicksand holes in the stream bed in places. From the mouth to the Orienta Dam the stream bottom is primarily boulders interspersed with gravel.

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 cropland is a significant pollutant source, with livestock, barnyards and streambank erosion as potential contributors.

East Fork of the Iron River

The East Fork of the Iron River is identified as an outstanding resource water. Portions of the stream run through upland forest lands that may periodically be subjected to clearcutting and logging traffic. In addition to 16 miles of Class I trout stream, an additional 40 miles of high quality trout water are tributary to the East Fork. The Lake Superior Binational Program identified this river as habitat important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem. The river originates at two spring-fed streamlets before joining the Iron River just south of the Orienta Flowage. The watershed's erodible red clay soils can affect the quality of in-stream cover after heavy rain. The bottom types are mostly made up of sand, gravel and boulders with an occasional area of silt. The river also provides habitat for nesting and migratory waterfowl.

Middle Creek

The Iron River National Fish Hatchery received approval to add a discharge to this creek. The stream has a fish barrier and a constructed water intake structure and fish barrier in the headwaters that were built in anticipation of expansion of the fish hatchery (Pratt 1996). This stream supports a Class I trout fishery for its entire length and has been designated an outstanding resource water. Baseline information on this stream would assist managers in evaluating the background levels upstream of the discharge (Masnado). Survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation found one rare species of macroinvertebrate in this stream, and overall taxa richness was moderate (5-24 species) (Epstein 1997). The survey noted that significant sludge and slime were present at the survey site.

Millpond Lake

Millpond Lake, in the upper reaches of the Iron River watershed, forms a wetland area that supports emergent vegetation and black terns, a rare species. The Lake Superior Binational Program identified this lake as having habitat important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem.

Mud Lake

Mud Lake and Millpond Lake are in the upper reaches of the Iron River, which flows through this wetland and bog area. The Lake Superior Binational Program has identified this area as important habitat.

Muskeg Creek

This tributary to the Iron River has a naturally reproducing brook trout population, primarily downstream from where it meets Dahl Creek. Extensive open marsh wetland areas give rise to the stream, then it flows through a long stretch of agricultural lands. During heavy rain, the stream becomes turbid. The Lake Superior Binational Program identified this stream as habitat important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem as part of the Iron River watershed.

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 filamentous algae and aquatic plants were present at the survey site.

Reefer Creek

This stream flows through a deep ravine to Lake Superior. Its upper three miles support a self-sustaining trout population, from the headwaters downstream to T49N R9W S32 the creek is Class I trout water and the reach is an exceptional resource water. The remaining 12 miles of stream deteriorates to the point it supports only a forage fishery. The upper part of the watershed has in the past been dominated by dairy farming, which has caused serious erosion problems when cattle are allowed on the streambanks. Water in the lower reach is usually turbid as a result. Where the stream empties into Lake Superior it forms an estuary. Severe erosion has occurred at the stream mouth, Tuura's Landing. The Lake Superior Binational Program has identified this stream as important to the integrity of the Lake Superior ecosystem for coastal wetlands and fish and wildlife spawning and nursery grounds.

Resch Creek

Little is known about this six-mile long stream. Surveys of the 1960s and 1970s reported that it was an intermittent drainage stream tributary to the Orienta Flowage. Those surveys reported cleared farmland accounted for a small percentage of the otherwise forested watershed. Survey work conducted during the coastal wetlands evaluation found significant impacts from septic systems and construction at the survey site. Silt in the stream was deemed significant with filamentous algae present. No rare macroinvertebrates were found (Epstein 1997).

Schacte Creek

This high-quality trout stream is managed for brown, brook and rainbow trout. The Iron River National Fish Hatchery discharges effluent to this creek, which also has a fish passage barrier in place. In recent surveys, the area of stream from Highway A upstream to the barrier has shown very poor natural production (Pratt 1996). Baseline information on this stream would assist managers in evaluating the background levels upstream of the discharge (Masnado). The headwaters of Schacte Creek are sand barrens with springs, identified by the Lake Superior Binational Program as a rare habitat. The stream empties into the East Fork of the Iron River. The stream is considered an above average trout stream, with extensive spring water sources and abundant in-stream cover in the form of undercut banks, large pools and fallen logs. It has abundant gravel areas and excellent stream flow, making it one of the best spawning streams in the watershed.

Townsend Creek

This Class I trout stream meets DeChamps creek to form Hill Creek and is an outstanding resource water. It supports a reproducing trout population, despite its less favorable spawning areas. Historically, agriculture and especially dairy operations caused considerable erosion due to cattle trampling the stream banks. Survey work conducted as part of the coastal wetlands evaluation found the stream affected by livestock, barnyards, cropland, septic systems, urban pollutants and eroded stream banks. Significant slime was found at the survey site (Epstein 1997). One rare species of macroinvertebrate was collected from the stream, which had a moderate number of taxa present (5-24 species).