The Black River Basin
The Black River basin encompasses approximately 2,400 square miles, contains 13 watersheds and includes portions of seven counties. Two distinct topographic regions determine the flow characteristics of the tributary streams. The upper and middle portions were glaciated as evidenced by the kettle hole lakes in Taylor County, rounded ridges, silty soils and numerous wetlands. The unglaciated southwestern portion of the basin contains sandy soils, steep gradient tributaries and narrow valleys.
The northern half of this basin contains low gradient, warmwater streams with base flows largely influenced by rainfall amounts. Poor drainage results in a rapid runoff of rain and snowmelt as well as minimal groundwater influence on stream flows. The lower half of the basin is characterized by gently rolling hills and steep terrain that is drained by many higher gradient coldwater streams. Increased groundwater influence on streamflow and temperatures results from the drainage capacity of the sandy soils. However, these sandy soils are also very fragile. Only a small amount of disturbance is needed to create an unstable bank that may contribute tons of sand per year to a stream.
Black River basin report
This report identifies water quality goals, problems, improvements and management needs for surface and groundwater in the Black River basin. The primary water resource problems in the Black River basin are lack of in-stream habitat, sediment deposition, elevated stream temperatures and extreme flow fluctuations in some streams. Sources of these problems can be streambank erosion, cropland erosion, manipulation of water levels in impoundments and stormwater runoff. A basin-wide comparison of current land use to original vegetation indicates the general change in land use from pre-settlement times.
The benefit of making such a comparison is to predict which watersheds have streams likely to be degraded by current land use. A table comparing current land use to original vegetation can be found in each watershed report. A marked increase in agricultural activity or urbanization compared to original vegetation indicates that streams may be impaired. The Black River basin contains a higher percent of forested and wetland areas than either the adjacent Lower Chippewa River or Buffalo-Trempealeau River basins.
Table 1. Black river basin current land use vs. original vegetation
| Current land usea | % | Original vegetationb | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban | 0.94 | ||
| Cropland/Pasture | 39 | ||
| Forest | 53 | Forest | 85 |
| Lakes/Reservoirs | 0.86 | ||
| Wetland | 5.6 | Wetland | 11 |
| Prairie | 0c | Prairie/Brush | 3.4 |
| Barren | 0.24 | Unknown | 0.86 |
a Current Land Use source photos range from 1971 to 1982.
b Data originates from a 1976 map created from land survey notes written in the mid-1800s.
c Current land use data does not distinguish prairie from some cultivated lands, such as hay fields.
The Black River basin encompasses approximately 2,400 square miles, contains 13 watersheds and includes portions of seven counties. Two distinct topographic regions determine the flow characteristics of the tributary streams. The upper and middle portions were glaciated as evidenced by the kettle hole lakes in Taylor County, rounded ridges, silty soils and numerous wetlands. The unglaciated southwestern portion of the basin contains sandy soils, steep gradient tributaries and narrow valleys.
The northern half of this basin contains low gradient, warmwater streams with base flows largely influenced by rainfall amounts. Poor drainage results in the rapid runoff of rain and snowmelt as well as minimal groundwater influence on stream flows. The lower half of the basin is characterized by gently rolling hills and steep terrain that is drained by many higher gradient coldwater streams. Increased groundwater influence on streamflow and temperatures results from the drainage capacity of the sandy soils. However, these sandy soils are also very fragile. Only a small amount of disturbance is needed to create an unstable bank that may contribute tons of sand per year to a stream.
With combined populations totaling approximately 15,600, Medford, Black River Falls, Holmen and a portion of Onalaska are the major population centers in the basin. Most of the cities in this basin are located on the Black River or major tributaries. The few natural lakes that exist in this basin are concentrated in the northern two watersheds. Numerous impoundments exist in the basin for recreation and many others for the cultivation of cranberries, which demand large reserves of water.
Public lands of substantial size which contain streams, lakes, rivers or wetlands within the basin include Van Loon State Wildlife Area (BR01), South Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area (BR02), North Bend Bottoms State Wildlife Area (BR03), Big Creek State Fishery Area (BR03), Black River State Forest (BR04, BR05, BR06, BR07), Jackson and Clark County forests, Sandhill State Wildlife Area (BR07) and the Chequamegon National Forest (BR12).
Due to the necessity of water, many towns, villages and cities were founded near rivers or streams. The Black River basin is no exception. In today's world, the local watercourse is no longer needed for drinking water or movement of commerce, with the exception of the Mississippi River. Instead, the main use is recreation. Assistance with the protection of scenic beauty and water quality through these urbanized reaches is available through the enactment of local ordinances and state grant programs.