Cooperator: Village of Cross Plains, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Project Chief: Randy Hunt, Dave Graczyk
Location: Western Dane County
Project Number: 9KC31
Period of Project: July 2003–June 2004
Problem
Six miles of Black Earth Creek are classified as Class I trout water with an additional six miles of stream classified as Class II trout water. Urbanization within Dane County may affect the water resources that are critical to maintain the coldwater fishery. A DNR report on the 2001 fish kill on Black Earth Creek notes, “Increased development which brings with it an increase in impervious surfaces poses a long-term threat to the stream ecosystem.”
Objective
The objective of the study is to compile existing data from the watershed and construct a ground-water and surface-water model suitable for future work on: (1) quantitatively characterizing the hydrologic system, (2) assessing gaps in the existing data, and (3) providing an initial tool suitable for urbanization and associated mitigation scenario simulations.
Approach
The hydrologic system will be simulated using a ground-water/surface-water numerical model. The ground-water-flow model is extracted from a regional Dane County model with subsequent vertical and horizontal detail and refinement of surface-water features. The surface-water model was developed using the high-resolution digital elevation model and data sets available for the basin.
Progress (July 2003–June 2004)
Historical data and reports were compiled and evaluated. The models were constructed and calibrated using historic data. A draft report describing model approach, construction, and calibration was prepared.
Plans (July 2004–June 2005)
The project report will be finalized. |
