Cooperators: Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project Chief: Faith A. Fitzpatrick
Location: Bayfield County
Project Number: 9KO33
Period of Project: July 2000–Continuing
updated 2/20/07
Problem
North Fish Creek has accelerated erosion and sedimentation problems that have
affected a highly valued fishery resource. Previous USGS studies identified bluff
erosion along the upper main stem as the major source of sediment to downstream
reaches. Upstream controls on bluff erosion were needed to reduce downstream
sediment transport (potential scour effects) and sedimentation (covering of spawning
beds), but the bluffs are remote and difficult to access. From 2000-2006, re-directive
(flow-deflecting) techniques were installed by hand at three sites by the
University of Wisconsin-Madison Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Department.
The USGS monitored bluff erosion by conducting repeated channel cross-sections
and bluff-top erosion surveys and monitoring stream-flow and stage before, during,
and following installation to detect changes in channel morphology and bluff
erosion in the context of hydrologic conditions. As part of a geomorphic assessment
of Bayfield Peninsula streams, extensive upland ditch networks in abandoned farmland
were observed that provided fast concentrated runoff that did not exist naturally.
Objectives
The overall objective of this project is to monitor three sets of rehabilitation
projects and determine their effect on the bluff erosion rate and overall volumes.
These data help guide the designs of future bluff rehabilitation. An additional
objective for 2006 is to identify/describe the upland ditch network in North
Fish Creek in terms of land cover and soils to help guide future management
decisions on control of runoff from uplands.
Approach
This project will continue to monitor channel morphology and bluff erosion at
three sites in North Fish Creek with bluff stabilization techniques. Upland ditch
networks will be identified in a GIS (using aerial photographs, soils maps, land
ownership records, and on-site inspection). A USGS streamgage will continue operation.
Channel cross sections along the main stem of North Fish Creek established in
1995-96 will be resurveyed to describe stream-wide geomorphic responses to 2
extreme floods in 2005 and put changes at the bluff stabilization sites in perspective
with stream-wide conditions.
Progress (January 2006 to June 2006)
Two large floods occurred in the summer and fall of 2005 (recurrence intervals
of 500+ years). The effects of the large floods on erosion and sediment volume
chanages were documented at the three bluff stabilization sites through continued
surveys of channel cross sections and bluffs. Data from the streamgage was used
to document peak flows, flashiness, and estimated water depths encountered by
the flow-redirective techniques at the bluffs. A master’s thesis was published
on the effects of the 2005 large floods on channel morphology and sediment movement
at the three bluff stabilization sites.
Plans (July 2006 to July 2007)
Channel cross sections and bluff erosion will continue to be monitored at the
three sites. The USGS will work closely with UW-Madison personnel in these
efforts. Streamlow conditions will continue to be monitored at a USGS streamgage.
Upland ditch networks will be identified. Channel cross sections along the main
stem of North Fish Creek will be resurveyed.
Reports
Peppler, M. C., 2006, Effects of Magnitude and Duration
of Large Floods on Channel Morphology: A Case Study of North Fish Creek, Bayfield
County, Wisconsin, 2000-2005: Madison, Wis., University of Wisconsin–Madison,
M.S. thesis, 109 p.
Fitzpatrick, F. A., M. C. Peppler, H. E.
Schwar, J. A. Hoopes, and M. W. Diebel, 2005, Monitoring Channel Morphology and
Bluff Erosion at Two Installations of Flow-Deflecting Vanes, North Fish Creek,
Wisconsin, 2000-03: U. S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report
2004-5272, 34 p.
Whitman [Schwar], H.E., 2002, Demonstration
of the effect of submerged vanes on bluff erosion and channel characteristics
at North Fish Creek, Wisconsin: Madison, Wis., University of Wisconsin–Madison, Independent Study Report for Master
of Science Degree, 198 p.
Fitzpatrick, F.A., and Knox, J.C., 2000,
Spatial and temporal sensitivity of hydrogeomorphic response and recovery to
deforestation, agriculture, and floods: Physical Geography 2000, v. 21, p. 89-108.
Fitzpatrick, F.A., Knox, J.C., Whitman [Schwar],
H.E., 1999, Effects of Historical Land-Cover Changes on Flooding and Sedimentation,
North Fish Creek, Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey WRIR 99-4083.
Fitzpatrick,
F.A., Peppler, M.C., Saad, D.A., Pratt, D.M., and Lenz, B.N., [in review], Geomorphic,
flood, and ground-water-flow characteristics of Bayfield Peninsula streams, Wisconsin,
and implications for brook trout rehabilitation: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific
Investigations Report.
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