Cooperator: Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin
Project Chief: Judith C. Thomas
Location: Jackson, Sauk, Monroe, Juneau, Wood, and Shawano Counties
Project Number: 9KP45
Period of Project: September 2000–Continuing
Problem
The Ho-Chunk Nation is concerned about the condition of streams and rivers on and around their residential lands because tribal members use these waters for food and recreation. Information regarding these waters is scarce and no summary of information is available.
Objective
The objective is to provide the Nation with information about their surface-water resources that will allow them to: (1) make decisions about using these waters for food and recreation, and (2) initiate a monitoring program for important waters.
Approach
Information on physical, chemical and biological characteristics of streams within a 1-mile radius of Ho-Chunk residential lands was collected through a literature and database search and summarized in a retrospective report. This summary will provide a basis for designing a sampling plan that will be carried out on selected streams to augment historical information. A pesticide reconnaissance sampling study and sampling for aquatic fauna and benthic organisms will take place to fill data gaps.
Progress (July 2003–June 2004)
Report was published and distributed. Reconnaissance was conducted to locate sampling locations with Tribal representatives and sampling logistics were decided. Pesticide event sampling began in late spring 2004.
Plans (July 2004–June 2005)
Complete pesticide event sampling and sample fish and benthic organisms in late summer 2004.
Reports
Diebel, M.W. and Sullivan, D.J., 2002, Surface-water resources information for the Ho-Chunk Nation lands and vicinity, Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 02−4307, 33 p. |
