Designations
of Critical Habitat Areas within lakes provide a holistic approach to
ecosystem assessment and the protection of those areas within a lake
that are most important for preserving the very character and qualities
of the lake. These sites are those sensitive and fragile areas that
support wildlife and fish, provide the mechanisms that protect the
water quality in the lake, harbor quality plant communities and
preserve the places of serenity and aesthetic beauty for the enjoyment
of lake residents and visitors. Critical
Habitat Areas include Sensitive Areas and Public Rights Features.
Sensitive Areas …”offer critical or unique fish and wildlife habitat,
including seasonal or lifestage requirements, or offering water quality
or erosion control benefits to the area” (Administrative code
107.05(3)(1)(1)). Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is given
the authority for the identification and protection of sensitive areas
of the lake in this code. Public Rights Features are areas that
fulfill the right of the public for navigation, quality and quantity of
water, fishing, swimming or natural scenic beauty. Protecting these
Critical Habitat Areas requires the protection of shoreline and in-lake
habitat. Protecting
the terrestrial plant community on shore provides a buffer that absorbs
nutrient runoff, prevents erosion, protects water quality, maintains
water temperatures and provides important habitat (Hunt
et. al. 2006, Graczyk et. al. 2003). The habitat is important for
species that require habitat on shore and in the water as well as those
species that require a corridor in order to move along the shore
(Figure 1). Protecting
the littoral zone and littoral zone plant communities is critical for
fish (Valley et. al. 2004), wildlife and the invertebrates that both
feed upon (Engel 1990, Engel 1985) (Figure 1).
The Critical Habitat Area designation will provide a framework for management decisions that impact the ecosystem of the lake.A
Critical Habitat Area Study was conducted September 25, 2006 on Lake
Wissota, Chippewa County. The designations were based on aquatic plant
data collected during July and August 2005 and previous fish surveys The study team included:Joe Kurz, DNR Fish Biologist
Deborah Konkel, DNR, Aquatic Plant Specialist
Buzz Sorge, DNR Lakes Manager
John Dunn, DNR Wildlife Biologist
Amy Lesik-Marcon, DNR Water Management Specialist
Roger Kees, Lake Wissota Association President
Mary Jo Fleming, Lake Wissota Association Clean Boats Clean Water Coordinator
Lake
Wissota is a 6024-acre impoundment of the Chippewa River in southern
Chippewa County, Wisconsin. Lake Wissota has a maximum depth of 64
feet and approximately 56 miles of shoreline. Lake Wissota
has a fair diversity of aquatic plant species and an aquatic plant
community of average quality compared to other lakes in the state and
region. The aquatic plant community in Lake Wissota is characterized
by an above average tolerance to disturbance and is close to an
undisturbed condition (Heuschele 2006). Elodea canadensis
was the dominant aquatic plant species in Lake Wissota; Vallisneria
americana was the subdominant species. The 1.5-5-foot depth zone
supported the most plant growth (Heuschele 2006). |
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