West Branch Sugar River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Branch Sugar River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Wisconsin |
| City | Mount Horeb |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 43°00′07″N 89°45′14″W / 43.002°N 89.754°W |
| River mouth | 42°52′24″N 89°33′23″W / 42.8733°N 89.5565°W |
| Length | 22.3 mi (35.9 km) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Sugar River (Wisconsin) |
| Basin size | 66.74 sq mi (172.9 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The West Branch Sugar River is a river in south-central Wisconsin, United States. It flows into the Sugar River. This river is about 22.3 miles (36 km) long.
The West Branch Sugar River is part of a larger river system. Its waters eventually join the Pecatonica, then the Rock River, and finally the mighty Mississippi River. The entire area that drains into the West Branch Sugar River is called its watershed. This watershed is completely within Dane County.
Contents
Where Does the River Flow?
The West Branch Sugar River starts in southeastern Dane County. This is just west of a town called Mount Horeb. From there, it generally flows southeast through the county.
It joins the main Sugar River about 2 miles (3.2 km) west of Belleville. This meeting point is in a place called Montrose. You can find it near the intersection of County Highway PB and Walter Road.
Smaller Streams Joining the River
Several smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the West Branch Sugar River. The most important one is Mt. Vernon Creek.
- Mt. Vernon Creek: This creek forms when Deer Creek and Fryes Feeder join together. It flows into the West Branch Sugar River in Primrose. This is near where WI-92 and County Road A meet.
- Mount Vernon Dam: There is a small dam on Mt. Vernon Creek. You can see it where County Highway G crosses the creek in the community of Mount Vernon.
- Other Tributaries: Other streams that add water to the West Branch Sugar River include Flynn Creek, Milum Creek, and the Primrose Branch.
What Areas Does the River's Watershed Cover?
The watershed of the West Branch Sugar River covers several areas. These include parts of the towns of Blue Mounds, Springdale, Verona, Montrose, Primrose, and Perry.
Most of this area is rural, meaning it's mostly countryside and farms. The only village in the watershed is Mount Horeb. Major roads also cross through the watershed. U.S. Route 18 goes through the northern part. Wisconsin Highway 92 crosses it from northwest to southeast.
What is the Land Like Around the River?
The land around the West Branch Sugar River is mostly used for farming. However, you can also find some wetlands, grassy areas, and forests.
The Wisconsin DNR (Department of Natural Resources) describes most of the land as "Platteville savannah." This means the land is often sloped with hills and ridges. The soil is good for farming, being well-drained silt loam.
The southeastern part of the watershed is called the Sugar River Valley. This area has a gently rolling valley floor. It includes floodplains, terraces, and old lake beds. The soils here are mostly well-drained loam and silt.
Original Plants and Trees
Long ago, the area was covered by different types of plants and trees. These included:
- Oak forests
- Prairies (large open grasslands)
- Marshes and sedge meadows (wetlands with grass-like plants)
- Wet prairies
- Lowland shrubs
How Big is the River System?
The West Branch Sugar River is part of a bigger system called the Sugar Pecatonica Basin. The streams within the West Branch Sugar River watershed stretch for about 156.64 miles (250 km).
The entire watershed covers an area of 66.74 square miles (173 km2). This is about 42,713 acres. Within this area, there are also:
- About 9.41 acres of small, unnamed lakes.
- About 1,131.91 acres of wetlands.
Protecting the River and Its Environment
Efforts are being made to protect the West Branch Sugar River. Its watershed has many wetlands, and some of these are being restored. This means they are being brought back to their natural healthy state.
Dealing with Invasive Plants
One challenge is an invasive plant called reed canary grass. It grows along many of the wetlands downstream. Invasive plants can harm native plants and animals.
Improving Water Quality
The river's water quality has greatly improved. In 2004, the river was removed from a special list called the 303(d) list of the Clean Water Act. This was a big achievement, as it was the first river in Wisconsin to be taken off this list.
- Past Problems: Before 2004, the river had problems. Fish in the river had too much mercury. The river's habitat was also damaged by too much sediment (dirt and sand) and suspended solids (tiny particles floating in the water). These issues were above the allowed limits.
- Helping the River: The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association played a big role in helping the river get healthier.
- Healthy Streams: Today, many parts of the river and its tributaries are very healthy. Almost all of Deer Creek, Fryes Feeder, Flynn Creek, and Milum Creek are considered exceptional or outstanding streams. Part of Mt. Vernon Creek is also in great condition.
Fish in the River
Most of the river and its smaller streams are great for fish. They are called Class 1 and Class 2 trout streams. This means they have good conditions for trout to live and grow. A small part of the river is also good for smallmouth bass. The Wisconsin DNR says this section is a "wadable cool water" area for these fish.
Local Conservation Efforts
Dane County has also received grants to protect its lakes. These grants also help with conservation efforts in the West Branch Sugar River watershed. There are two areas managed by the DNR that are part of the Mount Vernon Creek Fishery Area. These areas help protect fish and their habitats.
