Watersheds_Content Page_Lower Chippewa River Basin

Lower Chippewa River Basin

Downstream from Eau Claire on the Chippewa River and downstream from Menomonie on the Red Cedar contains more rare species (125) and more native prairie (25% of the state total) than any area of comparable size in Wisconsin. These unique natural resources led to the establishment of the Lower Chippewa River State Natural Area by the DNR Board and the Governor. This designation is designed to preserve and protect the most unique and sensitive areas with outright acquisition, easements or voluntary management.

The biological diversity remaining in the area is a testament to the land stewardship that has been a tradition for generations. As land changes hands, this project will help assure that this land stewardship continues on select sites.

Water resource information for specific watersheds

Watershed name/view details Watershed size Lists (streams, lakes, bays & harbors) Counties Water management unit (WMU) Major drainage system
Bear Creek 176.55 mi 2 LC01 Water lists Dunn, Pepin, Buffalo Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Black and Hay Creeks 159.89 mi 2 LC15 Water lists Clark, Eau Claire, Jackson, Chippewa Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Brill and Red Cedar Rivers 297.68 mi 2 LC10 Water lists Barron, Rusk, Sawyer, Washburn Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Duncan Creek 191.44 mi 2 LC18 Water lists Eau Claire, Barron, Chippewa Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Eau Galle River 267.88 mi 2 LC03 Water lists Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Saint Croix Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Hay River 289.6 mi 2 LC05 Water lists Dunn, Barron, Polk Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Lake Chetek 212 mi 2 LC08 Water lists Barron, Rusk, Chippewa Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Lower Eau Claire River 216.31 mi 2 LC14 Water lists Eau Claire, Jackson, Chippewa Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Lower Yellow (Chippewa Co.) River 276.84 mi 2 LC19 Water lists Eau Claire, Taylor, Chippewa Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Lowes and Rock Creeks 219.17 mi 2 LC24 Water lists Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
McCann Creek and Fisher River 311.06 mi 2 LC21 Water lists Rusk, Taylor, Chippewa Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Muddy and Elk Creeks 237.94 mi 2 LC13 Water lists Dunn, Eau Claire, Chippewa Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
North Fork Eau Claire River 205.88 mi 2 LC17 Water lists Clark, Eau Claire, Taylor, Chippewa Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Otter Creek 70.52 mi 2 LC25 Water lists Eau Claire Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Pine Creek and Red Cedar River 287.89 mi 2 LC07 Water lists Dunn, Barron, Chippewa Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Plum Creek 140.59 mi 2 LC02 Water lists Pepin, Pierce, Buffalo Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Red Cedar Lake 140.01 mi 2 LC11 Water lists Barron, Rusk, Sawyer, Washburn Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Rush River 289.57 mi 2 LC22 Water lists Pepin, Pierce, Saint Croix Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
South Fork Eau Claire River 229.49 mi 2 LC16 Water lists Clark, Eau Claire, Taylor Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
South Fork Hay River 181.99 mi 2 LC06 Water lists Dunn, Barron, Polk, Saint Croix Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Trimbelle River and Isabelle Creek 221.4 mi 2 LC23 Water lists Pierce, Saint Croix Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Upper Yellow (Taylor Co.) River 241.08 mi 2 LC20 Water lists Taylor, Chippewa Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Wilson Creek 244.75 mi 2 LC04 Water lists Dunn, Pierce, Saint Croix Lower Chippewa Mississippi River
Yellow River 239.35 mi 2 LC09 Water lists Barron, Washburn, Burnett Lower Chippewa Mississippi River