Stream Monitoring
Yellow River
Burnett & Washburn County Wisconsin
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The Yellow River Protection Conservancy (YRPC) began Baseline Stream Monitoring on the Yellow River in 2022. YRPC monitors:
Water Temperature
Water Clarity
Stream Flow
Dissolved Oxygen
Biotic Index
Measuring Stream Flow by calculating the area of a cross section of the stream and then recording the time it takes a float to travel 20 feet downstream in that area. This requires 20 depth measurements equally spaced across the stream. Four individual time tests are taken at different areas across the stream.
Measuring Stream Flow by calculating the area of a cross section of the stream and then recording the time it takes a float to travel 20 feet downstream in that area. This requires 20 depth measurements equally spaced across the stream. Four individual time tests are taken at different areas across the stream.
Measuring Dissolved Oxygen using a Hach Kit. The team takes a water sample and then processes the sample by adding packets of chemicals to determine the milligrams per liter of dissolved oxygen in the water. The team then calculates the percent of dissolved oxygen using a chart and the temperature of the water.
Measuring Dissolved Oxygen using a Hach Kit. The team takes a water sample and then processes the sample by adding packets of chemicals to determine the milligrams per liter of dissolved oxygen in the water. The team then calculates the percent of dissolved oxygen using a chart and the temperature of the water.
The Biotic Index of a stream is measured by collecting Macroinvertebrates from the stream
The Biotic Index of a stream is measured by collecting Macroinvertebrates from the stream
They are then sorted by placing like macroinvertebrates into a cube
They are then sorted by placing like macroinvertebrates into a cube
Macroinvertebrates are classified in one of four tiers. The top tier needs a very pristine environment to survive. The bottom tier can survive in very harsh conditions. The biotic index of a stream is determined by the number of macroinvertebrates collected in each tier.
Macroinvertebrates are classified in one of four tiers. The top tier needs a very pristine environment to survive. The bottom tier can survive in very harsh conditions. The biotic index of a stream is determined by the number of macroinvertebrates collected in each tier.
Baseline Monitoring Sites & Teams on the Yellow River
The Stream Monitoring Team is made up of volunteers that have a passion for protecting the Yellow River. Each team member is trained in the Baseline Stream Monitoring Methods provided by the Water Action Volunteers Program, part of the UW Madison Extension. The data collected when monitoring the stream each month (May-Oct) is entered at the site using a form provided by the Water Action Volunteer's Program. Each team is then responsible for entering that data into the DNR's online database (SWIMS).
The DNR does not have the staff to perform sufficient levels of stream monitoring across the state of Wisconsin, and they rely more every year on the data being provided by the Stream Monitoring Volunteers.
Sample Baseline Data Analytics in 2025 From Hwy 70 Bridge Site
Chart extracted from wateractionvolunteers.org website
Nutrient Monitoring
In 2023 YRPC began Nutrient monitoring on the Yellow River at two sites east of Spooner Wisconsin due to Phosphorus concerns at the Spooner Fish Hatchery. Testing in 2023 and 2024 found Phosphorus levels to be acceptable.
In 2023 YRPC began Nutrient monitoring on the Yellow River at two sites east of Spooner Wisconsin due to Phosphorus concerns at the Spooner Fish Hatchery. Testing in 2023 and 2024 found Phosphorus levels to be acceptable.
In 2025 the YRPC nutrient monitoring team divided the Yellow River into four sections and began collecting samples at the end points of each section. Collection sites are at: Tozer Lake Road, County H Bridge, Austin Lake Bridge and below the Danbury Dam. Samples are collected monthly May through October.
In 2025 the YRPC nutrient monitoring team divided the Yellow River into four sections and began collecting samples at the end points of each section. Collection sites are at: Tozer Lake Road, County H Bridge, Austin Lake Bridge and below the Danbury Dam. Samples are collected monthly May through October.
The DNR took over responsibility for Nutrient Monitoring at Crystal Brook, Hwy 70 Bridge and also began Nutrient Monitoring below the Spooner Dam in 2025.
The DNR took over responsibility for Nutrient Monitoring at Crystal Brook, Hwy 70 Bridge and also began Nutrient Monitoring below the Spooner Dam in 2025.
Tozer Lake Road
County H Bridge
Austin Lake Road Bridge
Below Danbury Dam
Collecting a sample for total phosphorus testing involves the following steps
Collecting a sample for total phosphorus testing involves the following steps
Test Water Clarity and record test results on the Lab Sheet. This will determine if the stream has a significant amount of sediment in the water column which can impact the level of total phosphorus.
Collect the water sample in the stream facing upstream in an undisturbed area.
Stabilize the sample by adding a vial of sulfuric acid to the sample
Complete filling out the lab sheet
Pack the sample in ice in a cooler and shipping container
Ship the sample to the Hygiene Lab at the University of Wisconsin in Madison
Test results are typically sent back within three to four weeks
Invasive Species Monitoring
Invasive Species Monitoring
While our Stream Monitoring Teams are hard at work in the field taking measurements at their respective stream sites, they are also keeping an eye out for invasive species in the stream and on the banks of the stream. The following species listed below are currently present in the Yellow River Watershed.
Purple Loosestrife
Purple Loosestrife
Yellow Iris
Yellow Iris
Hybrid Cattail
Hybrid Cattail
Additional Resources
Supporting Organizations
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