Watersheds are a vital resource, and their health affects us all. A watershed encompasses all the lands that flow to a common waterbody. The Pigeon River Watershed drains 79 square miles of land through Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties and flows south and east through the 18-mile stretch of the lower Pigeon River into Lake Michigan north of the City of Sheboygan.

Historically, the landscape of the Pigeon River watershed was heavily forested. Urban development and agricultural activity in the region has negatively impacted water quality in the watershed. The watershed contains over 43 miles of impaired streams and rivers, with the primary pollutants being phosphorus and sediment.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) has developed a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the Northeast Lakeshore area, which includes the Pigeon River Watershed. A TMDL defines the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. 

The purpose of the Pigeon River Nine Key Element plan is to create a guide that helps our Department identify and reduce pollutant load into the watershed, but more specifically into two subbasins of the Pigeon River Watershed - The Fisher Creek subbasion and the Pigeon River subbasin. Doing so will improve water quality, helping us meet TMDL requirements and restore uses of the Pigeon River. 

This Nine Key Element Plan identifies nonpoint sources and their extent within the two TMDL subbasins within the Pigeon River Watershed and then recommends best management practices, educational measures, and a monitoring program to ensure that watershed goals are achieved in the Fisher Creek and Pigeon River Subbasins. 

To accomplish these goals, our department is looking to implement conservation projects on the land in these subbasins. Examples of eligible practices can be found at the link below. 

Link to Pigeon River Watershed/Fisher Creek Subbasin Informational Handout

Currently, our Department is focusing specifically on the Fisher Creek Subbasin area of the Pigeon River Watershed (a map of this area can be found on the link above). If you live in this area and are interested in implementing conservation practices on your land, please contact us today!