Geomorphic Habitat Response Units for Urban Stream Rehabilitation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Links
- Document: Report (7 MB pdf) , HTML , XML
- Data Release: USGS data release - Geomorphic habitat response units attributes for the Wisconsin DNR 24k hydrography flowline network in the Milwaukee River Basin, Wisconsin
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Urban stream rehabilitation plans can benefit from knowledge of the landscape setting and vegetative communities that were adjacent to streams prior to urbanization. Downstream to upstream connections of these characteristics can be relevant for native migratory fish species that have a range of preferred spawning habitats. Based on a need for more quantitative data on these potential connections, the U.S. Geological Survey assembled geomorphic characteristics, surficial geology, and pre-Euro-American settlement vegetation for 333 kilometers of stream segments in the Kinnickinnic River and Menomonee River subbasins of the Milwaukee River, Wisconsin. Channel slopes ranged from less than 0.3 percent to greater than 2 percent, covering at least two channel morphology and bedform types spanning low-energy irregular and pool-riffle complexes. Postglacial surficial geology ranged from coarse-grained outwash sand and gravel to lacustrine silt and clay, allowing for a range of stream substrate sizes. Presettlement riparian vegetation was mainly forest, including forested uplands, forested lowlands, and to a lesser extent, conifer-dominated wetlands in headwaters. This resulting framework of geomorphic habitat response units can be used for habitat rehabilitation projects for migratory native fish in other urban Great Lakes tributaries.
Plain Language Summary
The U.S. Geological Survey intersected stream network geomorphic characteristics with maps of original pre-Euro-American settlement vegetation, surficial geology, and land-use attributes for the Kinnickinnic River and Menomonee River subbasins of the Milwaukee River Basin in eastern Wisconsin. The resulting framework of geomorphic habitat response units can be used for planning, designing, and evaluating ongoing and future native fish passage and spawning habitat rehabilitation projects in other urban areas where concrete-lined channels are being replaced with more natural counterparts.
Suggested Citation
Fitzpatrick, F.A., Sterner, S.P., Blount, J.D., and Stewart, J.S., 2025, Geomorphic habitat response units for urban stream rehabilitation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2025–1049, 17 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251049.
ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abstract
- Plain Language Summary
- Introduction
- Methods
- Geomorphic Habitat Response Units
- Summary and Conclusions
- References Cited
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Geomorphic habitat response units for urban stream rehabilitation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 2025-1049 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr20251049 |
| Publication Date | November 20, 2025 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Upper Midwest Water Science Center |
| Description | Report: vi, 17 p.; Data Release |
| Country | United States |
| State | Wisconsin |
| City | Milwaukee |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |