WISCONSIN'S LAKE SUPERIOR BASIN WATER QUALITY STUDY

Abstract

Within the four county area of Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Iron, located in extreme northwestern Wisconsin, lies an area richly endowed in clean lakes, inviting forests, healthy air and clear streams. The most important natural resource of this area is its hydrologic base, centered around Lake Superior, the economic qua ·of the region. The open waters of the lake are usually described as cold, relatively infertile, oxygen rich and aesthetically very beautiful. In general, this description also fits the streams forming the watershed to the lake. This drainage area is narrow and small in area in comparison to Lake Superior, thus causing a slow flushing rate. Degradation of any of these waters, fluvial or lacustrine, could create long-term environ­ mental consequences.