The University of Wisconsin System
VICE PRESIDENT FOR GENERAL SERVICES / 1762 Van Hise
Hall / Madison, Wisconsin 53706 -
Return correspondence
should be addressed to:
P. 0. Box 8010
Madison, Wisconsin 53708
Re: Environmental Impact Statement
North Campus Development
UW-La Crosse
Enclosed is the Final Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) for the above
referenced project. The EIS was prepared in compliance
with the Guidelines
for State Agencies under the Wisconsin Environmental
Policy Act (WEPA) and
Executive Order 26, February 1976. Additional EIS copies
are available for
public inspection as indicated in the attached
announcement sheet.
A Preliminary Environmental Report (PER) was
circulated December 1, 1977.
The Final EIS addresses PER review and comment, and both
documents intend
to provide decision-makers and the public with relevant
information and
reasonable alternatives which would avoid or minimize
adverse impacts or
enhance the quality of the human environment. The EIS is
more than a dis-
closure document. It is to be used by state and federal
officials in
conjunction with other relevant material to plan actions
and make decisions.
I would appreciate your review of this report. All
written comments must
be dated and signed. Comments received prior to or at
the public hearing,
which is scheduled for September 11, 1978, will be
considered in the
agency's decision letter.
Cordially,
Donald Gerhard
Director, Environmental Affairs
DG:sd
Enclosure
Universities: Eau Claire, Green Bay, LaCrosse,
Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Parkside, Platteville,
River Falls, Stevens Point, Stout, Superior, Whitewater.
University Centers: Baraboo/Sauk County, Barron County,
Fond du Lac, Fox Valley, Manitowoc County, Marathon
County, Marinette County,
Marshfield/Wood County, Medford, Richland, Rock County,
Sheboygan County, Washington County, Waukesha County.
Extension: Statewide.
AVAILABILITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
FOR
NORTH CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT
AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE, LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse herewith
publicly announces its inten-
tion to develop an Outdoor Physical Education and
Environmental Interpretive
Facility on approximately twenty-nine acres of
university-owned land. The
site is north of the main campus within the City of La
Crosse. It is in the
La Crosse River marsh area but physically separated from
the overall marsh
by the roadways of Lang Drive and Gorder Road.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has prepared an
Environmental Impact
Statement on the proposed project. This report
represents and summarizes
the environmental information currently available to the
University. It in-
cludes the comments received from other state agencies,
local government,
and private individuals. Excerpts from public hearing
testimony will be
considered in the written decision.
Availability
Copies of the Environmental Impact Statement are
available for public review
at Murphy Library, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse,
and at the La Crosse
Public Library, 8th and Main Streets.
In addition, copies have been sent to:
1. La Crosse County Board, County Courthouse
2. La Crosse County Highway Commissioner, County
Courthouse
3. Mayor's Office, La Crosse City Hall /
4. City Attorney, La Crosse City Hall
5. Public Works Department, La Crosse City Hall
6. Parks and Recreation Department, La Crosse City Hall
7. Planning Department, La Crosse City Hall
8. City Traffic Engineer, La Crosse City Hall
9. Inspection Department, La Crosse City Hall
10. Engineering Department, La Crosse City Hall
11. Chairperson, University Affairs Committee, City of
La Crosse
12. La Crosse Tribune
13. Coulee Gazette
14. State, regional, and federal agencies assumed to
have an interest in
the project.
Review Procedure
Written comments on the Environmental Impact
Statement should be addressed
to Mr. Donald Gerhard, University of Wisconsin, System
Administration, 1930
Monroe Street, P. O. Box 8010, Madison, Wisconsin 53708.
All written comments must be dated and signed.
Comments will also be accepted at the public hearing
to be held on Monday,
September 11, 1978, at 7:30 p.m. in the Annett Recital
Hall, Fine Arts Build-
ing, 16th and Vine Streets, University of
Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse,
Wisconsin.
EIS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
FOR
NORTH CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT
AT
THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE
Submitted pursuant to the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969
Public Law 81 1 90
and
The Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act
Chapter 1.11(2) (c) Wis. Statutes
The University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
PREFACEi
SUMMARY STATEMENT iii
LOCATION MAPS:
LA CROSSE COUNTY MAP
REGIONAL MAP - LA CROSSE AREA
TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION 1-70
A. General Description 1
B. General Location 3
C. Historical Perspectives 5
1. History of the City of La Crosse and of the La Crosse
River Marsh 5
2. History of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 17
Purpose, Mission, and Programs 17
Institutional Development 19
Academic Needs 26
Campus Plans 31
Previous Events and Actions 34
D. Description of the Existing Environment 37
1. Physical and Chemical Environment 37
Environmental Setting of the Project Site 37
Topography 38
Geology and Soil 39
Hydrology 41
Flooding 43
Water Quality 45
Noise Level 46
Air Quality 47
2. Biological Environment 48
Vascular Plant Life in the Marsh 48
Vascular Plant Life in the Project Site 50
Animals Observed in the Marsh 50
Fish Spawning 52
Birds Observed in the La Crosse River Marsh 54
Birds Observed in the Proposed Site 55
Invertebrates 56
Insects of the Marsh 57
3. Economic, Social and Cultural Environment 59
Tax Base 59
Zoning 59
Fire Conditions 59
Aesthetics 60
Historical and Archaeological Sites 61
Recreational Use 61
Academic Use 62
E. Description of the Proposal 63
1. Location and Accessibility 63
2. Aesthetic Concerns 63
3. Natural Topography 64
4. Fill Material 65
5. Topography of the Land Fill 66
PAGE NO.
6. Landscape Plans 67
7. Vegetation Preservation 67
F. Maps and Graphics 69
1. La Crosse River Watershed
2. Aerial Photo of UW-La Crosse and Adjacent Marsh
3. Aerial Photo of City and La Crosse River Marsh
4. Aerial Photo of Marsh Flooding During 1978
5. Contour Map of Project Area
6. Vegetation Map
7. Campus Master Plan/Alternate
8. Site Model
9. North Campus Proposed Development Plan
10. Elevations of Proposed Project Area
11. Cross Sections of Proposed Project Area
12. Exercise Fitness Trail
13. (a) & (b) Two Proposed Alternative "I" Field
Development Areas
14. Existing Park and Recreation Facilities
15. Noise Level Chart
16. Design Noise Level/Land Use Relationship Chart
17. Vascular Plant Flora List
18. Map of Areas in Harris Study
19. List of Birds Observed in Area Two
20. List of La Crosse River Marsh Fires (1972-1977)
21. Photo: Marsh Fire April 9, 1977
22. Suggested List of Vascular Plant Species for North
Campus
Development
23. Vegetation Preservation Photo and Map Location
24. List of Wildlife Species Observed in La Crosse River
Marsh
II. PROBABLE IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
ON THE ENVIRONMENT
A. Physical Impact
1. Topography
2. Drainage
3. Soil
4. Flooding
5, Water Quality
6. Noise Level
7. Air Quality
8. Aesthetics
B. Biological Impact
1. Plant Life
2. Animal Life
3. Birds
4. Insects and Invertebrates
C. Socio-Economic Impact
1. Academic Support for the University
2. Recreational Facility Available to the Community
3. Neighborhood Preservation
4. Create Jobs
5. Flood Control
6. Effect on City Well Water
7. Cost/Benefit Analysis
71-88
71
71
71
71
72
72
73
75
75
76
76
77
77
77
78
78
78
82
83
83
86
86
PAGE NO.
Ill. PROBABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH
CANNOT BE AVOIDED 89-90
A. Loss of Lowland Wildlife Habitat 89
B. Mitigating Steps 89
IV. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF
THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCE-
MENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY 91-92
A. Filling Marsh Land Versus Preservation of Existing
Site 91
V. IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF
RESOURCES IF THE PROPOSED ACTION IS IMPLEMENTED 93-94
A. Loss of Wildlife Habitat 93
B. Loss of Flood Water Storage 93
C. Resources Used to Develop the Project 93
VI. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION 95-104
A. No Action 95
B. Propose Another Project (Site Restoration) 95
C. Change Land Use (Without Fill) 97
D. Use Entire Site (Lake Proposal) 97
E. Elevate 29 Acres Above 100 Year Flood (18 Acres
Undisturbed) 98
F. Between C.B. & Q. RR & S.T.H. 16 98
G. Northeast of Vlyrick Park 99
H. City Country Club Golf Course 99
I. Contiguous Neighborhood Expansion 99
J. All Remote Sites 100
K. Assessment Criteria 101
APPENDICES:
APPENDIX A - COORDINATION CORRESPONDENCE
APPENDIX B - GEOLOGY AND SOIL
APPENDIX C - FLOOD DATA
APPENDIX D - FISH AND WILDLIFE
APPENDIX E - TRANSPORTATION DATA
APPENDIX F - BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON ALTERNATE SITES
APPENDIX G - RESPONSES TO PRELIMINARY ENN'IRONMENTAL
REPORT (PER)
PREFACE
The Preliminary Environmental Report (PER) was made
available to the public
December 1, 1977. The major objection from the
Department of Natural Re-
sources, the Department of Interior, and the
Environmental Protection Agency
centered on the level of required objectivity. The
Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) provides additional documentation and
addresses specific
comments as requested by these agencies and the Corps of
Engineers. Addi-
tional alternatives are also presented in response to
requests from the EPA
and the Corps.
The adjacent proposed Lang Drive project is presently
in its final EIS de-
velopment stage pending Corps approval. A project
decision on the part of
the City, the Department of Natural Resources, and the
Department of Trans-
portation not to create a lake in the La Crosse River
Marsh resulted in revi-
sion of earlier plans for the north campus development
project. Recent
consideration of the possibility of using stockpiled
dredge-spoil on the Lang
Drive project, if available to the City, and the
suggested change in the
placement, number, and size of culverts under Lang
Drive, will have economic
and environmental consequences requiring close
cooperation between this
project and the north campus plan.
Due to the City's need to preserve housing area and
the University's need
for outdoor teaching areas within close proximity of its
existing facilities, the
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has requested
development of a limited
portion of its north campus property. The University
understands, appre-
ciates, and shares a common interest with the public in
the ultimate best use
of the area.
ii
SUMMARY STATEMENT
Project Action
(xx) Distribution of the Preliminary ( )
Administration Action
Environmental Report
(xx) Environmental Impact Statement ( ) Legislative
Action
1. Description of the Proposed Action
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is proposing
the development of an
outdoor physical education and environmental
interpretive facility on a + 29
acre parcel of university land. The project would
involve placing 150,000
cubic yards of land fill on the + 29 acre site and
construction of four instruc-
tional playing fields, two baseball fields, a track
and field facility, a fitness
trail, two golf greens, a parking lot, and bleachers
for one of the baseball
fields. The project would be landscaped and designed
to fit into the sur-
rounding natural environment so that it can be
integrated as an environmental
observation area as well.
2. Description of the Proposed Environment
The site to be filled is part of a two thousand acre
marsh. The site is
physically separated from the overall marsh by two
roadways, Lang Drive and
Gorder Road, which connect at perpendicular angles to
one another. During
some years, flood waters from the La Crosse and
Mississippi Rivers flow into
the site through culverts in the roadbeds. Standing
water may also be the
result of water seepage from a high water table
especially during spring
months. Past conditions would indicate that the area
is relatively free of
iii
standing water during the summer except for a few low
areas outside of the
proposed fill area. The project site supports
wildlife.
The total acreage of the La Crosse River marsh before
settlement is not
known. Areas of the original marsh land which have
been filled include
businesses, industries, and residential homes east of
George Street between
the La Crosse River and the railroad tracks. Lang
Drive, Gorder Road, the
Northern States Power substation, the University's
Maintenance and Stores
facility, and waterpumping causeways are other
developments in the marsh.
3. Probable Impact of the Proposed Action on the
Environment
The positive impacts are: (I) the development of a
facility which will support
the UW-La Crosse special mission in physical
education, (2) the creation of a
recreational and educational facility from which the
community can benefit, (3)
the preservation of the residential neighborhoods
adjacent to the main cam-
pus, and (4) the creation of jobs as a secondary
effect of implementation of
the project.
The negative impacts are: (I) the loss of + 29 acres
of marsh vegetation, (2)
the loss of + 29 acres of wildlife habitat, and (3)
the loss of + 29 acres for
flood water storage (150,000 cubic yards of storage
capacity).
This project will not cause the displacement of any
families or businesses.
iv
4. Alternatives to the Proposed Action
Ten alternatives to the proposed action were
evaluated, four of which would
preserve all or a portion of the marsh vegetation and
wildlife as well as
preserving the flood water storage. Three of these
alternatives, however,
would not enable the University to achieve its
objective of providing a needed
facility for its academic programs. The fourth
approach, that of using near-
by residential neighborhoods for the project, would
save the marsh land and
provide the necessary facility but at a high monetary
cost and at a great
sacrifice to the people whose homes, rental
apartments, and businesses would
have to be relocated. The alternative of utilizing
the site for different pur-
poses would still destroy the marsh vegetation but
would save the flood water
storage space. Another possibility considered is that
of improving the func-
tion of the project by using more fill. This would
further decrease the space
available for flood water storage.
5. Availability of Information
(1) Environmental Impact Statement Procedures
The Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA),
Section I.11, Wisconsin
Statutes, became effective on April 29, 1972. This
law requires that all
state agencies prepare an environmental impact
statement for every
recommendation or report on proposals for legislation
and other major
actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment, and
that a public hearing be held on those proposals
other than for legisla-
tion. The University of Wisconsin, therefore, is
required to prepare
v
environmental impact statements for university
proposals determined to
be actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment.
The Governor's Executive Order Number 26 established
guidelines to be
used by state agencies in implementing WEPA. The
guidelines require
that the agency prepare a Preliminary Environmental
Report, develop an
Environmental Impact Statement, and hold a public
hearing. Under these
guidelines, the Preliminary Environmental Report
(PER) is circulated for
a forty-five day review period to federal, state, and
local agencies with
expertise or concerns related to the project. It is
also made available to
the public. Comments and questions submitted on the
PER are used to
develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The
EIS is circulated
to the commenting agencies and to the public for a
thirty-day review
period. A hearing is then held to receive the views
of the public on the
environmental impact statement. Following the public
hearing, the UW-
System formulates a conclusion on the proposed action
and its decision is
circulated to commenting agencies and to the public.
Both the PER and the EIS are full-disclosure
documents which provide a
complete description of the proposed project, of the
existing environ-
ment, and an analysis of the anticipated
environmental effects.
The review schedule for the proposed north campus
field development,
La Crosse, Wisconsin, is as follows:
Date PER released: December I, 1977
Review Deadline on PER: January 16, 1978
Date EIS released: August 7, 1978
Review Deadline on EIS: September 8, 1978
Hearing Date:
vi
Comments should be addressed to:
Mr. Donald Gerhard
University of Wisconsin System -
System Administration
1930 Monroe Street
P. O. Box 8010
Madison, Wisconsin 53708
Phone: (608) 263-4404
(2) Copies of the draft were made available to the
following agencies:
Number
Agencies of Copies
A. Federal Agencies
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Minnesota-Wisconsin District Office 3
Region V Administrator 5
U.S. Department of the Interior
Office of Land Use and Water Planning 2
Office of Environmental Project Review 20
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation I
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 3
U.S. Geological Survey I
Bureau of Indian Affairs I
Regional Director 3
National Park Service I
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District I
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Area Director I
Eastern Region I
Soil Conservation Service
Regional Technical Service Center 2
State Conservationist 4
U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare
Environmental Office Region V 2
Director of Environmental Affairs 2
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Region V Administrator 3
Area Director 2
U.S. Department of Commerce
Water Resources Management Division 2
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Environmental Affairs 8
District Office
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration 2
U.S. Coast Guard - Second District
Regional Federal Highway Administration 2
Federal Energy Administration
B. State Agencies
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 4
vii
Number
Agencies of Copies
B. State Agencies-continued
Wisconsin Department of Business Development
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture
Wisconsin State Historical Society 6
Wisconsin Department of Administration
Bureau of State Planning
Bureau of Facilities Management
Wisconsin Public Service Commission
Wisconsin Department of Local Affairs and Development
Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
Wisconsin Scientific Areas Preservation Council
Wisconsin Natural Beauty Council
University of Wisconsin
System Administration 6
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 12
Governor's Office I
Legislative Reference Library 2
Public Intervenor
Western Wisconsin Technical Institute
C. Regional Agencies
Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission
D. Local Agencies
La Crosse County Board
La Crosse County Highway Department
City of La Crosse Mayor's Office
City of La Crosse Public Works Department I
City of La Crosse Parks Department
City of La Crosse Public Library
City of La Crosse Planning Department I
City of La Crosse Traffic Engineer
City of La Crosse Inspection Department
City of La Crosse Engineering Department
Sales Cash Orders 25
Northern Natural Gas Company
Northern States Power Company
La Crosse Telephone Corporation I
Chicago and Northwestern Transportation Company
University Affairs Committee, c/o John Shubert,
Chairperson 9
River and Bluffs Bicentennial Intracity Trail
Citizens Committee for Environmental Education
Izaak Walton League, Great River Chapter
Audubon Society of La Crosse
Sierra Club, Coulee Region Group
Coalition for Regional Environmental Educational
Development
viii
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U GE I
I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
A. General Description
The intent of the proposed action is to develop
outdoor field facilities for
the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Approximately
150,000 cubic
yards of fill would be placed on + 29 acres of
wetlands raising the
existing contour three to four feet. The facility
would provide four
physical education fields, two baseball fields, a
track and field facility,
two golf greens, a nature/fitness trail, bleachers
for one of the baseball
fields, and off-street parking. Landscape grading
designed to blend
with the environment, turf development of the fields,
and future plant-
ings of native species would provide an interpretive
environmental facili-
ty which could also serve as an observation area of
the surrounding
wetlands.
1
B. General Location
The proposed site is located in La Crosse County and
within the city
limits of La Crosse, Wisconsin. The site is one-half
mile north of the
main campus of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
The project location is within the La Crosse River
flood plain and Myrick
Marsh. The land on which the site is proposed is not
contiguous with
the larger marsh to the north. Lang Drive (S.T.H. 35)
to the west and
Gorder Road to the north connect at perpendicular
angles to restrict and
dike flood waters coming into the proposed site.
South of the site are
undisturbed buffer areas, a hillside, and Oak Grove
Cemetery. The
proposed site's east boundary is adjacent to the
University's Maintenance
and Stores facility. The north edge borders on a
thirty-foot strip of
city land extending along the Gorder Road
right-of-way.
The project site will be located south of and
parallel to Gorder Road.
The site will connect with the University's
Maintenance and Stores facili-
ty to the east and will stop short of the
right-of-way of Lang Drive to
the west. Approximately eighteen acres of undisturbed
marsh will be
preserved between the project site and the hillside
to the south.
3
C. Historical Perspective
1. History of the City of La Crosse and of the La
Crosse River Marsh
The growth and development of La Crosse from trading
post to
industrial city has been expertly detailed in the
Lang Drive Project
EIS recently published by the Wisconsin Department of
Transporta-
tion (DOT). Those remarks are reproduced here in
their entirety.
In addition, the extensive historical treatment of
the La Crosse
River Marsh which appears in the DOT document is also
cited here.
The City of La Crosse was settled in 1841 by Nathan
Myrick, originally from Westport, New York, who built a
cabin trading post on Barron's Island. The island was
selected because it had the much needed resource for
building: trees. The site of the present City of La
Crosse was at that time a treeless plain that extended
from the east bank of the Mississippi River to the foot
of
the bluffs to the east. Easy access to the river and the
medium of transportation that it offered was necessary
to
Myrick for his trading operations with the local
Indians.
Within less than a year, Myrick moved his operation
to
the mainland and eventually laid claim to most of the
land
that is currently La Crosse's downtown business section.
The fur-trading base of early La Crosse's economy did
not last. The Indians with whom Myrick and others did
business were moved farther west as the government
bought up their lands through treaties, and the
annuities
that the Indians received as compensation for their
lands
introduced them to an easier way of life so that they no
longer had to hunt and trap fur bearing animals to make
a living. With government money coming in at regular
intervals, they were able to forego the rigors of
survival
for the "good life"--to the demise of fur trade.
During the 1850's, the beginning of the lumber
industry
occurred, accompanied by an influx of settlers. The
lumber industry was flourishing long before there was
any attempt to develop the area agriculturally. By 1953,
there were several sawmills in operation, supplied by
the
pineries of the Black River, and in 1856 the Village of
La
Crosse was incorporated as a city with a council and
mayor form of government.
5
For the next fifty years, La Crosse was a lumber
town--
home of numerous mills and the headquarters of the
largest fleet of raft towboats on the Mississippi River.
The lumber industry became the largest single industry
of
the city and for many years depended upon river trans-
portation to bring in freight and new settlers. By 1856,
the steamboat traffic averaged over two hundred boats a
month landing at La Crosse.
Road building commenced in 1845 when a wagon trail
was
hewn through the woods along the bluffs from Prairie du
Chien to La Crosse. Later on, during the 1850's, La
Crosse became a gateway city--a focal point for stage-
coach routes and wagon roads. These roads followed the
coulees (steep-walled valleys or ravines) to the Black
River valley, the Fox-Wisconsin River portage, Baraboo,
and the Root River valley in Minnesota.
In 1858, the La Crosse and Milwaukee Railroad (now
the
Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad) entered the
city, and by 1872 had completed their tracks to St.
Paul,
Minnesota. Earlier, in 1866, the Chicago, Burlington and
Quincy tracks reached Prescott through La Crosse. The
Green Bay & Western Railroad also entering the city
during this period. By 1900, four railroads (including
the Chicago Northwestern) served the city, making it the
largest railroad center between Chicago and the Twin
Cities of Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Many immigrants added their numbers to the growing
city, of whom the Germans and Scandinavians made up
the largest ethnic groups. Smaller groups of Poles and
Bohemians arrived later in the century. In 1900, the
percentage of foreign-born settlers was twenty-five per-
cent of a total population of 29,000.
At the beginning of the century, the people of La
Crosse
witnessed the sudden end of their single largest
industry
--lumbering--because of the exhaustion of pineries.
Fortunately, for at least twenty years before the end of
the century, small diversified manufacturing plants had
been locating in the city, and these plants saved the
city
from economic disaster and a loss of population. Among
the leading industries were the mnanufacturers of beer,
agricultural implements, rubber goods, and ironwork, and
the milling of feed grains into flour. After World War
I,
the city experienced the growth of several large
manufac-
turing plants, the leaders of which were producers of
automotive accessories and rubber footwear. Later on
during the thirties, the manufacture of heating and
cooling equipment and agricultural implements added to
the ranks of major industries in the city.
La Crosse developed slowly during the Great
Depression
of the 30's, as did all cities in the nation. Later on
in
6
the 40's, stimulated by war contracts, employment and
production soared to new heights. The adjustment to the
following peace economy was made with little difficulty,
and by 1947 employment and production were at new
levels. Building and industrial expansion, however, were
limited by the lack of suitable sites.
The 1940's was a decade of high civic activity for La
Crosse. Following the end of World War 11 hostilities,
the
people became engaged in securing a place in the new
world for their city. They did this by adding to the
city
structure such facilities as an airport, civic center,
and
off-street parking lots, to name a few--the latter
design-
ed to alleviate the crowded condition in the commercial
section caused by the increasing automobile population
of
the area.
By 1950, the City of La Crosse had grown to a
population
of almost 50,000 and, while this growth was not
consider-
ed to be spectacular, its physical expansion went from
about Sixteenth Street to the toe of the bluffs that
paral-
lel the Mississippi River. Good commercial and
industrial
sites were becoming scarce, and family dwellings were
built in the coulees. By 1960, the City of La Crosse,
to-
gether with the surrounding and neighboring communities
of the City of Onalaska, Holmen, the Town of Medary and
portions of the Towns of Campbell, Holland, Onalaska and
Shelby, had risen to a population of 62,400. The census
of 1970 placed the population of this growing complex at
69,500. Together with this, between the years of 1940
and 1973, motor vehicle registrations have also risen
from
14,460 to 38,053. These neighboring communities are
included because they have, in effect, become the over-
flow areas for the City of La Crosse and contribute to
La
Crosse's social and economic well-being, as well as to
its
traffic and transportation problems. The City of La
Crosse and these surrounding areas comprise the only
urban area in the county and in 1960 alone accounted for
more than eighty-five percent of the county's total
popu-
lation. Almost ninety percent of the 1950-1960 county
population growth occurred in these areas. The fastest
growing communities then were the Towns of Shelby and
Onalaska. Today the population growth has progressed
farther north into the Village of Holmen. The City of La
Crosse itself has experienced a low rate of growth be-
cause of a lack of developable land and suburbanization
to
surrounding communities.
1 Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of
Highways, District #5,
Final Environmental Inpact Statement for Project M4202,
pp. 12-15.
7
The La Crosse River Marsh "probably originally
consisted of the
seasonally flooded basins, fresh meadows, shallow
fresh meadows,
and a few deep fresh marshes."2 Over the years, its
size has
changed as the City of La Crosse grew.
The City of La Crosse grew in early years without a
plan. There were no building codes, zoning laws, street
planning, nor a plan for the location of public
buildings,
and it was not until the latter part of 1919 that a need
for a city plan was publicly expressed. Editorials by
the
local newspaper espoused the need for such a plan, but
it
was not until after World War I that any individuals or
groups actively supported the subject. Ultimately, the
City retained the services of a noted city planner from
Cambridge, Massachusetts, to prepare such a plan. The
need for one was very apparent in that La Crosse had
progressed from a town of lumber mills to a prosperous,
industrialized city.
The aforementioned planner produced a plan that
included
forty large maps, charts, diagrams and various recommen-
dations that were presented to the mayor and city offi-
cials. The plan was ultimately defeated for two reasons
put forth by the opposition. First, the plan was compre-
hensive and would have required large outlays of money
that people felt should be spent for things other than
correcting the errors and mistakes that have been made
by earlier residents and settlers. Secondly, the plan
was
politically motivated, setting the north side in
opposition
to the south side.
The "Nolen Plan," as it came to be known, was
dropped,
and with it any comprehensive city plan, for more than
twenty-five years.
Although the Wisconsin State Legislature passed a law
in
1909 authorizing cities to create city planning commis-
sions, ten years passed before any city in the state
took
advantage of the law to create such a commission--the
first being the City of Appleton. During the next ten
years, more than thirty cities in the state created city
planning commissions. The La Crosse City Council esta-
blished one in 1929, composed of the mayor, city engi-
neer, the president of the park board, an alderman, and
three other local citizens.
2 S.H. Sohmer, Contributions from the Herbarium. V.,
January 1, 1973.
8
In 1855, a causeway was built by a privately-funded
corporation known as the La Crosse and Onalaska Plank
Road and Bridge Company, whose sole purpose was to
build a solid road across the marsh that separated the
two sections of the city--the north and south sides--and
thereby reduce the trip by two and a half miles of
travel
over the previous customary route. The company was to
be reimbursed for its expense by the collection of tolls
at
a toll house that was in operation for some years at the
south end of the road.
The causeway--a plank road--was like every other
board-
walk except that it was twenty feet wide. It was laid
across the marsh between the north and south settlements
of the prairie la crosse elevated in the lower spots
about
five feet above the low-water mark. Wooden bridges
graced both ends, for in those days the La Crosse River
wandered from the main stream across the north end of
the marsh. The toll gate was located on the bank of the
La Crosse River.
Even though it was a wretched highway from its very
beginning, it was a busy one. It led to the prosperous
lumbering communities of North La Crosse and Onalaska,
and its twenty-foot width was thronged winter and
summer with the sleighs and wagons of lumbermen. It
was then the only direct communication between La
Crosse, the point of entry to the pineries, and all of
the
back country that is now traversed in every direction by
hard-surfaced highways.
Four years after it went into operation, the
proprietors of
the tollway removed the toll and washed their hands of
the whole affair. From that time on, it became a sadly
neglected thoroughfare--rutted, potholed, and always
flooded during periods of high water, so much so that
the
water was often over the tops of the wagon wheels and
into the bodies of the wagons and buggies that dared to
venture across it. It was described to have been more of
a ford than a road.
It was not until 1865 that the City of La Crosse
finally
took it over, and because of its stra egic location and
the
heavy amount of traffic it accommodated, the improvement
of it became imperative. From time to time, it was
raised
and graded and eventually was widened to one hundred
feet and paved with limestone macadam. However, it was
still too low and was completely submerged during the
flood of 1880 that cut off all road communications with
North La Crosse.
As years went by, traffic between the north and south
sides increased and a narrow wagon bridge was con-
structed over the La Crosse River to the west. This was
a trestle bridge that was constructed by the La Crosse
9
City Railway Company. Horse-drawn and, later,
electric
cars crossed this bridge.
In 1922, the Common Council of the City voted to con-
struct the present concrete bridge, which was completed
in 1927, on what is now the causeway known as Copeland
Avenue. The termini of the causeway are the junction of
Rose Street and Copeland Avenue on the north and the
junction of 3rd and 4th Streets on the south. Today it
is
a thriving business district with a variety of
commercial
establishments that range from service stations and oil
companies to pizza parlors and a ready-mix concrete
plant. Recently, another section on the west side of the
causeway was dredge-filled and is the site of the modern
condominium-type apartment buildings and business
offices.
The La Crosse or Myrick Marsh, as it later came to be
known after the City's founding father, Nathan Myrick,
was again bridged somewhat to the east of the first
causeway in 1932 after a ten-year struggle on the part
of
some of the more farsighted city officials. It was later
named Lang Drive, the highway being proposed for im-
provement, in honor of the city alderman, C. F. Lang,
who was the most ardent supporter of the second cause-
way.
Like all public improvements involving a substantial
amount of money, Lang Drive was in the making for a
period of ten years or more and involved much discussion
both on the part of the Common Council and the County
Board. At the time it was proposed, in 1924, the first
causeway was simply not adequate to meet the ever-
increasing demands of the traffic that was spawned by a
growing city. It was still narr ,w and riddled with
holes
and generally unacceptable as a very important transpor-
tation link between the north and south sections of the
city.
The second causeway generated a great deal of
opposition
from all sectors of the city when first proposed because
of the cost of the fill and bridging of the La Crosse
River and Northwestern Railroad tracks. The main theme
of the opposition was that the olu 2r existing causeway
was sufficient to accommodate the traffic needs and
could
be made better by improving the pavement and construct-
ing a new bridge over the river. The subject of a
second causeway stayed embroiled in controversy, follow-
ed by a ten-year period of inactivity.
In the meantime, the La Crosse Rubber Mills, which is
located on what was proposed to be the north terminus of
the controversial second causeway--St. Andrew Street--
enlarged its plant facilities and its work force. Many
of
their workers were southsiders commuting to work across
10
the old causeway. This imposed an added traffic
strain
on the route to the plant and home again, as well as the
time-consuming and car-destructing aspect of the trip
itself over the deteriorated and antiquated connecting
facility.
In August of 1929, the mayor announced that the
second
causeway would be part of the improvement program for
the following year, 1930. However, the issue again
became bogged down in controversies as to what exact
route the new causeway would follow. Several locations
and termini were proposed, the original concept being
between West Avenue extended and St. Andrew Street.
Other suggested locations were: the old right-of-way of
the Green Bay and Western's railroad line that had been
abandoned, one that would proceed northwesterly from
Myrick Park, one from 12th Street north to St. Andrew
Street, one from the north end of West Avenue to St.
Cloud Street, and still another along the east side of
the
Northwestern Railroad tracks terminating with St. Andrew
Street on the north end near the Rubber Mills plant.
In January, 1930, the City Plan Commission
recommended
to the Council that the second causeway be built between
West Avenue and St. Andrew Street in direct line with
George Street. It further recommended the acquisition of
the necessary land and buildings, one of which was a
brewery, for right-of-way purposes, either by outright
purchase or through condemnation procedure. The brew-
ing company's demand for compensation was deemed to be
too high, and again the project returned to a state of
dormancy until several months later when the Council
authorized the Board of Public Works to obtain bids for
the construction of a trestle bridge over the La Crosse
River and for constructing the necessary fill up to that
point.
Bids were received and approved, payment for which
was
to be made from funds set aside earlier for the project
by
La Crosse County, the project having first been proposed
as a county project. However, the project still did not
get underway as the controversy over location of the
proposed facility continued. At one point, it was about
to be submitted to a referendum in the spring election,
but this was deferred. As the year 1931 started, the
proposed project was still awaiting positive action, and
again the County Board, into whose lap the project had
been thrown by the City Council, battied over the
issues.
Several years had gone by since the proposal of a second
causeway had first been made, and no positive action had
been taken.
By this time, La Crosse, as well as the rest of the
na-
tion, was suffering the effects of the deepening depres-
sion, and the ranks of the unemployed were becoming
11
greater every day. With this in mind, one of the
alder-
men on the City Council introduced a resolution whereby
the city and county would be authorized to proceed with
the construction of the proposed project without a
formal
contract of any kind, making use of the many unemployed
men in the area and, in effect, solving the problem of
getting the causeway built and providing income, if only
temporary, to the unemployed of the city. This resolu-
tion was approved, authorizing the construction of the
fill
with county and city supervision of the fill with the
labor
force made up of local unemployed men, while the con-
struction of the trestle bridge was let to private
contract.
The site finally connected 12th Street to St. Andrew
Street. (Later, in 1958-59, the south connection was
modified to align with West Avenue, its present
terminus.)
The second causeway--Lang Drive--was completed in
1932
at a total cost of $50,000 after many years of heated
controversy and indecisiveness. Since then, it has
served the useful purpose for which it was intended--
reducing the traffic load of the old causeway...
Over the ensuing years, the City of La Crosse--while
enjoying what is perhaps an unexcelled environmental
setting--has been strained to the limits of its ability
to
provide the amount of land that is necessary to the
sustenance of economic and social growth. Because of
this, the Myrick Marsh has been proposed for various
developmental projects 3for many years by many different
people and interests...
The next documented marsh improvement program of
significance
evolved in 1938. The project was spearheaded by Dr.
Frank
Hoeschler and included approximately 680 acres of
marshland in the
La Crosse River Marsh. Hoeschler's plan was to cover
a majority of
the acreage with earthen fill to raise the land
surface seven or
eight feet. He also felt the La Crosse River should
be relocated to
reduce the possibility of flooding in the reclaimed
area. The work
would have required five and one-half million cubic
yards of
dredged fill, at a cost of ten cents a cubic yard.
The completed
Wisconsin Department of Transportation, pp. 16-22.
12
project would have had two lakes, 1,777 residential
and industrial
lots, curbs, paving, parks, sewers, water mains, and
bridges.
Total cost was estimated at $1,299,230. The plan was
not imple-
mented when the people of La Crosse rejected the
proposal in two
referendum elections held that year.
Eight years later, the City of La Crosse hired an
engineering firm
to try to determine the practicability of filling the
marshland area.
The Chicago firm of Alvord, Burdick, and Howson,
studied the
marsh for several months. In 1946 they presented La
Crosse city
officials with two development plans for the marsh
area. The plans
called for extensive improvement of the La Crosse
River channel.
The consultant's suggestion was to widen the La
Crosse River
channel, fill the land, and carry flood water to the
Black River in
a newly-created diversion channel. The plan called
for the con-
struction of bridges and the development of the
filled land into
residential and commercial sites. When the plans were
presented to
the La Crosse city common council, they were
rejected. 4
A year later, Max Bemel revived the idea of marsh
area develop-
ment. He initiated the filling process himself in the
areas on each
side of Copeland Avenue and completed his work in the
fall of 1947.
The results of his work are visible today. Filling
stations, lumber
yards, and supermarkets now exist in the causeway
area [busi-
nesses have changed], which originally started with
Bemel's pro-
ject.5
La Crosse Tribune, January 8, 1978.
River Studies Center Newsletter, Vol. 5, No. 4, page
3.
13
Another public plan met rejection as city fathers
voted down a
Wisconsin Planning Commission proposal for
development in 1950.
The plan would have dredged the La Crosse River
valley creating
lagoons for recreation while using the filled land
for development.
In 1958, the La Crosse city engineer proposed a
development plan
that was comprehensive in scope. In addition to
providing for an
enlargement of the City's trans-marsh street and
highway facilities,
it would have created 181 building lots that would
have covered
slightly over thirty-three acres of the project's
grand total of
forty-seven acres. The other fourteen acres would
have been
devoted to streets, playgrounds, and a small area for
a sewage lift
station to serve this subdivision. Land fill material
would have
been obtained by dredging a lake in the north half of
the area
bounded by Red Cloud Park, Lang Drive, Gorder Road,
and East
Avenue extended across the marsh. It provided for
another lake
on the east side of extended East Avenue; both lakes
would have
been enlargements of the La Crosse River.6
Reconstruction of Lang Drive across the marsh to a
connection with
George Street, and an ultimate further connection
with U.S.H. 53
just south of the then-being-planned Interstate-90
and U.S.H. 53
interchange, was also proposed. In 1962, this
facility was further
enhanced by connecting Lang Drive with George Street
(Lang
Drive-George Street extension). While this road
provides a direct
14
6 La Crosse Tribune, April 20, 1958.
_
and continuous route from the south side of the city
to the north
side and beyond, it bears three names: West Avenue,
Lang Drive,
and George Street. This route is also designated at
S.T.H 35, the
highway that is known nationally as "The Great River
Road".
In addition to the two causeways and the East Avenue
extension, a
fourth connection between the north and south sides
was proposed
in the city engineer's 1958 plan. It called for the
extension of
Seventh Street from La Crosse Street, across the
marsh east of the
Copeland Avenue Causeway, to a connection with
Monitor Street. A
short distance after leaving La Crosse Street, a
proposed "North-
east Expressway" would have curved eastward across
the marsh to
what is now Gorder Road and ultimately to a
connection with U.S.
Highway 16.
Due to economic considerations that were to a great
extent the
result of a general recession in the national
economy, the overall
proposal was reduced to building Only the Lang Drive
- George
Street extension.
Concerned with flood hazards and with increasing
traffic problems,
the community again considered a plan "s r developing
the marsh in
1965. Advanced by the Army Corps of Engineers and the
Wisconsin
Division of Highways, the plan also suggested
relocating the river
channel and filling the wetlands to make industrial
and residential
areas. The land use plan presented at that time has
since been
studied, revised, advocated, and disputed, but has
been neither
implemented nor rejected completely.
15
In 1970 community leaders decided upon a joint
planning effort for
all land use and transportation planning until 1995.
A La Crosse
Area Planning Committee was formed and was composed
of super-
visors from the four adjoining towns, the mayors of
La Crosse and
Onalaska, and the chairman of the County Board, with
the mayor of
La Crescent serving as a non-voting member.
16
2. History of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
PURPOSE, MISSION, AND PROGRAMS
The Wisconsin Statutes, Chapters 36.01 and 36.02,
outline the
statement of purpose and mission of the University of
Wisconsin
System. Among the statements of purpose are these:
"The legislature finds it in the public interest to
provide
a system of higher education which . . . fosters
diversity
of educational opportunity; which promotes service to
the
public; which makes efficient use of human and physical
resources."
It is efficient to have the various universities
through the state
emphasize different academic disciplines. In this
way, one institu-
tion can develop programs for particular academic
pursuits while
another uses its resources for a different emphasis.
Prospective
students can then decide which university to attend
depending upon
their choice of study and vocation.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse fulfills a
unique educational
opportunity among the thirteen universities within
the system by
placing an emphasis upon the programs of its School
of Health,
Physical Education and Recreation (HPF?). Its
physical education
program is the largest in the UW-System. This
emphasis represents
a special service to the public which becomes a
reality through
those who graduate from this institution and go on to
meaningful
employment in their chosen professions.
17
The approved mission statement for the University of
Wisconsin-
La Crosse states:
The primary mission of the University of Wisconsin-
La Crosse is teacher education at the undergraduate
level. This mission includes a broad program in the
liberal arts and sciences at the undergraduate level as
well as a special thrust in physical education and
recrea-
tion. At the graduate level, La Crosse has a mission-
related strength in physical education and recreation.
A university mission which includes a special thrust
in physical
education and recreation assumes a need for extensive
outdoor
facilities by the nature of the large movement
activities inherent in
the program.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has acquired
and maintained
a national reputation in physical education over the
years. This
reputation, plus a fine staff, attracts a large
number of students
who desire to prepare themselves for a career in
physical educa-
tion. There are presently 1,848 students enrolled in
the School of
Health, Physical Education and Recreation. This
represents rough-
ly one-fourth of the total university enrollment.
Physical education
has by far the greatest enrollment of any major
offered at the
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (1,109 majors).
UW-La Crosse
has the fifth largest physical education program in
the United
States and the largest in the UW-System.
The strong reputation enjoyed by the La Crosse
programs in recrea-
tion and physical education in the professional arena
defies enroll-
ment comparisons with most other campus disciplines.
Students are
attracted to these programs from thirty-six states.
They should
18
continue to draw students from throughout the country
because of
the outstanding faculty and recent program additions.
Programs in
marks administration, therapeutic recreation,
athletic training, and
Master of Science degrees in recreation and adult
fitness-cardiac
rehabilitaton have been added to the curriculum or
will be imple-
mented by the fall semester of 1978.
INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The political and business leaders of the La Crosse
community had
discussed the establishment of a normal school at La
Crosse as early
as 1857. In 1892, in 1893, and again in 1894, the
legislature and
the board of normal school regents were strongly
urged to authorize
such a school. In 1905, a bill introduced by State
Senator Thomas
Morris passed the legislature and directed the board
of regents to
locate a state normal school in the City of La
Crosse. An appro-
priation of $10,000 provided for the purchase and
improvement of a
site.7
The La Crosse city council, following the pattern of
other munici-
palities, contributed an additional $15,000 to
purchase the necessary
land which included two city blocks. This
appropriation was not
made without opposition. Opponents threatened to
obtain an
injunction to stop it; and newspaper items admonished
citizens to
Journal of Proceedings of the Forty-Seventh Sessions
of Wisconsin Legis-
lature, Volune I, 1905 (Madison, 1905), page 127.
19
"watch your alderman!" There was continuing
opposition to the
proposal from business schools operating in the city.
But this time
the supporters of the school had planned carefully
and they ob-
tained a sandy tract emcompassing two blocks in the
southeast part
of the city.
On a portion of this sandy land the "Old Main"
building was erected
in 1908 and, for the first eleven years of the
school's history, it
housed all indoor educational activities. Three
stories high and
about two hundred feet square, the red brick building
stood nearly
alone on the sand flats in the southeastern part of
the city. It was
incomplete but usable when the first students entered
on September
7, 1909. Old Main contained all classrooms, gymnasia,
the "training"
school, offices for both faculty and administration,
kitchen and
lunchroom, heating plant, and library. The first
faculty and
student body then set out to beautify the grounds by
landscaping
and planting them.8
In the minds of the community which now took great
pride in its
normal school this building was long overdue. Its
construction was
a tribute to the persistence of prominent city
leaders and the
political acumen of Thomas Morris. Early in 1905, the
directors of
the Board of Trade and the Board's special normal
school committee
met with Morris to arrange lobbying for the bill the
Senator had
8 George R. Gilkey, "La Crosse, a Half-Century of
Higher Education in Wis-
consin's Coulee Region," History of the Wisconsin State
Universities.
20
presented. Assemblyman J.J. Durland assured the Board
of his
support of the bill and promised to aid the city
council's normal
school committee at its appearance before the
legislature. Ulti-
mately, the community designated three groups to
plead its case:
the school committees of the Board of Trade and city
council and
the delegates of the Manufacturers' and Jobbers'
Union. The
Chamber of Commerce, which became the successor of
the Board of
Trade in 1916, further interested itself in the
school by seeking
9
ways to encourage additional students to come to La
Crosse.
The drive for the school was patently economic in
nature, but there
were other concerns as well. John E. McConnell spoke
of the lack
of adequate teaching for the 80,000 children in areas
adjacent to La
Crosse. Others, such as former Platteville President
Albert Hardy,
proclaimed the value of the proposed school to
Wisconsin's total
educational system. Mayor Torrance praised La Crosse
as the
"second city in the state," and emphasized the urgent
need for a
school. Support also came from Jackson, Trempealeau,
and Juneau
county assemblymen together with aid from Superior's
representa-
tives who had won a similar battle a decade earlier.
As the bill for
the school passed through legislative channels, the
protagonists fol-
lowed its step-by-step progress. In a fit of
journalistic pique, a
special correspondent for the La Crosse Tribune
despaired of suc-
cess. Under bold headlines reading "No New Normal
School To Be
Provided This Year," he expressed the fear that the
needs of the
9 La Crosse Tribune February 9, 11, & 17, 1905.
21
Milwaukee and Platteville normal schools and of the
University pre-
sented new obstacles to the La Crosse proposal. But
this time
proponents of the school had laid the ground-work
carefully; and
10
the victory was duly noted in an exuberant press.
In 1927 the normal school received authority to grant
baccalaureate
degrees in education and was named a State Teachers
College. With
the addition of liberal arts programs in 1950 it
became a Wisconsin
State College; in 1964 it was named Wisconsin State
College -
La Crosse; and in 1971 it became the University of
Wisconsin -
La Crosse.
Physical culture, athletics, and physical education
have always been
associated with La Crosse. The earliest European
visitors to prairie
la crosse found local Indians playing a ball game
with sticks shaped
like the crosiers carried by French bishops and
abbots; hence, the
name: La Crosse. Physical training, and later
athletics, also
played a major role in the lives of the normal school
students. At
first physical training, like speech, was not a
regular part of the
curriculum. However, from opening day until the time
it became a
definite and required part of the curriculum, some
form of calis-
thenics was required of every student.11
10 La Crosse Tribune March 22, 23, 24, & 28, 1905.
11 William Harold Herrmann, The Rise of the Public
Normal School System in
Wisconsin (Madison: The Board of Regents of State
Universities, 1971),
page 388.
22
Fassett A. Cotton was appointed the first principal
(president) of
the La Crosse State Normal School in February, 1909,
and formally
assumed the duties on March 10, 1909. Writing and
speaking often
on the subject of education, Cotton was an intense,
vigorous, and
dedicated person. He stressed that education must be
fer all the
people in a democracy and should educate the whole
person. The
traditional approach to education had been to train
some of the
people partly. In his opinion this was not education
for democracy
where every person should be developed both
physically and men-
tally. Writing "Complete Education for the Masses,"
he said:
There never was a time when the demand was so strong
for the education and training of the entire individual
as
it is today. There is no less demand for culture and
scholarship in the broadest meaning of the terms, but
there is more demand for education that will meet the
practical needs of life . . . It is not a demand for
direct
teaching of trades so much as it is 12call for the
utiliza-
tion of common everyday experience."
Cotton's concept of physical education became the
philosophy of the
program established at La Crosse as its special field
in the training
of teachers. He viewed physical education not as
athletic competi-
tion but as individual development. He further
stated:
. . a distinction should be drawn between physical
education and athletics. Athletics have assumed a place
in the school world that is simply out of all proportion
to
their merits . . . Every high school should be equipped
with a good gymnasium, and the boys and girls should
have constant systematic training in physical education.
This training should be supplemented with play. Games
that will bring into play the entire student body should
be encouraged. Interclass games can be healthful and
helpful sports and cat3 be kept subordinate to the real
purpose of school life.
12 Mary W. Wayman, The Work and Influence of Fassett
Allen Cotton in Education
(unpublished Master's Thesis, Ball State Teachers
College, Muncie, Indiana,
1945), page 23.
13 Wayman, page 27.
23
To meet the demand for physical education teachers,
the normal
board established a school of physical education in
the state normal
school at La Crosse. The regents authorized the
resident regent
and the president of La Crosse Normal to introduce
two- and three-
year courses open to high school graduates and a
one-year course
open only to college graduates.14 This special
department opened
September 2, 1913 with an enrollment of six men and
four women.
Three of these students graduated from the two-year
course and
received good positions. The remaining seven returned
to school
and were graduated from the three-year course in
June, 1916. All
accepted positions as directors of physical education
in high
schools, normal schools, and colleges. Later, as the
school became
better known, enrollment increased rapidly.15
The physical education curriculum grew very rapidly
over the years
until it became virtually synonymous with the school
itself. In
1926, a comprehensive resolution relating to
four-year courses was
adopted by the board of regents of n<ormal schools:
Resolved, that for the purpose of putting into effect
Sections 37.11(5) of the statutes the following
provisions
are hereby established:
II. Four-year courses leading to the degree of
bachelor
of education in special departments are hereby
authorized
and approved at state normal schools as follows,
effective
September 1, 1926:
(a) In Art and Music at Milwaukee
(b) In Agriculture at Platteville and River Falls
(c) In Industrial Education at Platteville
(d) In Industrial and Vocational Education at Oshkosh
(e) In Home Economics at Stevens Point
(f) In Physical Education at La Crosse
(g) In Rural Education at Stevens Point
(h) In Education of Exceptional Children at Oshkosh
14 Board of Regents of Normal Schools, Proceedings,
July 15-18, 1913, 15.
15 La Crosse State Normal School, School of Physical
Education, 1919-1920, 11.
24
III. Four-Year courses leading to the degree of
bachelor
of education in secondary education are hereby
authorizecl6
in all state normal schools, effective September 1,
1927...
A joint physical education major and recreation minor
was establish-
ed in 1945; and a minor in health education was first
offered in
1952. This instructional area, presently designated
the School of
Health, Physical Education and Recreation, has taken
pride in its
philosophy which emphasizes the training of the
individual in theory
and in skills and which reflects the ancient Greek
ideal of the
healthy mind in the healthy body. In this philosophy,
team sports
have generally been regarded as an adjunct or branch
of physical
education. Coaches have been appointed as instructors
first with
coaching being regarded as a part of their teaching
load. The
school is proud of its more than 3,500 graduates who
have held
positions as directors of physical education
programs, instructors,
and coaches throughout the United States. Over forty
graduates
from this program have obtained doctorates and the La
Crosse
masters program in physical education has granted 120
degrees.
The program demands theoretical knowledge and
practical compe-
tence in all activities in which future teachers may
have to offer
instruction. Through the history of the La Crosse
school, collea-
gues in physical education from other institutions
have regarded
17
this instructional pattern as having few peers.
16 Board of Regents of Normal Schools, Proceedings,
July 20-21, 1926.
Gilkey, pp. 275-288.
25
ACADEMIC NEEDS
During President Cotton's administration the campus
and the physi-
cal plant of the Normal School were expanded.
Following designa-
tion of La Crosse as the special school for training
teachers of
physical education, options and land purchases
prepared the way
for the erection of a building for that purpose. The
building itself
was first authorized in 1914 but not completed until
1920. Funds
were also allotted for developing an athletic field
on fairgrounds
property which was close by. Opposition in the
legislature to the
expenditure of $45,000 for the physical education
building almost
prevented its erection. Assemblymen W.C. Bradley of
Hudson, Carl
Pieper of Dunn County, and Henry Freehoff of La
Crosse sought to
stop the appropriation. Pieper denounced the proposal
as "non-
sense" and added ". . . that there never was a
greater curse
inflicted on the people of Wisconsin than the
teaching of physical
training." Ultimately the proposal was saved through
the work of
Regent William F. Wolfe, Assemblymen E.J. Kneen and
Carl
Kurtenacher, and Senator Otto Bosshard, while the
local press
satirized Pieper as "David from Dunn" out to destroy
that Goliath
"physical culture."19
Despite its tenuous beginnings, the University of
Wisconsin-
La Crosse has since become one of the largest
physical education
Gilkey, pp. 280 & 281.
19 La Crosse Tribune, March 11, 1915.
26
schools in the nation. It has acquired this stature
in spite of
having only one outdoor physical education field. The
University
has shared city-owned athletic facilities with the
local schools and
with the City Department of Recreation and Parks for
many years.
This situation creates inevitable conflicts in
scheduling, improve-
ments, maintenance, and funding and helps to clarify
the Univer-
sity's long-standing need to acquire additional land
for physical
education fields.
Only five and one-half acres of the city facilities
are presently
available to the University for outdoor classroom
space. This area
is maintained by the University which has regular use
of it during
the school year but it is inadequate to support the
large physical
education programs in existence. Heavy field use also
makes it
impossible to maintain adequate grass coverage.
During the 1976-77
school year, six major soccer injuries were directly
attributed to
the limited, unofficial size field space allotted for
this activity The
track and field facility, which is owned by the city
and available to
the University for official competition with other
colleges and univer-
sities, could not be used during the 1976-77 academic
year because
of its deteriorated condition. Other teams in the
Wisconsin State
University Conference refused to use the facility for
track meets.
Dr. Glenn Smith, dean of the School of Health,
Physical Education
and Recreation, has identified eight factors related
to the existing
outdoor areas which are handicaps to a good physical
education
program:
27
I. SIZE
The areas assigned to the various outdoor activities
are not regulation size required by the rules of the
activity. It has been necessary to narrow and to
shorten the available field areas in archery, field
hockey, soccer, football, etc., in order to offer the
variety of activities necessary for a balanced pro-
gram. As a result, certain skills and strategies are
lost because of the lack of opportunity to participate
on a regulation size field that allows for optimum
teamplay.
2. SAFETY
For safety reasons, the type of instruction has had
to be modified from a predominantly activity-oriented
program to more of a classroom-lecture program.
This is in direct opposition to the philosophy which
guided the college to its national prominence.
We have also had recent letters from doctors in the
Student Health Center and from instructors in the
Physical Therapy Department suggesting that the
outdoor areas overlap and are inadequate for the
activities to be conducted in a safe manner. There
have been numerous accidents and near misses
resulting from baseballs, javelins, and discus being
batted or thrown into areas occupied by participants
in other activities.
3. MARKINGS
Because of the multiple use of the present outdoor
areas, class instruction is hampered by the inability
to line the fields properly for various activities. If
all the sports were allowed to have the proper mark-
ings, no one field would be distinguishable from the
others. The overlapping lines would make the area
confusing.
4. TIME LOSS
Multiple use of the area also leads to the loss of
valuable class time which is presently used to move
equipment on and off the field; e.g., at the begin-
ning and end of each soccer and hockey class,
cumbersome goals must be moved to prepare the area
for another activity.
5. PROGRAM CURTAILMENT
It has been necessary to curtail and/or eliminate
certain desired activities from the program because
of a lack of space; e.g., golf, archery. The
28
women's intercollegiate softball team was recently
dropped from the program for this reason.
The intramural program controls the number of
sports offered, the number of teams, the number of
games played per season, and the length of each
game. In every case, the number controls are
necessary because of space limitations and this, in
turn, limits the quality of the present programs.
With the advent of the Club Sport movement and
Title IX, new activities and teams are putting a
further squeeze on an already difficult situation.
The Marching Chiefs, UW-La Crosse's band, are also
seeking a space for practice. Because of the short-
age of field space in the entire City of La Crosse,
community requests (i.e. YMCA, local high schools,
industry) for use of the few areas available must be
denied.
6. GROWING ENROLLMENTS
The enrollment at the University of Wisconsin-
La Crosse increased approximately 10% during the
1977-78 academic year. Additional students have
been added to existing classes because there is no
space for additional class sections of P.E. 100.
7. EXPANSION NEEDS
Due to the lack of available outdoor teaching sta-
tions, we have been unable to implement programs
properly with the expansion of the physical educa-
tion curriculum to include an emphasis in elementary
and handicapped specialties.
8. MAINTENANCE
Even with a conscientious effort at continuous main-
tenance, it is impossible to retain a safe playing
surface on the fields. Most of the time, the area is
either slippery or dusty, bumpy and irregular.
Because of the extensive use given such a small
area, it is impossible to maintain the grassy areas
and requests for constant resodding are needed.
The School of Health, Physical Education and
Recreation had 2,154
majors enrolled in the fall semester of the 1977-78
academic year.
This is a record enrollment and one of the largest,
if not the
largest, in the United States. Qualitatively
speaking, this increase
has occurred in spite of increased standards directed
towards
controlling the continuing growth in the disciplines.
29
One confirmation of a high quality product is the
placement of gra-
duates. The 1976-77 job placement report shows that,
in spite of a
tight market, 82.6%, or 119 of 144, of the graduates
in physical
education obtained positions. Recreation graduates
were placed in
ninety positions out of the 117 seeking employment
for a total of
76.9%. These results are far above any comparable
figures
available.
The enrollment projections for UW-La Crosse are
estimated to de-
cline to 6,400 in the early 1990's and begin
increasing thereafter.
The percentage of student majors in the School of
HPER has consis-
tently represented one-fourth to one-third of the
total student
body. The additional teaching stations proposed for
the north
campus and planned for the main campus would be
needed even if
the estimated enrollment declines for future years
are accurate.
Requests for similar space were made twenty years ago
when there
were less than 4,000 students on the campus. The
Daverman
Associates, Inc., report completed in 1968 indicates
the actual
enrollment for that year was 5,111, with 1,271 majors
in the College
of HPER, The need for additional land for outdoor
teaching sta-
tions, intramural programs, and recreational use is
cited by these
planners. It is clear that the additional area will
be needed even if
the enrollment declines to 6,400. It was needed when
there were
less than 4,000 students; when there were 5,111
students; and
presently, when the students number approximately
8,700, because
the University has never had the outdoor stations
recommended for
the action disciplines.
30
CAMPUS PLANS
At the time of the construction of the new power
plant facility in
1965, the Wisconsin State Building Commission
indicated it would not
permit future university expansion southeast of
Campbell Road and
it discouraged any development in the residential
area to the south
of State Street. Alternatively, the City and State
agreed that the
city land north of the main campus and south of
Gorder Road best
satisfied the criteria of size (large enough to
develop physical
education activities), proximity (close to the
existing physical
education building), and feasibility (causing the
least economic and
social disruption to the existing residential and
commercial neighbor-
hoods).
In 1969 the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents
purchased
from the City of La Crosse 35.6 acres of land north
of the main
campus and south of Gorder Road for the purpose of
providing
additional area for the UW-La Crosse campus
development,
University President Samuel Gates cited the following
mutual bene-
fits to both the City and the University from the
land sale and
purchase:
(1) It will provide a site for an auxiliary building
(Ser-
vices and Stores) which will not infringe on adjacent
residential areas.
(2) It will nearly double the size of a campus which is
by far the smallest in the State University System,
thereby reducing some of the pressure to acquire
residential property located on the immediate peri-
meter of the existing campus.
(3) It will provide an area for the development of play-
ing fields and parking areas to relieve current
unsafe and congested conditions.
31
(4) It will be a large step toward realizing a long
sought
after community go.b, the reclamation and productive
use of marsh land.
Another 10.89 acres of contiguous lands were added in
1974
bringing the State's total land ownership south of
Gorder Road
to approximately fifty acres. In 1972, a new Physical
Plant
building was constructed on three acres of this land.
A solid
waste disposal permit was obtained in 1971 and,
subsequently,
two filling entrances to the property were
constructed. How-
ever, further development was delayed due to lack of
funding.
Solid waste disposal can not be considered under
current laws.
In 1969, the architectural firm of Daverman and
Associates
developed a master plan for UW-La Crosse which
included the
development of the fifty acres known as the north
campus. In
late 1974, the State Bureau of Facilities Management
contracted
with the architectural firm of Hackner, Schroeder,
Roslansky
and Associates to update the campus master plan.
During the study of the campus and prior to the final
Sum-
mary Report, various preliminary campus plans were
prepared
to show how and where athletic fields could be
developed. It
was agreed by all participants (city officials,
administrators,
state officials) that the development of the north
campus marsh
area was the most feasible alternative. The eventual
purchase
20 Letter from Samuel G. Gates to Mayor Warren W.
Loveland and members of
the Common Council of the City of La Crosse, December
10, 1968.
32
of contiguous city owned recreational fields was also
contemplated.
In addition, some fields would have had to be
developed on other
parts of the main campus to provide all the outdoor
physical educa-
tion and athletic facilities necessary for a
university with a special
emphasis in physical education and recreation.
One plan in particular showed full use of the fifty
acre north
campus site. This plan was changed, however, when the
Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife
Service expressed concern for wetlands preservation.
It was then
decided to preserve + 18 acres of state-owned lands
in a natural
state (except for a fitness trail and access route
from the south)
and to consider developing only the remaining + 29
acres.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, in cooperation
with Univer-
sity of Wisconsin-System Administration and under the
review of the
Department of Administration's Bureau of Facilities
Management,
undertook a study of outdoor physical education
facilities require-
ments in order to arrive at the type and number of
outdoor fields
and areas needed to support the broad physical
education program
on the campus. The study employed a detailed
programmatic
approach in defining the needs rather than using
generalized stan-
dards as applied in the past. This approach involved
an assess-
ment of programs and modes of instruction unique to
the campus
and a specific identification of program needs. In
view of the
projected enrollment curve, current programs and FTE
enrollments
were used as a base for defining the need.
33
In August, 1977, the Campus Development Plan And
Summary Report was
completed by Hackner, Schroeder, Roslansky and
Associates, Inc.
The report indicated that outdoor physical
educational fields and
off-street parking were the two major concerns the
University had
to deal with in developing a campus master plan. The
following
excerpt from the report shows the need for an
athletic field develop-
ment which support the proposed action:
The physical education outdoor field needs are
primarily
instructional although some intercollegiate competitive
areas are included. The program is related to curricu-
lum, students, and projected usage. It is ironic that
one
of the best physical education programs in the country
has virtually no outdoor space and that which is on
city-owned land subject to schedule, improvement and
maintenance conflicts.
PREVIOUS EVENTS AND ACTIONS
The Wisconsin State Legislature approved, for the
1975-77 biennium,
the amount of $238,500 for development of outdoor
educational fields
at UW-La Crosse as part of the University of
Wisconsin System
Capital Budget.
DATE DESCRIPTION
11 November 1968 State Building Commission approved
Mainte-
nance-Stores Project 6811-11.
25 January 1971 DNR approved filling.
3 March 1971 DNR set fill levels:
First floor of buildings: 649.
Land not used for buildings: 640.
7 September 1971 City of La Crosse granted a limited
ease-
ment which required, "That all of the land
...be filled by the State of Wisconsin so
that a uniform slope will be created be-
34
tween the adjacent roadways and the fill
placed for construction of the University
Maintenance Building."
5 October 1971-
October 1976
5 October 1971-
February 1977
1 December 1975
18 May 1976
27 May 1976
28 July 1976
17 August 1976
29 September 1976
26 October 1976
March 4, 1977
Fill by University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
using cinders.
Fill by University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
from parcels being leveled on
main campus.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers found that
the discharge of dredged or fill material
into the Myrick marsh requires Department
of the Army permits.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contended
that the University was in violation of Sec-
tion 404, Federal Water Pollution Control
Act of 1972.
University denied violating Section 404...
"Subject wasteland is not contiguous nor
adjacent to any waters of the United
States."
DNR (Kozel) claimed the University is
operating a solid waste disposal site and is
dumping incinerator ash and residue in a
wetland in violation of Chapter NR 151 of
the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
University denied DNR claims and asserted
that it is not subject to Chapter NR 151.
DNR (Miller) acknowledges that the Univer-
sity is exempt from Chapter NR 151 "re-
quirement necessitating the submission of
an annual fee and application," but con-
tends that the University must close the
solid waste disposal site by November 15,
1976.
University legal counsel suggests a meeting
to resolve the problems in the relationship
of DNR and University of Wisconsin-
La Crosse.
Corps of Engineers published notice of
application for 404 permit for Lang Drive
improvement.
35
April 4, 1977
April 15, 1977
December 1, 1977
Corps of Engineers published notice of
application for 404 permit to place fill in a
wetland for its physical education facilities.
DNR (Damon) proposes that the City of
La Crosse establish a bulkhead line
around the proposed fill project area and
include the centerline or all of Gorder
Road.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse releases
publication of the Preliminary Environmen-
tal Report (PER) for the north
campus development.
36
D. Description of the Existing Environment
1. Physical and Chemical Environment
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF THE PROJECT SITE
The La Crosse River flood plain separates the two
urbanized sec-
tions of the city, with the river ranging from about
twenty-five to
eighty feet in width and to five feet in depth during
average
discharges. It meanders through an extensive wet
bottomland, the
lowermost part being the La Crosse or Myrick marsh.
Standing
waters within the marshland vary seasonally and
annually. This
marsh area also comprises part of the Mississippi
River floodplain
whose east bank is approximately one mile west of the
proposed
project site.
The environment of the proposed site is located in an
isolated
portion of a two thousand acre marsh which extends
from the La
Crosse business district in a northeasterly direction
along the La
Crosse River. (See aerial map in section F., item 3.)
The marsh
is located within the city limits of La Crosse. The
portion where
the proposed facility would be located is part of a +
50 acre parcel.
It has been physically separated from the wetlands by
the man-made
land forms of Lang Drive on the west and Gorder Road
on the
north. (For detailed data on the area, see County
Natural Area
Inventory, appendix D-8.)
37
The existing land use adjacent to the area consists
of retail and
commercial outlets, cemetery, vacant land, and
marshland.
Commercial development exists at the intersection of
Lang Drive and
La Crosse Street and northerly from Monitor to St.
Andrew Streets.
Areas of the original marsh which have been filled
include busi-
nesses, industries, and residential homes east of
George Street
between the La Crosse River and the railroad tracks
(C & NW).
Lang Drive, Gorder Road, water pumping causeways, a
power
company substation, a radio station transmitter, and
the Univer-
sity's Maintenance & Stores facility are located
adjacent to the
marsh. The C & NW tracks that cross Lang Drive just
south of the
La Crosse River have been proposed for abandonment.
TOPOGRAPHY
The City of La Crosse and the area designated as
north La Crosse,
which are separated by the La Crosse River
floodplain, are built on
the surface of a large sand terrace which now stands
twenty to
forty feet above the level of the Mississippi River.
The terrace is
bordered on the west by the Mississippi River and on
the east by
steep irregular valley walls that rise five hundred
feet to a dis-
sected regional upland. The La Crosse River valley in
which the
proposed project will be constructed is
three-quarters-to-one mile
wide and consists of a flat, generally marshy area
ten to thirty feet
below the level of the terrace.
38
The fifty acres of the University's north campus land
is relatively
flat with elevations ranging from a high of 637.8
feet to a low of
631.5 feet, a maximum difference of about six feet.
(See the topo-
graphic map of existing area in section F., item 11.)
The lower
elevations of the university property are to the west
and south of
the project site. The U.S. Soil Conservation Service
survey bor-
ings indicate a higher water table on the west near
Lang Drive
which would confirm this. The ground surface does not
have a
gradual slope; rather, its surface has irregularly
spaced depres-
sions and knolls. The + 29 acres proposed for
development has
approximately three-fourths of its area above the
635.8 (10.0) foot
elevation which is two feet below the Mississippi
River flood stage
elevation of 637.8 (12.0) feet.
GEOLOGY AND SOIL
The material underlying the terrace consists of
approximately 150
feet of glacial outwash sand and gravel that rests on
Cambrian
sandstone. In the La Crosse River valley, in
Mississippi River
channel areas, and in low areas near the terrace
perimeter, the
outwash material was eroded and land surface aggraded
with more
recent material. In these areas, the surface soils
consist of depo-
sits of peat, soft clay, and stratified silts. These
deposits are
underlain by the same outwash sand and gravel
materials that make
up the terrace, while the steep river valley walls
are composed of
Cambrian and Ordovician sandstones, shales,
limestone, and dolo-
21
mites.
21 Wisconsin Department of Transportation, page 27.
39
The borings made by the Wisconsin Department of
Transportation
illustrate the cyclic nature of floodplain-marsh
development. Sub-
surface sands and gravels imply active cycles of
erosion and despo-
sition, while the black organic layers suggest
passive cycles of
stable vegetation accompanied by tranquil, seasonal
overflows. In
appendix B-2, the plate entitled "Test Borings, North
Campus
Development" shows that several cycles are recorded.
(Also see
Weinzierl letter, appendix B-2.)
The soil of the project site was evaluated by the
U.S. Department
of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service through the
district office
located in La Crosse. The report, submitted to UW-La
Crosse on
September 14, 1977, is based on six soil borings
evaluated to a
depth of five feet or less. A summary of the report
and the de-
tailed evaluation appear in appendix B-1.
Soil borings revealed organic soil layers from six
inches to four and
one-half feet in depth overlaying a sand base with
the organic layer
becoming more shallow toward the east end. Saturated
soil was
reached at a depth of three feet on the west end of
the project
area; no saturated soil was encountered in the five
foot probe
depth on the rest of the site. However, throughout
the study the
sand was mottled or grey in appearance indicating a
seasonal high
water table during the past years. The study
indicated that "be-
cause good sandy soil is located close to the
surface, the filling in
of the marsh for athletic fields is feasible from an
engineering
standpoint." (See Soil Conservation Service Report,
appendix
B-1.)
40
HYDROLOGY
Thomas Claflin, professor of biology and director of
the River
Studies Center, believes that Myrick Marsh has a
recharge func-
tion. In the January/February 1977 issue of the River
Studies
Center Newsletter, he wrote: "The Myrick marsh serves
as a
ground water recharge area."
The existing environment has maintained its wetland
status and
connection with the larger marsh by means of a
sixty-inch culvert
located under Gorder Road. When there is a high water
table this
also contributes to the wetland status. The hydrology
of the
existing environment consists of a fluctuating water
table. Local
storm sewer discharges are not in a proximity to feed
into the
marsh area south of Gorder Road.
Overland runoff to the south of the project area is
limited to the
hillside between the marsh and Oak Grove Cemetery.
Overland
runoff to the south of the project area between East
Avenue, La
Crosse Street, and Lang Drive enters the city storm
sewers. This
water is then discharged west of Lang Drive near
Leuth Park and,
at the end of East Avenue, into the marsh area north
of Gorder
Road. Substantial amounts of water entering the marsh
south of
Gorder Road occur during periods of flooding on the
Mississippi
and/or the La Crosse Rivers. Two five foot culverts
allow entry of
water into this marsh area. (See contour map in
section F., item
5.)
41
The hydrologic activities within the marsh area south
of Gorder
Road are not known; however, an active discharge
system is not
suspected. Previous fill and the construction of the
University's
Maintenance and Stores facility in this area of the
marsh have been
successful. It is the belief of a local soil
scientist that upward
ground-water gradients in this particular location of
the La Crosse
marsh are not an important consideration, particuarly
for athletic
fields. (See Cropper letter, Soil Conservation
Service, in appendix
A-12.) If the site had been closer to the bluffs
there would have
been more likelihood of upward ground-water
gradients. Buildings
that are placed on sand fills in former marshlands
east of George
Street and south of the railroad tracks give factual
proof that
foundation conditions do not prohibit construction of
facilities.
An important function of many wetlands, as well as
uplands, is the
filtration of water as it percolates through the soil
to underground
beds or strata of earth, gravel, or porous stone.
When recharged
with water, these strata are capable of yielding well
water. Pre-
sent and past conditions suggest that the
recharge/discharge char-
acteristics of the area will not adversely affect the
proposed project
nor will the project adversely affect those
characteristics.
The following excerpt from the "Definitions and
Concepts" section of
the guidelines for a Federal 404 permit explains this
in more detail:
Wetlands are part of the hydrologic cycle. In
Wisconsin,
water usually enters the groundwater system in upland
recharge areas (water entering the groundwater system
recharges it, water leaving the system is a discharge.)
The water seeps through the soil until it reaches the
water table - below which the rock or soil is saturated
42
with water. Then it seeps through the soil or rock to
discharge areas such as springs, lakes, streams and
wetlands.
Wetlands may occur in any part of the landscape, from
the upland drainage divide to the river floodplain or
other lowlands. Most drainage-divide wetlands have an
impermeable (or nearly impermeable) bottom seal that
prevents water from recharging the groundwater; these
wetlands are "perched."
Upland slopes may have wetlands where a dip in the
land
surface intersects the water table. As with drainage-
divide wetland, relatively impermeable sediments may
separate these wetlands from the groundwater system.
Finally, wetlands are common at the lowest point in
the
hydrologic system - river floodplains and lake margins.
Water flows out of the groundwater system through these
wetlands and into rivers and lakes.
Wetlands may become recharge areas in spring or fall
when their water levels are higher than the water table
due to heavy precipitation, saturated soil, and slow
evapotranspiration.
FLOODING
The City of La Crosse occupies a geographical and
topographical
setting that has subjected the areas abutting its
rivers to the
ravages of flooding twenty-two times from 1880 to
1969. This
number includes all known floods above bankfull stage
of twelve
feet at the Missississippi River gauging station in
La Crosse. Of
this number, ten flood years exceeded the flood stage
by at least
two feet, with the worst flood having occurred in
1965 when the
flood stage was exceeded by 5.9 feet. (See Flood
Elevation Table
in appendix C-2 and Ten Year Flood Table in appendix
C-1.)
In 1935 a major flood occurred in August that was
restricted mainly
to the La Crosse River. The flooding was caused by
the run-off of
43
6.43 inches of rain that fell in a six-day period
which was culmi-
nated with a storm of cloudburst proportions. This
storm was
responsible for washing out eight highway bridges and
six
approaches in six counties, sweeping away two dams,
and wrecking
railroad and telephone communications.
The worst flood occurred in the spring of 1965 when
colder than
usual weather in March and April delayed the melting
of an accumu-
lation of heavy snows north of La Crosse and into
Minnesota. When
the temperature finally became seasonably normal, it
was late
enough to allow the snow to melt during the nighttime
hours as well
as during the day. There were no cold nights to slow
down the
melting and the runoff and this resulted in the
record flood.
The most recent flood of record magnitude occurred
during April
1969 with a peak stage of 15.7 feet, 3.7 feet above
flood stage.
Melting snow again caused a flood, and substantial
damage occurr-
ed. This flood ranked third in the order of magnitude
for flooding
in the La Crosse area. During this period Lang Drive
was closed
to traffic for eight days. (See Flood Magnitude Table
in appendix
C-1.)
Flood durations are quite long on the Mississippi and
La Crosse
Rivers in the vicinity of La Crosse. While flooding
on the
La Crosse River caused by its own flow would be of
much shorter
duration, the most usual cause of flooding is back-up
of the
Mississippi River. Nearly nine days are required for
the Mississip-
pi River to rise from normal to flood stage. During
the record
44
flood of 1965, it had a maximum rate of rise of about
1.6 feet per
day and remained out of its banks for twenty-seven
days.
Stages on the La Crosse River can rise from stream
bed to maximum
flood peak in two and one-half days following an
intense regional
rainstorm. Flood peaks are reached more quickly and
durations are
shorter.
WATER QUALITY
Although water quality information on the La Crosse
River is limit-
22
ed, it is available for the winter months of 1969. In
that report,
extremely high fecal coliform counts and biochemical
oxygen de-
mands were cited as evidence that raw sewage was
entering the
river and, according to National Water Quality
Criteria, the
La Crosse River was unfit for human use.
The City of La Crosse monitors the water quality of
the La Crosse
River during the summer recreational months. These
studies have
indicated high fecal coliform counts making the water
unsafe for
human skin contact. Studies are continuing to
determine the source
of water pollution. The City posted the stream to
prohibit any
type of human contact in the spring of 1974.
The water quality of the La Crosse River usually
carries a heavier
silt load than the Black or Mississippi Rivers,
especially during
Kathleen R. Dion, April 1970, Fecal Contamination in
the La Crosse River,
Unpublished Report, Biology Department, Wisconsin State
University-
La Crosse.
45
heavy rainfalls or spring runoff. The watershed along
the
La Crosse River is used heavily for agricultural
purposes thus
contributing to the amount of suspended solids. The
Fish and
Wildlife Service Fish Control Laboratory in La Crosse
has been
performing complete water analyses monthly for the
past five years.
Their records show that monthly variations in total
hardness, total
phosphates, and nitrate nitrogen are due to changing
water flows
from rain water and snowmelt and to agricultural and
municipal
wastes entering the river. (See Marking letter, Fish
and Wildlife
Service, appendix A-13.) Specific data on the surface
water quali-
ty in the project area was collected during April,
1978.(See Williams
letter, Fish and Wildlife Service, appendix A-16.)
NOISE LEVEL
Because the existing environment is located within
the city limits of
a thriving community, it is subject to ambient noise.
The main
source of noise is generated by vehicular traffic
along Gorder Road
and Lang Drive. The noise level generated on Gorder
Road is
minimal. Traffic on the road is sparse and road
conditions encour-
age slow movement of any traffic. Lang Drive, on the
other hand,
generates continual auto and truck traffic and
accommodates much
commuter traffic. Studies by the Department of
Transportation,
District No. 5, indicate that as much as 80 dBA is
generated on
Lang Drive.23 However, this would diminish to
approximately 60
dBA at a distance of 300 feet. (See Noise Level Chart
in section
F, item 15.) The open space of the marsh, the
existing foliage,
23 Wisconsin Department of Transportation, page 53.
46
and the distance of the existing environment from
Gorder Road and
Lang Drive dissipate and absorb much of the noise
generated.
Heavy foilage, a hillside, and a cemetery prevent
ambient noise
from entering the existing environment from the
south. Immediately
east of the existing environment is the University's
Maintenance and
Stores facility. Infrequent and slow vehicular
traffic in this area
has little to no effect on the ambient noise level
within the existing
environment.
The land use relationship of the existing environment
is not signifi-
cantly affected by the ambient noises previously
discussed. A land
use category of 'A' would prevail for much of the
existing environ-
ment. (See Design Noise Level/Land Use Relationship
Table in
section F, item 16.)
The heavy traffic that Lang Drive has sustained for
many years has
undoubtedly had the effect, by virtue of the
vehicular noise gener-
ated, of discouraging the establishment of any
natural proliferation
of bird or animal habitats in the immediate area.
AIR QUALITY
The air quality of La Crosse is generally very good
because it does
not have a preponderance of air polluting industries
and because of
its geographical location along a major waterway. The
City is
situated within the Mississippi River Valley which
acts as a channel
for air currents. These air currents dissipate and
disperse any air
pollution created in La Crosse.
47
The only source of air pollution adjacent to the
proposed site is
automobile traffic. The traffic on Gorder Road is
minor; rarely are
there more than one or two cars present at any time.
Lang Drive,
a major connector between the north and south
sections of
La Crosse, carries traffic almost continuously during
the daylight
hours. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation
indicates,
however, that traffic on the present Lang Drive
facility, as well as
on the projected improved facility, will have no
significant adverse
effect on the air quality of the human environment.
From time to
time fires in the nearby marsh contaminate the air
with smoke.
2. Biological Environment
VASCULAR PLANT LIFE IN THE MARSH
In general the entire La Crosse River marsh may be
divided into
four basic habitat types: (1) deciduous woods, (2)
grass areas,
(3) wet marsh, and (4) open water areas. The upland
areas of the
marsh contain a mixture of deciduous species such as
oak, maple,
elm, cottonwood, and willows. The wet marsh consists
chiefly of
sedges, cattails, and arrowheads. The grass areas
include reed
canary, quack, timothy, and others.
The amount of open water is dependent on the
fluctuation in the
river stages. During the past few dry years open
water has been
nearly non-existent.
48
The La Crosse marsh adjacent to the project contains
two types of
wetlands. 24T ype 1 is a seasonally flooded basin or
flatland and
Type 2 is an inland fresh meadow. A seasonally
flooded basin or
flatland has soil which is covered with water, or
which is water-
logged, during variable seasonal periods but is
usually well-drained
during much of the growing season. An inland fresh
meadow has
soil which is usually without standing water during
most of the
growing season but is waterlogged within at least a
few inches of
its surface.
According to discussions with Mary O'Brien, a
Wisconsin Department
of Transportation biologist, native sedges dominate
Myrick Marsh.
Present in quantities of lesser importance are reed
canary grass (an
exotic plant which has invaded the marsh to a great
extent), smart-
weed, cattails, and mixed deciduous trees and shrubs
including
(where water levels permit) elm, silver maple,
boxelder, cotton-
wood, and willows. Submerged aquatic vegetation
appears during
periods of high water levels. Vegetation maps of the
entire
La Crosse marsh do not exist. However, the marsh
lands adjacent
to the west and north of the project site generally
have types of
vegetation similar to that shown on the vegetation
map in section
F., item 6.
24 Wetlands of the United States, 1971, U.S.
Department of the Interior,
Fish and Wildlife Service Circular #39.
49
VASCULAR PLANT LIFE IN THE PROJECT SITE
The dominant plant in the project area is the river
bulrush. This
and other plants present are included in the table
developed from
observations and collections by W. A. Smith, UW-La
Crosse gra-
duate student in Biology. (See plant flora list in
section F, item
17.)
ANIMALS OBSERVED IN THE MARSH
Studies on the annual migration, emigration, and
immigration of
wildlife in the La Crosse marsh do not exist. The
studies which
have been done tend to relate to the wildlife found
in the marsh
only during the period of each particular study. The
conditions in
the La Crosse marsh may vary greatly over time. In
1975 extensive
flooding in the marsh provided an environment for
nothern pike to
spawn and provided a habitat for waterfowl for much
of the year.
In 1977 no flooding occured in the entire marsh. On
April 9, 1977,
a fire swept through a large portion of the marsh
destroying many
acres of ground cover.
The quantity and types of wildlife vary from year to
year as the
weather and flood patterns change. The La Crosse
River Marsh is
subject to the flooding of the La Crosse and the
Mississippi Rivers
which greatly affects wildlife. There was no high
water during the
spring of 1974; a temporarily dry condition resulted
by late
summer. According to one observer, "An arid condition
such as
50
this is common with plant communities that exist in
shallow
water. .25
The marsh was completely inundated in the spring of
1975 driving
out wildlife and adversely affecting vegetation. An
inventory of
animals in the marsh was carried out by Charles
Craig, a UW-La
Crosse student, between February 1974 and January
1975. The two
most abundant mammals were found to be the meadow
vole, Microtus
pennsylvanicus; and the white-footed deer mouse,
Peromyscus
leucopus. Other species noted were the cinereous
shrew, Sorex
cinereus; short-tailed shrew, Blarina brevicauda; and
the meadow
jumping mouse, Zapus hudsonius, which followed
numerically in that
order. One each of the eastern cottontail rabbit,
Syvilagus flori-
danus; the southern flying squirrel, Glaucomys
volans; and the
least weasel, Mustela rixosa, were also noted.
Thirty-seven musk-
rats, some woodchucks, a beaver, and some
white-tailed deer were
also observed during the study. The great majority of
these ani-
mals were noted in the other areas of the La Crosse
River Marsh,
however, and not in the area of the proposed site.
The beaver
and muskrat populations were much larger in the past.
During numerous field observations by Department of
Transportation
personnel in the area of the project site during the
years 1973-
1977, it was noted that there was not enough standing
water pre-
25 Charles D. Craig, Some Ecological Aspects of
Myrick Marsh with Emphasis
on Animal Populations, 1975, page 22. (Thesis on file at
UW-La Crosse
Library).
51
sent in the marsh for a long enough time to provide
an adequate
habitat for ducks, muskrats, or beavers. In former
years muskrat
huts had been commonly seen in the La Crosse River
marsh.
However, in recent years, this number has dwindled
significantly.
This decline is possibly due to the low water level
and to the
sparse growth of cattails, a prime food of the
muskrat. There is
also little evidence of burrowing in the banks of
Lang Drive or in
the old well roads.
FISH SPAWNING
The La Crosse marsh is used by northern pike for
spawning during
those years when flooding conditions favorable to
this activity
exist.
Climatic conditions are considered to be favorable
when the marsh
provides a place for the fish to spawn. From
information obtained
from field personnel of the Department of Natural
Resources, it has
been determined that, during flood periods, there are
some areas of
the marsh that are used by northern pike for
spawning. The
depth of the water contained in the marsh during the
spawning
period exerts the greatest influence on where the
fish eggs are
deposited. During a period when the flood water area
is small, the
spawning takes place in locations that occupy the
lowest parts of
the marsh provided they are accessible. These areas
are several
hundred feet from Lang Drive. When more water is
impounded in
the marsh, spawning takes place closer to the
highway.
52
It is difficult to determine the number of acres
needed by northern
pike for spawning. Areas of marginal value will
change from year
to year depending upon flooding conditions. The
Wisconsin Depart-
ment of Natural Resource's Bureau of Fish and
Wildlife Management
conducted field studies on the spawning activity of
northern pike in
the La Crosse marsh in 1974 and 1975. The area of the
marsh
proposed as the project site was not chosen as a
location to check
spawning during their two-year study. (See Northern
Pike Spawn-
ing report, appendix D-7.)
In addition to northern pike, other species of fish
found in the
marsh are buffalo and carp, more commonly referred to
as "rough"
fish. During periods of flooding, large schools of
crappies invade
the marsh and feed on the various minnows, insects,
and organisms
that the marsh produces. While channel catfish may
also be taken
from the marsh during flood periods, their natural
habitat is the
La Crosse and Mississippi Rivers.
The proposed project location may be of marginal
value for northern
pike spawning during some periods of flooding. The
site area is
probably one of the last portions of the marsh to
receive overland
flood waters. Two culverts, one under Lang Drive and
the other
under Gorder Road, provide the only means of
flooding, and these
are located above the marsh basin. Fish enter the
project site
through the culverts during times of flooding and
some become
trapped as the waters recede. If the water lasts long
enough for
spawning, and if the development of fry is large
enough to move
considerable distances, then it is still debatable
whether lower
53
culverts at the proposed site would significantly
affect the prolifer-
ation of fish in the river or in other open water
areas in the
marsh.
Dead carp were found after the flooding of the
project site in 1978
even before the waters had receded. Possible reasons
for the fish
dying could be from lack of oxygen or more likely
from the toxic
swamp gases carp release as they search the water
bottoms.
BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE LA CROSSE RIVER MARSH
Paul Harris, a University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
graduate student,
completed a report of the avifauna of the La Crosse
River Marsh in
July 1975, based on observations in seven hundred
acres south of
the La Crosse River from December 1973 to May 1975.
The pro-
posed project site was a part of the study. A total
of 150 species
of birds were observed, with fifty-one species found
to breed in
the marsh. The study states, "It must be kept in mind
that bird
populations are continually fluctuating and expanding
with new
breeding species becoming established, and others
disappearing."
The highest species count of birds observed were in
the category
of those that appeared during the spring and fall
migration only,
with the next largest category being breeders which
arrived during
the spring migration, remained through the summer,
and left during
the fall migration. (See Harris study, appendix D-6.)
A Department of Natural Resources report submitted by
Ronald
Nicklaus recorded twenty-five bird species over a six
hundred acre
area. Waterfowl and upland birds were observed with
house spar-
54
rows, barn swallows, rough-winged swallows, and tree
swallows
representing the bulk of the sightings. These
observations were
made from July, 1974 to May, 1975. (See list in
section F., item
24.)
BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE PROPOSED SITE
The data available on bird species in the fifty-five
acres of univer-
sity land were made available from field studies done
by Paul Harris
from 1974 through 1975. These field studies were
reviewed in
October, 1977, by Mr. Harris and a graduate student
from the
university biology department.
Mr. Harris had divided the marsh into three study
areas. These
areas are identified in his thesis and on the map in
section F., item
18. Area number two covers that portion of the marsh
on which
the project site has been proposed. It is bordered on
the south by
Oak Grove Cemetery and on the notrth by Gorder Road.
Its west
boundary is Lang Drive and its east boundary is the
University's
Maintenance and Stores facility. Area number two
includes all of
the land within these borders and a list of birds
observed there
appears in section F., item 19.
It should be mentioned here that many of the birds
sighted were in
or near the treelines next to the borders. The
proposed project
site will not disturb the trees along Gorder Road,
Lang Drive, and
Oak Grove Cemetery. Another treeline is proposed
along the south
edge of the proposed fill site as well as other
plantings which will
55
encourage immigration and visitation. It should also
be noted that
only seven of the twenty-four species which breed in
area number
two breed in the actual marsh. The remaining
seventeen species
breed along the edges of the marsh area. Paul Harris,
in his
nesting studies, noted that after one week into the
study of the
hatching success of the red-winged blackbird and the
yellow-headed
blackbird, a flood eliminated 90% of the nests in the
marsh area.
Mr. Harris indicated that the most diversity and
abundance of bird
species was found in areas three, one, and two
respectively. (See
Harris study, appendix D-6.)
INVERTEBRATES
Many invertebrates contribute to the diet of fish,
birds, and other
vertebrate forms. In many cases, these invertebrate
organisms
constitute their basic food supply. The following
excerpt from
Some Ecological Aspects of Myrick Marsh summarizes
the type of
invertebrates found in a flood plain rmarsh:
Shelford (1913) found that springtails, snails and
slugs
were very abundant in floodplain communities, pioneer
communities and most wetland communities. Many of the
mites and springtails are found in the space between the
bark and the log as well as the litter and soil.
Goff (1952) in his survey of floodplain animal
communities
found that the Hemoptera, and Coleoptera were more
abundant in higher elevations of floodplains and not the
wetland areas. The snails, slugs, and earthworms had
higher densities where periodic flooding occurred. Shel-
ford's (1954) study of biotic communities showed that
many of the slugs, annelids, ground beetles and snails
were able to survive annual flooding well enough to
establish stable communities.
26 Craig, page 15.
56
No specific data are available concerning the
existence of inverte-
brates in the project site.
INSECTS OF THE MARSH
The insect life of the marsh is described in the
following passages:
Among the most abundant forms of insect life found in
Myrick Marsh are the Chironomidae. They are found
throughout the marsh and are not limited to any one
vegetational area. The larvae produced are an important
food item for fishes, because of their high population
density (Shelford 1913). The species of Coleoptera
captured were non-winged and were observed adhering to
the standing vegetation. Although both Lamperidae and
Carabidae have abundant populations within the study
area, only one Lamperid and no ground beetles were
captured. For the Homoptera, which comprises from 15%
to 28% of the relative density, Cicadellidae was the
most
abundant form in all of the units studies. The grass-
hoppers that were captured were of both the short and
long horned variety. Numerous Orthoptera were ob-
served, but few were caught due to their flying ability.
The Arachnids comprises 4-7% of the relative density in
the sample areas. They were observed climbing, and on
the ground within the standing vegetation.
The reed canary grass supported the highest insect
density by more than two-fold. This area far out-ranked
the smartweed-reed canary grass and cattail dominated
areas in quality and quantity of each insect order cap-
tured and observed. More varieties of Odonata, Lepidop-
tera, Neuroptera and Hymenoptera were noted in this area
than in the other two units. In comparison to the reed
canary grass which supported the highest relative
density
in Myrick Marsh, Goff (1952) found in his flood plain
community studies that Homoptera, Herniptera and Coleop-
tera were the most abundant. In an old adjacent flood
plain area he showed that the Diptera species were the
most prevalent.
Insects such as mosquitoes make up a significant
portion
of the diets of fish, birds, and small mammals. For
example, in Dorney's (1954) study of the ecology of
marsh racoons, summer stomach analysis showed an insect
frequency of 27%. The mosquito is perhaps the insect
which is most equated with marshlands. It is not only an
excellent food source, but often times a nuisance to
animals and humans which live in and adjacent to these
areas. Taylor (1960) found that wildlife was seriously
57
affected why? wetland drainage was implemented to
control
mosquitoes.
The mosquitoe problem in the marsh is addressed at
length by
James Parry, UW-La Crosse professor of biology, in an
excerpt
from a letter which is found in appendix A-17:
The marsh presents extreme problems from a mosquito
point of view only when it is inundated with water
either
by spring flooding or significant rains. Experience has
shown that most of the mosquitoes of the marsh are
'flood
plain' mosquitoes and as such the life cycle is
completed
after eggs laid in soil (along water lines) hatch
following
water covering them in the spring. Some species of
mosquitoes produce multi-broods, but for the most part
it
is the spring or early summer hatch that presents a
mosquito problem in the La Crosse area. Such hatches
provide mosquitoes throughout the summer as a result of
their life cycle longevity.
Most mosquitoes found in the marsh are "pest"
mosquitoes
and serve as a nuisance rather than a disease vector
mosquito. Culex pipiens is found in the marsh habitat
and could serve as the vector for the St. Louis strain
of
encephalitis. Aides triseriatus, the vector for the
La Crosse Strain of Encephalitis, has not been found in
areas of the marsh that have been monitored.
From a point of view of mosquito control, filling of
marsh
areas with fill or draining them does serve to lower
mosquito habitat. The area in question that the univer-
sity plans to fill probably is the least significant
area of
the marsh from a mosquito habitat point of view for two
reasons. First, culverts controlling water flow are
higher
than most of the marsh, and as such the area does not
receive flooding as readily. Second, in recent years the
area has been quite dry. The southern edge with its
heavy vegetation serves as a habitat for adult
mosquitoes
coming off the marsh. Such an area is an interface
between the city and the marsh and can present some
problems.
27 Craig, pp. 34-36.
58
3. Economic, Social and Cultural Environment
TAX BASE
The +29 acre area owned by UW-La Crosse is not part
of the real
estate tax base of the city. State-owned lands are
not subject to
property taxes.
ZONING
The UW-La Crosse north campus property, as well as
other portions
of the marsh, are zoned "residential" which reflects
one viewpoint
that this lowland should be filled and developed for
city expansion
thereby increasing the tax base for the city. An
awareness of the
value of lowlands for flood control and wildlife
habitat has had an
impact on the historic approach to some degree and
will restrict
residential development.
FIRE CONDITIONS
Even though the UW-La Crosse property is not on the
tax rolls, it
does require services for which the S--ate pays the
City of La
Crosse. Occasionally, the city fire department must
extinguish
fires in the existing environment. In the past five
years,
twenty-two fires have occurred in the marsh. (See
section F., item
20, for a list of the fires that have occurred in the
marsh from
1972 to 1977.)
59
This marsh is also regarded by local marsh-abutting
residents and
business owners as a potential menace and threat to
their physical
well-being. During the past few years this general
area has been
subjected to the effects of a progressive drought,
and the marsh
was a virtual tinder box in 1977. In April, 1977, the
extent of the
dryness was evident in a series of isolated fires in
the marsh that
were followed by an out-of-control blaze which
threatened homes
and business establishments abutting the marsh and
traffic using
Lang Drive. (See photo in section F., item 21.)
Following this series of fires, it was estimated by
the chief of the
La Crosse Fire Department that + 290 acres were
burned and the
containment of these fires was at considerable extra
expense to the
city. The major fire was extinguished by eighteen
firemen after
five hours of effort. Lang Drive and Gorder Road were
temporarily
closed and electric power poles were burned. The
following day
another fire had to be fought which burned grass on
university
property and threatened hillsides and homes located
on the escarp-
ment to the south. In summary, during dry years there
is great
danger of fires in and around the marsh. The cost to
the City is
substantial since police protection costs increase
proportionately
during firefighting seasons.
AESTHETICS
The appearance of the site is dependent on the
viewpoint of the
beholder. A naturalist, a hunter, and a developer
will all see it
from a different perspective. To some it is a quiet
place to enjoy
60
nature and learn about the various plants and animals
which inhabit
the marsh. Others see it as an undeveloped open space
which
breeds mosquitoes and hinders expansion of the city.
In reality it
is a combination of both aspects. Lang Drive and
Gorder Road, as
they now exist, are not attractive roadways and
actually degrade
the appearance of the marsh. Both roads have
deteriorating pave-
ment and shoulders which need upgrading and
landscaping. Gorder
Road has a large growth of volunteer trees and shrubs
along its
south edge which improve the appearance of the road.
HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
There is no known historical site or structure worthy
of preserva-
tion in the proposed project site according to Dr.
George Gilkey,
Professor of History at UW-La Crosse (See Gilkey
letter, appendix
A-6.)
RECREATIONAL USE
The project site is used only occasionally by
individuals for wildlife
observation and photography as compared with other
parts of the
La Crosse River Marsh. The dense strands of river
bulrush dis-
courage most people from walking through the area
even though the
water level is usually low enough to permit it. Most
activity involv-
ing observation of wildlife or of the changing site
is done from
Gorder Road and from the hills along the south edge
where shade
trees, firm soil, or pavement provide a more
comfortable location
from which to observe the lowlands easily. Joggers
use an aban-
61
doned roadway which runs along the base of the wooded
hillside
instead of running through the high vegetation of the
marsh.
ACADEMIC USE
Most of the research and observation of wetlands, an
activity which
is promoted by the UW-La Crosse biology department,
is undertaken
in the areas north of Gorder Road where a greater
variety of
wildlife habitats exist and where abandoned roadways
provide easy
access. The biology department faculty differ in
their opinion of
the value of the university-owned land because of its
physical
separation from the rest of the flood plain and
because of its
general inaccessibility as an outdoor classroom.
62
E. Description of the Proposal
1. Location and Accessibility
The proposed site is located south of and adjacent to
the right-of-
way of Gorder Road. (See photo in section F., item 2.
) Except
for a thirty-foot strip of city property along the
edge of Gorder
Road, it will be accessible from three directions.
The community
and the University would have vehicular access to
Gorder Road
from East Avenue North and from Lang Drive.
Bicyclists would use
East Avenue North which leads directly to Mitchell
Hall, a distance
of eight-tenths of a mile. A proposed access trail
from Oakland
Street will allow pedestrians from the main campus or
the community
on the south to walk or jog to the athletic fields.
This trail would
use an existing land form which extends from the
elevated hillside
on the south like a peninsula protruding into the
site. The steep-
est grade is approximately 7% which would provide a
good location
for a walk and jogging path. The peninsula extends
from the north
end of the right-of-way of Oakland Street which abuts
the Univer-
sity's north campus property.
2. Aesthetic Concerns
The aesthetic functions of the project have been
taken into con-
sideration as well as the utilitarian functions. The
project attempts
to create a facility which has a positive impact upon
the visual
senses. The proposed landscape design goes beyond
simply creat-
ing fields with a bare, austere environment. The
creation of an
63
appealing place for physical activity would make the
facility more
inviting for community use as well, and would become
a visual asset
to the campus and community rather than be a concrete
intrusion
into the natural landscape.
3. Natural Topography
In addition to a low-profile fill of a
three-to-four-foot rise, the
edge of the fill would be curvilinear to blend with
the existing
natural curves of the escarpment to the south. (See
development
plans in section F., item 9.) The grade on the edge
would vary
from 5% to 50% to create different visual effects and
habitats for
trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants as well as
creating a
natural appearance. The instructional golf greens,
which would
utilize otherwise unused space between the baseball
fields, would be
mounded to diminish further the flatness of the
fields. The rise
from one flat level to the other would be done in a
curvilinear
fashion to avoid an unnatural appearance. The land
form along the
north boundary of the field development would be
straight because
of locating the land fill as close to Gorder Road as
possible. The
existing trees and shrubs now along Gorder Road, and
those to be
planted along the newly created edge, would
camouflage the linear
space between the road and the site while providing
nesting habi-
tats for wildlife. The east slope of the Maintenance
and Stores
facility site would be extended several feet westward
from existing
property posts preventing irregular slope
reocurrences due to ero-
sion problems. Preparation of this area would allow
for ease of
maintenance and control of surface water.
64
4. Fill Material
The physical development of the project site involves
transporting
an estimated 150,000 cubic yards of fill material for
use in creating
a + 29 acre firm base for the construction of outdoor
physical
education fields and supporting facilities. Fill
material would be
sand. This material is available at Holmen, Midway,
and Brices
Prairie. The old race track near Oak Street is
presently providing
fill for the development of a new high school.
The fill material would be secured on a contract
basis through a bid
process. The source of fill material would be the
commercial
responsibility of the contractor. A settling-in
period of several
months would be necessary before final grading is
completed in
preparation for field development. Coordination of
the City's Lang
Drive project with this project would facilitate the
letting of a
single contract, to be administered by the Wisconsin
Department of
Transportation, for placement of the fill. This might
result in
economies of time and money, and would minimize
disruption in and
around the project site.
The cost of the project would vary depending upon the
cost of the
fill material. The possible use of Mississippi
dredge-spoil has been
suggested in an effort to help dispose of this
material. The Wis-
consin Department of Transportation has investigated
the feasibility
of using dredge-spoil for their Lang Drive
improvement project.
Their figures indicate the public costs would be at
least $5.30 per
cubic yard. If a stockpike of dredge-spoil is
available at a site
65
within a reasonable hauling distance from the project
site when the
project is let to contract, the contractor will have
the option of
using this material. The Department of Transportation
has recently
agreed to use dredge-spoil depending on its
availability and on
suitable conditions. (See Cattanach letter, appendix
A-14.)
5. Topography of the Land Fill
The placed land fill would have four different
levels, each relatively
flat, and would be sloped only to allow for proper
drainage of the
fields. The approximate proposed elevations of the
four areas are
637 feet, 638 feet, 641 feet, and 648 feet. Three
areas are below
the one hundred year intermediate regional flood
elevation of 643.6
feet above sea level. (See map of the three elevated
areas in
section F., item 10.)
Annual spring water flows may inundate the two lower
levels for
two weeks or less during the spring, (See Flood Data
Table,
appendix C-5.) The proposed elevations will not
greatly affect the
use of the fields due to the short period of
inundation. The open
green space and the landscape plantings would be well
suited to
flooding without damage, much like a park
development. Creating
elevations which are above periodic flooding patterns
would increase
the cost for fill materials proportionately.
66
6. Landscape Plans
The conceptual landscape planting plan for the north
campus de-
velopment project will use native trees, shrubs, and
ground cover
plants along the edges of the project where the land
form comes in
contact with the existing natural landscape. Native
Wisconsin trees
and shrubs which already exist in the surrounding
landscape, and
which are adapted to a flood plain habitat, will
visually blend the
project with the environment. They will also provide
food and
shelter common to the birds and animals which inhabit
the marsh
and adjacent property. A suggested list of plant
species for the
proposed site is found in section F., item 22.
7. Vegetation Preservation
A portion of the fill site measuring approximately
180 feet by ninety
feet which contains large silver manles and
cottonwoods will be left
untouched. (See photo and map location in section F.,
item 23.)
Preserving the trees, shrubs, and native grasses of
this slightly
raised area in the marsh will not detract from the
use of the phy-
sical education facility and will add to the natural
appearance of the
project. The fitness trail will meander through these
trees so
people can enjoy the beauty and the shade of the
mature growth.
(See map of fitness trail in section F., item 12.)
67
F. Maps and Graphics
1. La Crosse River Watershed
2. Aerial Photo: UW-La Crosse and Adjacent Marsh
3. Aerial Photo: City and La Crosse River Marsh
4. Aerial Photo: Marsh Flood During 1978
5. Contour Map of Project Area
6. Vegetation Map
7. Campus Master Plan/Alternate
8. Site Model
9. North Campus Proposed Development Plan
10. Elevations of Proposed Project Area
11. Cross Sections of Proposed Project Area
12. Exercise Fitness Trail
13. (a) and (b) Proposed Alternative "I" Field
Development Areas
14. Existing Park and Recreation Areas
15. Noise Level Chart
16. Design Noise Level/Land Use Relationship Chart
17. Vascular Plant Flora List
18. Map of Areas in Harris Study
19. List of Birds Observed in Area Two
20. List of La Crosse River Marsh Fires (1972-1977)
21. Photo: Marsh Fire April 9, 1977
22. Suggested List of Vascular Plant Species for North
Campus
Development
23. Vegetation Preservation Photo and Map Location
24. List of Wildlife Species Observed in La Crosse River
Marsh
69
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F., 14
CITY OF LA CROSSE
EXISTING
PARK & RECREATION
FACILITIES
PROJECT SITE
COMMUNITY
PARK
0 NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
* PLAYFIELD
* PLAYGROUND
- CITY LIMITS
CAMPUS PLANNING
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE
LA CROSSE WISCONSIN
NORTH
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1
0
or
LA CROSSE
WISCONSIN
cIrY ENGINEERS DEPT
F., 15
NOISE LEVEL CHART
COMMON OUTDOOR
NOISE LEVELS
NOISE LEVEL
(dBA)
COMMON INDOOR
NOISE LEVELS
-110
Jet Flyover at 1000 ft
--100
Gas Lawn Mower at 3 ft
Diesel Truck at 50 ft
Noisy Urban Daytime
Gas Lawn Mower at 100 ft
Commercial Area
Heavy Traffic at 300ft
Quiet Urban Daytime
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Quiet Rural Nighttime
Rock Bond
Inside Subway Train (New York)
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Garbage Disposal at 3ft
Shouting at 3ft
80
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Normal Speech at 3 ft
- 60
- 50
- 40
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Dishwasher Next Room
Small Theatre, Large Conference Room
(Background)
Library
Bedroom at Night
Concert Hall (Background)
- 20
Broadcast and Recording Studio
- 10
Threshold of Hearing
COMMON INDOOR AND OUTDOOR NOISE LEVELS.
F., 16
DESIGN NOISE LEVEL/LAND USE RELATIONSHIPS
Design Noise
Level - 10
Description of Land Use Category
60dBA (Exterior)
70bBA (Exterior)
75dBA (Exterior)
55dBA (Interior)
Tracts of lands in which serenity and
quiet are of extraordinary significance
and serve an important public need,
and where the preservation of those
qualities is essential if the area is to
continue to serve its intended purpose.
Such areas could include amphitheaters,
particular parks or portions of parks,
or open spaces which are dedicated or
recognized by appropriate local officials
for activities requiring special qualities
of serenity and quiet.
Residences, motels, hotels, public meet-
ing rooms, schools, churches, libraries,
hospitals, picnic areas, recreation
areas, playgrounds, active sports
areas, and parks.
Developed lands, properties or actvities
not included in categries A and B
above.
For requirements on undeveloped lands
see paragraphs 5a(5) and (6), this
PPM.
Residences, motels, hotels, public meet-
ing rooms, schools, churches, libraries,
hospitals and auditoriums.
Land Use
Category
A
B
C
D
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MARSH AREA - - HARRIS STUDY
ARROW INDICATES CENSUS ROUTES FOLLOWED THROUGH THE
STUDY AREAS
47
F., 19
LIST OF BIRDS OBSERVED AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE
MARSH-AREA #2
Five categories were used to characterize the birds
observed in the marsh.
These were: (I) Permanent residents; may not breed in
the marsh study area
but were observed during all seasons of the year. (2)
Winter Residents;
these birds appeared during the fall migration and
remained through the
winter months, decreased during the spring migration and
were absent in the
summer. (3) Transient Visitants; those that appeared
during the spring and
fall migration only. (4) Summer Residents; breeders
which arrived during
the spring migration and remained through the summer,
leaving during the
fall migration. (5) Summer Visitants; observed in the
marsh during the
summer but not breeding in the marsh.
Permanent Residents
Great Horned Owl
Downy Woodpecker
Blue-Jay
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Starling
Cardinal
English Sparrow
Winter Residents
Red-tailed Hawk
Ring-necked Pheasant
Hairy Woodpecker
Black-capped Chickadee
Northern Shrike
Dark-eyed Junco
Tree Sparrow
Transient Visitants
American Woodcock
Hermit Thrush
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Fox Sparrow
Summer Residents
Pied-billed Grebe
Green Heron
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Wood Duck
Sora Rail
American Coot
Killdeer
Common Snipe
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Summer Visitants
Spotted Sandpiper
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Solitary Sandpiper
Chimney Swift
Red-headed Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Great Crested Flycatcher
Northern Waterthrush
Rusty Blackbird
Brewers B'ackbird
Chipping Sparrow
The following species were recorded as using area
number 2 for breeding. The
greater majority of these species did not rely on the
actual marsh for nesting
habitat.
Green Heron
Mallard
Wood Duck
Sora Rail
Killdeer
Common Snipe
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Starling
Warmbling Vireo
English Sparrow
Red-winged blackbird
Northern Oriole
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Cardinal
Song Sparrow
Common Nighthawk
Downy Woodpecker
Tree Swallow
Blue-Jay
White-breasted Nuthatch
Gray Catbird
American Robin
F,. 20
LA CROSSE RIVER MARSH FIRES
1972-1977
Type of Fire
Grass and brush
Grass and brush
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Grass
Location of Fire
Both sides of Lang Drive to NSP sub-station
East of Myrick Park
North of Myrick Park (Peat fires)
Engines No. I and 5 called to fight fire.
North of Myrick Park
Engines No. I and 5 called to fight fire.
Lang Drive southeast of Monitor
Marsh fire and power telegraph lines down.
North of pump house and Gorder Road
East end, Myrick Park
Myrick Park north
Lang Drive at WLCX Radio Tower
Myrick Park (fire off of park)
Lang Drive
North end of Myrick Park (2 NSP poles burning)
South of bridge on Lang Drive
East end of Gorder Road
North of Gorder Road
North of Myrick Park pumping station
Lang Drive bridge area
Lang Drive bridge area
North of Gorder Road
Lang Drive bridge area
North of Myrick Park
Date
4/09/77
12/02/76
11/26/76
11/25/76
9/03/76
5/11/76
5/04/76
3/24/76
9/24/75
4/20/75
4/15/75
4/13/75
3/05/75
7/21/74
3/10/74
7/19/73
3/30/73
3/24/73
2/11/73
11/24/72
4/20/72
Fe 21
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F., 24
WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED AT LA CROSSE MARSH JULY
1974 THROUGH
MAY, 1975
SIGHTINGS
Birds Common Name
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Wood Duck
Scaup
Ringneck
Tree Swallow
Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Eastern Kingbird
Red-winged Blackbird
Short-billed Marsh Wren
Grean Horned Owl
Red-tailed Hawk
House Sparrow
Crow
White-throated Sparrow
Purple Grackle
Cardinal
Rough-legged Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Slate-colored Junco
American Egret
Black Tern
Genus Species
Anas platyrhynchos
Anas discors
Aix sponsa
Aythya affinis
Aythya collaris
Iridoprocne bicolon
Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Hirundo rustica
Ardea herodias
Butorides virescens
Tyrannus tyrannus
Agelaius phoeniceus
Cistothorus platensis
Bubo virginianus
Buteo jamaicensis
Passer domesticus
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Zonotrichia albicollis
Quiscalus ouiscula
Richmondena cardinalis
Buteo lagopus
Megaceryle alcyon
Junco hyemalis
Casmerodius albus
Childonias nigra
From a report submitted by Ronald Nicklaus, Wildlife
Biologist, Mississippi River
Works Unit, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,
La Crosse.
Number
27
46
II
3
725
725
725
2
2
2
19
3
I
2
725
4
4
6
2
1
18
13
II. PROBABLE IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION ON THE
ENVIRONMENT
A. Physical Impact
1. Topography
The + 29 acres of land fill will raise the finished
grade of the exist-
ing, relatively flat lowland between three feet and
four feet. The
relative flatness will not be altered. Because of the
low profile of
the land fill, the change in height will probably not
be noticeable
when the proposed trees and shrubs begin to mark the
edge of the
raised land form.
2. Drainage
The drainage pattern of the surface water will be
altered where the
fill is located. The project will be graded to direct
water from the
fields to the preserved wetlands to the south. Then
the existing
drainage pattern will drain flood waters toward the
west as it
presently does. The underground drainage pattern will
be altered.
Underground drain tile may be included within the
proposed fill
area to assist drainage unto the adjacent marsh.
3. Soil
Filling the marsh with materials of high
permeability, such as a
mixture of sand and gravel, should have a minimal
effect on exist-
ing infiltration rates. It is likely that the ground
water table will
rise somewhat depending upon capillary attraction of
the fill and
annual precipitation.
71
Black organic material should not be a problem in
terms of compac-
tion if the overlaying fill is limited to a height of
several feet.
Construction of major buildings with considerable
mass, however,
may result in compaction and eventual subsidence.
(See Weinzeirl
letter, appendix B-2.)
4. Flooding
The conclusion arrived at is that the north campus
development will
have little effect upon flood elevations because the
volume of water
displaced by the 150,000 cubic yards of fill is
insignificant when
compared to the volume of water which is held by the
total flood
plain area or to the speed and quantity of water
flowing into the
Mississippi and La Crosse rivers during flooding.
If classes and athletic events were scheduled prior
to the snow melt
and a resulting flood, they would be such things as
instruction in
golf, soccer, field hockey, introduction to
elementary games, speed-
ball, track and field, and softball. Athletic events
might be base-
ball, track and field, and various spring intramural
activities. The
number of participants varies from one section of
elementary games
to six or eight sections of softball. Activities
would not be
scheduled during a threat of flooding. (See appendix
F-8 for
proposed student utilization.)
5. Water Quality
The fill material will not lower water quality in the
wetlands conti-
guous to the site if the fill has no pollutants in
it. To the extent
72
that the La Crosse and Mississippi Rivers carry
pollutants, how-
ever, flooding pollutes the land fill site. In as
much as the source
of water in the area is very often rainwater, it
would be ecological-
ly sound to prevent the run-off from the site from
becoming con-
taminated with chemicals which might endanger
wildlife and vegeta-
tion. Fill material free of pollutant chemicals would
help to maintain
the existing water quality of the wetlands as would
dewatering
underground drain tile within the project fill area.
The proposed filling of the project site would not
affect the quality
of the La Crosse River. A sand fill free of organic
materials,
wastes, and pollutants would not adversely affect the
water quality
during periods of flooding by the La Crosse River.
6. Noise Level
The noise level on the site and adjacent to it will
be increased
during warm weather daytime hours. The primary
increase will be
from people talking and shouting as they participate
in various
athletic activities. A noise level chart taken from
the Federal Noise
Standards and Procedures shows that shouting indoors
at a distance
of three feet equals about seventy-eight decibels.
(See the noise
level chart in section F, item 15.) This noise level
will drop con-
siderably before the sound reaches the undisturbed
wetlands to the
south or the marsh to the north of Gorder Road.
Active team
sports will be from twenty feet to four hundred feet
away from the
edge of the marsh depending on the location of the
activity on a
field. All fields have a minimum twenty-foot buffer
zone around
them. The baseball fields have a sixty-foot buffer
zone along the
73
outside base lines. The open space and the distances
involved will
dissipate human voices to the extent that they should
have no
impact on the marsh wildlife.
An increase in automobile traffic will also add more
noise to the
environment. The impact will be felt in the marsh
land north of
Gorder Road because of its proximity to the road.
(See traffic
data, appendix E-1.) The existing trees along the
south side of
the road will help to absorb the sound impact upon
the people using
the developed facility. The four hundred to five
hundred feet of
land fill between the road and wetlands to the south
will dissipate
the noise generated by automobiles. The automobile
noise generated
by additional traffic to the facility should not be
very great since
bicycles will be used by many of the students, and
only a limited
number of students would be using the facility at any
one time.
The north campus development would serve area
residents as well
as the campus population. The area is bounded by a
public road
along its northern edge from which vehicular access
and parking
will be provided.
The proposed parking lot will accommodate one hundred
vehicles.
In addition, forty-four vehicles could be parallel
parked along the
service road's north side and a one-way traffic
pattern established.
A rule of thumb is to figure four persons for every
car at a spec-
tator sport. The 144 vehicle minimum would therefore
accommodate
576 people. This will provide adequate parking spaces
for classes,
intramurals, and varsity competition in baseball,
track and field,
74
and field hockey. These activities are attended
primarily by stu-
dents and do not attract a large number of spectators
outside the
University. If future additional parking space
becomes necessary,
the parking lot could be expanded.
7, Air Quality
Increased auto traffic to the site will be a source
of air pollution as
will the use of maintenance vehicles for cutting
grass and hauling
supplies. The quantity of air pollution has not been
ascertained.
The air pollutants will be quickly dissipated into
the atmosphere
because of the two thousand acres of open space
dominated by
marsh lands. The same pollutants would be placed in
the air if the
site were located elsewhere in the City of La Crosse.
8. Aesthetics
The visual quality of the project site will be
altered from a wetlands
landscape to a park-like landscape. The argument as
to which one
is more beautiful depends on one's perspective. The
park-like
atmosphere will have a negative impact oc. those who
prefer wet-
lands aesthetics. The landscape of the development
will be an
improvement upon the landscape for those who enjoy
athletic recrea-
tion.
The landscape concept planting plan for the north
campus facility
attempts to blend a park-like atmosphere, which will
be reflected by
the expansive green field areas, with the natural
environment of
75
the marsh grasses and existing tree groupings. It
does this by
creating an edge on the fill site in which grass
areas weave in and
out of native tree, shrub, and ground cover
groupings. Two of
the goals established by a landscape architect for
the concept
planting design in the development plan are noted
below:
1. Create an informal atmosphere for athletic and
recreational activity and create natural landscaping
to blend the developed area with the natural land-
scape to the south.
A. Specific Methods of implementation:
1) Place trees and shrubs in irregular pat-
terns.
2) Use only trees near flat field areas.
3) Use native trees, shrubs, and groundcover
along the edges of the wetlands.
II. Create unique plantings along the fitness trail
to
support the enjoyment of exercise programs.
A. Specific methods of implementation:
1) Create shade around exercise stations.
2) Periodically place native flowering plants
along trails and near exercise stations.
3) Place benches at some exercise stations.
B. Biological Impact
1. Plant Life
Land fill will cover + 29 acres of type II marsh
land. The tree
species in the area to be filled are predxuiinantly
silver maple and
cottonwood. The predominant non-tree species in the
area to be
filled are river bulrush and canary reed grass. See
the vegetation
map in section F., item 6, for the location of
vascular plant species
in the proposed fill site area. None of these plants
are endangered
species; all exist in other areas of the marsh and in
the marsh
areas near the City of La Crosse.
76
2. Animal Life
Some animals will probably immigrate to different
parts of the marsh
as the land fill is placed on the site. Some of the
small vertebrates
may be covered by the fill material while others will
immigrate
elsewhere.
3. Birds
Birds are mobile and can readily find new nesting
sites after the
land fill has covered existing trees, shrubs, and
marsh plants. A
problem could arise if trees, shrubs, and marsh
plants are removed
after the nests have been established. The eggs or
young birds
would then be destroyed during the filling process.
This could be
avoided by removing the trees during the winter
months.
4. Insects and Invertebrates
By far the greatest impact will be upon the
invertebrates and
insects because of the covering with fill and the
removal of their
habitat. However, their ability to breed rapidly
offsets any tem-
porary loss of this food source for birds and other
wildlife. It is
estimated that, in six months, two flies could
produce a family of
more than five and one-half billion descendents in a
favorable
environment.
If the mosquitoes could be destroyed in the larva
stage, a positive
benefit would result. Filling the site in early
spring before the
mosquito eggs have a chance to develop would be
effective.
77
C. Socio-Economic Impact
1. Academic Support for the University
The purpose of the north campus development is to
provide outdoor
space for university students to participate in
physical education
programming, athletics, and environmental study.
Development of
this + 29 acre parcel would be a positive benefit for
the University
and the State. The north campus will help to fulfill
the responsi-
bility of this state agency in carrying out its
program of higher
education in a manner it is not presently able to do.
Physical
education, a discipline in which UW-La Crosse has
developed a
special mission, would be the primary beneficiary.
Courses would
be arranged to fit more adequately the needs of all
students requir-
ing space for field activities. (See the student
support petition
reference in appendix A-18.) The project would help
maintain the
position of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse as
a leader in
physical education and recreation.
2. Recreational Facility Available to the Community
An additional positive benefit of the proposed action
is in its use
by the community of La Crosse. The one mile fitness
trail with
twenty exercise stations will be available to the
public. The Presi-
dent's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has
endorsed these
types of outdoor facilities and has encouraged the
development of
them in cities and towns across the country. Because
the fitness
course is self-paced and non-competitive, it allows
individuals to
progress from simple to more difficult routines and
is well-adapted
78
to use by the general public. It does not require
special equipment
or clothing and can accommodate people of all ages.
(See exercise
fitness trail map in section F., item 12.) The
fitness trail will be
accessible from La Crosse Street and from Gorder Road
and will be
open to the public even when the playing fields are
being used for
education purposes by university classes.
The La Crosse Exercise Program, which is part of the
University's
physical fitness program for local residents,
involves more than 250
adults from the community. This program, which
includes jogging
and other exercises, is comprised of the "Cardiac
Rehabilitation
Unit" and the "Adult Fitness Unit". Dr. Clifton De
Voll, director
of the Adult Fitness Program, has indicated his
belief that the
proposed fitness trail would be of definite benefit
to the public.
(See DeVoll letter, appendix A-3.)
The proposed site is seldom used at present by
recreationalists.
Recreational uses of the marsh are primarily north of
Myrick Park
and along the trails which extend into the marsh.
These uses
include hiking, biking, jogging, and cross-country
skiing in the
winter.
Numerical estimates of recreationalists using all of
the marsh area
are difficult to calculate. Recreational uses are
generally sporatic,
unscheduled, and unsupervised. Jogging is the most
popular
recreational activity along the developed marsh
trails north of
Myrick Park.
79
Where the fitness trail runs along the edge of the
fill site, it could
be used for nature observation. It will provide many
good vantage
points from which the marsh land can be easily
viewed. The public
will also be allowed to use the fields when the
instructional pro-
grams are not scheduled. Cooperative use of the north
campus
development by the University and the public will
make it an asset
to both and will employ the facility to its greatest
potential.
Plans for the development of the area have been
coordinated with
the Bureau of Aid Programs of the Wisconsin
Department of Natural
Resources. A request has been made for LAWCON
recreation aid
funds for the provision of such things as pathways,
plantings,
a shelter building, parking, benches, bike racks,
signs, baseball
and playing fields, and the fitness trail. This
development would
occur after the + 29 acres are filled and graded and
would become a
usable addition to the existing city recreation
facilities. (See the
map in section F., item 14.)
The proposed jogging trail in the Myrick Marsh area
would be used
by several organized groups of non-university people
on a regular
basis. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings
throughout
most of the year, an Adult Fitness Program of 125
joggers could
use the trail. Another organized group of runners in
the city, the
River City Studies Group (forty people) could use
such a trail.
The YW/YMCA, which is located only five blocks from
the proposed
trail, could conveniently use it for their fitness
classes (seventy-
five people). These numbers are based on present
enrollments in
these programs.
80
Possibly the greatest non-university use of the trail
would come
from individuals who jog on their own. There is no
way to estimate
the number precisely, but there are hundreds of
people in the city
who presently enjoy this type of activity.
Community use of areas other than the jogging trails
in the pro-
posed marsh facilities will increase with the
availability of such
areas. Most of this use will occur on weekends while
school is in
session and during the summer months. The area would
be used
by junior league baseball, Stars of Tomorrow baseball
tournaments,
and industrial league softball teams on an organized
summer sche-
dule. The area would also be used by impromptu
pick-up teams
and by individuals for practice. The YMCA Soccer
League and
Adult Industrial Soccer Team are other groups which
presently use
the existing outdoor areas when they are available. A
city rugby
team, in the developing stages, is in need of space
to practice and
play their games. In the winter cross-country skiing
possibilities
would exist and be widely used.
The planned outdoor recreation facilities are
especially well-suited
for local community use. The two baseball fields,
physical fitness
trail, soccer field, and practice golf putting greens
are the facili-
ties which would receive the greatest degree of
public use.
The Parks and Recreation Department of the City of La
Crosse has
indicated that the University and the community are
definitely in
need of the proposed facilities and has encouraged
the proposal.
(See Fry letter, appendix A-10.) Mayor Patrick Zielke
has also
81
expressed his support for the development and for the
shared use
of the recreational facilities. (See Zielke letter,
appendix A-11.)
3. Neighborhood Preservation
According to the campus master plan for UW-La Crosse,
develop-
ment of the north campus will eliminate the need to
extend into
residential neighborhoods adjacent to the campus. The
University
would not have to seek alternative solutions such as
the purchase
of surrounding houses, apartments, and businesses. It
is to the
benefit of the University, as well as to the City, to
maintain exist-
ing residential neighborhoods and commercial
establishments. A
pleasant, aesthetically appealing residential
environment surrounding
a university campus creates a very positive image for
the campus
and the City.
Within the residential area outlined for alternative
development,
single family homes and rental units and three
apartment complexes
would have to be vacated in order to create the
necessary space.
The preservation of local businesses which serve the
university
community and the residential neighborhood is a very
desirable
goal. There are nine small businesses in the + 29
acre plan which
would have to be closed if the required acreage were
secured
outside the marsh areas designated in the proposal.
Neither the proposed project for placing fill on
approximately twen-
ty-nine acres of marshland south of Gorder Road nor
the proposed
82
fitness trail will have any adverse effect on the
adjacent Oak Grove
Cemetery. (See Oak Grove Cemetery Association letter
in appendix
G-16.)
4. Create Jobs
The implementation of this project will result in the
creation of jobs
to complete it. The project will be funded from the
Wisconsin State
Building Commission's budget for construction
projects. Thus the
expenditure of tax dollars will provide employment
for many people
who would directly benefit from the project. These
employed people
will, in turn, pay taxes and spend their salaries
thereby support-
ing other people. If the project achieves the goals
and objectives
it is designed to fulfill, the tax dollars used for
it will be well
spent and the jobs created by it are a complimentary
positive impact
upon the economy of the area.
5. Flood Control
In terms of functional significance, the La Crosse
River marsh
serves as a site of sediment collection as well as an
area of water
storage during times of high river stages. Artificial
filling of the
marsh should be considered detrimental since it
accelerates the fill
process and reduces flood storage capacity. Flooding
has an effect
on home owners, business places, and transportation
facilities on or
near the flood plain and flood damage to buildings
and properties
involves financial hardships for the owners.
83
The amount by which flood waters would rise is
related to the
amount of fill placed below the flood elevation and
related to the
size of the floodplain. It is said that one cubic
yard of soil re-
places one cubic yard of water; however, the soil
actually absorbs
some of the water and retains it as the flood
recedes. The maxi-
mum amount of flood water which will be displaced by
the fill mater-
ial for this project is less than 150,000 cubic
yards. This would
occur only when the flood stage attains or exceeds an
elevation of
641.0 feet, which is 14.68 maximum stage at the Mt.
Vernon Street
gauging station in La Crosse on the Mississippi
River. Floods have
crested at or above this elevation only five times
since 1873, twice
in the 1950's and three times in the 1960's. (See the
flood crest
elevation data in appendices C-4 and C-5.)
The United States Geological Survey map shows that
the two thou-
sand acre marsh lies below the 640.0 foot elevation.
Consequently,
the total two thousand acres would be inundated when
the water
level is high enough to cover all the fields on the
north campus
development. This would indicate that the 150,000
cubic yards
spread over twenty-nine acres would have little
effect upon the flood
level of the two thousand acres. Since twenty-nine
acres repre-
sents only 1.5% of the total acreage. Lower flood
crests would be
affected even less since less water would be
displaced. (See flood
data in appendix C-5.)
The effect of the proposed project on increasing the
depth of flood
waters is minor. Between April 10 and April 20, 1978,
the greater
portion of the La Crosse River Marsh to the west and
to the north
of university property received flood waters. This
provided a
means of observing the extent of flooding necessary
before water
could enter the land south of Gorder Road. As the
water level
rose, it entered the university land through the
culvert under Lang
Drive on April 10 and through the culvert under
Gorder Road on
April 13. As late as April 14, with a river elevation
of 10.4 feet,
there was no open water south of Gorder Road. Aerial
photos were
taken on April 14 to verify these hydraulic
relationships. (See
photo in section F., item 4.) Water did not continue
to flow under
Gorder Road after April 20, 1978. A trickle of water
was recorded
entering the university land through the culvert
under Lang Drive
on April 24. At the same time, the marsh water level
measured
eleven inches below the culvert invert elevation. The
water eleva-
tion south of Gorder Road never reached an elevation
greater than
the Lang Drive culvert invert elevation of 635.1 feet
(9.3) even
though the river crest reached 636.3 feet (10.5).
(See Rice
observation report, appendix C-8.)
In summary, the Mississippi River had to reach an
elevation of 9.3
feet before water began entering land south of Gorder
Road. It is
also apparent that the crest river elevation of 10.5
feet reached
during 1978 would not significantly affect the
athletic activities of
the proposed development nor, at this crest, would
the development
significantly affect the water table and storage
capacity of the area
south of Gorder Road.
85
6. Effect on City Well Water
In the past city wells were located in the marsh
north of Gorder
Road until they were abandoned due to poor water
quality. Pre-
sently fifteen wells supply the City of La Crosse
with its fresh
water needs. The nearest city wells are located on
the east section
of the university campus. There will be no negative
effect on the
quality of the water from these wells due to the
proposed filling.
7. Cost/Benefit Analysis
Positive Benefits:
1. A state educational agency will acquire a much
needed outdoor
instructional facility.
2. Community residents will be able to use the
facility.
3. The site will be conveniently located within
walking, bicycling,
and jogging distance of the present indoor physical
instruction
building.
4. Taxable land will not be taken off the tax rolls.
5. State expenditures of $7,000,000 will be saved by
not having
to purchase twenty-nine acres of residential and
business
lands, demolish buildings, or relocate businesses.
6. A semi-upland wildlife habitat will be created on
the proposed
edge of the fill site.
86
Negative Aspects:
1. It will be necessary to cover + 29 acres of flood
plain lands
and wildlife habitat.
2. Portions of the fields may not be usable during
seasonal
floods.
3. Flood water storage would be diminished.
4. Water purification and sediment retention
capability would
be diminished due to the loss of some space now
available for
water-table recharging.
III. PROBABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH
CANNOT BE
AVOIDED
A. Loss of Lowland Wildlife Habitat
The need to fill + 29 acres of type II marsh land in
order to provide a
firm base for development of the proposed project
will cause a loss of
lowland wildlife habitat and will pose a threat to
the loss of some wild-
life.
B. Mitigating Steps
The following steps will be taken to mitigate this
impact upon the envi-
ronment:
1) The University will require the use of fill
material that is free
of chemical pollutants which would endanger wildlife
in the
surrounding marsh area by contaminating rain water
run off
from the fill site. Clean fill will also limit the
negative impact
to the actual site being developed.
2) Native lowland trees and shrubs will be planted
along the edge
of the fill site to create a vegetative and a visual
division
between the university activity area and the existing
marsh.
This will help to insulate the marsh land from the
noise of
athletic activity and to preserve the quiet
atmosphere of the
natural environment. In addition, the newly planted
vegeta-
tion will compensate for the loss of trees and shrubs
on the
fill site and will recreate the nesting habitats for
the wildlife
now located in the existing willow, cottonwood, and
box elder
trees.
89
3) Marsh plants, trees, and shrubs could be cut
during the fall
and winter months to discourage the presence of
wildlife on
the site during the construction process so any newly
born
offspring would not be destroyed.
90
IV. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF
THE
ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF
LONG-
TERM PRODUCTIVITY
A. Filling Marshlands versus Preservation of Existing
Site
The preservation of + 29 acres of marsh is being
exchanged for space in
which to develop an outdoor athletic environmental
interpretive facility.
The long-term productivity which would be maintained
if this site were
preserved would be the food and nesting habitat it
provides for wildlife.
The other function of the site is its limited ability
to store flood waters,
snow run-off, and rain water. Both these are
functions are important;
however, the loss of + 29 acres would not have
significant impact on
them.
The present use of the proposed project area for
flood storage, sediment
retention, and water purification is limited. During
the period from 1971
to 1978, the area within Gorder Road and Lang Drive
received flood
waters approximately two hundred days or less than 7%
of the time.
This occurred on those days when flood waters reached
a culvert eleva-
tion of 635.1 feet. During 1976 and 1977, no flood
waters entered the
area south of Gorder Road. During 1978, floodwaters
entered this area
for ten days from April 11 to April 20; however,
during this time no
open areas of water were evident.
Very little runoff from rainfall enters the marsh.
Vegetation on the
hillside to the south retains most rainfalls. The
city storm sewers near
this area empty into the other portions of the marsh
and are restricted
91
from entering this area of the marsh south of Gorder
Road. (See the
contour map in section F., item 5.)
The + 29 acres of space needed on which to develop
the north campus
facility is difficult and expensive to obtain from
owners of alternate
sites. The use of the marsh land for university
programs will create a
long-term educational facility that will benefit
UW-La Crosse students and
the many people who benefit from the education
received by these stu-
dents. Facilities used for educational purposes have
long-term effects
which extend in time and distance far beyond the
facilities themselves.
In addition, community-wide utilization of the
developed area will also
occur over the long-term.
92
V. IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF
RESOURCES
IF THE PROPOSED ACTION IS IMPLEMENTED
A. Loss of Wildlife Habitat
Approximately + 29 acres of marsh grasses will be
permanently
covered. The trees and shrubs lost to construction
will be re-
placed by a planting program designed to establish
tree and shrub
vegetation along the edge of the created land form as
well as within
the facility itself. (See list of suggested plantings
in section F.,
item 22, )
B. Loss of Flood Water Storage
The displacement of flood water storage discussed in
detail earlier
can be reversed at a later time if necessary by
abandonment of the
development and removal of the land fill.
C. Resources Used to Develop the Project
The use of fuel, the wear and tear on machinery, and
the consump-
tion of construction supplies involve some resources
which are
considered to be irretrievable. The use of such
resources is an
integral part of any physical construction project.
93
VI. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION
A. No Action
The no action alternative would preserve the existing
site and
maintain its use for limited passive recreation and
very limited
research. However, since university students
regularly use the
marsh area located to the north of Gorder Road
because of its
better accessibility and better research potential,
the university-
owned land could be view by the State as excess land
to be sold or
exchanged since the function of this land should be
to serve educa-
tional purposes. The University would not achieve its
own object-
ive of providing needed physical education and
athletic facilities by
selling the land or taking no action with it.
B. Propose Another Project (site restoration)
It has been implied by individuals from the UW-La
Crosse biology
department that the present university-owned marsh
land is not as
useful for research purposes as it previously was.
This is said to
be due to the fact that the land was separated from
the larger
marsh when Gorder Road was constructed and,
therefore, its func-
tion has been changed by human activity.
The overflow of flood waters into the project site is
restricted by
Gorder Road and Lang Drive but is not halted
entirely. Culverts
under both roads presently allow for a limited
exchange of flood
water though not at the rate which occurred when it
was in its
95
original natural condition. A proposed project of the
Wisconsin
Department of Transportation on Lang Drive could
increase the
flood water exchange capacity by providing for the
installation of
two sixty inch culverts where the project site is
located. The
portion of university-owned land which will be south
of the field
development will be left undisturbed and will benefit
from the
installation of the culverts even with the
implementation of the
proposed field development project.
The site would be further restored to its original
status if Gorder
Road and Lang Drive were removed or changed from land
fill config-
urations to bridge structures which would allow free
exchange of
water. The removal of Lang Drive would be the first
priority in
such an effort because the flooding of the area
results from backup
from the Mississippi River.
Since Lang Drive serves as a major connector between
north and
south La Crosse, the negative impact of this
alternative on the
City's transportation system would -orestall its
removal. In like
manner, the cost of allowing flood waters quicker
access to an area
of the marsh by building an extended bridge structure
over the
marsh could not be justified. It should be noted that
there have
been only twenty-five floods from 1873 to 1976. The
same comments
would apply to removal or restructuring of Gorder
Road. The City
has stated strong opposition to possible vacation of
Gorder Road in
that it "provides a valuable point of access to
Myrick Park, . . . a
secondary link to the University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse, and ancil-
lary traffic generators." (See Bracegirdle letter,
appendix A-5).
96
Gorder Road is separated from the project site by a
thirty-foot
city-owned strip of land giving the City control of
the right-of-way
removal. Removal of the maintenance facility could
not serve the
best public interest.
C. Change Land Use (without fill)
The grassland fields could be developed
agriculturally with cultiva-
tion and water control. A system of drainage tiles
extending from
east to west would collect excess water in a pump
tank and pump it
to adjacent areas providing improved (purified) water
quality. The
drain tile would remove only the excess water from
the soil not the
capillary water used by the root systems of the turf.
Clearing of
trees and brush would be required but land fill for
the fields would
not be needed. The flood storage water capacity would
not be
reduced; however, flooding would have a greater
effect on the field
utilization season and would limit educational
usefulness. (See
appendix F-2.)
D. Use Entire Site (lake proposal)
Constructing the north campus by creating a lake and
using the
sand dredge material to fill the remaining site area
was given early
consideration as a solution. The lake would have had
a sculptured
bottom to meet community needs for a swimming area
and the wild-
life and fish needs for deeper water. The
environmental effects of
dredging natural areas and the loss of natural areas
made this
alternative impractical when dredging costs rose to
equal those of
commercially-hauled fill. (See location "D" in
section F., item 13a,
97
and appendix F-1.)
E. Elevate 29 Acres Above 100 Year Flood Stage (18
acres
undisturbed)
The functional use of the outdoor physical education
facility could
be improved by raising the finished grade for all the
fields to an
elevation of 645.6 feet, two feet above the one
hundred year inter-
mediate flood stage. This elevation would assure the
use of the
fields during all periods of flooding. The
cost-benefit ratio of such
a project is questionable. The cost for fill material
would increase
by at least two and one-half times to an approximate
cost of
$625,000. The loss of flood water storage would be
increased by
two and one-half times the project proposed.
F. Between C., B& Q RR and STH 16
This site is too remote for access by walking from
the campus; it is
too inconvenient and costly when required shuttle
busing is consi-
dered. The state university system policy prohibits a
remote
campus area as not being feasible. The time, cost,
and energy use
required would not permit selection of this
alternative. This site
would effect no smaller loss of natural areas but may
be less
disruptive because of the corner site. It would also
save the
natural area of the project. (See location "F" in
section F., item
13a, and appendices F-4 and F-5.)
98
G. Northeast of Myrick Park
This site is too remote for access by walking from
the campus; it is
too inconvenient and costly when required shuttle
busing is con-
sidered. The state university system policy prohibits
a remote
campus area as not being feasible. The time, cost,
and energy use
required would not permit selection of this
alternative. This site
would effect no smaller loss of natural areas but may
be less
disruptive because of the corner site. It would also
save the
natural area of the project. (See location "G" in
section F., item
13a, and appendices F-4 and F-5.)
H. City Country Club Golf Course
The same evaluation as in alternative F applies
except that this
would not destroy a natural habitat; instead, it
would destroy a
recreational development. (See location "H" in
section F., item 13a,
and appendices F-4 and F-7.)
I. Contiguous Neighborhood Expansion
The University could use residential and commercial
lands conti-
guous to the main campus and in closer proximity to
Mitchell Hall,
the indoor physical education and athletic facility.
The location of
twenty-nine acres of residential lands identified in
the campus plans
in section F., items 13(a) and 13(b), would be prime
space for
fields because of its nearness to the main campus.
Securing such
land would be very difficult, yet necessary, if the
University is to
fulfill its objectives in the field of physical
education. The costs of
obtaining the 156 homes and businesses in the areas
outlined on the
map, the removal of buildings, and the relocation of
occupants prior
to development of the project would total $9,000,000
at the 1979
rate. Such land purchases could only be done over a
long period
of time because it is not the practice of the
University to use
condemnation procedures. In addition to the cost
obstacle is the
State Building Commission's policy prohibiting
university expansion
southeast of Campbell Road.
The negative impact upon the human environment would
be great.
Many homeowners would be subjected to sub-standard
living condi-
tion as homes are removed from the area or used as
temporary
rental units until they are destroyed. Other lands in
the City or
surrounding towns would have to be developed to
provide replace-
ment housing for the people displaced by selection of
this alterna-
tive. (See location "I" in section F., items 13a and
13b.)
J, All Remote Sites
The same evaluation as in alternative F applies in
that no remote
sites would be economically feasible primarily
because of the cost of
shuttle busing. The proposed site could remain
natural but there
would be no solution to the problem of needed nearby
outdoor
physical education and athletic facilities. (See
shuttle bus
research, appendices F-3 and F-6.)
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX A:
APPENDIX B:
APPENDIX C:
APPENDIX D
APPENDIX E:
APPENDIX F:
APPENDIX G:
COORDINATION CORRESPONDENCE
GEOLOGY AND SOIL
FLOOD DATA
FISH AND WILDLIFE
TRANSPORTATION DATA
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON ALTERNATE SITES
RESPONSES TO PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
(PER)
APPENDIX A: COORDINATION CORRESPONDENCE
A-1 Earl letter re project implementation procedures:
1/6/77
A-2 Von Ruden memo re ordinary highwater elevation
determination:
2/9/77
A-3 De Voll memo re fitness course: 6/20/77
A-4 Peshek letter re filling of wetlands; 6/22/77
A-5 Bracegirdle letter re Gorder Road vacation: 7/29/77
A-6 Gilkey memo re marsh historical preservation sites:
8/17/77
A-7 Dally latter re required fill elevations: 8/22/77
A-8 Dally letter re conflicts between proposal and city
law: 9/26/77
A-9 University Affairs Committee minutes re north campus
development;
10/4/77
A-10 Fry letter re support of the proposed plan: 10/6/77
A-11 Zielke letter re city support of the proposed plan:
10/19/77
A-12 Cropper letter re upward ground-water gradients:
12/22/77
A-13 Marking letter re monthly river water analysis:
1/4/78
A-14 Cattanach letter re use of dredge-spoil as
construction fill: 1/6/78
A-15 Earl letter re Lang Drive improvement project:
1/24/78
A-16 Williams letter and report re April, 1978, water
quality tests:
5/15/78
A-17 Parry letter re marsh mosquito research: 6/1/78
A-18 Rice letter re transmittal of student petitions
supporting marsh
development: 6/6/78
A-1
State of Wisconsin \ DEPARTME NT OF NATU RAL
RESOURCES
Anthony S. Earl
Secretary
January 6, 1977
BOX 7921
MADISON, WISCONSIN 53707
IN REPLY REFER TO: ..Q-
Mr. Kenneth E. Lindner, Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
Dear Mr. Liandner:
This letter is in response to your recent request for
the Department's
advice on the necessary steps which must be taken on the
proposal by the
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to construct a
recreational field in
the La Crosse River marsh south of Gorder !,oad.
First, the Department currently has no direct
regulatory jurisdiction over
the proposed filling of that portion of the La Crosse
River marsh south
of Gorder Road because we have not been able to
determine an ordinary high
watermark in the area. Thus, the requirements of Section
30.11, Wisconsin
Statutes, would not apply since the ordinary high
watermark is adjacent to
the north side of Gorder Road. However, Section NR
151.12(4)(f) would
prohibit use of this wetland area as a solid waste
disposal site, and you
would be required to obtain a permit under Section
30,19, Wisconsin Statutes,
in order to create a lakeo
Secondly, I would suggest that you contact: the St.
Paul District of the
Corps of Engineers in order to obtain a weitland fill
disposal permit under
Section 404 of P.L. 92-500. The Corps' 404 regulations
are contained in
33CFR209.120.
Thirdly, there is substantial public interest in any
project proposal that
may destroy or alter valuable wetlands. An Environmental
Impact Statement
would serve as a proper mechanism for the examinatilon
of all feasible
alternatives including the adverse and beneficial
impacts of your proposal.
In the event that you decide to prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement,
you may wish to rely heavily upon the advice and
guidance of your Biology
Department, and certainly the Department's files would
be available for
your use.
Sincerely,
Anthony S. IR
Secretary (/
cc: Don Gerhardt - UW-Madison
Colonel Forrest T. Gay, III - Corps of Engineers
Jack Hemphill - Fish & Wildlife Service
THIS IS 100% RECYCLED PAPER
George Alexander - Environmental Protection Agency
A-2 aB $S H lb gRIEfe, jYJy^STATE OF WISCONSIN
Date: February 9, 1977 File Ref:
To: Memo to File
From: R. VonRuden
Subject: Project 5221-1-00
Lang Drive, City of La Crosse
S.ToH. 35, La Crosse County
Re: Determination of "Ordinary Highwater Elevation"
As defined in UoS. Army, Corps of Engineers Pamphlet:
No. 1145-2-1
of October 1, 1974,the "ordinary high water" is that
point on
shore that is inundated (under water) for at least 25%
of the time
(91 days/year) and the determination of which is arrived
at by a
flow-duration curve based on water stage data.
Here in La Crosse water stage data is obtained and
recorded daily
by the U.S. Atmospheric and Oceanographic Service
(weather bureau)
and copies of these recorded stages were obtained and
plotted for
the years 1971 through 1976 for the purposes of relating
river
stages and flow to the Lang Drive project as well as
providing a
ready source of river stage and flow information for
future
reference and comparative analyses.
Of particular concern here has been our need to
obtain the now-required
404 Permit from the Corps of Engineers for this prxject
because of its
location in a wetland and the construction of which
roadway will require
that some 70,000 c.y. of fill material be placed in an
area that the
DNR and others contend is ecologically and
environmentally sensitive as
a wetland. The DNR has determined the ordinary highwater
mark, or
elevation to be 635.19 USGS (1929 adj.) As river stage
is based on a
zero stage elevation of 625.83 and a normal pool stage
for this area of
4.0 the DNR's elevation translates to a stage of 9.3
which is 2.7 feet
below what is considered flood stage of 12.0.
By analyzing the aforementioned plottings of river
stages for the
stated 6 year period we have determined what elevation
was under water
for 91 days, or 25 per cent of the time, for each of
those years,i.e.;
what was the lowest elevation on which this condition
prevailed. The
following is a tabulation of the results:
year Stage Elevation
1971 6.5 632.3
1972 6.8 / 6: v2.6
1973 6.7 632.5
1974 6.4 632.2
1975 6.8 632.6
1976 6.4 632.2
Averages: 6 632.4
more ...
A f-7.6
A-2
Memo to File
Page Two
February 9, 1977
The"ordinary highwater mark"' as established by the
DNR was done so
in that part of the marsh that lays between Lang Drive
and the C. &
N.W, Rwy. Co. tracks to the west. This was done sometime
between
November and December of 1974. Our plotted graph of
river stages for
that year shows that during that period the river never
got: any higher
than 5.2 (elev. 630O6)¢
The topographic. maps of the Lang Drive area, which
we are using in our
design work of projects in this general area , have
shaded areas
indicating standing water in low spots throughout the
general marsh and
the elevation of the water in these lowspots is shown as
having been
about 634. The Lang Drive area was flown, on November
24, 1968 - withit
a week one way or the other of the DNR's marsh sortie -
and during this
general period the river stage was generally at 631,0s
with minor daily
fluctuations. It is reasonable to conclude that the
water (or ice) in
the lowspots was residual from a flooding of the marsh
earlier in the
year and could not be taken as being indicative of a
prevailing water
level. there. When these low spots are absolutely dry -
as they have
been in 1976-77--it can be seen that the accumulated
siltation there has
formed an impervious layer that standing water cannot
penetrate and must 4e
be dissipated by evaporation.
The "ordinary high water mark"' as established by the
DNR is stated as
being 635.19 and arrived at by "field observation" by
Rick Ranthum - an
employee of the DNR. This elevation would be equivalent
to a river stage
of 9.36 (635.19 - 625.83) and as can be seen from the
stage averages
shown earlier herein - this is considerably (2.8')
higher and should be
subject to closer scrutiny,
The elevation of the area at the toes of tT !
existing Lang Drive roadway
is between 633.0 and 634.0. Our plottings of the river
stages/elevations
puts the ordinary high water nmk at about 632,4 - almost
two feet below
the elevation where we'll be filling. In other words -
technicallyywe
will not be filling in a wetland as defined by the Corps
of Engineers and
with particular reference to the "ordinary highwater
mark". Types of
vegetation are other determnining factors - such as
cattails, marsh grasses,
hummocks, etc., and while the marsh in general does have
these in various
concentrations the growths along the existing r.odway
and in the immediately
adjacent areas are more tree-like - cottonwoods, tag
alders and box elders
and all of which tend to classify this area as a TYPE I
WETLAND and no more.
The UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN- LACROSSE
LA CROSSE , WI SCONS I N 54601
DATE: May 20, 1977
TO: Mr. Richard Ehrenberg
Division of Engineering
FROM: Clifton H. DeVoll, Director
Adult Fitness Program
RE: Vita Parcours for UW-La Crosse
(608) 784-6050
RECEIVED: UW-SYSTEM
ARCH--- iT;Ci"'R,1
AND ENGi,.Z-?ING
_Vl ,. 1'. ..
- ' - " .' :......
J<I " ,'I
EJQ l FILE
It is suggested that a Vita Parcours be considered
for the UW-La Crosse
campus. A Vita Parcours can best be briefly described as
a jogging-
exercise physical fitness course. With the increased
awareness and
knowledge of the value of physical fitness for all ages,
these courses
are becoming increasingly popular throughout North
America and have
been common in Europe for many years. The President's
council on
Physical Fitness and Sports has also endorsed this type
of outdoor
activity and has encouraged its development across the
country.
The facility may provide an opportunity to build
strength, muscular
endurance, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. The
course is
self-paced and non-competitive allowing each person or
group of people
to progress from simple to more difficult routines
without undue strain.
It would be the type of activity which does not require
a high level
of motor skill for participation and no more equipment
is needed than
a pair of sneakers and comfortable loose-fitting
clothing. Such minimal
requirements should make it a popular activity that
would be readily
available to a large number of people of all ages.
Since the
the noise
sidewalks
course is an outdoor trail, it is a welcome
alternative to
of cars, the smell of exhaust and hard running surfaces
of
and streets.
The following individuals and groups would be served
by such a course:
1. UW-La Crosse Student Body -- both in classes and
as a recre-
ational activity. The location would be very close to
the
dormitory area. (Specific classes: diet and weight
control,
nutrition, skiing, physical fitness, conditioning, etc.)
2. The University Faculty-Staff -- we presently have
a good number
who are joggers.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
A-3
Richard Ehrenberg
Page 2
May 20, 1977
3. UW-La Crosse Exercise Program (service program to
La Crosse
area adults).
a. Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit (Monday, Wednesday,
Friday p.m.
program).
b. Adult Fitness Unit (Monday, Wednesday, Friday a.m.
program).
4. UW-La Crosse School of HPER -- This includes over
1800 students
who are preparing for positions in preventive and
rehabilitation
health programs.
5. Other schools in the area (public and private).
6. Community agencies - YMCA, YWCA, Boy's Club, etc.
7. La Crosse citizens (bird-watchers, hikers,
runners, etc.)
Such a course could be incorporated into the planned
scenic marsh area
development. The present jogging trails (six trails: 1
mile, 2, 3, 4, 5
and 6) established for the on-going university programs
are adjacent to
the proposed area. The new course would add additional
interest and
value to these six jogging trails,
Vita Parcours means "A Course for Life" in French. It
just may be, for
many people.
bk
cc: Mr. Gerhard Mr. Lebiecki
^, tIlat <Eatc U (f Si5roltiin
M;~t,~ J^~Ocparmrltt of ajusticr
^yg~~~~~~~ adi lon
537.02 Bronson C. La Follette
A. Peshek Attorney General
Intervenor
David J. Hanson
Deputy Attorney General
June 22, 1977
Mr. Kenneth Lindler, Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Re: Filling of Wetlands
Dear Ken:
The Advisory Committee to the Public Intervenor has
asked
that I write to you regarding a proposed filling of
certain
wetlands by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. We
would
like to thank you for all of your cooperation and
assistance in
gathering information regarding this project. Your
personal
appearance before the Advisory Committee was most
helpful in
discussing the issues involved.
In judging the appropriateness of your institution's
proposed
activity in relation to the public trust doctrine, the
case of
State v. Public Service Comm., 275 Wis. 112, 81 N.W 2d
71 (1957),
provides useful guidelines. In that case, the City of
Madison,
which owned a park fronting a recreational lake with
connecting
lagoons, wanted to:
"Fill part of a lagoon, to remove an existing
bridge, to fill a portion of the lake bed and use
it for parking of cars, enlargement of 4-he beach
area, and relocation of highways, to open a new
waterway between the lake and the lagoon and to
build a new bridge." 275 Wis. at 114.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court held that the Madison
plan did not
violate the public trust. In reaching that conclusion,
the court
relied upon five factors. First, public bodies will
control the
use of the area. Second, the area will be devoted to
public pur-
poses and open to the public. Third, the diminution of
lake
area will be very small when compared with the whole of
Lake
Wingra. Four, no one of the public uses of the lake as a
lake
will be destroyed or greatly impaired. And five,
disappointment
of those members of the public who may desire to boat,
fish or
swim in the area to be filled is negligible when
compared to the
convenience to be afforded those members of the public
who use
the city parks.
Peter
Public
Mr. Rice
A-4
Mr. Kenneth Lindler, Chancellor
June 22, 1977
Page Two
The court said that "the trust doctrine does not
prevent minor
alterations of natural boundaries between water and
land." The
question involved with your project is very similar. The
state
is trustee of public waterways and associated marsh
lands, must
determine whether it is appropriate to destroy the
wetlands in
question and in so doing must balance the various
considerations
involved with the project.
The Advisory Committee believed that a comprehensive
environ-
mental impact statement now being prepared by the
University of
Wisconsin was important in order to help conduct the
policy analysis
necessary. The Committee believed that it was
particularly important
that the University discuss the alternative of restoring
the
marsh to its original status, prior to the construction
of the
road and the improperly laid culvert, which have
significantly
reduced the quality of the wetland in the last few
years. A
proper public policy decision regarding the filling
project cannot be
made unless we compare what the wetlands could be if
restored to
their original condition, versus the public benefit that
will
result from the University's proposed project. Certainly
an EIS
that is to comply with sec. 1.11, Stats., will need to
discuss
the above-described issue. Would you please provide the
Public
Intervenor with a copy of your draft EIS.
I would once again like to thank you for your candor
and
assistance. I am taking the liberty of providing a copy
of this
letter to DNR Deputy Secretary Andrew C. Damon, so that
he is
aware of the interest of the Public Inter:venor in this
projects
Sinceree y,
Public Intervenor
PAP:klh
cc: Mr. Andrew C. Damon
A-5
CITY PLANNING -w- DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT CITY OF LA CROSSE RONALD G. BRACEGIRDLE
CITY HALL
LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN 54601
RECEIVED: UW-LACROSSE
CAMPUS PLANNING
July 29, 1977 JUL1 1977
Mr. Lawrence E. Rice, Architect
Campus Planner
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
Dear Mr. Rice:
In response to your inquiry relative to the City's
position
regarding the possible vacation of Gorder Road between
East Avenue
and Lang Drive, please be advised that the City would
strongly oppose
any attempt to discontinue the use of such street. It is
believed that
Gorder Road not only provides a valuable point of access
to Myrick Park,
but that it provides a secondary link to the University
of Wisconsin-
La Crosse and ancillary traffic generators.
If you have additional questions on this matter
please contact
us.
Very truly yours,
Ronald G. Braceg dle
Director of City Planning
RGB/alt
cc: Mayor Patrick Zielke
E«I I I I
t:LjJ^T I FILE
The UNIVERSITY of
WISCONSIN- LA CROSSE
LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN 54601
(608) 784-6050
August 17, 1977
To: Lawrence E. Rice
Campus Planner
From: George R. Gilkey
Professor of History
Preservation Officer
To my knowledge there is no historical site or
structure calling
for preservation in the marsh area now under
consideration by the
university for possible development. Citizens of the
area long
have regarded the marsh as a divisive element in the
community
between the north and south "sides." Historically, it
has been
a symbol of that divisiveness such as it exists.
GRG/jl
RECEIVED; UW-LACROSSE
CAMPUS PLANNING
AUG18 1977
IF HFILE
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 100' RECYCLED PAPER
A-6
i i -· · -·~~~~~~~~~~-- -- I I I -1--W ft-
OFFICE HOURS
INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
P. . Be* 94
505 NORTH 6TH STREET
LA CROSSE, WIS. 54601
EUGENE R. DALLY, DIRECTOR
August 22, 1977
Mr. Lawrence Rice, Campus Planner
University of Wisconsin- La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, Wisconsin
8:30 TO 9:30 A.M.
1:00 TO 2:30 P.M.
Ph.: (60 702"940
Ph.: (608) 782-3537
RECEIVEDi UW-LACROSSE
CAMPUS PLANNING
AUm' 23 1\377
~y41~ I I-LE
Dear Mr. Rice:
Please be advised that the flood plain laws of the
city provide
that any building placed in the area bounded by Gorder
Road on
the north, Lang Drive on the west, East Avenue on the
east and
Oak Grove Cemetery and the high ground to the south
shall be
placed on fill brought to an elevation of 44.62 feet
above mean
sea level (city datum) or more and the finished surface
of the
lowest non-flood proofed floor in any such buildings
shall be
brought to 45.62 feet mean sea level (city datum) or
more. Or in
the alternative the fill and elevating may be omitted
and the
building or buildings floodproofed to 45.62 feet mean
sea level
(city datum)/
Respectfully,
CSzg- OFFICE HOURS A-8
DEPARTMENTO^S^ 8:30 TO 9:30 A.M.
r/'2'~'":, INSPECTION DEPARTMENT 1:00 TO 2:30 P.M.
.,., ,)BJ ; ,'P.:.CITY HALL Ph. (608) 782-3463
P. 0. BOX 945
!^J^/^^^ ~~505 NORTH 6TH STREET
Lt9ll6,~ LA CROSSE, WIS. 54601
^O i/} -^ ~~EUGENE R. DALLY, DIRECTOR IFAp 7
z/'/ September 26, 1977 '. ,,
Mr. Larry Rice, Campus Planner
University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
1725 State Street ;^
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Re: Your inquiry as to whether the proposal to
create receational facilities, as shown on the
plan you have presented, south of Gorder Road
and east of Lang Dr., conflicts with city law
Dear Mr. Rice:
The premises under consideration are zoned
residential flood plain and the
laws of the city permit "schools, public and parochial"
and their incidental
uses in such district. The uses you have proposed are,
in our opinion, in-
cidental to a school and therefore permitted.
I see nothing in our laws prohibiting filling in a
flood plain, in fact, it
is mandatory when a building will be erected. There are
some schools of
thought, however, that conclude that a permit is
required and so these con-
tents may be considered as the required permit, if one
is in fact required.
I will not elaborate on necessary elevations or type of
fill as that has
been covered in previous correspondence.
I'm sure you are aware that you must have
authorization from both the Wis-
consin Department of Natural Resources and the United
States Coprs of
Engineers to place fill in wet lands.
If memory serves me correctly, you commented no
buildings are planned for
this area at this time even though toilets are shown on
the plan. When
the toilets or any other buildings are built they must
be placed on fill
brought to the required elevation and such fill shall
project for a distance
of 15 feet out from the building or buildings.
Respectful ly,
Euge Dally|
Diretor \
ERD/f
UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
4 October 1977
The University Affairs Committee met in Room 208,
Main Hall, of the UW-
La Crosse at 4:00 p.m. October 4, 1977.
PRESENT:
GUESTS:
Alderman John C. Schubert, Chairman
Alderman Thomas Roellich
Alderman Curtis Storck
Mr. Frederick Funk
Mr. Clayton Johnson
Mr. Anthony Rezzo
Chancellor Kenneth E, Lindner
Alderman Joseph Addis, Chrm., HPU Committee
Assistant Chancellor David R. Witmer
Mr. Ronald Oleson
Mr. Larry E. Rice
Mr. Donald Gerhard
Mr. Jim Bowen, Chrm., Student Senate
News Media
1. MEETING OPENING
The meeting was called to order by Alderman Thomas
Roellich.
2. MINUTES
The minutes for the previous meeting had not been
distributed.
3. VACATION OF 15TH STREET FROM FARWELL STREET
EXTENDING
ONE-HALF BLOCK SOUTH TO THE INTERSECTION OF THE EAST/
WEST ALLEY
Motion was made by Curtis Storck and seconded by Fred
Funk that the
City of La Crosse vacate 15th Street from Farwell Street
extending one-
half block south to the intersection of the east/west
alley. Motion
carried unanimously.
4. VACATION OF FARWELL STREET BETWEEN 14TH STREET AND
15TH PLACE
Motion was made by Curtis Storck and seconded by Fred
Funk that the City
of La Crosse vacate Farwell Street between 14th Street
and 15th Place.
Motion carried unanimously,
A-9
5. NORTH CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT
Chancellor Lindner explained the University's intent
to implement a
portion of the Master Plan relating to physical
education field develop-
ment by filling in a portion of the university's north
campus marsh
area south of Gorder Road.
Motion was made by Fred Funk and seconded by Curtis
Storck that:
(1) The University Affairs Committee endorse the north
campus develop-
ment plan as described in the Environmental
ImpactStatement and the
U, S. Corps of Engineers 404 permit application, and
that (2) the
University Affairs Committee recommend implementation of
this pro-
posed project in 1 978 to provide a commnunity-wide
learning and
recreational experience center, and that (3) the
Committee recommend
continued City, State, Federal and private cooperation.
Motion carried
unanimously.
6. SIXTEENTH STREET
Mr. Joe Addis advised that the City Traffic Engineer
and the City Planning
Department had turned down the proposal to make 1 6th
Street an improved
and increased tho roughfare through the campus.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Fred Funk moved the meeting be adjourned. 'Seconded
by Tomi1 Roellich.
Passed unanimously.
Minutes recorded by Larry E. Rice, UWYLa Crosse
Campus Planner.
cc: All members of University Affairs Committee
Mayor Patrick Zielke
CtyP of ac a (rossCe (Ye iconsin
Park and Recreation Department
CITY HALL
784-0561
EUGENE B. FRY
Director
Board of Park Commissioners
Alan Cole - President
Merlin Eggen - Vice President
Donald Meinert - Secretary
Harlene Garness
George Hickey
William Hopkins
John Schubert
OctobeA 6, 1977
Mr. Lawtence E. Rice, Atchitect
Cam pus Pian nLeA
UnTiveA4sty o Wisconsin-La CLosze
1725 State Street
La Ctozze, Wisconsin 54601
Deat M/t. Rice:
In te&sponzse to yout i4nquiLAy tetative to the La
Crosse
Park and Recteation Department's position tegardLding
the
development of the marth acea as pet your plan. The
Board
of Patk Commitsionets and myself peAsonnatty feel the
UniverVSity and the community defintely are in need of
the4e
factlittie and are encouraged by the propozat.
Verty Trtuy YouL4,
Boartd of Parkk Commk4 onesA,
Eugene B. Fty, Directot
EBF/cp
RECEIVEDi UW-LACROSSE
CAMPUS PLANNING
OCT7 1977
LEf t1
I I FiL
3~~~FL
A-11
CITY OF LA CROSSE
MAYOR'S OFFICE
PATRICK ZIELKE, MAYOR
October 19, 1977
Chancellor Kenneth E. Lindner
University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
Dear Chancellor Lindner:
The City of La Crosse supports the University's
North Campus Field Development Plan. We see many
mutual benefits and absolutely no adverse effects.
The City and the University have worked closely
in sharing recreational facilities and the City does
need expanded programs for the health and well-being
of its citizens. This project is seen as a necessary
and important portion of our overall progress in
jointly serving our community. It does have our full
support.
Sincerely,
P trick Zielk / Mayor
PZ:ot
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
,,.. ' LA.OR tt .
, A/E. ,Ul December 2, 1977
Lawrence E. Rice, Architt . . '
Campus Planner . T
University of Wisconsin -.La CrMse ,.L.--
La Crosse, Wisconsin 546011-;.1"--w..:
Dear Mr. Rice:
I have spoken to one of our soil scientists, who is soil
survey party leader in Sparta. It is his belief that
upward
grown-water gradients in this particular location in the
La Crosse
Marsh is not an important consideration, particularly
for athletic
fields. If you were to place buildings in such an area,
further
foundation studies would be necessary. If the site had
been closer
to the bluffs, he felt there would have been more
likelihood of up-
ward ground-water gradients. There will be, of course,
the ebb
and flow of the water table as the river rises and falls
in response
to seasonal or cyclical moisture conditions.
I would still stand firm that those areas where the
muck layer
is relatively thin over sand would be able to bear the
loading placed
on them by the athletic fields. All you have to do is
look at all the
buildings that are placed on sand fills in former
marshland past of
George Street and south of the railroad tracks to get
factual proof
that foundation conditions are not too bad.
Sincerely,
T/..,- ' -/
JAmes B. Cropper
District Conservationist
JC/dc
4
United States Department of the Interior
'~ IN REPLY REFER TO:
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
FISH CONTROL LABORATORY
P. 0O. BOX 862
LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN 54601
January 4, 1978
Dr. Lawrence E. Rice, Campus Planner
Main Hall
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
Dear Dr. Rice:
The Fish and Wildlife Service's Fish Control
Laboratory, Box 818,
La Crosse, WI has been performing complete water
analyses monthly
for the past 5 years on some of the rivers in this area.
The
La Crosse River was included in our monitoring program,
and 21
different components or properties of the water have
been deter-
mined monthly. Briefly, the 1977 data show that total
hardness
ranges from 132 to 180 mg/L, pH ranges from 7.83 to
8.82, total
phosphates range from 0.12 to 1.4 mg/L, and nitrate
nitrogen
ranges from 0.15 to 1.0 mg/L. The monthly variations are
perhaps
due to changing water flows from rainwater and snowmelt,
and to
agricultural and municipal wastes entering the river.
The La Crosse River enters the Mississippi River at
our labora-
tory site. Our observations are that the La Crosse River
usually
carries a heavier silt load than the Black or
Mississippi rivers,
especially during heavy rainfalls or Spring runoff.
Please let us know if you need more details on the
water analyses.
Sincerely yours,
,i/ / , - 7
Leif L. Marking
Acting Di re tor
LLM:ajh
RECEIVED, UW-LACROS6E
CAMPUS PLANNING
JAN 5 1978
'lil.~ State of Wisconsin \ DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION 04
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
Room ] 20B Hill Farms State Office BIc
4802 She)oygan Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53702I
January 6, 1978 Telephone 266-1i13
Tony Earl, Secretary
Department of Natural Resources
4610 University Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53702
Dear Tony:
This letter is intended to confirm our conversation
of yesterday
concerning the use of dredge spoil as fill in
construction of
Lang Drive in LaCrosse. As I indicated to you in our
meeting,
our Department supports the use of dredge spoil for
highway purposes
when feasible, in order to promote environmental
quality. In the
case of the Lang Drive project in LaCrosse, we will make
every
effort to use whatever spoil material is available at
that site at
the time the project is constructed.
We propose to act as follows. Approximately 60 days
prior to the
contract letting date for the project, we would
determine the amount
of dredge spoil material available and suitable for road
fill purposes
and free from contaminants. (Incidentally, as you may
know, this
project will not be let to contract before the fall of
1979.) That
amount of material will be specified for use by the
contractor on
the project. We will notify you at that time of what
specific
material is to be used and ask that the material not be
disturbed
prior to its removal. Any additional material placed at
Isle LaPlume
should then be placed in a manner that would distinguish
it from
the material specified as roadway fill. To the extent
practical,
we will attempt to test that additional material for use
by the
contractor at his option.
It is. my belief that our proposal supports our joint
commitment to
environmentally sound transportation projects. It is in
the spirit
and intent of the DOT-DNR cooperative agreement. We hope
that our
proposal will permit DNR to withdraw the special
condition in the
404 permit concerning the use of dredge spoil on the
Lang Drive
project.
Sincerely,
i \
Dale Cattanach
Secretary
- ko-5 -
A-15
' ^^ 'i State of Wisconsin \ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES
Anthony S. Erl
Secrettlry
BOX 7921
January 24, 1978 MADISON, WISCONSIN 53707
IN REPLY REFER TO: 1600
Colonel Forrest T. Gay III, District Engineer
St. Paul District, Corps of Engineers
1210 U. S. Post Office & Custom House
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Dear Colonel Gay:
Re: NCSCO-S (77-12-08)
Improvement of Lang Drive (STH 35),
City of La Crosse, Wisconsin
The Department of Natural Resources is amending its
requested conditions
to the City of La Crosse's Section 404 permit
application for recon-
struction of Lang Drive (STH 35). Based upon the
attached letter from
the Secretary of Transportation and further negotiations
with the Division
of Highways, we would not object to granting of the 404
permit provided
that the following conditions are met:
1. That the applicant will not use those portions of
the La Crosse
River Marsh beyond 15 feet fromn the proposed roadway
limits (toe of
fill) for materials laydown, stockpiling, equipment
storage, as a
source of fill material, or otherwise disturb or degrade
the area.
All marsh excavation to be temporarily stockpiled within
these
limits will be removed to the original ground elevation
or lower.
2. That the applicant will maintain all local an"
area drainage
patterns, and at a minimum, will install two 60-inch
diameter
parabolic culverts beneath Lang Drive to supply water to
that
portion of the La Crosse River Mlrsh east of Lang I)rive
and south
of Corder Road. In addition, tthe exist ing culvert
under I.ang lPrive
north of Corder Road will he replaced by a new 60-inch
parabolic
culvert. The inverts of all culvert; will be set at thle
lowest
elevation within 20 feet of the ends to allow adequate
water depths
for Ingress and egress of :aquatic organisms.
:'t {., 3 In 0197B
- 'i-A
Colonel Forrest T. Gay - January 24, 1978
Mr. Dale Erlandson, Area Supervisor at La Crosse,
should be contacted
prior to setting these culverts.
Sincerely,
Anthony S. Earl
Secretary
Attach.
cc: Dale Cattanach - DOT
Bill Franz - EPA
Chuck Kjos - Fish & Wildlife Service
Merlin Luher - DOT
Honorable Patrick Zielke - Mayor of La Crosse
A-15
2.
Lrlfp
A-16
United States Department of the Interior
~: IN REPLY REFER TO:
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
FISH CONTROL LABORATORY
P. 0O. BOX 862
LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN 54601
May 15, 1978
e ^ . '.. J t .
Mr. Lawrence E. Rice, Architect ''
Campus Planner ^ \..
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse \>%
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
Dear Mr. Rice:
Attached are the results of analyses of water samples
taken at
the University-owned section of Myrick Marsh during the
April
1978 flooding. Results of analyses of water samples
collected
near the culvert south of the intersection of Lang Drive
and
Gorder Road,and samples collected near the culvert under
Gorder
Road are included in the report. Grab water samples were
taken
during rising flood waters, at the crest of the
flooding, and
again while the flood waters were receding from the
study area.
Hopefully, these data will answer some of the
questions regard-
ing the water quality of flood waters in Myrick Marsh.
If you
have any questions on the results, don't hesitate to
contact us.
Sincerely yours,
John S. Williams
Acting Director
JSW:ajh
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U-LSE
Fish Control Laboratory ...
La Crosse, Wisconsin A ,U r',
May 15, 1978 ^ ti
Water Quality of Myrick Marsh ....- - .
During Flooding in April 1978
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse requested that
the Fish Con-
trol Laboratory perform water analyses for them in the
area of Myrick
Marsh. The study area is bordered on the north by Gorder
Road and on
the west by Lang Drive. This area is subject to
occasional spring
flooding by water which backs up into the marsh from the
La Crosse
River and enters the marsh through culverts under Lang
Drive and
Gorder Road.
The purpose of this study was to determine water quality
in the
marsh during 1978 flooding as part of an environmental
assessment of
the area. (The University has plans to develop the area
for athletic
fields.)
Grab water samples were taken near the two culverts
during rising
flood waters, at the crest of the flooding, and again
while the flood
waters were receding from the study area.
Flood waters reached the Lang Drive culvert about April
6, 1978
but did not begin flowing through the culvert into the
marsh until
April 11, 1978. Water did not reach the Gorder Road
culvert until
April 11, 1978 and began flowing through that culvert on
April 13,
1978. The apparent flood crest occurred about 2 days
following the
recorded crest of 10.5 feet on April 15, 1978 at the
river stage
monitoring station located at Riverside Park. River
stages for the
month of April with comments on the study area and
sampling dates
are presented in Table 1.
Dissolved oxygen determinations were made on site using
a YSI oxy-
gen meter, Analyses for pH and alkalinity were made on a
Corning ex-
panded scale pH meter. Resistivity and conductance were
determined
using an Industrial Instruments conductivity bridge.
Subsamples pre-
served with nitric acid were concentrated 10-fold and
analyzed for
lead and zinc on a Perkin-Elmer atomic absorption
spectrophotometer.
A-16
All analyses were made according to procedures
outlined in Standard
Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,
14th edition,
1975.
Results of analyses of water samples collected near the
culvert
south of the intersection of Lang Drive and Gorder Road
are presented
in Table 2. Similar analyses of water samples collected
near the
culvert under Gorder Road are presented in Table 3.
A-16
Table 1. River stages at Riverside Park during April
1978 with com-
ments on the study area in Myrick Marsh and water
sampling
periods.
River
Date stage Comments
(ft)
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.4
7.6
8.1
8.4
8.6
8.6
9.0
9.5
9.9
10.2
10.4
10.5
10.4
10.2
9.8
9.6
9.5
9.2
8.8
8.7
8.6
Sample taken at Lang Drive
Sample taken at Lang Drive
Water flowing through Lang Drive culvert
Sample taken at Lang Drive and Gorder Road
Water flowing through Gorder Road culvert
Sample taken at Lang Drive and Gorder Road; carp
observed in study area
Water still flowing into study area at both culverts
No water flowing through Gorder Road culvert
Sample taken at Lang Drive and Gorder Road; carp
and gar observed in study area
8.5
8.3
8.2
8,1
8.0
7.9
4/01
4/02
4/03
4/04
4/05
4/06
4/07
4/08
4/09
4/10
4/11
4/12
4/13
4/14
4/15
4/16
4/17
4/18
4/19
4/20
4/21
.. 4/22
4/23
4/24
4/25
4/26
4/27
4/28
4/29
4/30
·- -·· ---·-
A-16
Table 2. Analysis of water near the culvert south of
the intersec-
tion of Lang Drive and Gorder Road during the April 1978
flooding of Myrick Marsh.
,Analyses 4/6Sampling dates
A1ys4/6 ' 4/10 4/12 4/17 4/724
River stage (ft)a 8.1 9.0 9.9 10.2 8.6
Temperature - air (°C) 9.0 8.0 16.0 13.0 10.0
Temperature - water (°C) 8.5 8.0 10.0 10.5 10.0
pH 7.20 7.78 7.86 8.40 8.03
Total alkalinity (mg/L)b 75.0 116 123 133 132
Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 7.4 8.4 9.4 11.6 10.0
B.O.D. (mg/L) 3.4 2.0 2.1 2.7 2.9
Resistivity (ohms) 5006 2840 3307 2571 3224
Conductance (lmhos) 200 352 302 389 310
Total hardness (mg/L) 82.0 132 138 144 136
Suspended solids (mg/L) 89.5 128.0 64.0 5.4 8,6
Dissolved solids (mg/L) 133.5 129.6 154.0 173.8 198.3
Ammonia nitrogen (mg/L) 0.188 0.230 0.075 0.050 0.125
Nitrite nitrogen (mg/L) 0.003 0.022 0.025 0.020 0.004
Nitrate nitrogen (mg/L) 0.17 0.78 1.02 0.74 0.17
Total phosphates (mg/L) 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.25 0.25
Lead (mg/L) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02
Zinc (mg/L) 0.020 0.07 0.008 0.005 0.009
aAt Riverside Park.
As CaCO3
A--16
Table 3. Analysis of water near the culvert under
Gorder Road during
the April 1978 flooding of Myrick Marsh.
Sampling dates
Analyses 4/6 4/10 4/12 4/17 4/24
River stage (ft)a N.A.b N.A.b 9.9 10.2 8.6
Temperature - air (°C) 16.0 13.0 10.0
Temperature - water (°C) " " 11.0 11.0 9.0
pH " " 7.50 7.86 7.98
Total alkalinity (mg/L)C 112 131 126
Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 8.6 9.4 10.8
B.O.D. (mg/L) 2.4 2.4 2.6
Resistivity (ohms) 3321 2713 3227
Conductance (imhos) 301 369 310
Total hardness (mg/L) 126 146 138
Suspended solids (mg/L) " ~ 72.0 5.4 5.7
Dissolved solids (mg/L) 201.2 180.0 176.8
Ammonia nitrogen (mg/L) 0.200 0.075 0.175
Nitrite nitrogen (mg/L) 0.029 0.020 0.004
Nitrate nitrogen (mg/L) 1.02 1.22 0.23
Total phosphates (mg/L) 0.70 0.25 0.25
Lead (mg/L) " " <0.02 <0.02 <0.02
Zinc (mg/L) 0.019 0.007 0.061
aAt Riverside Park.
bNot available, flood water did not reach this area
until April 11.
CAs CaCO3
A-17
The UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN- LA CROSSE
LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN 54601 (608) 785-8000
June 1, 1978
Lawrence E. Rice
Campus Planner G - i
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Re: North Campus Development/Environmental Impact
Statemen
Dear Larry:
In response to your letter of May 31, 1978, the
following is given as
my assessment of the Myrick Marsh primarily based on a
mosquito research
project conducted over the past four years.
The marsh presents extreme problems from a mosquito
point of view only
when it is inundated with water either by spring
flooding or significant
rains. Experience has shown that most of the mosquitoes
of marsh are
"flood plain" mosquitoes and as such the life cycle is
completed after
eggs laid in soil (along water lines) hatch following
water covering
them in the spring. Some species of mosquitoes produce
multi-broods, but
for the most part it is the spring or early summer hatch
that presents
a mosquito problem in the La Crosse area. Such hatches
provide
mosquitoes throughout the summer as a result of their
life cycle
longevity.
Most mosquitoes found in the marsh are "pest"
mosquitoes and serve as
a nuisance rather than a disease vector mosqu'to. Culex
pipienSis
found in the marsh habitat and could serve a.. the
vector for the St. Louis
strain of encephalitis. Aedes triseriatus, thie vector
for the La Crosse
Strain of Encephalitis has not been found in areas of
the marsh that have
been monitored.
From a point of view of mosquito control filling of
marsh areas with fill
or draining them does serve to lower mosquito habitat.
The area in
question that the University plans to fill probably is
the least significant
area of the marsh from a mosquito habitat point j"- view
for two reasons.
First, culverts controlling water flow are higher than
most of the marsh,
and as such the area does not receive flooding as
readily. Second, in
recent years the area has been quite dry. The southern
edge with its heavy
vegetation serves as a habitat for adult mosquitoes
coming off the marsh.
Such an area is an interface between the city and the
marsh and can present
some problems.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
A-17
Lawrence Rice
June 1, 1978
p. 2
Water is certainly the critical factor for mosquito
production, and its
control by drainage or fill would eliminate a habitat
source.
Under some given conditions where disease is
involved, it is an advantage,
yet under other conditions of wild life habitat one has
to weigh the
advantages pro or con. Strictly speaking,of the mosquito
habitat as a
source of disease vectors and pertinent problems, its
elimination is
probably good.
Probably the small area under question is not
critical to mosquito pro-
duction on any given year. In addition, managed areas
could be an
advantage if utilized.
The area north of Gorder Road offers at the present
time the best of the
wetlands of the area.
Obviously the problem is not simple, but in my
estimation, if one considers
all the alternatives, there are some things that could
be done in the
marsh that would enhance it rather than hinder.
Siuncerely, . /
.... r ..
/Xamei^- Parry
Professor of Biology
JEP:ca
A-18
The UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN- LA CROSSE
------ ------I LA CROSSE, WI SCONS IN 5460 1 (608)
87;ZXXO)6'0
785-8019
June 6, 1978
Donald Gerhard
Director, Environmental Affairs
University of Wisconsin System
1930 Monroe Street/P.O, Box 8010
Madison, Wisconsin 53708
RE: Campus Petition Supporting
North Campus Field Development
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Dear Don:
Enclosed herewith are additional copies of campus
petitions
received by Chancellor Lindner. The signatures of
dormitory
students, commuting students, and campus faculty total
1,683.
The petition gives name and address and states:
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
"The undersigned support the filling of the
university
marsh land south of Gorder Road for the purposes of
providing adequate outdoor teaching stations for
Physical Education and fields for Recreation, Intra-
murals and Intercollegiate Athletics."
Sin rely,
/arence E. Rice, rchitect
' Cmpus Planner /
LER:mb
Attachment
cc: Chancellor Kenneth E. Lindner
L. L. Lebiecki
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
APPENDIX B: GEOLOGY AND SOIL
B-1 Soil Conservation Service reports re marsh soil:
9/14/77, 1/70, 1/70
B-2 Weinzierl letter, chart, and photo re test borings
in marsh soil:
6/12/78
SCS-CONS-5 U. S, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
10-75 SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
FILE-CODE CONS-14-5
INVENTORY & EVALUATION B-1
OF LAND, WATER, AND RELATED RESOURCES
University of ,Wisconsin-La Crosse
REQUESTED BY IMIarkhite For LOCATION La Crosse, ,i.
:;consin
Lawrence ice ice, Campus Planner
ASSISTED BY Trmiqs R. Cropper DATE SepteMber 14. 1977
* District Conservationist
INDIVIDUAL E GROUP r1 UNIT OF GOVERNMENT
SITUATION: Soil borinr.s '#1 and '6 had the deepest o
rranic soil layer. , /1 was
4.5' thick and /6 3.5' thick before saturaLed sand as
rach-edo ;6 iad thle highest
saturated level. Saturation :vas reached a-t a 3t
deptho /3 had only a 6' thick
muck layer. The rest, of -the soil profile was sand.
-2, ,4, '5 vwere very sinilar
the muck layer was about 2' thick. Below the muck
w:as sand. lthlouic'h /2, J/3, /4,
and /J5 had no saturated zone i- the 51 probe de ;th,
the sand :as eith r mottled or
grey in a::pearance indicating a seasonal high water
table thro--,-;ot 1,he iThole 51
S~ r~/Mt soil profile. The area under co-nsideration
is a :tixture of
type 2, (readows-without standing `Tatber during
growing soa:son), Type 3 (shallow
marsch-usually ,iaterloaged during growing season;
often covered 'i th 6" or more of
water), and type 6 (shrub swavips)o Indicator plants
are: reed canarygrrass - Type 2;
cattails, smartweed, arrowhead - type 3; vwillo-Js
and co-tonwood - type 6.
EVALUATION:
It is national policy vwitiii the Soil Co iservaioo i
;service that no
assistance be given to any landoJner to alter types 3
and 6 to any othler land use.
In its present state the land is not suitable for
crop production. It 'present
dry condition is of a fleeting nature due to the past
3 years of low rainfall. It
would take extensive ditching, land leveling, and
pumping to mirk this land
* Check appropriate category
b-1
SCS-CONS-5 U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
10-75 SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
FILE-CODE CONS-14-5
INVENTORY & EVALUATION
OF LAND, WATER, AND RELATED RESOURCES
University of Wis onsin-La Crosse
REQUESTED BY Mark LOhite ForLOCATIONLa Crosse, :i
sconsin
Lawrence Rice, Campus Planner
ASSISTED BY James B. Cropper DATE September 14, 1977
District Conservationist
L INDIVIDUAL - GROUP El UNIT OF GOVERNMENT
g~i.g agriculturally productive on a long term basis.
Because good sandy :oil
Enclosed are two soil interpretation sheets for marsh
and alluvial land, 'wet.
These 2 sheets suetoearize the capabilitg of the two
soil t ps preaent on the
tract of land in question.
SUGGESTED SOLUTION(S)
C" ---I--- --
---·- I ·-
? __ c - -·
- I- - ---C- ---- --
I q - Mi M
C- I- I
---· --· · ---- I
- .. --
II I I ---- ---- ---- -' L
-· · · - i -- - ---
_ _
Land Type Aluvial land, wet
B-1
LRA 9____ Date January. 1970
Map Symbols
Name Southeastern Wisconsin Drift Plain
SOIL INTERPRETATIONS
BRIEF SOIL DESCRIPTION Deep, somewhat poorly to poorly
drained loamy soils formed in neutral
stream sediments. These are nearly level, moderately
permeable soils with high available
water capacity.
INTERPRETATIONS FOR CROPLAND, PASTURE, AND WOODLAND
AND OTHER LAND USES
Cropland - general and SEVERE - subject to high water
table; subject to frequent flooding.
specialty farm crops
SEVERE - sod easily damaged when wet; subject to high
water table;
Pasture subject to freaqent flnoonng.
Woodland Production potential LOW to HIGH; LCOW for
conifers.
Other
Land capability unit and yield predictions (crops,
hay, pasture) _______
Slope Capability Corn-Grain Corn-Silage Oats
Alfalfa-Brome Bluegrass
Slope Capability (bu.) (tons) (bu) Hay (tons) Pasture
(AUD)
Class Eros. Unit A B A B AB A B R
0-2% Vw-14 - 55 - 10 - 50 - 2.75 40 110
LIMITATIONS FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT ELEMENTS
Grain and MODERATE - high water table; subject to
frequent flooding.
Seed Crops
Grass and MODERATE - high water table; subject to
frequent flooding.
Legumes
Wild Herbaceous MODERATE - high water table; subject to
frequent flooding.
Upland Plants ........ ____e........ . m ,,__.....
MODERATE - high water table; subject to frequent
flooding.
Woody Plant Hardwood
SEVERE - high water table; subject to frequent flooding.
Conifers
Wetland Foo an SLIGHT - subject to frequent flooding.
Cover Plants
Shallow and Deep SLIGHT - moderate permeability.
Water Developments
LIMITATIONS AND SOIL FEATURES AFFECTING RECREATION
Tent and Camp SEVERE - site remains wet and soft for
long periods; poor
Trailer Sites trafficability when wet.
Picnic Areas, Parks, & SEVERE - site remains wet and
soft for long periods; poor
Extensive Play Areas trafficability.
Playground, Athletic SEVERE - subject to frequent
flooding; poor trafficability and
Field, and Intensive sod easily damaged when wet.
Play Areas
Bridle Paths, Nature SEVERE - poor trafficability,
subject to frequent flooding;
and Hiking Trails wet for long periods.
SEVERE - poor trafficability site remains wet and soft
for long
Golf Course Fairways periods; turf easily damaged when
wet.
1 of 2
ESTIMATED PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Percent of Material Available
Classification Passing Sieve -Permea- water Soil Shrink-
Depth Uni- No. 4 No. 10 No. 200 bility capacity reaction
swell
Inches USDA fied AASHO 5.0 mm. 2.0 mm 0.074 nmm in/hr
in/in pH potential
Surface loam
Surface loam ML A-4 90-100 70-80 55-65 .63-2.0 .16-.20
6.5-7.8
layer
0-10" p <
Subsoil loa |-4- A-4 90-100 70-80 55-65 .63-2.0 .16-.20
6.5-7.8 Low
10-30" SP
Substratum oam- - | A-4 90-100 70-80 55-65 .63-2.0
.16-2.0 6.5-7.8 Low
INTERPRETATIONS OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES Hydrologic
GrQup B
Suitability as a source of:
Fair - high water table; subject to flooding.
Topsoil 1
Unsuitable - loanry.
Sand and gravel
Road subgrade and Poor - low bearing value and
unstable when wet; not accessible when
hizhway fills 1 wet.
Limitations and Soil Features Affecting:
SEVERE - high water table; hauling and excavating
difficult,
Highway Location ..
Foundations for
low buildings . . SEVERE - subject to flooding; high
water table; low stability.
Corrosion Metal LCW
hazard
LOW
Concrete
Moderate permeability; high water table.
Pond reservoir areas
...... -, . ,..._ _...4.. ,
Dams, dikes
.!%" A mh nlm ntc
Subsoil and substratum have fair stability anM
compaction cnaracirTl-ril.
Terraces and
diversionsD f__Not applicable.gct
High available water capn, ity; deep soil; moderate
water intake
LIMITATIONS FOR SOME URBAN USES
Sanitary land fill SEVERE - high water table.
Sanitary land fill
SEVERE - high water table.
Disposal fields
SEVERE - moderate permeability; subject to frequent
floodin[g.
Sewage lagoons .
.t-a 'A n the 'is. o'f 4.7soi
Tli~~~soil~ is evaluated... onlto a .et01j1C i ,
The soil is evaluated only to a aepth or ) leet or
tess. ou b011 ..c. ...L.LCU UL . ..*,
suitability and limitation classes. In the following
definitions the suitability rating is
listed first and limitation rating listed second:
Good, Slight - The soils have no limitations or
limitations for a given use that are easy to
overcome; Fair, Moderate - The soils have limitations
for a given use that can be overcome by
average management aind manipulation; Poor, Severe - The
soils have limitations for a given use
that are difficult to overcome; Unsuita'.ie, Very Severe
- The soils have limitations that
generally preclude their use for a given purpose.
2 of 2
VIDA-$CS LINCOLN. MISS. Ite 1 5,N-271 II
i r. !r-l
Soil Series
Map Symbols
B-1
MARSH LRA All Date 1/14/70
Name
SOIL INTERPRETATIONS
BRIEF SOIL DESCRIPTION: Miscellaneous land areas that
are inundated most of the year,
including flowage margins, sloughs and very shallow
lakes.
INTERPRETATIONS FOR CROPLAND, PASTURE, AND WOODLAND
AND OTHER LAND USES
Cropland - general and
Cropland - geeral ad VERY SEVERE - generally ponded.
specialty farm crops
Pasture VERY SEVERE - generally ponded. .
Woodland VERY SEVERE - generally ponded.
Other May be suitable for wild rice for wildlife
food.
Land capability unit and yield predictions (crops,
hay, pasture)
. Corn-Grain Corn-Silage Oats Alfalfa-Brome Bluegrass
Slope e oCapability |(bu.) (tons) (bu) Hay (tons)
Pasture (AUD)
Class Eros. Unit A B A R A B A B A B
0-2% 1 VIIIwl5 not uitable for crop production.
LIMITATIONS FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT ELEMENTS
Picnic s.. ... .... ...
Grain and VERY SEVERE - no species suited; flooded most
of the year.
Seed Crops ....
Grass and VERY SEVERE - no species suited; flooded most
of the year.
Legumes
Wild Herbaceous VERY SEVERE - no species suited flooded
most of the year.
Upland Plants _ .
y Hardwood VERY SEVERE - no species suited; flooded
most of the year.
Woody Plants __...........
Conifers VERY SEVERE - no species suited; flooded
most of the year.
Wetland Fooc and
Cover Plants SLIGHT
Shallow and Deep
Water Developments SLIGHT
LIMITATIONS AND SOIL FEATURES AFFECTING RECREATION
Tent and Camp
Trailer Sites VERY SEVERE - flooded most of the year.
Picnic Areas, Parks, &
Extensive Play Areas VERY SEVERE - flooded most of the
year.
Playground, Athletic
Field, and Intensive VERY SEVERE - flooded most of the
year.
Play Areas . .. ._____
Bridle Paths, Nature VERY SEVERE - flooded most of the
year.
and Hiking Trails __
VERY SEVERE - may be used as ponds, hazards or source of
water for
Golf Course Fairways irrigation.
1 of 2
_ . · ·
.ESTTMATF.I PHYSICAL AND ClHEMICAL PROPERTIES
C i ' Percent of Material Available
Classification Passing Sieveoil Srinc-
______~__ ______.........____ ss hi__ -ev - Permoca-
water Soil Shrink-
Depth Uni- No. 4 No. 10 No. 200 bility capacity reaction
swell
Inches fied 5.0 nmm. 2.0 mm 0.074 mm in/hr in/in p t pot
e ia
layer
varia le
Subsoil
Underlying
material.... . . ... --
INTERPRETATIONS OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES Hydrologic
Group D
Suitability as a source of:
To soil UNSUITABLE - ponded most of the year.
Sand and gravel UNSUITABLE - no sand and gravel
present.
Road subgrade and UNSUITABLE - poorly drained; low
stability and bearing capacity.
highway fills
Limitations and Soil Features Affecting:
Hi ghway Location VERY SEVERE - flooded most of the
year.
Hi hwa Locat.ion
Foundations for
low buildin. VERY SEVERE - flooded most of the year.
low buildings
Corrosion Metal Variable
hazard
Concrete Variable
Pond re.rervoir areas Flooded most of the year.
Dams, dikes VERY SEVERE - variable characteristics;
flooded most of the year.
and embankments
Waterways Not applicable._
Drainage Drainage generally not feasible or
practical.
Terraces and
diversions Not applicable.
Irrigation . VERY SEVERE - difficult to drain.
LIMITATIONS FOR SOME URBAN USES
Sanitary land fill VERY SEVERE - nearly continuous
high water table.
Disposal fields VERY SEVERE - high water table;
usv1^, i y flooded.
Sewage lagoons VERY SEVERE - usually flooded.
.~~~~~~~~ . i ~
The soil is evaluated only to a depth of 5 feet or
less. Soils are rated on the basis ol 4 soil
suitability and limitation classes. In the following
definitions the suitability rating is
listed first and limitation rating listed second:
Good, Slight - The soils have no limitations or
limitations for a given use that are easy to
overcome; Fair, Moderate - The soils have limitations
for a given use that can be overcome by
average management and manipulation; Poor, Severe - The
soils have limitations for a given use
that are difficult to overcome; Ulnsuit.-a)e, Very
Severe - The soils have limitations that
generally preclude their use for a given purpose.
2 of 2
5.N-271 II
B-1
VIODAICI LINCOL#, #I! Ils
B-2
The UNIVERSITY of
WISCONSIN- LA CROSSE
LA CROSSE, W SCONS I N 54601
(608) 784-6050
LAC WUtiE
FILE
May 12, 1978
Lawrence E. Rice, Architect
Campus Planner
RE: Preliminary Environmental Report
North Campus Development
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Dear Mr. Rice:
The borings made by the Wisconsin Department of
Transportation illustrate
the cyclic nature of floodplain-marsh development.
Subsurface sands and
gravels imply active cycles of erosion and deposition
while the black
organic layers suggest passive cycles of stable
vegetation accompanied by
tranquil, seasonal overflows. A glance at the plate
entitled "Test Borings,
North Campus Development" shows that several cycles are
recorded.
Filling in the marsh with materials of high
permeability such as a mixture
of sand and gravel should have a minimal effect on
existing infiltration
rates. It is likely that the ground water table will
rise somewhat
depending upon capillary attraction of the fill and
annual precipitation.
The black organic material should not be a problem in
terms of
if the overlying fill is limited to a height of several
feet.
of major buildings with considerable mass, however, may
result
and eventual subsidence.
compaction
Constructi on
in compaction
In terms of functional significance, the La Crosse
River marsh serves as a
site of sediment collection as well as an area of water
storage during times
of high river stages. Artificial filling of the marsh
should be considered
detrimental since it accelerates the fill process and
reduces flood storage
capacity.
Edward J. Weinzierl
Professor of Geography
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 1- 00%° RECYCLED PAPER
I - Is I I I -.
I.
B-2
UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM SYMBOLS
GW Well graded gravels; gravel-sard mixtures
GP Poorly graded gravels
G M Silty gravels; gravel-sand-silt mixtures
GC Clayey gravels; gravel-sand-clay mixtures
SW Well graded sands; sand-gravel mixtures
SP Poorly graded sands
SM Silty sand
SC Clayey sands; sand-clay mixtures
ML Silts; silty, v. fine sands; sandy or ciayey silts
CL Clays of low to medium plasticity; siity, sandy or
gravelly clays
CH Inorganic clays of high plasticity; fat clays
Mli Elastic silts; micaceous or diatomaceous silts
OL Organic silts and organic silty ctays of low
plasticity
OH Organic clays of medium to high plasticity
UNCONSOLIDATED MATERIALS
F^~71^.:-x:.7:~~ I-,~~!I" ~ silt..~ /~:c]-obbles,
1j gravel j sand l silt clay D;oulders
gravel, ' sand Jo silt, , >clay, , .
sandy . gravelly L 2-Jgravellyjgravelly 3
h [ gravel, SjF sand, t silt, F7clay, [ ]gypsi-
I4foo~sily _j silty ti sandy sady EL".ferous *
gravel, s/ sand, t1 silt, jclay, F calcar-
_ clayey " : clayey I'clayeysilty ---eous *
[' gravel, F1 s7 [i ' ial i]organic organic
t _ silt,
Yiccay
* to be added to Standard Symbol when significant
amounts of dispersed gypsum or
calcified zones are present in the section.
Figure 1-19 Soil symbols for soil and water
conservation
engineering maps and drainage
-J
0
0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~l
LLJ
0. I- I - I-t - I-
z < 0 LuIJ uJ LU Lu
. - . L. 0 LLIJ LUJ IL LlJ
,Q r, w LL . . LL LL LLL
P , C) r-i Csi r) -:- Ln
t
i
V)
-J
0
--J
0
0
L
V)
\\ K \~\ X\ \.\ I*. -
N '\ \ \ \
LU
< 0 W W LW W
LL. 0 LU LWU U LL
OC: LL LL LL LL LL
U) r-1 C. N -3- L1
B-2
I _ · · · _ _ _
_ _ , v · _ _ _ Y- _
i--·-- -- i--- L- I
l I .
--
-1 -
I --.- I. ,.
I i:I- i -" t I
. 4 , - , v , '- -- , - I
I - - -- ---I ... .. . I . . . .. I
I. , - " -, . , .
I- -- --i ". 4. " I. . . - . 4
I
- - - - - .. , . .. . I . 'k.
. . . I i . . I. I . .-. . . . .
. , % I .
-- ---- I
\ I \
I
B-2
0,,)loc_ : - - - 1 \ j (n _:-o.
Wl|i ,\\' o e- L| -.' 8..'' ~-l'
I--
0 o
|0 _ l i X \ \ m \ \ \ \ \ \ g \ \ \ \ & \ \ \1 l9 _
\ \ X ' ! 1 : - . I \ o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~30
, o
-^^^^^^^ ^.^J l^^^^^J^^^^^ I. *; -^~7~| \
I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
W Z
(U) U)
02z
2:4
C
(,0
U
APPENDIX C: FLOOD DATA
C-1 Table: Highest Ten Known Floods in Order of
Magnitude at
La Crosse, Wisconsin
C-2 Table: Mississippi River at La Crosse, Wisconsin,
Flood Crest
Elevations Above Bankfull Stage, 1873-1969
C-3 Table: Mississippi River at La Crosse, Wisconsin,
Flood Crest
Elevations Above Bankfull Stage, 1971-1976
C-4 Table: Dates When Flood Waters Were at or Above
Culvert Elevation
of 635.1
C-5 Table: Dates When Flood Waters Were at or Above
Proposed Field
Elevations
C-6 Table: Frequency of Flooding in Last 94 Years; in
Last 10 Years
C-7 Map: Proposed Project Location
C-8 Rice letter and report re April, 1978, north campus
flooding:
6/7/78
C-1
HIGHEST TEN KNOWN FLOODS IN ORDER OF MAGNITUDE
MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN
Date of Crest
April 20, 1965
June 19, 1880
April 20, 1969
April 20, 1952
April 19, 1951
April 7, 1967
May 8-9, 1888
October 17, 1881
May 7, 1954
April 2, 1920
Maximum
Stage
feet*
17.9
16.5
15.7
15.32
14.93
14.6
14.5
14.4
14.33
14.2
Crest
Elevation
feet
644.2
642.8
642.0
641.64
641.25
640.9
640.8
640.7
640.65
640.5
Peak
Discharge
cfs
273,000
190,000 (Est)
220,000
196,000
184,000
180,000
166,000
* 1933 Adjustment.
+ Lang Drive Closed to Traffic (Lang Drive was also
closed to traffic in
August of 1935 because of flooding by the La Crosse
River as a result of
a 6-day period that produced 6.43 inches of rain).
(Table from flood plain study by Department of the
Army, St. Paul District
Corps of Engineers, St. Paul, Minnesota - April 1970.)
Order
No.
+ 1
2
+ 3
+ 4
+ 5
+ 6
7
8
9
10
MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN
FLOOD CREST ELEVATIONS ABOVE BANKFULL STAGE
1873 - 1969
The table includes all known floods above bankfull
stage of 12 feet at the
Mt. Vernon Street gaging station in La Crosse, Wisconsin
at Mile 697.78 above
the Ohio River. Drainage area = 62,800 square miles,
approximately. Stages
before February 1933 are adjusted to present gage zero
of 626.32 feet, MSL
1912 Adjustment.
Date of Crest
Maximum
Stage*
Crest
E levation
feet above
sea level
Peak
Discharge
cubic feet
per second
June 19, 1880
October 17, 1881
May 8-9, 1888
April 10, 1897
September 20, 1903
June 12, 1905
April 28-29, 1916
April 2, 1920
April 17, 1922
March 27-28, 1936
May 23, 1938
June 5, 1942
June 22, 1943
June 22, 1944
March 19-26-29, 1945
May 15, 1950
April 19, 1951
April 20, 1952
May 7, 1954
April 20, 1965
April 7, 1967
April 20, 1969
16.5
14.4
14.5
13.7
13.3
12.4
13.6
14.2
13.7
12.11
12.27
12.94
13.32
12.35
12.30
12.56
14.93
15.32
14.33
17.9
14.6
15.7
642.8
640.7
640.8
640.0
639.6
638.7
639.9
640.5
640.0
638.43
638.59
639.26
639. 64
638.67
638.62
638.88
641.25
641.64
640.65
644.2
(}40.9
*Bankfull equals 12.0 Stage 0.0 equals 625.83 feet
above
**Outflow from Lock and Dam No. 7.
190,000 (Est)
_i
_I
--
100,000
101,000
123,000
137,000
124,000
121,000
125,000
184,000
196,000
166,000
273,000
180,000**
220, 000**
sea level.
Table taken from the St. Paul District Army Corps of
Engineers Report, April 1970.
C-3
MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT LACROSSE, WISCONSIN
FLOOD CREST ELEVATIONS ABOVE BANKFULL STAGE
1971 - 1976
This information was obtained from recorded water
levels at the Mt. Vernon
Street gaging station. The readings are approximates.
The 0.0 gage indicated
on the chart equals 625.83 elevation.
Maximum Crest
Date of Crest Stage* Elevation
feet above
sea level
April 17, 1971 12.7 638.5
March 19, 1973 13.0 638.0
May I, 1975 14.6 640.4
*Bankfull equals 12.0. Stage 0.0 equals 625.83 feet
above sea level.
DATES FLOOD WATERS WERE AT OR ABOVE
CULVERT INVERT ELEVATION OF 635.1 (River Stage 9.3)
AT THE LOCAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER GAUGING STATION FROM
1971-1976
March 31 - April 26
March 25 - April 03
April 17 - May 06
July 29 - August 07
March 11 - April 01
April 17 - April 22
May 02 - May 14
May 27 - June 02
April 15 - April 25
June 12 - June 23
April 21 - May 19
June 27 - July 12
No flooding above 635.1
No flooding above 635.1
April 11 - April 20
(27
(10
(20
(10
(22
(06
(13
(07
(11
(12
(29
(16
days)
days)
days)
days)
days)
days)
days)
days)
days)
days)
days)
days)
(10 days)
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
_ __ I__ I ___
C-5
DATES FLOOD WATERS WERE AT OR ABOVE THE FOLLOWING
ELEVATIONS
(Proposed Elevation of Fields)
APRIL 12 -
APRIL 14 -
APRIL 22 -
APRIL 22 (10 DAYS)
APRIL 19 ( 5 DAYS)
APRIL 26 ( 4 DAYS)
MARCH 13
MARCH 15
APRIL 25 -
APRIL 27 -
APRIL 3 -
i,
MARCH 25
- MARCH 22
(12 DAYS)
( 7 DAYS)
MAY 14 (20 DAYS)
MAY 11 (16 DAYS)
APRIL 9 ( 6 DAYS)
1971
1972
EL 637
E L 638
EL 641
EL 637
EL 638
EL 641
1973
1974
EL 637
E L 638
EL 641
EL 637
EL 638
EL 641
1975
1976
1977
EL 637
E L 638
EL 641
EL 637
E L 638
EL 641
EL 637
EL 638
EL 641
C-6
January 23, 1976
FREQUENCY OF FLOODING IN LAST 94 YEARS
USGS Elevation
UW-L Plans Corps Elevation
637.8 638.4
639.0 639.6
640.0 640.6
641.0 641.6
642.0 642.6
643.0 643.6
644.0 644.6
FREQUENCY OF FLOODING IN LAST 10 YEARS
USGS Elevation
UW-L Plans Corps Elevation
638.0 638.6
639.0 639.6
640.0 640 6
641.0 641.6
642.0 642.6
643.0 643.6
644.0 644.6
No. of Floods (Years)
25
16
11
4
2
1
0
No. of Flood Years
5
3
3
1
0
0
0
NOTE: Mississippi River Flood Stage is 12.0 feet.
River Ht.
12.0
13.2
14.2
15.2
16.2
17.2
18.2
River Ht.
12.2
13.2
14.2
15.2
16.2
17.2
18.2
0
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