Galena River

The Upper Galena (Fever) River watershed (map) lies in western Lafayette County in southwestern Wisconsin. The river is designated as an Exceptional Resource Water under Wisconsin state law. The dominant land use in the Upper Galena River watershed is agriculture with nearly 85% cultivated, 5% pastured, 6% in roads and farmsteads, and 4% in other land uses. Agricultural land uses include corn and soybean production and significant livestock operations including beef, dairy, and some hog and sheep. The primary water quality problems in the watershed are caused by agricultural nonpoint sources of pollution such as sediment, nutrient and pesticide runoff from farm fields and barnyards.

The UW-Platteville Pioneer Ag Stewardship Farm is located in the headwaters of the Galena River watershed. Pioneer Farm supports the vitality of Wisconsin agriculture. It is a working farm that focuses on discovering new applications that can offer the farmer both environmental stability and economic viability while complying with environmental regulations and guidelines. Pioneer Farm's mission is to provide on-farm experiences with students, to evaluate management practices, to conduct systems and applied research, and to communicate education and research to students, agencies, producers and the public.

For more information about the Galena (Fever) River watershed refer to the Grant-Platte River State of the Basin Report. In the State of the Basin report you can find more detailed information on the history, research and current activities in the watershed and surrounding areas.