Little Lake Butte des Morts has been the subject of extensive scientific research spanning multiple decades. These studies have provided crucial data on water quality, environmental conditions, and management strategies. This comprehensive archive represents the foundation of evidence-based stewardship for our lake.
2023-2024: Little Lake Butte des Morts Comprehensive Planning Study
Lead Agency: City of Neenah, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, GEI Consultants
Funding: Wisconsin DNR Surface Water Grant
Study Type: Lake Management Planning & Water Quality Assessment
This comprehensive study was conducted under a DNR Surface Water Grant to address the lack of recent publicly available water quality information for Little Lake Butte des Morts. The project included water quality monitoring, aquatic plant surveys, shoreline condition inventories, and extensive community engagement.
Key Findings:
- Identified algae blooms, invasive species, erosion, and nuisance plant growth as primary concerns
- Documented excess phosphorus and sediment impacts on fish and aquatic life
- Established baseline data for future lake management decisions
- Recommended formation of a citizen-led lake association for long-term stewardship
Access Study:
- Little Lake Butte des Morts Project Information – Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance
- DNR Grant Project Details
2023: Changes in Phosphorus and Suspended Solids Loading in the Fox River
Lead Agency: U.S. Geological Survey
Study Type: Water Quality Trend Analysis (1989-2021)
This comprehensive USGS study estimated concentrations and loads of total phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus, and total suspended solids at key monitoring locations including the Lake Winnebago outlet, which directly impacts Little Lake Butte des Morts. The study evaluated water quality changes over 33 years and assessed progress toward TMDL goals.
Key Findings:
- Documented long-term trends in phosphorus and sediment loading from Lake Winnebago
- Compared recent conditions (2017-2021) against water quality criteria
- Provided critical baseline for understanding upstream influences on Little Lake Butte des Morts
Access Study:
2020: Upper Fox and Wolf Rivers Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
Lead Agency: U.S. EPA, Wisconsin DNR
EPA Approval: February 27, 2020
Study Type: Water Quality Assessment & Regulatory Framework
This comprehensive TMDL addresses total phosphorus and total suspended solids in the Upper Fox and Wolf River Basins upstream of Lake Winnebago. These upstream watersheds directly influence water quality in Little Lake Butte des Morts through their contribution to Lake Winnebago, which outlets into Little Lake Butte des Morts.
Key Findings:
- Established phosphorus and sediment reduction targets for watersheds feeding Lake Winnebago
- Addressed upstream loading that affects the Winnebago Pool Lakes system
- Set framework for long-term water quality improvement affecting downstream waters
Access Study:
- Final EPA-Approved TMDL Report
- EPA Decision Document
- Wisconsin DNR Upper Fox-Wolf TMDL Page
- TMDL Appendices (technical supporting documents)
2018: Winnebago Pool Lakes Nutrient Technical Support Study
Lead Agency: U.S. EPA, Wisconsin DNR
Study Type: Nutrient Management & Lake Modeling
This technical support study developed a comprehensive understanding of nutrient dynamics in the Winnebago Pool Lakes system, which includes Little Lake Butte des Morts. The study used advanced lake modeling to assess management approaches for reducing harmful algal blooms.
Key Findings:
- Developed conceptual model of Winnebago Pool Lakes system dynamics
- Assessed nutrient loading sources and internal recycling processes
- Evaluated management strategies for water quality improvement
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2017: Lake Winnebago Paleoecological Study
Lead Agency: Onterra LLC, Wisconsin DNR
Study Type: Historical Ecological Assessment
This study analyzed sediment cores from Lake Winnebago to understand historical water quality conditions and establish reference phosphorus concentrations. Since Lake Winnebago directly feeds Little Lake Butte des Morts, historical conditions upstream provide critical context for understanding the lake’s ecological trajectory.
Key Findings:
- Determined reference phosphorus concentrations from pre-settlement conditions
- Documented significant changes from historical baseline conditions
- Informed water quality target development for TMDL planning
Access Study:
- Referenced in Upper Fox-Wolf TMDL Appendix F
- Access through TMDL Appendices
2012: Lower Fox River Basin Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
Lead Agency: U.S. EPA, Wisconsin DNR, Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin
EPA Approval: May 18, 2012
Study Type: Water Quality Assessment & Regulatory Framework
This comprehensive TMDL study established pollutant reduction targets for the entire Lower Fox River Basin, including Little Lake Butte des Morts. The study addresses total phosphorus and total suspended solids impairments and set the framework for water quality restoration throughout the basin.
Key Findings:
- Required 59% reduction in total phosphorus and 55% reduction in total suspended solids
- Established water quality targets: 0.10 mg/L total phosphorus and 20 mg/L total suspended solids for Lower Fox River mainstem
- Identified sources of pollution from point and nonpoint sources
- Set enforceable limits for wastewater dischargers and municipalities
Access Study:
- Wisconsin DNR Lower Fox TMDL Page
- Lower Fox Agriculture Implementation Strategy
- Executive Summary – Lower Fox River Watershed Recovery Plan
2004: Water Quality in the Lake Winnebago Pool
Lead Agency: Wisconsin DNR, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance
Study Type: Regional Water Quality Assessment
This foundational study compiled comprehensive water quality monitoring data for the Winnebago Pool Lakes system, including Little Lake Butte des Morts. The report established baseline conditions and monitoring protocols that continue to guide management decisions.
Key Findings:
- Established baseline water quality conditions for the lake system
- Documented water quality parameters including phosphorus, chlorophyll, and clarity
- Provided foundation for subsequent TMDL development
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2002: EPA Superfund Record of Decision – Lower Fox River PCB Cleanup
Lead Agency: U.S. EPA, Wisconsin DNR
Study Type: Environmental Remediation Plan
This Record of Decision established the comprehensive remediation plan for PCB-contaminated sediments in Little Lake Butte des Morts (designated as Operable Unit 1 of the Lower Fox River Superfund Site). The cleanup included active remediation through dredging, capping, and proper disposal of contaminated sediments.
Key Findings:
- Selected active remediation approach for PCB cleanup
- Established cleanup standards and protective measures
- Led to successful remediation completed between 2004-2009
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1993: Distribution and Transport of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Little Lake Butte des Morts
Lead Agency: U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin DNR
Study Type: PCB Contamination Assessment
This comprehensive USGS study was one of the first detailed assessments of PCB contamination in Little Lake Butte des Morts. It documented the distribution of PCBs in sediment and the water column, transport mechanisms, and rates of downstream movement.
Key Findings:
- Estimated 1,100 kg of PCBs accumulated in lake sediment
- Documented PCB concentrations up to 190 μg/g in sediment
- Calculated annual transport of approximately 110 kg PCBs downstream
- Identified sediment resuspension as major transport mechanism
Access Study:
1989-Present: USGS Long-Term Water Quality Monitoring
Lead Agency: U.S. Geological Survey
Monitoring Station: 04084422 (Little Lake Butte Des Morts at Menasha, WI)
Study Type: Continuous Water Quality Monitoring
The USGS maintains a long-term monitoring station at Menasha providing continuous water quality data for Little Lake Butte des Morts. This dataset represents one of the most comprehensive long-term monitoring records for any waterbody in Wisconsin.
Parameters Monitored:
- Water temperature
- Dissolved oxygen
- Specific conductance
- pH
- Turbidity
- Nutrients (total phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus, nitrogen species)
- Total suspended solids
- Chlorophyll
- Historical PCB monitoring data
Access Data:
2000-2015: Citizen Lake Monitoring Network Data
Lead Agency: Wisconsin DNR, Volunteer Monitors
Study Type: Volunteer-Based Water Quality Monitoring
The Wisconsin DNR Citizen Lake Monitoring Network coordinated volunteer water quality monitoring on Little Lake Butte des Morts for 15 years. Volunteers collected Secchi disk water clarity measurements and supplementary water quality data.
Key Findings:
- Provided consistent long-term water clarity data
- Supplemented professional monitoring with citizen science observations
- Created community engagement and awareness around lake conditions
Access Data:
Additional Resources
Ongoing Monitoring Programs
- Lower Fox River Basin Volunteer Monitoring Program – Monthly water quality sampling May-October at tributary sites affecting Little Lake Butte des Morts
- Wisconsin DNR Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS) – Centralized database of all water quality monitoring data
- USGS National Water Information System – Real-time and historical data access
Related Studies & Planning Documents
- Lower Fox River Basin TMDL Implementation Annual Reports – Track progress toward water quality goals
- Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Reports – Regional watershed assessments and monitoring summaries
- Wisconsin State of the Basin Reports – Periodic comprehensive assessments of Fox River Basin health
Access Additional Studies
For researchers, policy makers, and interested community members seeking additional studies or raw data:
- Wisconsin DNR Surface Water Data Viewer
- Wisconsin DNR TMDL Reports Page
- USGS Publications Warehouse
- Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Resource Library
How to Use This Information
These scientific studies provide the evidence base for informed lake stewardship and advocacy. The Little Lake Butte des Morts Lake Association uses this research to:
- Guide restoration priorities based on documented water quality challenges
- Support grant applications with peer-reviewed scientific data
- Educate the community about lake conditions and management needs
- Advocate for resources with quantifiable evidence of need
- Track progress by comparing current conditions to historical baselines
- Inform management decisions with science-based recommendations
If you discover additional studies or have questions about accessing these documents, please contact the lake association.
Page last updated: October 2025