Muskrat and nesting ducks are common. Urban runoff is a potential pollutant source at one survey site and filamentous algae was present at a second survey site. Although the stream has some good spring water sources, bottom conditions are unstable sand and silt. Muskrat are present along with nesting ducks. Most of the stream flows through public lands.
Impoundment is a potential factor affecting habitat quality.
This Bad River tributary flows from the base of a rock outcrop southwest of Mellen. The stream has historically had good water quality and demonstrated the presence of brook trout, but production appeared limited. The stream provides a spawning area for the Bad River. The upper part of the watershed in hardwood upland, while the lower portion is shrub swamp and fresh meadow. Cropland is a potential pollutant source at the survey site.