Wetlands along streams in this watershed should be protected because there are fewer acres of wetlands in this region. Public acquisition of higher quality wetlands and strict enforcement of shoreland-wetland zoning ordinances might held protect these areas. Dodge Branch Dodge Branch is a tributary to the East Branch Pecatonica River. The upper two miles of the stream are classified as limited forage fishery waters. Dodgeville discharges its treated wastewater effluent in the headwaters reach of the stream.
Water quality is assumed to be generally good.
The slender madtom, an endangered species, has been found in this stream and wetland areas along this stream include one high quality southern sedge meadow complex. The headwaters of the East Branch are in this watershed. The stream at the discharge site has been described as having good habitat with deep pools and long riffles with some sedimentation. We know little about water quality below the Barneveld outfall. We suspect the reconstruction of State Trunk Highway 191 may have resulted in significant amounts of sediment reaching the stream.