The Clarks Creek
watershed covers central Grant County. The land is in the hills of the bluegrass
subregion of the Bluegrass physiographic region, characterized by hilly terrain,
very rapid surface runoff, and slow groundwater drainage. Parts of the watershed
lie over interbedded shales and limestones (these are 20% limestone; water
conduction is poor because of the clay content of the shale). Other areas are
underlain by interbedded limestones and shales (>20% limestone, allowing
groundwater flow where the clay content is low enough).
Waterways. Clarks Creek empties into Eagle Creek at northeast of
Jonesville. Among the creeks that feed it are Steammill Branch, Panther Run,
Williams Branch, Clay Lick, and Jacks Lick.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is about 70% agricultural,
20% rural and wooded, and 10% residential or commercial. Three businesses and
organizations hold permits for discharges into the creeks. See tables for
details.
Agency data assessment. The assessed creek segments in this watershed
include one (Steammill Branch) that only partially supports its designated uses,
based on biological and/or water-quality data. Un-ionized ammonia from municipal
point sources contributes to the impairment of the stream. See tables for
details.
Watershed rankings. The ranking formula provides a preliminary
ranking by synthesizing a broad spectrum of watershed characteristics, current
conditions, and threats. This watershed ranks in the group with the lowest need
for protection and/or restoration. This rating is for the watershed on average:
particular sites and particular waters within the watershed may vary widely. See
tables for details.
Volunteer data. No volunteer data were collected in this watershed in
1999.
Help File Links: