The Dix River (upper)
watershed covers southern Garrard County, western Rockcastle County, and eastern
Lincoln County. The land is in the outer subregion of the Bluegrass
physiographic region, characterized by undulating terrain, moderate to rapid
surface runoff, and moderate rates of groundwater drainage. The watershed lies
partly above fractured shales through which groundwater can easily move but
which stores very little water. Other sections of the watershed lie over easily
weathered clay shales that store water but allow little groundwater flow. There
are also areas of interbedded shales and limestones (these are 20% limestone;
water conduction is poor because of the clay content of the shale) and areas of
interbedded limestones and shales (>20% limestone, allowing groundwater flow
where the clay content is low enough). Interbedded clay shales and siltstones
underlie the rest of the area.
Waterways. The upper watershed of the Dix River includes the
headwaters down to the mouth of Gilberts Creek just west of Gilbert (at US 27
between Lancaster and Stanford). Among the creeks that feed it are Negro Creek,
Turkey Creek, Copper Creek, Fall Lick, Drakes Creek, Harmons Lick, Walnut Flat
Creek, Cedar Creek, Stingy Creek, Turkey Creek, and Gilberts Creek.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is 60% agricultural and
almost 40% rural and wooded. 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 segment that only partially supports its designated uses, based on
biological and/or water-quality data. Siltation 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.
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