DNR Public Hearing

press release: The public will have an opportunity to learn more about a revised draft water level order for Lake Koshkonong at a public informational hearing on May 23, 2019 at Edgerton High School Performing Arts Centers beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The Rock Koshkonong Lake District filed a petition with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in March 2019 to amend the effective water level order for Lake Koshkonong, which is held by the Indianford dam. The lake district is petitioning to amend the winter drawdown dates to include a later date for starting the drawdown. The current Indianford dam operating order also includes two stepped raises in water levels. The first raise is currently authorized as the maximum level, and the second raise will be authorized on June 15, 2019, if the DNR has not determined that the current authorized levels have caused or significantly contributed to severe adverse impacts to wetlands. Due to persistently high-water levels, the DNR has been unable to complete its evaluation of the impact. DNR proposes to amend the order to complete its evaluation of the impacts prior to authorizing a second raise in the maximum authorized level.

The department has made a preliminary determination that a later winter drawdown and the completion of DNR review of the impacts of the first increase prior to the authorization for the second increase will comply with the standards in s. 31.02(1), Wis. Stats.

The public can review the draft water level order by searching the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for Indianford dam.

Written or oral comments can be made at the public meeting or submitted by email to Robert.davis@wisconsin.gov. Written comments can also be sent by U.S, mail to Wisconsin DNR, Attn: Rob Davis, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711. Comments should include the project name and should relate to whether the project meets legal standards. Comments must be received no later May 30, 2019.