As temperatures drop and ice forms on our lakes, it may be hard to believe that only months ago, historic late summer rains caused devastating flooding in many Dane County communities.

While the rains have stopped, the work needed to support our neighbors, recover what we’ve lost and improve the health of our lakes continues.

In January a number of new county initiatives and resources became available to do just that, with a response that is as multi-faceted as our chain of lakes and rivers.

The faster water moves through the Yahara River, the quicker lake levels decline. It currently takes 2 inches of rain two weeks to leave the Yahara Lakes system. To maximize water flow, Dane County will invest over $2.5 million in 2019 to analyze and address where the flow may be constricted in the river.

In 2019 the county will also make $1 million in matching grants available for park and trail repair, as well as a $500,000 stream bank restoration fund to help communities recover, reduce future erosion and promote healthy habitats.

Wetlands are Mother Nature’s best remedy to reduce flooding. One acre of wetland can hold an estimated 325,000 gallons of floodwater. To help keep water where it lands, Dane County will create a new $750,000 Conservation Reserve Program to convert lands at a greater risk of runoff into prairies and grasses.

In addition, urban and suburban stormwater runoff can contribute to higher lake levels. In 2019 Dane County will provide an additional $1 million for the Urban Water Quality Grant Program to expand our partnerships with municipalities that want to improve water quality and reduce runoff.

In 2018 we were reminded that we live in a different world than we did just a few short decades ago. With these initiatives, 2019 will be a year of recovery and increased resolve.