This past summer, record rainfall combined with other factors to cause some of the worst flooding in the history of Dane County. Climate change is increasing the frequency of rain as well as causing more severe storms. Urban development creates issues with stormwater management. Homes, roads and the land suffered immense damage.

In an effort to create increased resiliency for future events, the Dane County Board passed Resolution 227. The intent of this resolution is to address flooding issues in the Yahara chain of lakes, as well as throughout the county. It will involve a technical work group coming together to examine underlying causes and potential solutions. The group will consist of people representing a wide range of technical expertise. Their purpose is to identify short and long-term approaches to improve resiliency for potential future flooding events. Areas of concern include, but are not limited to, lake levels, water flow and climate change.

The technical work group will offer approaches to a special task force that is created by the Lakes and Watershed Commission and the Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. This group is charged with making policy recommendations that would implement those strategies. The overall goal is to improve resiliency for future flooding events. The expected date for completion of this work is before March 31, 2019. The resolution also calls for the continued removal of aquatic plants in order to improve the flow of water through the system. While the DNR sets the lake level guidelines, the county will continue to work diligently toward lowering lake levels and attaining the minimum levels for fall and winter.

Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or issues. I can be reached at 335-6827 or ritt.michele@countyofdane.com.