After the flooding in Dane County in 2018, Resolution 227 was passed. It created a technical work group to identify short and long-term approaches to improve resiliency for future flooding events. This group submitted their report Feb. 1. The resolution also called for the formation of a task force to review these findings and make policy recommendations. These recommendations were finalized, by unanimous consent, March 15.
The recommendations include both short-term and long-term projects. Sediment removal was among the highest priorities. This work is already underway. The first area to be addressed is between Lakes Monona and Waubesa. DNR permits are required for this work and take approximately three months to obtain. Data regarding potential contaminants is part of that process, and Dane County already had that information, so the permit for this area will process more quickly. While this is the first area to be addressed physically, work to obtain the permits will occur for the other areas simultaneously. Still, the sediment removal process will take several years to complete.
Other recommendations call for a feasibility study to evaluate the hydraulic and environmental impact of pumping water from Lake Waubesa, as well as to strengthen stormwater and infiltration practices, and continued coordination of the dam system.
Aquatic plant harvesting will continue throughout the system. Two additional harvesters will be added to the existing fleet of 11 in order to increase the impact of this process. The goal is to manage lake levels at the DNR designated seasonal minimum levels.
Each step of the process will be evaluated carefully. Quarterly updates will be made to the Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, as well as the Lakes and Watershed Committee.
Visit countyofdane.com/Yahara-Chain-of-Lakes-Lake-Levels-Task-Force for the full list of recommendations as well as updates.
Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or issues. I can be reached at 608-335-6827 or ritt.michele@countyofdane.com.