Manitowish Waters Lakes Association

Rest Lake Dam

After three years of planning, Xcel is installing a new gate on the Rest Lake dam that will allow for more precise measurement of water-flow down river. The new gate will direct water beneath it rather than the current method of water flowing over boards.

We are still awaiting publication of the ongoing Environmental Assessment (EA) from the DNR, there are questions about how the drought conditions of previous years will influence the DNR's conclusions about future operations of the Rest Lake Dam. Will the DNR's new operating order for the Dam factor in changing weather patterns?

The Manitowish Chain Defense Fund (MCDF) is a coalition of local groups, that include the MWLA, the Town of Manitowish Waters, the Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce and the Manitowish Waters Alliance.  The MCDF is concerned about future operations of the Rest Lake Dam and is in regular contact with the DNR. If you have questions about lake levels and the process the DNR is using to prepare its findings, you can send them to mcdfmailbox@yahoo.com.