Rest Lake Dam

Weather Conditions Change DNR Timetable

We reported in our June edition that the DNR does not plan to release its Environmental Assessment (EA) until 2011 at the earliest. The EA process is mandated by statute. Publication is not required by a certain date. That makes the waiting-game even more frustrating.

Meanwhile, the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) is assisting the DNR in obtaining valuable measurements of inflows from the various tributaries to the Chain. The DNR needs the numbers to put together "a water budget": the relationship between input and output of water. Because of the drought those inflow numbers are atypical.

Be aware that the DNR intends to focus on flows through the Dam in the projected operating order, a significant change from the current operating order which deals exclusively with levels in the entire Chain. Also, although an economic impact analysis is supposed to be part of the EA, the DNR has not done a survey of local businesses and property-owners. You can provide your own economic input by writing to Jon Simonsen at State of Wisconsin DNR, 107 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501. His email address is: Jonathan.Simonsen@Wisconsin.gov . Copies of your correspondence are always welcome.