- List of Officials
- Response
to FAQ -- 11/13/07
- Report from October 17, 2007
- January 15, 2008 Update
- Wisconsin Constituents Campaign Update (March 18, 2008)
- JUNE 3, 2008, UPDATE
The DNR has told CFIC (Xcel) that they should maintain a minimum flow of
40 cubic feet per second through the Dam this summer. There is no
indication that the flow would be increased to 50 cfs as it was last
summer. Of course, if there were a substantial rainfall, the flow would
be increased in order to maintain the maximum level in the Chain of 8
ft. 6 in. As of this past weekend, the Chain level (per the gauge) was
just short of that goal.
- Update 4-4-08
Spring Refill of the Chain
The MCDF Board has been very concerned about the Chain reaching levels this spring that will provide a return to optimal conditions. Discussions have been ongoing with CFIC (Xcel subsidiary), the owner-operator of the Dam. This past week the Board was assured that refill could start as soon as signs of ice-thaw appeared and that at least 10” of water could be added to the winter draw-down level without seeing any significant ice-damage to Chain properties.
As soon as the Chain is relatively free of ice, CFIC reduces the flow over the Dam. This year CFIC and the DNR have agreed on a flow of 40 cfs (from 50cfs). That means more water for the Chain in case we experience the weather conditions of recent years. The MCDF Board and its attorney will be closely monitoring levels and flow-conditions.
Status of DNR Environmental Assessment
It appears that the assessment process mandated by the Wisconsin Environmental Protection Act (WEPA) may not produce a draft of a new Operating Order for the Rest Lake Dam at the beginning of this summer, as anticipated. The DNR Rhinelander Office reports that it is still gathering information and trying to assess what it needs in terms of information and field studies to respond to all the questions that have been raised. For example, impacts on wetlands in the Chain were mentioned frequently by those at the August Open House and in correspondence sent to the DNR.
If those involved with the WEPA study find they don’t have enough time to be ready for public meetings this summer, there may be a delay until the summer of 2009. For that reason the MCDF Board and Town officials are meeting to discuss other ways to resolve the conflict, now in its fifth year. Chain residents are asked to observe conditions and report on anything they feel deserves attention. Reports should be directed to Jack King at jgrovking@yahoo.com.
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