DNR Continues to Pick Winners and Losers

So, DNR, if it is good for property values, the economy, pleasure boats and fishing for Lake Delton to be restored, why not simply grant Lake Koshkonong 7.2 inches so we can accomplish the same objectives here?
_________________________

Fishing: What lies ahead for Lake Delton?

From WI State Journal

...The Department of Natural Resources is working on a plan that would not only restock Lake Delton, but improve the fish habitat.

Devised by Tim Larson, the lake's fish biologist and fish supervisor for the Lower Wisconsin River Basin, the plan could involve adding rock reefs in deeper water, rock close to some of the shoreline...

...The lake, created in 1927, emptied June 9 when flood waters breached the northern shore of the lake, emptying the lake, along with the walleye, largemouth bass and other fish species into the Wisconsin River, but exposing numerous stumps on the lake's east side that provide habitat for bait fish and game fish.

The lake could be refilled by December after improvements are made to the dam, scheduled for completion in September...

...Six- to 12-inch rocks would be used along selected wind-swept shorelines out to 10 feet from shore to encourage natural walleye spawning. Some natural walleye reproduction has been documented in Lake Delton but stocking has been needed to sustain the fishery, Larson said.

In normal years, the lake is a magnet for pleasure boaters, waterskiers and parasailing and is home to the Tommy Bartlett Show. When the lake emptied, it left boats high and dry, Bartlett's ski jumps buried in the mud and many resorts that rim the lake without guests.

...Stecky estimates his revenue will be down by 75 percent this year because of the loss of water, and doesn't expect his business to be back to 100 percent for three to five years, which is about the time it will take the small walleyes the DNR plans to stock next year to reach the legal harvest size of 15 inches

Owners of flooded properties must make decisions

From Janesville Gazette

...The federal government will pay 75 percent of the cost, with the state and city chipping in 12.5 percent each. The city can use in-kind matches to come up with that money, such as doing the demolition or paying landfill fees, Lee said.

If residents choose not to sell, they would be required to raise their homes 2 feet above flood plain level.

That might not be financially feasible for some.

HELP LINE # 888-905-1116

Brian:

My 88-year-old parents own a cottage on Lake Koshkonong (Vinnie Ha Ha Rd). Their lakeshore definitely needs to be cleaned-up from the water damage. Does your organization or do you have a list of local businesses that are available to do this for hire?

We would really appreciate any suggestions you might have.

thank you

Mary

______________________________

Call the toll free # above - contractors will be out after the August 16th fundraiser at Fins Bar and Grill in Newville. There will be no cost for the service.

August 16 benefit to raise money for flood victims

From the Edgerton Reporter
Holly Garey Special to the Reporter

The Shoreline Recovery and Restoration Benefit will take place on August 16 at Fins Bar and Grill in Newville. Proceeds from the event will go to the Shoreline Recovery and Restoration Fund, a component of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin. The benefit starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until close.


The Shoreline Recovery and Restoration Committee, a non-profit organization, has been meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays for the last month to discuss all the events and activities that will happen the day of the event. The group is made up of local businesses including the Buckhorn Supper Club, Carl’s Shell, Norm’s Hideaway, Fins Bar and Grill, Sherman Sanitation, Rock River Marina and the Edgerton Reporter.


The businesses have come together to organize the event to aid in shoreline recovery efforts. Fins Bar and Grill has donated their business as a location for the event, while other businesses will provide prizes, auction items and refreshments.


While the coalition is only set up to raise money for the event, Sue Conley, executive director of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin (CFSW), met the group to create a “Special Project Fund” for the group. The Special Project Fund is set up by the Shoreline Recovery and Restoration Committee through the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin because the committee has a specific purpose with a specific time period, but is not large enough to become its own charity. With Jane Duesterback as the group’s CFSW representative, the money raised will go back to the people who were affected in the Lake Koshkonong/Rock River area, from Fort Atkinson to Blackhawk Island.


The benefit will include many events throughout the day, like door prizes, a silent auction, 50-50 raffle, music, and a boat and Sea-Doo raffle. Refreshments will be provided. Raffle tickets for a Lowe 1648 boat with a 15H Mercury Motor and a new Karavan trailer or a GTI Sea-Doo, both provided by Rock River Marina, are one for $10 or three for $25. Raffle tickets can be purchased at a variety of business, including Fins Bar and Grill, Buckhorn Supper Club, Norm’s Hideaway, Rock River Marina, Snuffy’s Still, Wisconsin Wine and Cheese, and Carl’s Shell. The drawing for the grand prizes is at 8 p.m. and you need not be present to win.


The Shoreline Recovery and Restoration Committee is looking for volunteers for the day of the event to help step up for the event, to help sell raffle tickets, among other activities through out the day. Members of the committee said that the purpose of the benefit is to help raise money to help restore what has been damaged in the area and if there is enough funds left over, to revamp the area. All proceeds will go to the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, which will help distribute the money to the Lake Koshkonong area.


“Pat and I have been extremely touched by the number of people who have come forward to help and that have invested a considerable amount of time to come to the meetings and put all their efforts in to the event,” Sue Hogan, co-owner of Fins Bar and Grill, said.


People affected by the floods are doing their parts in helping the event succeed. Hogan said that two individuals, who live on the north side of the lake, came in to Fins and told Hogan about how their properties have been damaged.


“They came to thank us for putting on the benefit, and then they bought raffle tickets,” Hogan said.


Money will be used to hire contractors to circle the lake and river with equipment capable of removing debris. The money raised will not be used to reimburse residents for labor already completed prior to the event.


Cash and check donations are accepted and can either be made out to the Shoreline Recovery and Restoration Fund or to the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin and can be mailed to Shoreline Recovery and Restoration Fund, PO Box 8152, Janesville, WI 53547.


If a check is made for a donation or for the boat and Sea-Doo raffle, make sure to write under the memo ‘raffle tickets’ or ‘Shoreline R&R Fund.’

August 16th Benefit at Fins

Aug 16h Benefit Details

IF YOU GO

What: A benefit to raise money for the shoreline recovery and restoration fund.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16.

Where: Fins Bar & Grill on the Rock River in Newville.

Details: The event will include raffles, door prizes, silent auction, live music all day and food and drink specials.

Area businesses set up a committee and a fund to help with cleanup efforts from Indianford to Fort Atkinson on the Rock River, as well as property on Lake Koshkonong. Assistance including removal and disposal of sandbags and building materials will be provided to neighborhoods within the Rock-Koshkonong Lake District.

A committee of volunteers will allocate funds to contractors, landfills and waste companies who conduct cleanup efforts and collect waste material. No proceeds will be allocated directly to individual homeowners.

The fund is a component of Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin.

The shoreline recovery and restoration fund help line is 1-888-905-1116.

776.74

Gates changes will occur this upcoming week - first time in over 1 year.

Awaiting the tourists

From the Janesville Gazette

NEWVILLE — Pontoon boats cruised under the Highway 59 bridge over the Rock River in Newville on Sunday afternoon as live music greeted the boaters and the smell of grilled food wafted in the air.

While it's a typical summer sight for the tourism area, it's been atypical the last two months as floodwaters put a kibosh on visitors and business.

Bar and restaurant owners who depend on those tourism dollars say visitors are starting to return, but there's no way to make up for the sales loss.

"It'll be a tough winter. We do much better in summer, and that helps us get through winter,” said John Kinnett, owner of Anchor Inn, a bar, restaurant and boat rental on the river. "It's going to be a long winter. Hopefully next year Mother Nature cooperates.”

The rising Rock forced Kinnett to close his business for a month, then left him to repaint his building, lay new sod and fix several piers before opening July 11.

The Buckhorn Supper Club on Lake Koshkonong sat high and dry, but was forced to close for three weeks because the road to it was flooded, owner Chico Pope said.

But this weekend seemed to be a turning point for tourism-dependent businesses, many owners said, as they saw more boats return to the lake.

"This weekend seemed to be our best weekend so far, so that's a good sign,” Pope said. "Up through last weekend we were still down 30 to 35 percent each weekend we were open.”

Businesses won't see the rate of tourism like last year for another year, said Sue Hagan, who owns Fins Bar & Grill with her husband, Pat.

"The big attraction here was being on the lake, and they couldn't get on the lake,” she said.

When word spread of flooding in the Lake Koshkonong area, businesses not on the lake took a hit, too.

Steve Cline, majority owner of Jellystone Park of Fort Atkinson, said his campground reservations are down about 25 percent from a normal summer. He's still getting calls asking if the area is flooded.

"In actuality, the majority of us never were flooded … I think the news blew it up to the point where people thought it was a lot worse,” he said.

Cline and other owners point out, though, that high gas prices and tightening of pocketbooks also have contributed to the fall in their tourism business.

With piers and cottages needing repairs and only four weeks until Labor Day, Pope predicts traffic probably still won't pick up to a normal August pace.

"I think you're going to see lighter traffic this whole rest of summer,” he said.

While owners said local patrons have provided great support, it's that extra tourism push they need.

"We'll survive the summer just fine,” Pope said. "I'm afraid for most of these businesses to get through the winter.”

That's why many are adding events to draw more people to the lake area.

Fins is planning a shoreline recovery and restoration fund-raiser on Saturday, Aug. 16, to benefit the lake residents.

"We just really wanted to be part of the solution and try to get people back on their feet,” Hagan said.

That should draw people to the area, said Kinnett, who's seen his sales at Anchor Inn drop about 50 percent since he reopened. Now he's planning things such as a pig roast and a free corn boil for this weekend with other events he normally wouldn't have in coming weekends: a Mardi Gras party, hosting the Pink Houses band and having midget wrestling.

"We said, 'instead of just sitting back, let's do some promotional stuff and have some fun—give them a reason to come out,'” he said.

Safety Message from the RRSP

Brian,

I just wanted to let you know that while patrolling this weekend, I noticed the northwest side of Lake K is an area boaters should be extremely cautious when nearing the shoreline or Rock River.

The channel markers and the buoy marking the rock pile are missing. Adding to the problem is the water has become home to many rocks and logs. We have the side scanning sonar and could see many of these on the bottom. I also noticed the depth of the water quickly changes from 4' to 2' without warning. This area was known for the rock piles, sholes, submerged grasses, and junk. It now appears to be much worse.

The shore line in the N. Vinnie Haha area looks to have the worst damage from what I could see. It appears that a 3-5' deep x 15-30' width (depending on what you would consider normal waters edge prior to floods) wedge of land was removed from the shore line.

In it's place, the water left debris in the same way a tornado would leave behind.

It also exposed a number of concrete septic boxes that were below ground prior to the floods. There is one section that has the concrete coffin-like boxes right up the shore, house after house. The water was so strong that it looks like the lids were torn off and in some cases destroyed the d-box altogether.

It is an area that always contends with heavy wave action, but seems to have the least shore protection. What little was on the shore appears to be strewn about on shore or missing altogether.

It will be wise for boaters nearing land to assume the missing rock that acted as rip-rap material prior to the flood is now pulled out into the water along with the land it once sat on.

Ryan Peterson, Officer on the RRSP

Website is experiencing tech problems

Still working on it

Perfect Water Level

Lake Level today is 776.97 - nearly the exact lake level the RKLD is requesting the DNR to adjust their operating orders to....

And Milton and Fulton STILL retain their slow no-wake orders.

Not sure which level of government is more out of touch with 4,000 parcel owners, the town chairmen or the DNR.

Slow, no wake lifted in Milton Township

The Rock County Sheriff's Office lifted the slow, no wake zone on portions of the Rock River that flows through Milton Township this afternoon, heeding a request from the town board chair.

The river has had the slow, no wake zone in place since the record June flooding began June 13.

The lifting goes into effect immediately.

The slow, no wake zone on the portions of the Rock River that flows through Janesville will be lifted at 5 p.m. today.

Test

Test

SLOW, NO WAKE IN TOWN OF FULTON REMOVED

NEWS RELEASE
SLOW, NO WAKE IN TOWN OF FULTON REMOVED
For Immediate Release Contact Person
August 7, 2008 Commander Troy Knudson
(608) 757-7968

The Town of Fulton has requested that the Rock County Sheriff's Office remove the Slow, No Wake Zone for the portion of Rock River that flows through their town effective Friday, August 8, 2008. This request was made by the Fulton Town Chair.

Robert D Spoden
Sheriff
By: Commander Troy Knudson
Law Enforcement Services

SNW Lifted Town of Janesville

Slow, no wake to be lifted on Rock River

The Rock County Sheriff's Office announced today the slow, no wake zone for the portion of the Rock River that flows through the city and town of Janesville will be lifted effective at 5 p.m. Friday.

SLOW NO WAKE REMAINS IN EFFECT II

************************************************************************
SLOW-NO-WAKE will be lifted tomorrow, Friday, August 8th. We expect Saturday to be busy on the water and will be patrolling accordingly. We hope it is a safe weekend. I recommend readers do a once-over before taking to the waters this weekend. They should check to see that the registration paperwork is in order, safety equipment on board and in good condition, and review the boaters pamphlet the DNR publishes each year for a refresher in Wisconsin boating laws.
*************************************************************************
Rock River Safety Patrol

The River is STILL SLOW NO WAKE

For absolutely no reason whatsoever, Town of Fulton has the river from Newville to Indianford still posted as SLOW NO-WAKE....

Do not call the Lake District regarding this issue.

Direct all calls to the Fulton Town Chairman, Evan Sayre, at 608-774-4575

The town hall is closed on Fridays.

And Rock County Sheriff's Boat Patrol has been patroling this week.

DNR still lagging in inspecting Wisconsin dams

Milw Journal Sentinel

...Dams are rated as being high hazard, significant hazard or low hazard. The rating does not measure the condition of the dam but indicates the potential damage a failure could cause. High-hazard dams could cause loss of life, and significant-hazard dams could cause environmental or property damage. Low-hazard dams have little potential for causing any type of damage.
___________________________________________________________

Indianford and Jefferson are considered low hazard dams.

Madison Can Learn from Koshkonong

...A request to raise the level of Lake Koshkonong in the 1980s is still being hashed out in court because of opposing sides, WISC-TV reported.
__________________________________________

This is a misleading statement by Madison's WISC TV-3.

The court case from the 1980s was settled in 1991. The RRKA had requested the DNR raise the lake level by more than 2x what the current RKLD petition requests (7.2 inches). They made this request with no consideration or research into the impacts on the OHWM - possibly causing a "takings" issues of private property.

During the roughly 10 years that the dispute/request sat on DNR's desks, no research was conducted by any party.

The DNR water level order was eventually changed, arbitrarily, with no scientific reasoning behind why the new order was established at today's order of 776.20 mls.

It was also during this compromise rooted in zero site-specific science, that the official lake level gauge was moved from the Indiandford Dam to its current location at Binghams on the lake.

The change in lake/river bed elevation alone cost us roughly 3 inches in water depth.

So, I take exception to the portrayal by TV-3 that it is "still being hashed out." Our current case is based on hundreds of hours, hundreds of thousands of dollars in site-specific research, including a joint RKLD-DNR OHWM analysis, that confirmed our water level request for 7.2 inches of water would not encroach on the OHWM, and cause a "takings" issue.

And we have sponsored wetland protection grants to armor privately-owned wetlands, that research indicates have protected the wetlands - in most cases - against flood stage damage.

Research photos presented again at the annual meeting Saturday illustrated how the armor has enabled the wetlands to regenerate new growth.

It won't be long and Madison-area homeowners will look to RKLD-funded science to defend themselves against the DNR's goal of turning their lakes back to a pre-settlement era.

And for that, all RKLD electors should feel good about their role in improving the ecosystem.

High Water Levels Destroying Protected Wetlands

Madison-area shoreline property owners are about to start a process with the DNR that the RKLD has already begun.

Our lake systems are too different to draw parallel lines, other than to say, yes, dams have and do change the ecosystem. And yes, home construction, road construction and municipal waste treatment facilities change the ecosystem.

But it is simply not an option to remove dams that have existed for 150+ years, where urban development has established itself; no one will agree to remove the Beltline, or other roads, no one will agree to remove their plumbing and return to pumps and outhouses - all in an effort to return to a pre-settlement era.

The wetlands are valuable - and they need to be armored.

In a few weeks, we will continue our research of Lake Koshkonong's wetlands and display the effects that the RKLD grants have had in rip-rapping those privately-owned wetlands.

_____________________________________________

From Channel3000 - Madison

..."They're only floating because the dam or series of dams at Tenney Park back the water up into the Yahara River."

...Hefty said at least 7 feet of marsh shoreline disappears every year. He said a least a full square mile of it has gone since the first dam was put on Lake Mendota in the mid-1800s.

...Some experts would like to see the lake level lowered on Lake Mendota, which in turn would lower the level in Cherokee Marsh, WISC-TV reported.

"Anything we can do to lower the summertime levels will enhance the growth of the plants," said Hefty. "And it will also reduce the loss when we have flood events because if you start at a lower elevation you have more storage so it won't rise up as high."

...A request to raise the level of Lake Koshkonong in the 1980s is still being hashed out in court because of opposing sides, WISC-TV reported.

Paperwork needed to issue disaster loans

Jvl Gazette

...If residents don't return their SBA loan applications, they automatically drop themselves out of the running for federal relief funds.

Residents have some time left, though, if they haven't returned their applications to the SBA. Because the floodwaters were so slow to recede, FEMA extended by one month the disaster loan application deadline for home and business damage loans.

Residents requesting federal assistance for physical damage now need to have their applications returned by Monday, Sept. 15. Those seeking aid for economic injury have until March 13, 2009, the same deadline as originally set.

Does Anyone have a Sunset Update?

Brian,
Great job with the blog, don’t let negative comments effect you. Keep up the good work.

I have a house in Newville, I haven’t made it over by Sunset Bar & Grill lately. Do you know their situation? Any word on the boat races?

Thanks,
Mike Mininni

Koshkonong Water Quality

We finally found a website! Keep in mind blue-green algae can blossom and disappear at any time, and it is toxic.

WIBeaches.US

Lakeview Campground Beach --
1901 E. State Rd. 59
Center of beach Rock
07/31/2008 10:15
- 9 PER 100 ML

Lakeland Campground Beach --
2803 E. State Rd. 59
Center of beach Rock
07/31/2008 09:45
- 1 PER 100 ML
_______________________________________________

What do the monitoring values mean?

USEPA has established an advisory level of 235 cfu/100 for E. coli.

Please be advised that E. coli values greater than 235 poses an increased risk of swimmer-related illness.

SLOW NO WAKE REMAINS IN EFFECT

Lake Level = 777.53

Water levels have dropped 6.84 inches this past weekend.

Many have commented that this water level is "perfect." However, we must drop another 16 inches to comply with the DNR summer operating orders.

Turtle hunter is ducky friend

From the Jvl Gazette



...When he was younger, he collected them on vacations to his family’s summer home on Lake Koshkonong. He has since retired to that home.

...The turtle season is July 15 to Nov. 30, but Swann usually traps in mid-July, which he said is prime season

...Turtles usually aren’t dangerous to humans in the water—they’ll often turn away or just hunker down, Swann said. But being captured triggers their aggression

______________________________________

Previous Post
HERE

Shoreland management plan goes inland

From Capital Region Business Journal

HERE

...The proposed standards are based on lot size and buffer zones. For urban water bodies, the plan proposes a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet and 100-foot width, with a minimum 37.5-foot vegetative buffer zone and 75-foot building setback. Minimum lot sizes in developing and rural areas are two and four acres, respectively, with correspondingly larger buffer and setback requirements.

Approximately three-quarters of all shoreland properties in the county, particularly in urban areas, cannot satisfy these requirements
___________________________________________________________

Previous Post
HERE

Lake Level = 777.63

If you have a problem with the SLOW-NO WAKE remaining on the river south of Newville to Indianford, please call the Fulton Town Hall, Chair, Evan Sayre 608-868-4103

Town Website HERE

It is apparent that Mr. Sayre only responds to the squeaky wheells, such as
this person

If you are upset that the SLOW-NO WAKE has been ignored by most boats this weekend, then call the Rock County Sheriff's Department

Lt. Gary L. Groelle (608) 757-7906
Previous Post
HERE

________________________________

The Lake District has no role in imposing or removing the slow-no wake orders.

But if this section of the river is going to be the only section from Jefferson to Indianford to remain slow no wake, then it might make sense for Rock County to ENFORCE it!!

Either remove it or enforce it!!

Town of Fulton has simply created unwarranted confusion. And Rock County should take input from other sources, espcecially when the town hall in Fulton is CLOSED on Fridays, leaving the Lake District to field complaint calls.

Email Re; Flooding

Mr Christianson,
I would like to with draw my property from the lake district. I have never supported the Lake District from the very start, And even less now. My home was flooded this year first time in 30 years. Now you want to raise the water level 7" so I am thanking if it was lower by 1 foot it would have saved a lot of property owners some big$$$$. For who I ask. My property address N1665 Groeler Rd
Town Of Koshkonong.

Jack Mays
920-563-6504
____________________________
UPDATE

Mr. Mays -

WI State Statutes (Chapter 33.33) provides the process for detachment.
HERE


Did you happen to attend the annual meeting? Hydrologist Rob Montgomery presented a terrific PowerPoint, indicating why current lake levels have no impact on flood behavior or severity.

We will post it on the website soon.

From Sound Off - 608-755-8335

On lake district:

The plan of Brian Christianson and Jeff Folk on the Rock Koshkonong Lake District Board is very simple: Squelch negatives against raising water levels with propaganda and demonize those who disagree. People need to read the real scientific information from the DNR.

778.10 and dropping 2"+ per day

We are still 22.8 inches ABOVE DNR Summer Operating Orders.

The Rock River, from the lake south, thru Newville, to the Indianford Dam is STILL Slow-No Wake.

The lake and the river north to the Jefferson Dam can be navigated at full speed - but please be repsectful of our neighbors on Blackhawk Island.

Month of July - Goodbye

July - we hardly knew ya.

July 1 - 783.7 (inflow = 10,300 cfs)

July 31 - 778.33 (inflow = 2,080)

64.44 inch drop - over 5 feet.

_______________________________________________

1 cubic foot per second (cfs)= 449 gallons per minute

2,080 cfs x 449 gallons = 933,920 gallons per minute

1,440 minutes per day = 1,344,844,800 gallons per day

Lake District to vote on assessment reduction

From the Daily Jefferson County Union

Property owners in the Rock Koshkonong Lake District are slated to vote Saturday on a produced special assessment reduction.

The lake district’s annual meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Fort Atkinson High School. Under state law, property owners must be present to vote. Absentee or proxy voting is not permitted.

As proposed by the Rock Koshkonong Lake District Board of Commissioners, property owners will consider a reduction in the special charge assessed in 2009 from $45 to $40 per parcel.

The district encompasses all 10,460 acres of Lake Koshkonong and portions of Rock, Jefferson and Dane counties along the Rock River from Jefferson downstream to the Indianford dam near Edgerton.

There are approximately 8,000 total residents with more than 4,000 parcels within the district.

“The board has been ultra-conservative with taxpayer monies,” district chairperson Brian Christianson said. “We only tackle projects that our constituents support, which they indicate at the annual meeting by directly voting on their tax levy.”

The proposed reduction includes the continuing legal argument against the Department of Natural Resources in the water level proceedings.

Christianson said the district’s legal team provided pro bono representation during the Rock County Circuit Court proceedings, which concluded in May.

As a result, a rollover balance for water level proceedings is expected to be included in the 2009 budget.

“It enabled us to reduce the special tax charge while continuing the legal argument against the DNR in the water level proceedings,” Christianson said. “The judicial system rarely sees a case like ours, and for minimal cost, we can get closure to complex legal questions that, so far, are left unanswered.” (The full story appears in the July 30 Daily Union).

Health Question Re; The Lake

Dear Brian,
We also wanted to thank you for this valuable blog.

We are new owners on Lake Koshkonong and we really appreciate being able to read your blog to find out what's happening on and around the lake; especially since we live down in Illinois.

What information do you have about the toxicity levels in the lake?

We haven't seen much on your blog about this but we've heard rumors about this from locals. Even if we can go out on the lake, is the lake safe to swim in? Is it even safe to get the water on your skin? We've heard that there are high levels of e-coli in the lake and this obviously concerns us even after the "slow no wake" is lifted.

Based on our reading of your blog over the last couple of weeks, it looks like there still isn't any specific and official report on removing the "slow no wake" on Koshkonong. Have we misunderstood this or missed this?

Sincerely,
Mark & Geri Rissman
_____________________________________________


LINKS HERE TO PREVIOUS POSTS


DNR EXPLAINS - 2005


Department of Natural Resources
phone: (608) 264-6260
e-mail: Elisabeth.Harrahy@dnr.state.wi.us

From 2005

Lake Koshkonong has BLUE-GREEN ALGAE - 2008

Tim Banwell
Rock County Health Department environmental health director

What BLUE-GREEN ALGAE looks like

Earlier QUESTION - 2008

Dangers of BLUE-GREEN ALGAE

Rock County Health Officer
Dr. Joseph Schurhammer.

Madison woman gets sick

Law prohibits voting by proxy

Editor, the Gazette:
Loren Close, where did you get your information (letter, July 28)?

State Statute 30.30 (2)(b) states that no absentee ballots or proxies are permitted.

The majority I wrote about voted while in attendance at the Rock Koshkonong Lake District's annual meetings. Every year since 1999, the majority has spoken with their attendance and voted to seek a more reasonable water level so all recreational users can benefit from this resource instead of a few who happen to disagree with the majority.

The issue is similar to voting for a new school. Everyone has an opinion, but as you know the majority wins-as it should be-or nothing would improve or change.

You insinuate that the board's equation is money. What a joke. There are five board members and thousands of voters.

JIM FOLK
Milton

Blackhawk Island Road Question II

Hi Brian,
I have been following your Blog daily and noted someone had replied to my question about the flooding of Blackhawk Island Road about ten days ago. They had mention, the road would be passable when the water level was down to about 10 feet.

For what ever reason, I can't tell if the road is passable or not with the info I am seeing on the Blog.
Can you or anyone else let us know if the road is open to the end?

Thank you
Jim McEvoy
_________________

I have been up there personally, but it should be passable - water level today is 778.57 (8.57) =

11.3
THERE IS KNEE-DEEP WATER OVER BLACKHAWK ROAD. LAMP ROAD ON WEST SIDE OF RIVER ALSO BECOMES FLOODED. LAKE KOSHKONONG MERGES WITH MUD LAKE TO THE EAST OF LAKE KOSHKONONG.
11.1
THERE IS WIDESPREAD FLOODING IN THE TOWN OF KOSHKONONG AND TOWN OF SUMNER.
10.8
Floodwaters spread into the back yards of some homes in the Mallwood Subdivision area near Newville.
10.5
Floodwaters reache Oxbow Bend Road in the area of the gage on the east side of the lake.
10.0
Floodwaters affect homes and boat docks in the Blackhawk Island area of Lake Koshkonong on the north side of the lake. Floodwaters spread over low spots in Blackhawk Lake Road in the area where the Rock River enters the lake.
9.5
Water is into low lying areas along Lake Koshkonong.
9.0
Water spreads into low lying areas along Lake Koshkonong

Jefferson County Removes Slow No-Wake Order

The Edgerton Reporter published a release indicating the Jefferson County Sheriff has lifted their slow no-wake order on all county waters.

Please use extreme caution - and be courteous to our neighbors on Blackhawk Island, north to Fort's city limits.

No need to blast a wake at folks who are still recovering from flooding.

2008 Candidate Jeff Folk

My name is Jeffrey L Folk.

I graduated form Milton High School in 1983, Blackhawk Technical College with an associate degree in Electro Mechanical Technology. I served a 5 year state indentured apprenticeship as an electrician. I have my Master electrician's license and I'm a member of IBEW Local 890 for the past 19 years. I work as a Craftsworker Supervisor for the UW Madison electric shop.

Married to Cheryl and have two daughters, Rachel (11) and Megan (8)

My beliefs are with the majority of the Lake District owners, I will help to continue our quest for better water levels and no winter draw down. Once this battle comes to an end I would like to move on to developing plans and proposals for projects to improve Lake Koshkonong for EVERYONE!

I have lived on Lake Koshkonong all my live and I'm also a WETLAND owner who is NOT a member of the LKWA and who has much different views than most of there membership. If your beliefs are Lake Koshkonong is too low during normal summer operating orders and that the lake is for EVERYONE than give me your vote because I will support you to the end!!

Flooding harms local business, too

Editor, the Gazette:

The Monday, July 21, front-page headline reads "A drain of tourism." I was interested to learn about Rock County's devastating loss of tourism dollars from this year's record flood. Instead, I was informed about the devastating loss to the Wisconsin Dells area.

I believe it would be of interest to your readers to report about the extent of local tourism losses, extending along Rock River/Lake Koshkonong.

I can think of restaurants, bars, marinas, hotels, bait shops, real estate companies, boat rentals, vacation rentals, grocery stores, campgrounds and gas stations, just to name some.

There are tremendous losses to these local businesses, and we need help in order to survive.

A story would be beneficial.

CHICO & DAWN POPE
Owners
Buckhorn Supper Club
Lake Koshkonong

2008 Candidate Steve Proud

I live at W8571 E Lake Dr. and am a 21 year resident of Lake Koshkonong.

My professional career has been spent working with executive management and Board of Directors of financial institutions.

Lake Koshkonong is at a crossroads in its history. The Lake District membership is faced with many questions in its quest to find the proper balance to meet the needs of all the membership not just a select few. We need representation that is not afraid to investigate and research new ideas to insure that Lake Koshkonong will have a storied history for our children and grandchildren.

If elected, I will work with Brian, Ray, Jeff, Ed and the appointed directors with a promise to work hard to preserve the quality of life on Lake Koshkonong.

Any questions, please email me at seproud@comcast.net

Lake Report

We took the SeaDoo's around the lake - quite surprised the houses all looked in pretty good shape - even those is low areas like Bingham Lagoon and North Shore.

I thought I would see walls pushed in or something but nothing much but water lines.

I was out 500 feet so maybe if I were in closer more damage would have been noticeable.

Even the wetlands looked in good shape considering the length of time under water.

It almost looked like the only wetland damage was the cattail marsh of Jeff Folk's.

No stumps, trees or other debris anywhere and absolutely no algae.
Jack and Jayne

FEMA extends flood relief deadline

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the flood relief application deadline by a month, giving Wisconsin residents until Sept. 15 to register for disaster assistance.

The announcement should come as welcome news to residents who have just returned to their properties in the last couple of weeks. Dozens were stymied by slowly receding water, particularly along the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong in Jefferson County.

"There are houses that still have water around them, and there are still sandbags up," said Donna Haugom, emergency management director in Jefferson County. "There's still a lot of people in a turmoil, if you will, trying to get their arms around what they're dealing with."

Residents and business owners who sustained flood damage to their property are encouraged to register by calling FEMA at (800) 621-3362.

They also can apply at the Disaster Recovery Centers that remain open in Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Winnebago, Jefferson, Rock, Adams and Monroe counties.

To date, FEMA has allocated $42 million in disaster assistance grants, and the Small Business Administration has authorized roughly $17 million in low-interest loans to Wisconsin residents who reported flood damage.

"As recovery funds continue to be distributed, I urge anyone with damages and who has not registered to do so now," said Dolph Diemont, FEMA's federal coordinating officer in Wisconsin.

Royce Dallman County Park reopens

Rock County Parks Director Lori Williams announced today that Royce Dallman County Park has been reopened following cleanup from the recent flood.

The docks should be back in late this week or early next week.

The park is just off County N north of Milton on Charley Bluff Road.
_______________________________

Previous post indicates the towns of Milton and Fulton will suggest to Rock County that the slow no-wake will not be removed until Friday, August 8th.

Please do not call the Lake District - we have no authority over S N-W orders.

Direct your calls to Rock County Sheriff's Dept.,
Lt. Gary L. Groelle
(608) 757-7906

if you feel the S N-W should stay or be removed.

Recent History of Lifting Slow No-Wake

Today –
778.57

Inflow = 2,350 cfs (dropping)
___________________________

Friday 5.23.08

Lake Level = 777.80
Inflow = 1,850 cfs (dropping)
___________________________

Friday 9.27.08

Lake Level = 776.72
Inflow = 1,060 cfs (dropping)
___________________________


Tuesday 5.10.07

Lake Level = 778.02
Inflow = 2,680 cfs (dropping)


____________________________


Recent Average = 777.53

Flood Victims in Need of Legal Help

Brian,
I wanted to know if you could recommend a good attorney from the Fort Atkinson / Jefferson County area.

We are really becoming discouraged at what options we have in regards to the damage inflicted on our home by the flood. We feel that we were deliberately mislead on or policy coverage & we need to go the legal route.

If you could recommend a lawyer it would be greatly appreciated. We are also finding out that we are running out of time, this is extremely disturbing to me & my family.

Thank you,
Roger
_____________________________

See Previous Post HERE

Test results show VHS disease hasn't spread in WI

Green Bay Sport Fishermen

...Waters tested included popular, high traffic waters such as Lake Du Bay, the Wisconsin River at several locations, the Minocqua Chain of Lakes, Little St. Germain Lake, Lake Kegonsa, Lake Koshkonong, Willow Flowage, Gile Flowage, and Lac Courte Oreilles. “We can’t say with 100 percent certainty that VHS is not somewhere outside these known waters, but it’s certainly not prevalent,” Simonson says. “We’ve looked at so many different places and so many different watersheds.”

Respond to Close, Dewar

Read Loren Close HERE - Lake DIstrict on a Power Play

Read Matt Dewar Below - Stop the Madness

___________________________________________________

Defend Lake Koshkonong - write to the Janesville Gazette HERE

Matt Dewar at it Again....

Lake district board must stop madness

Editor, the Gazette:
It's time to stop the madness! I'm referring to the RKLD Board's recent folly to throw more taxpayer money down the toilet with another appeal of Judge Dillon's ruling. With anywhere from $400,000 to $500,000 (Can anyone say audit?) spent, of course William O'Connor would support as many appeals as necessary. He's making out like a bandit. If the RKLD really cared about the lake, they would put taxpayer money to good use.

Things like an annual cleanup (like Madison lakes do), efforts to eliminate fertilizers and pesticides that drain into the lake, and making sure upriver towns keep sewage out of the water.

With two floods this year, do we really need 7.2 more inches in the lake during summer along with no winter drawdown?

When you look at historical crests, it's obvious that the lake is much more pone to flooding. The top 10 have occurred in the last 18 years. It's becoming much easier for flooding to occur because more roads, houses and businesses with parking lots are being built. More runoff! Period! The lake rises in a matter of days when it rains now. With 7.2 inches more water, it just makes it that much easier to flood.

I urge all district taxpayers to attend the annual meeting. Throw two board members (Frank Micale and Jeff Folk) out of office.

Voice your opposition about higher water levels, more flooding and more of your money being wasted. End the madness now!

MATT DEWAR
Cottage Grove
__________________________
Previous Posts

Dewar against RKLD at the Contested Case Hearing HERE

Dewar against Christianson in Fulton HERE

NO WAKE ZONES IN TOWN OF BELOIT REMOVED

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact Person
July 29, 2008

Lt. Gary L. Groelle (608) 757-7906

The Town of Beloit has requested that the Rock County Sheriff’s Department remove the Slow, No Wake Zone for the portion of Rock River south of the railroad bridge in the Town of Beloit effective Tuesday, July 29, 2008. This request was made by the Beloit Town Chair.

Robert D Spoden
Sheriff

By: Lt. Gary L. Groelle
Law Enforcement Services

Towns Target August 8th for Lifting S N-W

Brian,
Any word on when the slow no wake will be lifted for Koshkonong and the Rock?
Gerry
______________________________

Brian,

Evan has been keeping an eye on it also.

It has been past practice that the No Wake doesn’t get lifted until the level is at 7.5.

According to the NOAA sight we monitor, that looks like it will happen about Monday (8-4).

Evan will be lifting the No Wake on Friday, Aug. 8th.

He wants to give the people on the river a chance to dry out, and clean up a bit. He has also spoke with the Town of Milton Chairman about this, and they both agreed on Friday, Aug. 8th. I have a memo ready to go out to the Sheriff’s Dept., and the others who we always send them to on Monday, Aug. 4th, requesting that it be lifted as of Aug. 8th.

I will let Evan know you contacted us.

From Ellendale Road RE: Slow No-Wake

To the Town Board,

This morning (July 28th) the river is still 8 inches OVER the seawalls down here on Ellendale Road at our home and the neighbors on each side of us.

I know that there is probably considerable pressure from the public to remove the slow no wake restriction from the Rock River in Fulton Township but, please consider holding off posting the lifting of the no wake notice at least until Friday or later to prevent further erosion of our banks. The river will probably be below 778.5 by then.

Thank you for your consideration. We appreciate it.

William Sickler

We Have To Clean Up Our Lakes

From the WI State Journal HERE

...It took decades to solve that problem, partially because even the early sewage treatment plants discharged water back into the lakes and the treated sewer water acted as fertilizer, encouraging the growth of algae and weeds. It wasn't until 1952, Mollenhoff says, that Lake Monona became effluent free.

...Today's "sewers" do not involve pipes leading from flush toilets to the lakes. Instead, our lakes have become depositories of runoff from surrounding farms, collection pools for the fertilizers we put on our lawns and floodplains for heavy rainfall to the north of us.

Take a look at Lake Mendota today. You'll see some boats buzzing around, but not too many. Some shore front homeowners have taken their piers down and put their boats in storage for the season. Others have boats sitting up on hoists above the water, but the piers connecting shore to boats are gone.

Wisconsin DNR changes fishing tournament rules

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- State wildlife officials have scaled back fishing tournament rules amid complaints.

The Natural Resources Board adopted regulations in January that limited the number of tournaments per body of water and created permits that cost $25 to $200 depending on the contest size and prizes. The rules were supposed to go into effect next year.
But the Assembly Natural Resources Committee objected after fishing groups complained about the permits and provisions allowing wardens to search live wells.

The committee sent the rules back for revision.

In response, state fishery managers have reduced permit fees for some tournaments and removed sections on wardens' authority.

The board is expected to vote on the revisions Aug. 13.

The RKLD is on a 'power play?'

Respond to Ms. (Mr.?) Loren Close the Second HERE

______________________________
UPDATE

Editor, response to Loren Close 7/28/08

Loren Close, where did you get your information?

State Statue 30.30 (2)(b) states No absentee ballots or proxies are permitted.

The majority I wrote about voted while in attendance at Annual Meetings.

Every year since 1999 the majority has spoken with there attendance and voted to seek a more reasonable water level so all recreational users can benefit from this resource instead of a few who happen to disagree with the majority.

The issue is similar to voting for a new school, everyone has an opinion but as you know the majority wins as it should be or nothing would improve or change.

You insinuate the board equation is money, what a joke, there are 5 board members and thousands of voters.

Jim Folk
Milton, WI

Lake district must rethink power play

Editor, the Gazette:

Diana Markson's letter of July 8 and Jim Folk's letter of July 12 roughly define conflicting attitudes within the membership of the Rock Koshkonong Lake District.

Under normal decorum, there should be a meeting of members to develop a compromised position to lay an incendiary community issue to rest-a rested position that past court decisions have failed to convince a very onesided district board's power play which it doggedly pursues based on Mr. Folk's declaration that they are acting from a position of the majority.

(Mr. Folk omits that the majority opinion is gained by proxy votes of nonresidents-those beyond community conflicts!)

Mr. Folk emphasizes that the district is a legal body and has the votes to continue to pursue 7 more inches of water in the lake so to lure larger (nonresident) boaters with more money-gains for the vested interests that the board aggressively lobbies for! A resident-community-value corrupting power-play!

This power-play was very poorly planned-then recklessly pursued. An absolute power play is absolutely corrupting! The dependent variable in this "board exercise equation" is money!

And the independent variables of the equation are: 1) will the increase in profits from bigger gas-guzzling boats due to 7 more inches of water offset the 2) loss of present business profits caused by the continuing creation of undesirable community conflicts?

The vested interests should pause and rethink the folly of their community-divisive power-playing!

LOREN J. CLOSE II
Edgerton

Shame on you thieves! We will hunt you down...

Mr. Christianson,
I wanted to write you and let you know do a great job on all of the lake area updates.

Also there has been a recent rash of looting and thefts at Lakeland camping resort on Lake Koshkonkong.

Our family was a victim of some of the stealing. We had a waverunner tied up on the shore of the lake and on Saturday I went to check on it and found the ropes were cut and the machine was gone.

I was wondering if you could put a notice on the blog to see if anyone has any information.

It is a 1996 Kawasaki 750 that is purple and yellow. The hood is purple and the seat is yellow. On the hood it say virtual insanity. It also has a purple and yellow cover.

We know the odds of getting the waverunner back are slim, but we are going to try our best.

So my family and I were hoping you could put a notice on the blog and contact information if they know anything.

They can contact us through the Rock County Sheriff's department or by calling 608-897-2060.

It is a shame that many people lost places they loved to go to and spend a fun weekend on the lake and people feel that they need to steal from them. It is an outrage. If you could please email me back it would be greatly appreciated.

Kevin S. Skatrud

779.03

Lake Level dropped 8.5 inches over the weekend.

Look for the Jefferson and Rock County Sheriff's departments to remove the slow-no wake orders later this week.

Deadline nears for SBA loans to flood victims

From the Daily Jefferson County Union

...Deadline nears for SBA loans to flood victims More than 1,000 Jefferson County residents have applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but only about 10 percent of them have filled out and returned applications for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, a spokesperson said Wednesday.

Residents urged to buy preferred risk flood insurance

WKOW-TV, Madison

...NFIP's Preferred Risk rates are quite a bargain, starting at $119 a year for buildings without basements. A home can be covered for up to $250,000 for the dwelling and $100,000 for contents. Replacement cost coverage is available for single-family, primary residences. Renters and business owners also are eligible for Preferred Risk Flood Insurance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the Preferred Risk Policy under NFIP, reminds residents that flood insurance is important because floods can occur where they are least expected.

Approximately 25 percent of all claims paid by the NFIP are for policies in
low- or moderate-risk communities.

Nothing fishy about these records

River Falls Journal

So you want to catch a Wisconsin State Record Fish, huh?

...If you want to go after a big fish try for a buffalo. The state record weighed in at 73 pounds, two ounces, in 2004 out of Lake Koshkonong in Jefferson County.
____________________

And here is what a world record buffalo looks like...what a beast!

Below 780!!!

Lake level dropped another 6.36 inches over the past 48 hours.

Today = 779.74

Inflow from Jefferson = 3,700 cfs (12 straight days of decline)

Slow-Now Wake could possibly be removed by the county sheriff's departments next weekend.

Candidates Announce

As printed in the newsletter -

Candidates seeking election to the RKLD Board are:

Jeff Folk
Frank Micale
Steve Proud

2 seats are up for election next Saturday - the term is 3 years.

Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the annual meeting, Saturday, August 2nd.

Statements from each of the candidates will be posted here soon.

Charley Bluff's DJ's Serving Breakfast

Another LOCAL BLOG

...Although this year's recent flooding did not reach DJ's building, it did cut the bluff off from civilization for three weeks. DJ's, as with the other bars on the bluff, just reopened again.

Mendota swim sickens woman; blue-green algae blamed

WI State Journal

...Sorsa attributed the recent cases to this year 's flooding, which sent nutrients from agricultural runoff, as well as sewage, into area waters.

___________________________________

See DNR's piece on this which speaks well to the hazard, but again falsely and indirectly blames it on human activity HERE

See this Wiki reference for more information HERE

Lake Level Dropping - picking-up steam...

Monday morning = 2.64 inch drop
Tueaday morning = 2.76 inches
Wendesday morning = 3.12 inches
______________________

Inflow = 4,390 cfs (10 consecutive days of less cfs)

Lake level = 780.27 (nearly 5 feet drop from crest)

______________________

Slow-No wake typically removed when lake levels drop below 779.00 - a little more than a foot to go....

Clarifying Slow No Wake on the Lake

Slow-No-Wake Ordinance State Statue 30.77 (3)

All towns, villages and cities having jurisdiction over the lake have enacted an identical ordinance.

At least 50% of the towns, villages and cities having jurisdiction over the lake have enacted an identical ordinance and at least 60% of the footage of shoreline of the lake is within the boundaries of these towns, villages and cities.

1) The Sheriff or Local Water patrols enforce local ordinances
2) The river above and below Lake Koshkonong have local ordinances for S-N-W
3) No identical ordinance for each township exist for the lake

Other laws pertaining to property damage do not require and exact ordinances so please respect others property and travel at S-N-W within a minimum of 500’ from shorelines

Inflow from Jefferson Keeps Dropping...

Lake level today = 780.76

A drop of 13.8 inches in one week - almost 2 inches per day.

Monday, 7/14 = 8,540 cfs
7/15 = 8,100
7/16 = 7,440
7/17 = 6,880
7/18 = 6,410
7/19 = 6,030
7/20 = 5,620
Today = 5,180 cfs

Time running out for Wisconsin Disaster Assistance

WKOW-TV, Madison

Flood Stage for the next 10 days minimum...

Since the flood peak the water has dropped 49.32 inches, just a little over 50% of the 98.16 inches peak on 6/21/2008.



NOAA

Inspecting flooded houses will be slow, dirty process

Jvl Gazette

...“This is probably the most important stage,” Price said. “We need to make these determinations, and residents need to decide what they want to do.”

It will be up to the residents to decide whether to rebuild or move on, Williams said.

Many things will factor into those decisions, he said.

City of Jefferson looking for volunteers

Jvl Gazette

Flood watch canceled

The National Weather Service has canceled a flood watch for southern Wisconsin.

Rain is still expected Friday night, with storms through Monday. The weather service says some of the thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday could bring heavy rain.

But some of the storms that were expected to hit the area Thursday went north and south of spots that were already soaked. That helped avoid more flooding.

Watch Your Mailboxes

RKLD newsletters arriving this week.

Annual meeting is Saturday, August 2nd, 9:00am at Fort Atkinson High School.

Agenda and 2007 minutes are posted on the home page.

Change of address needed from people displaced by disaster

WKOW - TV

When many Wisconsin residents and business owners in disaster-affected areas left their damaged homes or businesses, their mail became undeliverable. Residents and business owners displaced by the disaster need to notify the post office of their new mailing addresses. Without an updated change of address, mail cannot be forwarded and may cause important information or checks to be returned.

"Some federally-issued checks must be mailed directly to the recipient and cannot be forwarded," said Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Dolph Diemont. "Those displaced by the disaster are encouraged to contact any agencies from whom they expect to receive checks and provide them with an updated mailing address." FCOs lead the federal side of joint federal/state disaster operations.

Each time applicants move, they need to notify the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) of their new addresses so any mail sent by friends, family and the federal or state governments can be delivered.

To update their address with FEMA, applicants can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, or submit changes online.

To put in a change of address with USPS, persons may visit any U.S. Post Office or use the postal services telephone or internet change of address options. Change of addresses can be filed online or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777).

Runaway paddleboat passengers rescued

JANESVILLE — Janesville firefighters pulled two stranded Janesville boys from the Rock River near the Traxler Park boat landing Wednesday afternoon.

The boys had no idea they were heading toward a dam at Centerway Bridge, Acting Lt. Dan Wichser said.

The boys were reported behind Parker Community Credit Union, 1101 N. Parker Drive at 3:45 p.m.

Emergency responders launched a rubber rescue boat from the Sherman Avenue boat launch and shouted to the boys to encourage them out of the current and toward the shore, Wischser said.

'They paddled their little fannies off,' he said. The boys found the boat washed onto shore, Wichser said.

Officials caution that floodwaters continue to be dangerous

Rains could bring more flood woes

By Associated Press

A weather front that will hold approaching rainstorms over the state for the next few days could create the type of flooding that caused extensive damage across central and southern Wisconsin last month, forecasters said today.

“The setup is kind of likely for it to happen,” said Chris Franks, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sullivan.

The Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for all of southern Wisconsin through Saturday evening.

“Another very dangerous flooding situation may be developing for southern Wisconsin,” the weather service said in a statement. “It has many similarities to the weather pattern and subsequent flooding experienced back in early June.”
Franks said it’s not clear which parts of central and southern Wisconsin will get the most rain, but weather forecasters put out the notice so local emergency management officials could prepare.

A line of storms that will dump the heaviest rain north of the Milwaukee area starting this afternoon have a decent chance of causing flooding in Sauk, Dodge, Columbia, Green Lake and Sheboygan counties because they were hit with 1 to 1.5 inches of rain Wednesday, Franks said.

Communities along the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong, where tributaries are still swelling from last month’s flooding, also could face flooding problems, Franks said.

“There’s a lot of water backed up,” the meteorologist said. “It wouldn’t take a whole lot of water to get those smaller bodies to leave their banks.”

Midwest's flood-prone communities consider buyouts

Janesville Gazette

...In Wisconsin, applications for the buyout program have been sent to 18 communities and will be sent to another eight, said Roxanne K. Gray, state hazard mitigation officer.

"There's some areas where FEMA hasn't gotten in to do inspections yet," Gray said. "We know there are going to be a lot of properties that are uninhabitable."

Guessing When Boating will Return

Hi Brian,
I also compliment you for maintaining this website.

We are very interested, as is everyone, in when the lake and river might reopen for boating this summer.

We have a home on the river, and although we were very lucky and suffered no damage, we are wondering if we’ll be able to use our boat this year?

Many rumors have been flying about that even when the water comes down the river and lake will remain closed due to floating debris and toxicity.

Can you give us any information? I have checked many websites and can not seem to find any information.

Thank you,
Rae Nicks
______________________________

Rae –
Thanks for the compliment, and happy to hear you are high and dry.

The best way I can answer your question is that the slow-no wake orders are usually removed when the lake level drops below 779.00.

Today’s lake level is 781.58. We need to drop another 31 inches. If we drop 2 inches per day, with no new precipitation, then we would be looking at Monday, August 4th for a rough guess as the date the sheriffs’ departments would remove the no wake orders.

It is highly unlikely the DNR would prohibit navigation. But the potential odor and debris will cause troubles for those of us anxious to start the summer before Labor Day.

FEMA encourages storm victims to apply for assistance even if you have insurance

WKOW-TV

Disaster assistance can include grants to help pay for:

Temporary housing, emergency home repairs and rental assistance;
Medical, dental and funeral expenses;
Repairing wells and septic tanks;
Essential personal property;
Transportation; and
Miscellaneous items.

FEMA: Homeowners should not turn to us for buyouts

FEMA is cautioning homeowners that the process to buy flooded homes so residents can relocate is time-consuming, complicated, and mostly managed by state officials.

"People are coming into our FEMA recovery centers or calling our phone numbers and asking FEMA to buy their house. It's not that way," said FEMA spokesman Mike McCormick.

The process is three-step. Villages apply for buy-out funding. Wisconsin Emergency Management officials rank the applications based on severity of damage and other similar factors. And, third, FEMA reviews the state's ranking and approves the projects.

FEMA makes available 20% of the total dollar amount spent on public and private federal damage assistance for buying out flooded homes and other hazard mitigation projects.

Wisconsin Emergency Management reports 20 villages so far have received applications for mitigation projects. That's four times higher than a "normal" flood season.

It could take a year for the process to end with buy-out offers from FEMA. All buy-outs are voluntary.

--From WKOW-TV, Madison

To Those Who Knew Todd, To Those that Todd Helped During The Flood...

Todd Alan Simmons, Edgerton
(1952 - 2008)

August 18, 1952 - July 15, 2008
Todd Alan Simmons, 55, of Edgerton, WI, passed away July 15, 2008, at University Hospital-Madison after a motorcycle accident. Todd was born on Aug. 18, 1952, to Merton D. and Elaine (Wendorf) Simmons.

Todd is survived by his three children: Jessica, Jeremy, and Traci; four grandchildren; a sister, Terri (Charles) Anderson of Rockford, IL; his mother, Elaine Finn of Friendship; his father, Merton Simmons of Jefferson; special friend, Ellen Joyce of Janesville; stepbrothers, Randy (Bonnie) Finn of Tennessee and Kevin Finn of Walworth; sister-in-law, Rita Richmond of Friendship; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Terry; a niece; and his grandparents.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

_________________________________________________

With Friends, Sunday, June 22, 2008

During the worst flood Lake Koshkonong has ever experienced, Todd helped friends, and complete strangers, with tireless energy and selfless gusto.

The prayers of many, many, are with his family.

The Ho-Chunks Are Coming Rumor....

Dear Brian;

There have been numerous rumors floating (no pun intended) around the area as to what the future has in store for us.

My wife and I have owned our property on Binghams Point for eleven years now, and are looking forward to retiring in the area.

This past weekend I heard from two different sources now that the Lake Association, along with the county and state are in negotiations with the Indians from the Wisconsin Dells area that are looking to take back our lake and the surrounding land, as there are sacred Indian burial grounds here.

Please tell me there is no truth to this rumor.

Keep up the great work. You are truly an asset to our goal of recreational boating and fishing.

Sincerely,
Ed and Ginny
________________________________

HA! That rumor (wiping away tears of laughter) is the best one so far!! Thanks Ed & Ginny...gosh, where do our friends and neighbors come-up with such goofy notions?

The Ho-Chunks reportedly owe WI $100 million in back taxes. ARTICLE

Unless you lose your deed at the blackjack table, you only need fear FEMA's authority.

Lake Levels Will Drop Rest of Week

Today - 781.86

(11.86 for those waiting for 780 (10.00)from Blackhawk Island waiting for the road to reopen...about a week away)

Local Biz in News

Recreational vehicles pack the Hidden Valley Campground off Highway 59 near Newville. Owners Jim and Marcia Kersten say business is up this year, despite the rise in gas prices

Article

Blackhawk Island Road Question

Brian, thank you very much for maintaining this website, it has been and continues to be very beneficial to me.

My wife and I have a home on Black hawk Island, for about 30 years.

Saturday, on returning from a vacation in Northern Wisc., we came down 106 and seen the barricades still across Black hawk Island Road.

It would be of a great help if your site could let it be known when the road would be open to car traffic, to the Black hawk Club.

I would like to see my house and the damage the flooding caused as soon as the road is passable.

As you know, one we get there, there will be considerable work, not only cleaning but contacting the Insurance Company and all that it requires.

Thank you again for your web-site

Jim and Donna McEvoy
_____________________________

I will be talking to Donna Haugom, Jefferson County emergency management director, and I will try to get an answer for you.
Thanks for the compliment!
_____________________________

The short answer is water spills over the road at 10.0' and for them to watch

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00045=on&format=html&period=7&site_no=05427235

It is Never Too Late To Learn...

Hello Mr. Christianson,
I purchased a home on Lake Koshkonong just in time for the flood.

What is the standard procedure for removing debris from the lake?

How would a boater know when the lake is safe to navigate?

Is there a "no boat/slow-no-wake" order on the lake right now? How is that communicated?

Why is the lake so brown? What is being done to clean it?

The flood aside, the lake is very shallow. Why can't it be dredged out in certain sections making it better for boating, yet leaving the wet lands alone?

Sue Ayers
Koshkonong
_________________________________________

Sue –
You need to spend some time on the http://www.rkld.org/ website. Spend a few hours navigating the site, including about 3 years of blog postings, and you will become quite familiar with the characteristics of the lake, the river, the watershed, the history and all things flora and fauna.

Here are my short answers….
1. Welcome to the 3rd largest inland lake in WI

2. Define debris. Piers, picnic tables, coolers and baseball hats? Or tree stumps, bogs, boulders and dead carp?

3. Safe boating navigation? Read this - http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/enforcement/safety/boated.htm

4. The river portions are currently slow-no wake. The sheriff’s departments post all landings and the local newspapers report. RKLD also web-posts, but we are not an enforcement agency.

5. Are all brown lakes dirty lakes, or are they shallow, turbid lakes? Does the Rock River have rocks? Answers are on the website.

6. What can be done for a shallow lake? Welcome again to Lake Koshkonong and spend some time on the website.

Lake Levels UP

Today = 781.91 > Up 3.6 inches since Friday.

Not what anyone wants to hear

A woman called to ask why the lake is not draining faster...

Inflow from Jefferson has also increased everyday since Friday; funny how rain in the watershed finds its way here.

Response II to Ms. Markson

From the Sun Gazette -
Thank you Chip Knilans...

Response to Ms. Markson

From Saturday's Gazette -
Thank you Jim Folk...

Tallgrass In the News

Where RKLD monthly meetings are held....

View video HERE

Tallgrass website Here

FEMA at Menards

Federal emergency officials will set up shop at hardware stores, including the Menards in Janesville, and county fairs this weekend to give homeowners advice.

Flood mitigation experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Menards stores in Janesville, Beaver Dam and La Crosse all day Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

They’ll also be at Lowe’s in Milwaukee, Doerre Hardware Hank in Spring Green and Home Depot in Wauwatosa those three days and at fairs in Jefferson, Marquette and Sauk counties on Saturday and Sunday.

They’ll answer questions about flood repairs, applying for federal aid and anything else on people’s minds.

Shoreline Zoning

WI State Journal

Yet another example of regulators failing to consider economic impacts...
___________________________________

...Property values and assessments would decline if thousands of lots were deemed "nonconforming " by the proposed standards, according to Phil Salkin, government affairs director of the Realtors Association of South Central Wisconsin. He urged that the economic impact be studied before any new rules are approved.

"You 're talking about a huge sucking sound of millions of dollars of property value going down the drain, " Salkin said.

...The lot size and setback dimensions would depend on whether the body of water is classified as "rural, " "developing " or "urban. "

How many homes are in jeopardy?

Rock County Homes

Link to the number of homes in the Floodway by township for Rock County, that will be subject to the 50/50% law and may not be able to rebuild or repair if damage exceeds 50% of the structures value.

Rock is also requiring formal bids by contractors making it even harder for someone to do there own work to hold down repair costs in order to be under the 50% value law.

27 Milton - Township
23 Fulton - Township

Waiting for Jefferson and Dane counties to publish their lists.

Towns to inspect homes for damage

Janesville Gazette

ROCK COUNTY — Homeowners outside of Janesville and Beloit who have to repair or rebuild their homes damaged by flooding will need to get permission from the county to do so.


The county will review inspections from town building officials and estimates from contractors to determine who can rebuild. If homeowners get the county’s permission to rebuild, then they can apply to their towns for building permits.


The worst damage took place in Fulton and Milton townships, said Scott Heinig, Rock County planning director.

County will oversee rebuilding in flooded townships

Jvl Gazette

ROCK COUNTY — Somebody will have to sort through the reeking mud, the ruined properties and the broken hearts.

And somebody will have to mold the mess and the emotions into a mathematical formula so every family is treated equally.

Inspecting flood-damaged houses in Rock County and deciding who can or cannot repair or rebuild will be a long, difficult process, said Scott Heinig, county planning director.

The county will work with residents and building officials in the towns of Beloit, Fulton, Milton, Janesville and Rock.

Homeowners outside the cities of Janesville and Beloit will need permits from the county to rebuild in floodplains. If those get approved, they will need building permits from their towns, too.

The county enforces the floodplain rules to fulfill state and federal requirements, Heinig said.

If Rock County didn’t enforce the rules, the county wouldn’t qualify for disaster relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or be eligible for federal flood insurance, Heinig said.

“If we didn’t follow FEMA’s rules by having this county ordinance, those people that will get disaster relief would not have,” Milton Town Board Chairman Bryan Meyer said.

The county’s floodplain maps were updated in June, Heinig said.

But if the county is in charge of restricting construction near bodies of water, why are there houses there in the first place?

Because many of the homes have been there longer than the ordinances, Meyer said.

Those properties have “grandfather” status, and they’ll keep it—unless a home sustains damage that’s 50 percent or more of what it’s worth.

The towns and county will use these steps on a case-by-case basis to decide who can salvage their homes and who can’t.

No. 1: Homeowners who have had clear damage to their homes must contact their town’s building official and set up a time for a tour. Officials will walk through the home to estimate damage, Heinig said.

That estimate will be the basis for officials to decide whether the home has experienced damage that equals or exceeds 50 percent of the home’s equalized assessed value.

No. 2: Homeowners must get a repair estimate from a contractor.

No. 3: The two estimates must be turned in to the county planning department for review. The county’s housing department has two staff members who are very experienced at reading contractor assessments and knowing if they’re reasonable, Heinig said.

No. 4: If your home has sustained more than 50 percent damage, rendering it uninhabitable, the next step depends on where you’re located in the floodplain.

If you’re in the “floodfringe,” you might be able to rebuild. The floodfringe is a backwater storage area during a major flood event, said Richard Haviza, assessment operations manager with the city of Janesville.

If you’re in the “floodway,” you’re not going to be able to rebuild. The floodway has current flowing through it during a flood event, Haviza said.

“If it’s in the floodway, the structure would need to come down if it’s determined to have substantial damage, meaning equal to or more than 50 percent,” Heinig said.

The county has applied for a hazard mitigation grant and will consider buying out those properties or assisting with cleanup.

If homeowners want to get mitigation grant money, they have to volunteer to have the county apply on their behalf, Heinig said. Otherwise they’ll be responsible for mitigation on their own.

UPDATE: Markson Rebuttal Published In Today's Gazette

Brian -
What about the water guy speaking at the annual meeting?
Dennis

Rob Montgomery, the Hydrologist, has agreed to address the annual meeting on August 2nd. Perhaps Ms. Markson will attend and rise to ask questions of Rob - but I doubt it.

__________________

YOUR VIEWS - Tuesday's Janesville Gazette

Should we still raise water on Lake Koshkonong?

Editor, the Gazette:

As unwilling members of the Rock-Koshkonong Lake District, my husband and I have watched the recent flooding with horror. Perhaps it is time for RKLD members to call for the district to abandon the costly and unwarranted legal pursuit of raising water levels. After years of costly litigation, RKLD has lost in court with every futile attempt. I wonder how much worse the flooding might have been had RKLD prevailed with higher water levels.

Last month, we watched the river threaten businesses, homes and the quality of life for thousands of people. This year’s Rock River and Lake Koshkonong tourist season is effectively nonexistent; hundreds are just now finding out whether they have homes, and many businesses and houses remain under water.

The district wanted higher water levels; well, they got them! Be careful what you wish for.

DIANA MARKSON Edgerton
__________________________________________

RESPOND HERE
__________________________________________

The Letter to the Gazette Editor by Diana Markson is absolutely amazing.

Ms Markson states she is an unwilling member of RKLD, apparently she is un-aware that the district is a legal form of Government within the State of Wisconsin.

The Markson’s are a resident, resident owner or non-resident owner of RKLD because they are within the boundaries of the district.

A Lake District is the only form of Government in the State where a non-resident and full time non-owner resident or renter has voting rights.

The unwarranted legal pursuit she/they talk about shows how un-informed the Markson’s are because it was the majority of district residents who voted to seek a more reasonable water level and to take legal action if necessary.

Not everyone agrees or votes to build new schools, city halls, roadways, etc it is the majority of voters who dictate what government does.

We all have to learn to live with those decisions made by the majority or nothing would ever change when needed, if we find we cannot, our only choice is live elsewhere.

Flooding is an Act of God whereas the low summer water levels are a manmade drought caused by the current DNR Operating Orders.

All of the Hydrology Data, which is on the district website is available to everyone clearly shows an increase of the operating orders requested by the district has no effect on the extent of flooding or it’s duration. If they had read the data or listened to the Hydrologists presentations with an open mind willing to learn at annual meetings they would not be wondering how much worse the flood would have been as they would have known it would be the same.

The quality of life caused by floods affects all of the people not just those who were flooded, all one had to do to see that, was look at all of the help from the general public filling sandbags and working to protect strangers homes and businesses.

No one wants to see homes or businesses flooded and many people today are working to help those affected by having fundraisers, we are not writing letters to the Editor expressing unsubstantiated opinions.

Jim Folk
Milton, WI

Heavy Rains Slow Flood Decrease

Lake Level = 781.79 (UP 2.16 inches overnight)

Inflow = 8,420 cfs (UP from 7,130 cfs)

Outflow = 9,400 cfs ( UP from 8.970 cfs)
__________________________

Total rainfall since 7/4/08, 5.66 inches.

Segregated Dam Fund

Watertown Daily Times

...The finance committee also approved a motion to pay $10,000 this year to the Rock/Koshkonong Lake District as part of an Indianford Dam contractual agreement. The matter will be forwarded to the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors.

Clean-Up Begins

Local Heros - Doug Sherman & John Kinnett


FEMA evaluates Gladys Drive

Clean-up Phase Underway

Doyle Announces $15 million in Flood Relief Funding

From NBC 15 - Madison

The funds will be used to help low and moderate income homeowners make structural repairs to homes damaged by flooding that are not covered by insurance or reimbursed by other federal aid.

For more information on the CDBG Program, contact Jim Frymark, Commerce, 608-266-2742

Check your Rock County Address

Floodplain List

Advisory Only

Rock Co Flood Damage Information

Click HERE

You will want to explore this site.

Anchor Inn to Reopen Friday

Let's All Patronize John - nice haircut John - and visit the Anchor for a beer and burger too!!

Lost Sea-Doo Found Deep in Wetlands

Here is the boat Mark and I found deep in our marsh last Saturday, it had been missing for 3-4 weeks and the owner was going to close on it with the insurance company this week

It was a customer of Erik’s from Rock River Marina so he brought the trailer around to Carcajou and picked it up at the ramp we towed it back to.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept. was there to observe this because it had been reported stolen…….When the lake comes up 9’ your boat WILL float off the lift

The boat had NO damage done to it which is amazing because we found it in some pretty heavy cover. We noticed it just by chance...imagine if we hadn't and the water went down....
Jeff Folk

Algae in floodwaters could cause sickness, death

From the Beloit Daily News

"If humans ingest it, they could get very sick or even die,” said Rock County Health Officer Dr. Joseph Schurhammer.

Schurhammer said Lake Koshkonong has been identified as a lake with blue-green algae.

Although official tests haven't been conducted on Rock County waters, local water bodies are fluorescing at night which is indicative of blue-green algae.