(Published Saturday, March 25, 2006 )

Gazette Staff

JEFFERSON-How much water should be in Lake Koshkonong ?

People can share feelings on that enduringly controversial question at a public hearing Tuesday and possibly Wednesday at the Jefferson Public Library, 321 S. Main St .

The public hearing is part of a contested case hearing requested by the Rock-Koshkonong Lake District. The district is contesting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' April 2005 rejection of its request to raise the lake's level more than 7 inches in the summer to improve boating and recreation.

The DNR cited a slate of problems that agency scientists say raising the lake could cause for animals, plants and the shoreline. Scientists contracted by the lake district disagree, District Chairman Brian Christianson said.

The hearings provide time for residents who aren't parties in the case to provide testimony. Administrative Judge William S. Coleman is presiding over the contested case hearing.

In a letter dated March 14, Coleman said he would attempt to complete public participation in one day. But he said he would continue public participation Wednesday if he sees that other residents need the second day.

Coleman said he would not necessarily preclude public participation at party testimony hearings starting Monday, April 3, in Madison .