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2009 Water Resources Report

Rob MontgomerySteve Hjort

Hydrologic and Ecologic trends 2008-2009Upcoming Lake Koshkonong

Comprehensive Project

August 1, 2009

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Water Levels, 1987 - Present

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The Flood(s) of 2007 - 2009

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Sediment Transport

• Lakeshore sand and gravel moved inshore by wave action during flood water levels

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Sediment Transport

• Effect due to the duration of flooding allowing storm wave action to act far inshore, not the flooding alone

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Ecological Observations mid-June 2009

• Floods of 2007 and 2008 took a toll on the shoreline vegetation

• Riprap armoring appears to be an effective approach to reducing shoreline erosion

• Behind the armoring, sedimentation is also allowing new vegetation to establish

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Loga Point

• The open water area north of the riprap has increased significantly since 2005.

• Water smartweed and river bulrush were observed on the backside of riprap and sago pondweed in backwater area.

• Cattail mats that were lodged on riprap in Oct. 2008 are absent.

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Carcajou Shallow Marsh

• Area behind riprap appears to be extending lakeward from former shoreline.

• Some sandbar willow present

along riprap.

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Carcajou Floodplain Forest

• No rip-rap protection

• Continued tree tip-overs evident at this location.

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Fishery

• Fishermen loading catch at Dallman landing

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New Lake Koshkonong Comprehensive Project

• Support by State of Wisconsin

• Interest by Corps of Engineers under the Planning Assistance to States program

• Comprehensive approach

• Moving beyond the water level dispute

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RKLD Mission

Our mission is to protect, preserve and improve the natural resources of Lake Koshkonong and the Rock River for an equal balance of wildlife, habitat and recreation.

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Goals for the Lake Koshkonong Comprehensive Project

1. Improve navigation in Lake Koshkonong and on the Rock River

2. Protect and improve aquatic habitat and shoreline wetlands

3. Preserve and increase property values and lake-related economic activity

4. Make Lake Koshkonong a top Wisconsin recreational destination

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Status

• Establishing procedure for State of Wisconsin funding through DNR

• Working with the Corps of Engineers to develop a scope of work under the Planning Assistance to States program

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Questions

Thank You

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Two Track Approach

• High Priority Projects– Select, design, and implement a few win-win projects

on the Lake and adjacent wetlands– Schedule: 2009 - 2010

• Comprehensive Lake Planning & Implementation– Long term and broad ranging planning on ways to

improve the lake as a whole to meet goals– Prioritize projects and develop implementation plan– Schedule: 2009 - ????