DNR legal review underway on Big Lac Courte Oreilles water-level petition after local objections

The Department of Natural Resources is conducting legal review of an amended draft order that would set minimum and maximum water levels for Big Lac Courte Oreilles, Sawyer County conservation staff told the Land, Water and Forest Resource Committee. The county has remained neutral and will facilitate DNR documentation, the staff member said.

The issue drew an extended presentation from cranberry farmer Randy John Jack, who told the committee he is "shocked that there's not a clear cut procedure from the DNR on how they address this" and urged more public notice and opportunities for fact-based input before DNR action. John Jack said shoreline erosion and damaged infrastructure illustrate why residents are concerned: "The lake has been high and there's erosion going on because of it."

Why it matters: the DNR order would change how Big Lac Courte Oreilles is managed and could affect shoreline stability, private infrastructure and connected waterbodies. John Jack said raising the lake six inches above recent levels would increase wave action on steep shorelines and accelerate erosion at some sites. The Whitefish Lake Property Owners Association has petitioned the DNR for a water-level increase; members of both sides will have the opportunity to comment at the DNR hearing after the DNR completes its legal review.

Conservation staff told the committee the amended draft order is with DNR legal counsel; once the DNR approves the draft order it will return to the county for any final comments and then the DNR will schedule an official public hearing. "As of right now it is back on the DNR's hands going through again their legal review process of an amended draft order which sets the min and max of Big Lac Courte Oreilles," the staff member said. The staff member and committee emphasized the county intends to remain neutral during the DNR process and to facilitate documentation the DNR requests.

Public participation: local residents said they have not seen consistent public notice. John Jack described attempts to obtain information from the DNR and from lake associations; county staff said the DNR must complete legal review and issue a hearing notice, which will include at least two weeks' public notice before the hearing. The committee scheduled a presentation by the Whitefish Lake Property Owners Association at the next meeting so the committee can hear that group's rationale before the DNR hearing.

The DNR retains final authority to issue or amend the 1955 order that governs Big Lac Courte Oreilles' levels; the county's role, as described in the meeting, is facilitation and local review rather than final action.