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Dredging at Second Landing awaits DNR decision; department estimates $50,000–$100,000 for maintenance dredge
Summary
The county submitted a DNR permit for maintenance dredging at Second Landing. The DNR comment period is open; if approved, work likely next spring. Permit application cost was about $1,200; contractors estimate the bowl dredge at $50,000–$100,000, and staff said grant funds for maintenance are unlikely.
County staff updated the committee on a pending permit application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for maintenance dredging at Second Landing.
Staff told the committee the DNR review period has passed without requests for additional information, that a class 1 public notice has been or will be published, and that letters will go to adjacent landowners as part of a 30- or 60-day comment period. If no significant comments are received, the DNR will make a decision and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers typically issues a corresponding permit, staff said.
On cost and timing, staff said the permit application cost about $1,200. Contractors would not provide firm bids until the permit spelled out required methods, but staff estimated the maintenance dredge for the landing bowl alone could be in the $50,000–$100,000 range. Staff said there appear to be no dedicated grant programs that fund maintenance-only dredging; most grant funding targets construction of new or renovated facilities, not routine maintenance.
Staff said they sought a construction-season waiver to perform work this fall but expect, if the permit is issued, that actual dredging will likely occur next spring. Committee members raised concerns about the lake’s low water level and the risk that silt could re-enter the landing after dredging without additional structural work. Staff said structural measures to reduce siltation would require engineering, a separate permitting process and substantial additional cost.
The committee discussed potential stakeholders and likely comments during the DNR comment period, including tribal interests. Committee member Gary Vanderweis suggested exploring engineering units in the Wisconsin National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve as potential sources of labor assistance for community projects; staff said they would follow up on funding and partnership options but noted county involvement must remain politically neutral until permits are final.
The item remains in a waiting phase pending the close of the DNR comment period and any Corps of Engineers permitting actions; no final contract or expenditure was approved at the meeting.
